cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
5 – Triatomic Molecules

This chapter presents discrete spectrum, ionization continuum, and autoionization region of triatomic molecules such as water (H 2 O), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and ozone (O 3 ). Although dielectric constant measurements have been performed on H 2 O, the molar polarization is dominated by the dipole moment term in the Debye equation, resulting in poor sensitivity to the polarizability. Nitrous oxide, which is isoelectronic with carbon dioxide, displays some analogous properties. Its adiabatic ionization potential, 12.89 eV, is about 0.9 eV lower than that of CO 2 . Nitrogen dioxide (O–N–O structure) is bent in its neutral ground state, at an angle of 133.85°. The first significant absorption feature in H 2 S is a very broad band with some superimposed, diffuse vibrational structure. Ozone (O 3 ) is bent in its ground state, at an angle of 117°. Values of the static electric dipole polarizability of ozone are available from recent calculations using a variety of correlated wavefunctions.
Analytic Philosophy and Christian Theology

In the 20th century, a particularly acrimonious relationship took place between analytic philosophy on the one side and Christian theology on the other. Analytic philosophy has been the dominant mode of philosophical engagement in the English-speaking world. After a long period of hostility or apathy toward religion, it has surged back to the investigation of religious, theological, ethical, and metaphysical questions. The end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century witnessed the explosion of Christian analytic philosophical theology and its exploration of standard doctrines of the Christian faith. I survey the history and nature of analytic philosophy and explore arguments from Christian theology against analytic philosophy to unearth sources of the division between the two. Several positive appropriations of analytic thought are discussed, including analytic philosophy of religion and philosophical theology, postliberalism, process theology, speech–act theory, and proper functionalism. Finally, I briefly propose a mode of future engagement between the two disciplines and will consider the program of analytic theology.
Forty Years of Progress

The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) provides an opportunity for reviewing the growth of dental research over the decades. The Institute owes its origin to public and professional concern over the dental health of Americans and the prospect that a Federal investment in dental research could pay off. The early years of the Institute were devoted to studies of fluoride and dental caries, with notable achievements in clinical trials of water fluoridation and caries microbiology. During the 1960s came the discovery that the periodontal diseases, like dental caries, were bacterial infections that could be prevented. Basic and clinical research expanded, and the research manpower pool grew with the addition of microbiologists, immunologists, salivary gland investigators, and other basic biomedical and behavioral scientists. The Institute created special broad-based Dental Research Institutes and Centers to foster interdisciplinary research, and continued to...
Chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular risk.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health dilemma contributing to increasing global morbidity and mortality. In the USA, CKD has increased from 12.7 %, noted in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994), to 15.1 % in 2009 as reported in the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) annual report based on NHANES (2003–2006) data. CKD has also been found to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The coexistence of risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia illustrates this relationship and is associated with a wide range of metabolic and nutritional deficiencies that directly, or indirectly, lead to CVD (Chmielewski et al., Curr Opin Lipidol 20:3–9, 2009). Our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of CKD has evolved in the past few decades and includes common pathways for CVD. Emerging evidence supports a complex interplay of traditional and nontraditional risk factors such as metabolic abnormalities and immune mechanisms in CKD that contribute to a higher incidence of CVD. This chapter will focus on the concepts of the pathophysiology of CVD in CKD and provide up-to-date recommendations of early identification of CKD and methods to decrease CVD mortality in high-risk subjects.
The effects of viewing distance on fear of snakes.

Abstract Phobic subjects made magnitude estimation of the intensity of fear felt when viewing a snake at distances from 2.5 to 15.0 ft. Heart rate, skin conductance, and respiration were also measured throughout each 20 sec viewing period. A control group of nonphobic subjects made magnitude estimates of perceived nearness for the empty Plexiglas snake box at the same test distances. Judged fear was inversely proportional to distance. Thus, the fear-distance relation obeys Stevens' psychophysical power law with an exponent of -1.0. Examination of previous studies reporting such a finding revealed systematic departures from a power relation similar in form to the results of the perceived nearness control group, and to the expected outcome when category judgements of fear are made instead of magnitude estimates. The physiological measures varied in outcome. Measures of respiration showed no reliable effects. But heart rate and skin conductance decreased significantly for phobics as viewing distance increased.
Status of Cardiovascular Health in US Adults: Prevalence Estimates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2003-2008

Background—The American Heart Association's 2020 Strategic Impact Goals define a new concept, cardiovascular (CV) health; however, current prevalence estimates of the status of CV health in US adults according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity have not been published. Methods and Results—We included 14 515 adults (≥20 years of age) from the 2003 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Participants were stratified by young (20–39 years), middle (40–64 years), and older (≥65 years) ages. CV health behaviors (diet, physical activity, body mass index, smoking) and CV health factors (blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, smoking) were defined as poor, intermediate, or ideal. Fewer than 1% of adults exhibited ideal CV health for all 7 metrics. For CV health behaviors, nonsmoking was most prevalent (range, 60.2%–90.4%), whereas ideal Healthy Diet Score was least prevalent (range, 0.2%–2.6%) across groups. Prevalences of ideal body mass index (range, 36.5%–45.3%) and ideal phy...
Thyroid hormone action: stimulation of growth hormone and inhibition of prolactin secretion in cultured GH1 cells.

