cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ontogenetic changes and the stability of rhesus monkey dominance relationships.

Abstract Dominance relationships were studied in a rhesus monkey group during five consecutive years. The group consisted of eight stable matriarchies and an adult male class which was replaced at the start, and again at the midpoint, of the study. Immature males were selectively harvested to maintain a sex ratio typical of natural troops. Maximum group size during the study was 77 animals. Dominance relationships were remarkably stable, with only 4.4% of dyads failing to show unidirectional relationships. Despite this stability, a linear ranking of all group members was not possible. Male dominance relationships with other males were among the most stable, following the fighting which ensued on male introductions. Male introductions did not disrupt female dominance relationships. Adult female dominance relationships were also quite stable, but immature females slowly achieved dominance over older sisters and females subordinate to their mothers. Such reversals were the result of processes lasting over many months. Many dominance assertions occurred prior to puberty but a significant number occurred following sexual maturity. Maturing females did not reverse dominance relationships according to any particular hierarchial order and, as a consequence, many were subordinate to animals that were dominated by others that they dominated. Although there was an alpha male that was dominant to all animals in the group, adult females dominated most adult males. Adult males, however, often reciprocated aggression directed at them. They almost invariably threatened or countercharged aggressive immature animals regardless of matriarchial membership. Adult males dominated some adult and most young females, even in families containing matriarchs and adult females to which the adult males always submitted. The dominance relationships of young males were similar to those of their sisters, until puberty. Young males did not necessarily bypass adult males that their mothers outranked, and often failed to win against adult females that their mothers dominated. Adolescent female aggression against females is seldom interfered with by adult males, and females may actively aid one another against males. In contrast, the aggression of young males often elicits interference by adult males, and young males often become the targets of redirected aggression in the group. As a consequence, whereas young females rise in rank to positions adjacent to their mothers, adolescent males often suffer losses to animals that they had dominated as juveniles.
Development of Biocompatible Polymeric Nanoparticles for in Vivo NIR and FRET Imaging

The majority of near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores are organic molecules that show significant overlap between the excitation and emission spectra and therefore exhibit high fluorescence backgrounds during in vivo imaging. Recently, cyanine dyes with a large Stokes shift have shown great promise for NIR imaging but often undergo rapid photodegradation and nonspecific protein adsorption. Alternatively, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a promising technique to generate a larger gap between the excitation and emission maxima and thus can reduce the background signal. Here, we report the rational design of FRET-based polymeric nanoparticles for NIR and FRET imaging. The particles were assembled from diblock copolymers of poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and maleimide-activated poly(ethylene glycol), which were also encapsulated with both the donor (1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindodicarbocyanine) and acceptor (1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine) fluorophores. Because of their extreme hydrophobicity, thousands of fluorophores could be encapsulated inside a single particle without causing leakage. FRET resulted in a large Stokes shift (>100 nm) of the emission maxima, and the transfer efficiency could be fine-tuned by further adjusting the doping ratio of the donor and acceptor fluorophores. The optimized formulation was less than 100 nm in size, brighter than quantum dots, stable in biological media, and demonstrated similar biodistribution to most nanomaterials. Additional animal phantom studies demonstrated that the FRET imaging platform developed could have far-reaching applications in optical imaging.
A novel method for analyzing solanesyl esters in tobacco leaves using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometer.

Abstract A direct and simple method for analyzing solanesyl esters found in tobacco leaves was developed. Sample preparation was performed by accelerated solvent extractor 200 (ASE200™) using n -hexane followed by evaporating solution in vacuo and dissolving residue with acetone. The separation of analytes was conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with an SIL-C18/5C™ column and the non-aqueous reversed phase chromatography (NARP) technique using acetone and acetonitrile as the mobile phase with a linear gradient. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometer (APCI/MS) in positive mode was used to detect solanesyl esters in the following conditions: capillary voltage 4000 V, corona current 10 μA, drying gas flow 5 mL/min, fragmentor voltage 200 V, nebulizer pressure 60 psi, and vaporizer temperature 500 °C. Each solanesyl ester was identified by the comparison of analyte with synthesized solanesyl esters. Quantification was conducted by selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode in order to detect the specific product ion (613.6 m / z ) fragmented from solanesyl ester. The calibration curve was made in the range of 0.1–40 μg/mL with a regression coefficient over 0.999 on almost all solanesyl esters. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 μg/mL and from 0.03 to 0.15 μg/mL, respectively, on the SIM mode of MS for quantification. Recovery (%) ranged from about 80 to 120%. The direct quantification using the developed method succeeded in showing a different amount and composition of solanesyl esters among various tobacco leaves.
Synthesis of (R)-(−)-1-Piperidino-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol: Application in the Molar Scale Asymmetric Ethylation of trans-Crotonaldehyde

A simple three-step preparation of (R)-(−)-1-piperidino-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol (amino alcohol catalyst for the Noyori asymmetric alkylation of aldehydes) based on a classical resolution of the race...
Intrinsically unstructured proteins: re-assessing the protein structure-function paradigm.