Summary Triiodothyronine induces a 3-fold increase in the rate of growth of cultured GH 1 cells, a growth hormone and prolactin producing pituitary cell line. Associated with the increased rate of cell replication is an increase in the rate of growth hormone secretion and a decrease in prolactin secretion. The Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone mediated increase in prolactin secretion was also inhibited by triiodothyronine. Half-maximal inhibition of prolactin secretion occurred at a free triiodothyronine concentration of 3 × 10 −11 M. This value is identical to the equilibrium dissociation constant for binding of triiodothyronine with nuclear receptors for the thyroid hormones. This suggests that the thyroid hormone inhibition of prolactin secretion is mediated by control of regulatory events at the level of the cell nucleus.
OPEN SUPERSTRINGS A LA POLYAKOV

Abstract We set up the Polyakov path integral formalism for the type-I superstring at tree and one-loop level of string perturbation theory. The relevant super-Teichmuller parameters, conformal Killing spinors, and functional determinants are given explicitly. As an application the one-loop vacuum energy for the open superstring is computed and shown to vanish for the torus, Klein bottle, cylinder and Mobius strip separately.
Irrigation water management using high resolution airborne remote sensing

This paper offers a historical retrospective on the remote sensing of crop coefficients for obtaining actual crop evapotranspiration. We present the canopy reflectance-based approach of crop coefficients and show the usefulness of high-resolution airborne imagery as a tool for monitoring the actual crop growth changes and characterizing in-field variability in an objective manner.
Application of neural control in humans.

Examples of clinical applications of neural control in the form of neural prostheses for effecting respiration and bladder evacuation are discussed with emphasis on methods of extending them from their present open-loop form to closed-loop systems. More advanced prostheses such as multichannel auditory prostheses and visual prostheses based on intracortical stimulation require the development of safer and more effective electrodes. Details of a promising new intracortical capacitor stimulating electrode are presented.
Optimization of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Process for Maximum Ballistic Limit in MIL A46100 Steel Welded All-Metal Armor

Our recently developed multi-physics computational model for the conventional gas metal arc welding (GMAW) joining process has been upgraded with respect to its predictive capabilities regarding the process optimization for the attainment of maximum ballistic limit within the weld. The original model consists of six modules, each dedicated to handling a specific aspect of the GMAW process, i.e., (a) electro-dynamics of the welding gun; (b) radiation-/convection-controlled heat transfer from the electric arc to the workpiece and mass transfer from the filler metal consumable electrode to the weld; (c) prediction of the temporal evolution and the spatial distribution of thermal and mechanical fields within the weld region during the GMAW joining process; (d) the resulting temporal evolution and spatial distribution of the material microstructure throughout the weld region; (e) spatial distribution of the as-welded material mechanical properties; and (f) spatial distribution of the material ballistic limit. In the present work, the model is upgraded through the introduction of the seventh module in recognition of the fact that identification of the optimum GMAW process parameters relative to the attainment of the maximum ballistic limit within the weld region entails the use of advanced optimization and statistical sensitivity analysis methods and tools. The upgraded GMAW process model is next applied to the case of butt welding of MIL A46100 (a prototypical high-hardness armor-grade martensitic steel) workpieces using filler metal electrodes made of the same material. The predictions of the upgraded GMAW process model pertaining to the spatial distribution of the material microstructure and ballistic limit-controlling mechanical properties within the MIL A46100 butt weld are found to be consistent with general expectations and prior observations.
Food Web Structure of the Alaskan Nearshore Shelf and Estuarine Lagoons of the Beaufort Sea

The eastern Alaska Beaufort Sea coast is characterized by numerous shallow (2–5 m) estuarine lagoons, fed by streams and small rivers that drain northward from the Brooks Range through the arctic coastal plain, and bounded seaward by barrier islands and shoals. Millions of birds from six continents nest and forage during the summer period in this region using the river deltas, lagoons, and shoreline along with several species of anadromous and marine fish. We examined biogeochemical processes linking the benthic community to the overall food web structure of these poorly studied but pristine estuaries, which are largely covered by 1.8 m of ice for 10 months annually. In summer, these lagoons are relatively warm with brackish salinities (5–10°C, S = 10–25) compared to more open coastal waters (0–5°C, S > 27). The stable isotopic composition of organic materials in sediments (i.e., benthic particulate organic matter) and water column suspended particulate organic matter from both streams and lagoons are largely indistinguishable and reflect strong terrestrial contributions, based upon δ13C and δ15N values (−25.6‰ to −27.4‰ and 1.4‰ to 3.3‰, respectively). By comparison, shifts toward more heavy isotope-enriched organic materials reflecting marine influence are observed on the adjacent coastal shelf (−24.8‰ to −25.4‰ and 3.4‰ to 5.3‰, respectively). The isotopic composition of lagoon fauna is consistent with a food web dominated by omnivorous detritovores strongly dependent on microbial processing of terrestrial sources of carbon. Biomagnification of 15N in benthic organisms indicate that the benthic food web in lagoons support up to four trophic levels, with carnivorous gastropod predators and benthic fishes (δ15N values up to 14.4‰) at the apex.
Preschool world language learners’ engagement with language: what are the possibilities?

What does development of language awareness among very young world language learners look like, especially when they have relatively infrequent exposure to the language they are learning? Adopting an ‘engagement with language’ (EWL) perspective and attending closely to classroom discourse, our research analyses interactional data drawn from several Head Start preschool classrooms (children aged 3–5 years) in order to both establish what sorts of explicit language awareness such young learners display in episodes of EWL and point out what other opportunities for cultivating language awareness are latent, but ultimately unexploited, in the classroom discourse excerpts presented. Our analysis is the basis for the claim that world language education more broadly, especially in the case of young learners, can be enhanced if curriculum and instruction intentionally focus on developing language awareness and deepening EWL.
Emerging market hedge funds: Do they perform like regular hedge funds?

Abstract In this study, we investigate whether the performance of emerging market hedge funds (EMHFs) follow a pattern similar to that reported for advanced market hedge funds. In contrast to the pre-2007 period, our results for the post-2006 period show that EMHFs exhibit performance patterns similar to those reported for hedge funds that focus on the developed markets. Unlike in the pre-2007 period, EMHFs in general do not exhibit significant exposure to specific asset classes in the post-2006 period. On a risk-adjusted basis, we find that EMHFs do not consistently outperform the benchmarks. The reported performance patterns may provide useful insights to both academics and portfolio managers.
Slug Dynamics in Gas-Liquid Pipe Flow

The continuity and momentum equations for fully developed and spatially developing slug flows are established by considering the entire film zone as the control volume. They are used for the calculations of pressure gradient, slug frequency, liquid holdup in the film flow pattern transition, slug dissipation, and slug tracking. Comparison with available experimental results shows that these equations correctly describe the slug dynamics in gas-liquid pipe flow.
The Anatomic Matrix as a Factor in Susceptibility to Lethal Arrhythmias in a Canine Model of Sudden Cardiac Death

Abstract In a previously reported canine model of sudden cardiac death, its authors heavily weighted the role of the autonomic nervous system in determining whether or not a combined stress of submaximal exercise and ischemia would produced a fatal arrhythmia the setting of a healed anterior wall myocardial infarction. This morphologic study of that model reveals that anatomic factors are also relevant to vulnerability to sudden death: dogs who developed ventricular fibrillation in response to such a stress (susceptible) had significantly more of the left ventricle (LV) infarcted than dogs who survived the stress (resistant): 13.14% (± 2.67 S.E.M) as compared with 4.01% (± 2.11 S.E.M.). Moreover, areas of fibrosis were spread more widely throughout the ventricle and septum in susceptible as compared with resistant animals, which consistently showed more homogeneous areas of infarct largely confined to the apical portion of the LV. While the autonomic nervous system may well be relevant to survival to stress in an animal which has survived a myocardial infarction, we conclude that there are important anatomic factors which determine vulnerability.
PUBLIC MANAGERS, ATTORNEYS, AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONFLICTS: RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS OF A NATIONAL SURVEY

ABSTRACT Public managers spend much of their careers resolving disputes. Many of these disputes involve attorneys representing concerned citizens or representing the public managers themselves. In the last two decades, a variety of techniques commonly called alternative dispute resolution (ADR) have been touted as ways to avoid lengthy and sometimes tumultuous court cases. This article reports the findings of a year 2000 national survey of attorneys' attitudes concerning ADR as applied to environmental and natural resources conflicts. It is the first wave of a longitudinal study funded by the Hewlett Foundation to track attorneys' changing – or unchanging – views of environmental and natural resources ADR. After highlighting the most significant findings of the national survey, this article examines the implications for public managers who resolve disputes, work with attorneys, or find themselves embroiled in litigation.
Prostacyclin (PGI2) lowers heart rate in the conscious dog

Prostacyclin (PGI2) and arachidonic acid (AA), the fatty acid precursor of the bisenoic prostaglandings (PG), are potent vasodepressor agents, similar in their action to PGE1 and PGE2; however, unlike these prostaglandings which increase heart rate, the administration of PGI2 or AA causes heart rate to fall. Injection of AA (20 mg) and PGI2 (20 μg), into conscious, trained dogs fitted with exteriorised carotid loops, resulted in a fall in mean arterial blood pressure (5.39 ± 0.49 and 5.57 ± 0.44 kPa) together with a reduction in heart rate (–5.7 ± 2.9 and –15.0 ± 3.9 beats·min−1, respectively). On the other hand, PGE2 (50 μg), PGE1 (50 μg) and sodium nitroprusside (500 μg), while causing similar or smaller decreases in blood pressure (2.45 ± 0.27, 3.68 ± 0.63 and 4.15 ± 0.35 kPa) induced the expected baroreflex-mediated increases in heart rate (50.1 ± 6.0, 63.1 ± 5.1 and 61.3 ± 1.8 beats·min−1, respectively). In contrast to these vasodepressor agents, PGI2 and AA also caused significant reductions in dP/dtmax. The bradycardia following PGI2 and AA was prevented by atropine and hexamethonium, signifying the participation of vagal efferent fibres in and the reflex nature of the response. The bradycardia, the hypotension and the changes in cardiac function caused by AA were blocked by indomethacin. Moreover, induction of anaesthesia with sodium pentobarbital inhibited the reflex bradycardia following PGI2 and AA. These experiments show that in the conscious dog, probably the best model for the study of reflex cardiovascular regulation, injection of PGI2 or stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis in situ by AA, results in a distinct, Bezold-Jarisch-like response. This cardiovascular response, unlike those that follow the administration of other vasodilator prostaglandins or nitroprusside, is characterised by decreases in heart rate, arterial blood pressure and dP/dtmax, a set of responses most likely mediated by the activation of cardiopulmonary receptors and vagal afferent and efferent fibres.
Hospital reimbursement for pediatric trauma care

Abstract Purpose : Despite the proven efficacy of pediatric trauma centers, their continued development is threatened by the perception that their cost exceeds the reimbursement for their services. The authors reviewed actual reimbursement for a group of pediatric trauma patients and compared it with that for a group of appendectomy patients chosen to reflect the authors' surgical population at large. Methods : The records of 209 consecutively treated trauma patients and 37 age-matched appendectomy patients treated in 1992 and 1993 were reviewed. Trauma patients were divided into two groups: moderate injury (ISS ≤ 9; n=134) and serious injury (ISS ≥ 10; n=75). Results : Hospital bills for the appendectomy patients were reimbursed at 72% of charges and 112% of costs. Payment was received at a mean of 36 days (range, 9 to 62 days) after discharge. Reimbursement for moderately injured patients was 104% of charges and 137% of costs and was received at a mean of 81 days (range, 3 to 270 days) after discharge. Six months postdischarge, reimbursement for seriously injured patients was 63% of charges and 86% of costs. Reimbursement was slow for some children who sustained severe injury, but as legal actions brought by patients' families were completed, open accounts were settled, and revenue in both groups totaled 76% of charges and 103% of costs 18 months postdischarge. Conclusion : Hospital reimbursement for care at a level I pediatric trauma center exceeds 75% of charges and 100% of costs, no different from the overall rate for the general hospital surgical population. Analysis of reimbursement rates for trauma patients may be time-dependent.
Kinetic Theory of Quantum Plasmas

A unified theory of equilibrium and nonequilibrium quantum plasmas is presented, using an approach originally developed by Bogoliubov. The results, which are valid in both high temperature-low density and (for Fermi gases) low temperature-high density regions, include: (1) an expression for the equilibrium correlation function (and, hence, the thermodynamic functions) which agrees with results previously obtained by other methods, (2) the kinetic equation for homogeneous "steady state" systems recently derived by Balescu using a different approach, and (3) a new kinetic equation which is valid for inhomogeneous and/or rapidly varying systems.
Physician pain and discomfort during minimally invasive gynecologic cancer surgery

Objective Despite increasing awareness of physical strain to surgeons associated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS), its use continues to expand. We sought to gather information from gynecologic oncologists regarding physical discomfort due to MIS.
Plasma heparin neutralizing activity in coronary artery disease

Platelets contain heparin neutralizing activity that is released into plasma after platelet aggregation. Increased amounts of plasma heparin neutralizing activity were found in patients with acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris and stable arteriographically confirmed coronary artery disease. Plasma heparin neutralizing activity levels provide additional evidence for a role of platelet aggregation in coronary artery disease.
Temperature Collocation Algorithm for Fast and Robust Distillation Design

In this paper, we describe a new minimum bubble-point distance (MIDI) algorithm for assessing the feasibility of a desired distillation specification. The algorithm computes the rectifying and stripping temperature profiles by temperature collocation on finite elements with orthogonal polynomials. We discovered the beneficial use of a dimensionless equilibrium tray temperature as an independent variable. This novel choice is bounded between 0 and 1, improves the numerical quality of the design problem formulation, and is well-behaved even in the vicinity of pinch regions. It also employs the fixed points of column sections as collocation points. Adaptive-element boundary placement at saddle temperatures can effectively overcome problems with numerical instability near pinch regions. Extensions of our MIDI algorithm to the calculation of the minimum and maximum refluxes are also introduced. We show the application of this algorithm in the separation of quaternary mixtures and provide an outlook of the meth...
Magnesium dependence and equilibrium of the Escherichia coli ribosomal subunit association

Abstract The well-known, magnesium ion-dependent, reversible association of Escherichia coli ribosomal subunits: 30 s + 50 s ⇌ 70 s has been quantitatively studied with a simple light-scattering approach which appears to be the most convenient means for the assay of this reaction in both directions. The results with this technique correlated exactly with those obtained by zone sedimentation. The reaction has been found to be a true equilibrium that is dependent upon both the concentrations of ribosomes and Mg 2+ . Expressions have been formulated to describe the equilibrium, and the equilibrium constant and the number of Mg 2+ involved has been evaluated. The critical value of the latter is small relative to the total Mg 2+ bound per ribosome. Increased temperature enhances dissociation of the 70 s particle and leads to a lowering in the critical number of Mg 2+ . From the temperature and equilibrium studies the following thermodynamic constants have been determined: ΔG ° = −35·3 kcal./mole (at 25°C), ΔH ° = − 70 kcal./mole and ΔS ° = 120 e.u. (all determined in 50 mu-Tris buffer (pH 7·8) and 50 mM-KCl). The enthalpic change is the dominant term and the magnitude of the parameters are suggestive of a conformational change in structure in the course of the reaction. A variety of cations (potassium, calcium and polyamines) which have previously been shown to influence the reaction were studied. Potassium, similar to increased temperature, favors dissociation of the 70 s particle, with decreases in the magnitude of the thermodynamic parameters. Polyamines, on the other hand, favor association of the two subunits, with spermidine being 100-fold more effective on a molar basis than putrescine. Both potassium and the polyamines reduced the critical number of Mg 2+ as reflected in a broadening of the Mg 2+ concentration range over which the transition takes place. This is due to either a direct competition of the cations with Mg 2+ , or an indirect induced conformational change in the ribosome. Calcium could be substituted for Mg 2+ , but was much less effective in enhancing association. The dissociation pattern of native 70 s ribosomes is multiphasic and differs from the dissociation of purified particles. However, reassociation of these subunits was identical to the pattern with purified subunits.
Basic research needs and opportunities at the solid—liquid interface☆

Abstract In this paper the basic research needs and opportunities at S—L interfaces important in solar energy materials science are considered. It is concluded that needs exist in two areas, photoelectrochemistry and solar-energy-related degradation phenomena. Research is recommended (1) to develop special real-time in situ analytical techniques in order to probe and study S—L interfaces, (2) to formulate a theory that incorporates the properties of the S—L interface, (3) to generate new materials for photoelectrochemical conversion systems, (4) to study photo-assisted synthesis and electrocatelysis and (5) to investigate the mechanisms of electrochemical degradation (especially photocorrosion), mechanical degradation (especially corrosion fatigue) and erosion in solar energy systems. These recommendations, together with their background and justification, are discussed.
Linguistic variation, context, and meaning: A case of -ing/in' variation in North American workers' speech

The variable rule method of accounting for linguistic variability suffers on two counts: (i) it is insensitive to social context; (2) it regards meaning as irrelevant (variability being treated as different ways of "saying the same thing"). Given these shortcomings, an alternative approach sensitive to social context and the relevance of meaning is recommended. The proposed alternative approach, scaffolded on an ethnography of communication base, is then used to support an analysis of -inglin' variability in some North American industrial workers' speech. The analysis indicates that instances of morphophonemic variation, contrary to what proponents of the variable rule method have suggested, may express a number of various meanings that express, reflect, and reproduce speakers' life experiences. The analysis also enables us to develop a set of theoretical statements that explain the motivations of workers' selections of a low prestige variant and why workers' reliance on a low prestige variant persists. (Ethnography of communication, variable rule methodology, social class dialect, morphophonemic variation)
Biochemical and immunological properties of the C-terminal domain of the alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens.

The C-terminal domain of the alpha-toxin (cpa247–370) of Clostridium perfringens has been expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Antiserum raised against cpa247–370 reacted in an identical manner to anti-alpha-toxin serum when used to map epitopes in the C-terminal domain, suggesting that cpa247–370 was immunologically and structurally identical to this region in the alpha-toxin. The isolated cpa247–370 was devoid of sphingomyelinase activity or haemolytic activity and was not cytotoxic for mouse lymphocytes. Haemolytic activity was detected when cpa247–370 was tested with the N-terminal domain of the alpha-toxin (cpa1–249), confirming that cpa247–370 confers haemolytic properties on the phospholipase C activity of the alpha-toxin. Haemolytic activity was not detected if cpa247–370 was tested with the Bacillus cereus phosphatidylcholine phospholipase C, nor if cpa1–249 and cpa247–370 were incubated sequentially with erythrocytes.
Neuraxial techniques for labor analgesia should be placed in the lateral position.

Many consider spinal and epidural insertion to be an art rather than a science, and believe there are no scientific reasons to favor one technique over another. Maternal position is a case in point, where the mother is commonly placed sitting with the belief that evidence to support a particular maternal position is lacking. However, the scientific literature demonstrates clear advantages of the lateral position. Its use optimizes the overall experience and outcome for all three participants: mother, fetus and anesthesiologist.
Association of pigment with the cell envelope of Serratia marcescens (Chromobacterium prodigiosum).

THE characteristic red pigment of the bacterium, Serratia marcescens, is located within the cell. Recently1 evidence has been presented demonstrating that disruption of the bacterial cell releases pigment that is bound to particles. However, the origin and location within the cell of the particles and associated pigment were not established. The present communication presents evidence that the particulate, pig mented material is associated with the cell envelope of the micro-organism.
Human resource practices, job embeddedness and intention to quit

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the whether job embeddedness is a mediator of the relationship between human resource practices and employees’ intention to quit. The study presented here used job embeddedness, a new construct, to investigate its mediation effect on the relationship between employees’ intentions to leave and four areas of human resource practices: compensation, supervisor support, growth opportunity and training.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was given to employees at a state department of corrections asking their attitudes about their job, their place of employment, and the agency as a whole. The results of this questionnaire were analyzed utilizing the four‐step method for mediation analysis.Findings – Job embeddedness fully mediated compensation and growth opportunity, partially mediated supervisor support, and did not mediate training in relation to employees’ intention to quit. Research limitations/implications –A self‐reported, cross‐sectional questionna...
Diverse coral communities thrive in acidified western Pacific waters

Ocean acidification, a growing problem associated with increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, can disrupt the lives of many marine species. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable because the increased CO2 concentration in seawater—which combines with water to form carbonic acid—makes it hard for corals to grow. Models, observations, and lab studies consistently predict that as the ocean becomes more acidic, coral cover and diversity will decrease.
Analysis of the stimulation-inhibition paradox exhibited by lymphocytes exposed to concanavalin A.

High doses of Concanavalin A (Con A), which normally inhibit T-lymphocyte stimulation as measured by increases in DNA synthesis, cause these lymphocytes to become committed to mitogenesis while also generating a dominant but reversible negative growth signal. The observed response to the stimulatory signal as measured by the rate of commitment to enter the S phase (i.e., the rate at which the stimulation becomes lectin independent) increases with lectin concentration even in the inhibitory range. The generation of this positive signal is prevented by treating the cells with colchicine. Cells that have become committed but are also simultaneously blocked from entering the S phase by the high doses of Con A can begin synthesizing DNA if the lectin is released by adding a competitive inhibitor of binding. Experiments done in agarose cultures in which lymphocytes are kept from contact with each other suggest that the reversible inhibitory signal is mediated by structures in the individual cells rather than as a result of agglutination. Continuously dividing cells of the lymphoid line P388 are also individually and reversibly inhibited by Con A. These findings are considered in terms of the relation of the inhibitory signal to the microtubular components of cell surface modulating assemblies made up of submembranous arrays of microtubules, microfilaments, and associated proteins.
Protein metabolism of tropical reef and pelagic fish

Abstract 1. 1. Protein synthetic rates were measured by the constant-infusion technique in vivo in 12 species of fish of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean near Panama and the Galapagos Islands. 2. 2. Synthetic rates (% of tissue protein synthesized per day) fell in the range of 0.3–1.3% in white epaxial muscle, 2.1–3.5% in red muscle and 13–25%/day in gill at an experimental temperature of 26–28°C. The proportion of liver protein synthesis directed to plasma proteins ranged from 0.23 to 0.52 in Pacific species and averaged 0.63 in Atlantic species. 3. 3. Results are compared with respiration data, and the relationship of protein synthesis and standard (or basal) metabolism in vertebrates is discussed.
Purification and Characterization of an Oxygen‐Sensitive Reversible 4‐Hydroxybenzoate Decarboxylase from Clostridium hydroxybenzoicum

A 4-hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase from the anaerobe Clostridium hydroxybenzoicum strain JW/Z-1T was purified and partially characterized. It had an apparent molecular mass of 350 kDa and consisted of six identical subunits of 57 kDa each. The temperature optimum for the decarboxylation was approximately 50°C, the optimum pH 5.6–6.2. The pI of the enzyme was 5.1. The activation energy for decarboxylation of 4-hydroxybenzoate was 65 kJ · mol−1 (20–37°C). The enzyme also catalyzed decarboxylation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate. The apparent Km and kcat values obtained for 4-hydroxybenzoate were 0.40 mM and 3.3×103 min−1, and for 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate 1.2 mM and 1.1×103 min−1, respectively, at pH 6.0 and 25°C. The enzyme activity was not influenced by the addition of biotin or avidin to either the crude cell extracts or the purified enzyme. The p -hydroxyl group of hydroxybenzoate appears to be essential for binding by the enzyme. The N-terminal amino acid sequence shows some similarity to the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylases from Synechococcus and Saccharomyces. The enzyme catalyzed the reverse reactions, that is, the carboxylation of phenol to 4-hydroxybenzoate and of catechol to 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate. The carboxylation did not require ATP.
Exact solution of the Dirac-Coulomb equation and its application to bound-state problems. I External fields

An exact treatment of relativistic effects in bound-state problems in hydrogenlike atoms is given. In this paper we discuss the Zeeman effect and the Stark effect for relativistically bound electrons in a Coulomb field. For the Zeeman effect, the exact solution obtained by Darwin is used, and results of Crubellier and Feneuille for the Breit-Margenau correction are obtained in a simple way. For the Stark effect, the solution of Wong and Yeh is used. The exact expression can be readily compared with that of the Pauli approximation, and all correction terms can be identified. In the following paper we discuss interaction of the bound electron with radiation in an exact relativistic way. In the evaluation of the radial ${r}^{K}$ matrix elements with ${n}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\ne}n$, we present a closed-form expression as a sum over three parameters, derived from the method of the generating function of Laguerre polynomials.
First-principles molecular dynamics simulations of silicate melts: Structural and dynamical properties

The study of silicate melts from first principles is computationally intensive due to the need of relatively large atomic systems and long simulation runs. Recent advances in hardware and software have made it possible to accurately simulate the liquid phase at pressures and temperatures that are geophysically relevant. This paper reports the details of the methodology used in the context of simulations and subsequent analysis of the output data. The simulations are performed using the parallel first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) technique within the framework of density functional theory. Various physical properties including the equation of state, thermodynamics, atomic and electronic structures, self-diffusion and viscosity are obtained from simulations. The position time series are visualized to gain insight into underlying physical mechanisms. We review the recent first-principles studies of three liquids along the MgO-SiO2 join including MgSiO3 melt to show that the structural and dynamical properties of these liquids are highly sensitive to pressure and temperature.
Imaging prostate cancer lymph node metastases with a multimodality contrast agent

BACKGROUND Methods to detect lymph node (LN) metastases in prostate cancer (PCa) are limited. Pelvic LN dissection is commonly performed during prostatectomy, but often followed by morbid complications. More refined methods for detecting LN invasion are needed. METHODS We developed a dual-labeled targeting agent having a near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore for intraoperative guidance, and a conventional radiotracer for detection of LN metastasis. Nu/Nu mice were orthotopically implanted with DsRed-expressing human PCa (PC3) cells. Antibody (Ab) specific for epithelial cell adhesion molecule was conjugated to DOTA, IRDye 800CW, and radiolabeled with 64Cu. Dual-labeled Ab was administered intravenously at 10–12 weeks post-implantation, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and fluorescence imaging were performed within 18–24 hr. RESULTS Metastasis to lumbar LNs was detected by DsRed fluorescence imaging, as well as pathology, in 75% of mice having pathology-confirmed primary prostate tumors. These metastases were also detected by NIR fluorescence imaging. In some cases, metastases to sciatic, medial, renal, and axillary nodes were also detected. For all LNs examined, no significant differences were found between the percentages of metastases detected by NIR imaging (63%) and µPET/CT (64%) (P = 0.93), or between those detected by DsRed imaging (25%) and pathological examination (19%) (P = 0.12). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that a multimodality contrast agent is useful for early detection of metastatic disease, and has applications for intraoperative PCa treatment. Further agent optimization is necessary to enhance specificity, and provide validation for prostate and other LN metastasizing epithelial cancers. Prostate 72:129–146, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of classical trajectory and exact quantal cross sections for rotationally inelastic ArN2 collisions

Abstract Using the classical trajectory method and an approximate “quantization” procedure, collision cross sections are calculated for rotationally inelastic ArN 2 scattering. The results obtained are shown to be in essentially quantitative agreement with exact quantal cross sections recently calculated by Pack.
A chromatographic system for removal of radioactive 85Kr from xenon

Abstract Extremely low count rates of useful events in detectors of neutrino or weakly interacting exotic particles require using detector working media with low levels of radioactive contaminants. Liquid xenon, highly purified and filtered using advanced semiconductor industry technologies serves as an attractive target for several modern experiments searching for cold dark matter, double beta decay, and detection of low energy neutrino. Separation of xenon from trace amounts of 85 Kr cannot be achieved with commercially available gas purifiers. We have developed an automated system for purification of xenon from trace amounts of krypton. The system has been used to purify 25 kg of xenon to the level of 3 ppt of krypton. The purified xenon will be used for the two-phase emission detector, XENON10, to search for WIMP dark matter in the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory.
A developmental investigation of social aggression among children.

Social aggression consists of actions directed at damaging another's self-esteem, social status, or both, and includes behaviors such as facial expressions of disdain, cruel gossipping, and the manipulation of friendship patterns. In Study 1, 4th, 7th, and 10th graders completed the Social Behavior Questionnaire; only boys viewed physical aggression as more hurtful than social aggression, and girls rated social aggression as more hurtful than did boys. In the 1st phase of Study 2, girls participated in a laboratory task in which elements of social-aggression were elicited and reliably coded. In the 2nd phase of Study 2, another sample of participants (elementary, middle, and high school boys and girls) viewed samples of socially aggressive behaviors from these sessions. Girls rated the aggressor as more angry than boys, and middle school and high school participants viewed the socially aggressive behaviors as indicating more dislike than elementary school children. Language: en
Fast sedimenting bacteriophage T7 DNA from T7-infected Escherichia coli.

Abstract The sedimentation rate of bacteriophage T7 DNA from T7-infected Escherichia coli has been determined after lysis with the nonionic detergent Brij 58. After 8.5 min of infection at 37°, most of newly replicated T7 DNA sedimented more rapidly than 100 S(100 S + DNA). Some of the T7 100 S + DNA sedimented in a broad peak between 100 Sand 600 S; the remainder sedimented at speeds greater than 600 S. In the electron microscope 100 S + T7 DNA appeared to be a massive DNA complex containing up to 30 phage equivalents of DNA in a single structure. In these complexes densely packed cores of DNA were surrounded by more loosely packed DNA. Kinetic labeling experiments strongly suggest that 100 S + DNA is a precursor for DNA in progeny phage. It was also shown that: (i) Non-DNA substances, possibly membrane fragments and/or proteins, are bound to 100 S + T7 DNA, but are probably not the primary cause of the rapid sedimentation of this DNA. (ii) Single-chain interruptions exist in the predominantly duplex structure of T7 100 S + DNA. (iii) When cells are lysed with the ionic detergent, Sarkosyl, the 100 S + DNA is obtained, though in reduced yield. Phenol extraction eliminates virtually all 100 S + DNA. (iv) Some of the 100 S + T7 DNA is more shear-resistant than linear, duplex DNA.
Some isomorphous copolyamides

Various copolyamides obtainable from heptamethylenediamine (7) and bis(3-aminopropyl) ether (303) combined with adipic acid (6) and terephthalic acid (T) were prepared. They were characterized thoroughly as bulk polymer (visual appearance, viscosity number, polymer melt temperature, solubility), as melt-pressed films (water absorption, glass transition temperature, crystallinity) and as melt-spun, drawn monofils (tenacity, elongation, initial modulus, compliance ratio, tensile recovery, work recovery, orientation, crystallinity, fiber stick temperature, zero strength temperature, and crystalline melting point). The reality of isomorphism in polyamides was definitely established by the linear dependence on composition of all physical properties measured for the copolymer system 303-6/7-6. The copolymer systems 303-T/7-T, 303-6/7-T, and 7-6/303-T showed decreasing tendency toward ideal isomorphism, and the system 303-6/303-T showed deviation from perfect isomorphous behavior in all properties. It is concluded that in the aliphatic diamines used, and ether oxygen fits well as a substitute for a methylene group, but the benzene ring fits poorly as a substitute for the four-carbon aliphatic chain of adipic acid.
Recognition Of 3D Curves Based On Curvature And Torsion

Various range sensors are being used as part of a machine vision system to capture the surface of a 3D object. Significant structural changes on the surface, such as zero gaussian curvature contours, can be detected and regarded as 3D curves using differential geometry tools. In this paper, we present a technique for recognition of partially visible 3D curves which can be employed to identify 3D objects. A local/global represenation of a 3D curve is obtained by decomposing it into a number of invariant 3D curve segments. Based on curvature and torsion functions, feature vectors are assigned to the curve segments. A distance measure is then defined between two decomposed 3D curves using their corresponding feature vectors. The recognition of an occluded curve among known reference curves is achieved by obtaining the smallest distance measure. Experimental results on both simulated and real data are presented.
Wideband-rejection filters and reflection-hole filters of chalcogenide glass for circularly polarized IR-A and IR-B radiation

Compact infrared filters—either to reject infrared radiation of a specific circular-polarization state in a wide band or to transmit the same radiation in a narrow band—for the IR-A and IR-B spectral regimes were designed and fabricated by thermal evaporation of chalcogenide glass of nominal composition Ge28Sb12Se60 in a vacuum chamber.
Topology of synthetic, boron-doped diamond by scanning tunneling microscopy

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies were performed on a large, boron-doped, synthetic diamond crystal in order to examine its surface morphology and growth characteristics. This single crystal synthetic diamond should better mimic naturally grown diamonds than thin diamond films which may be affected by the substrate or the deposition technique used. The synthetic diamond is shown to exhibit microscopic features similar to the macroscopic features observed on natural diamonds indicating similar growth and/or defect properties. The ability to obtain adequate current for this STM study is a result of the high boron content in the synthetic diamond, which is much higher than that of natural diamonds.
Does wave-particle duality apply to galaxies?

The recent discovery of quantized red-shifts for galaxies suggests a cosmic form of quantum theory which may parallel the form so familiar on the atomicdistance scale or smaller.