A major challenge in the post-genome era will be determination of the functions of the encoded protein sequences. Since it is generally assumed that the function of a protein is closely linked to its three-dimensional structure, prediction or experimental determination of the library of protein structures is a matter of high priority. However, a large proportion of gene sequences appear to code not for folded, globular proteins, but for long stretches of amino acids that are likely to be either unfolded in solution or adopt non-globular structures of unknown conformation. Characterization of the conformational propensities and function of the non-globular protein sequences represents a major challenge. The high proportion of these sequences in the genomes of all organisms studied to date argues for important, as yet unknown functions, since there could be no other reason for their persistence throughout evolution. Clearly the assumption that a folded three-dimensional structure is necessary for function needs to be re-examined. Although the functions of many proteins are directly related to their three-dimensional structures, numerous proteins that lack intrinsic globular structure under physiological conditions have now been recognized. Such proteins are frequently involved in some of the most important regulatory functions in the cell, and the lack of intrinsic structure in many cases is relieved when the protein binds to its target molecule. The intrinsic lack of structure can confer functional advantages on a protein, including the ability to bind to several different targets. It also allows precise control over the thermodynamics of the binding process and provides a simple mechanism for inducibility by phosphorylation or through interaction with other components of the cellular machinery. Numerous examples of domains that are unstructured in solution but which become structured upon binding to the target have been noted in the areas of cell cycle control and both transcriptional and translational regulation, and unstructured domains are present in proteins that are targeted for rapid destruction. Since such proteins participate in critical cellular control mechanisms, it appears likely that their rapid turnover, aided by their unstructured nature in the unbound state, provides a level of control that allows rapid and accurate responses of the cell to changing environmental conditions.
Heart and lung grafts harvested en bloc: Operative technique, utilization, and results

Combined heart and lung transplantation has been shown to provide successful therapy for patients with end-stage heart and lung disease. The improved success of lung transplantation has resulted in increasing number of potential recipients and longer waiting times. Maximal utilization of all three thoracic organs is no longer a casual goal but of utmost necessity. We devised a new technique that improves operative visualization, decreases dissection time, and ensures excellent preservation of all three thoracic organs. Bench dissection after extraction of this heart-lung block allows the thoracic and cardiac surgeons to agree on precise dissection of the left atrium and adequate pulmonary venous and atrial cuff. This technique has been used in 48 of our last 50 harvests with excellent results. Utilization of heart and lungs has been 93% and 74%, respectively.
The inhibitory effect of 4-hydroxyphenyl retinamide (4-HPR) on metastasis of prostate adenocarinoma-III cells in Lobund-Wistar rats

Abstract Tumor cells of transplanted prostate adenocarcinoma-III (PA-III) spread with very high frequency from the extravascular implant site through ipselateral lymphatic channels to the lungs in which they produce visible focal tumors. The latter enlarge, coalesce and eventually kill the host. This system was used to demonstrate the effect of a retinoid on metastasis. Lobund-Wistar (L-W) rats were administered 1 mmol 4-HPR/kg diet L-485, and control rats received the same diet without 4-HPR. After an interval, all rats were in-oculated subcutaneously with PA-III cells. When examined at autopsy, all rats had developed an anticipated tumor at the implant site. However, the numbers of focal PA-III tumors in the lungs were significantly reduced among the 4-HPR-treated rats compared to the control rats (P = 0.002).
Overweight, obesity, and health-related quality of life among adolescents: the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

Objective Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity have increased substantially in the past 2 decades, raising concerns about the physical and psychosocial consequences of childhood obesity. We investigated the association between obesity and health-related quality of life in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 1996 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7 to 12 during the 1994-1995 school year, and 4743 adolescents with direct measures of height and weight. Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts to determine percentiles, we used 5 body mass categories. Underweight was at or below the 5th percentile, normal BMI was between the 5th and 85th percentiles, at risk for overweight was between the 85th and 95th percentiles, overweight was between the 95th and 97th percentiles + 2 BMI units, and obese was at or above the 97th percentile + 2 BMI units. Four dimensions of health-related quality of life were measured: general health (self-reported general health), physical health (absence or presence of functional limitations and illness symptoms), emotional health (the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Rosenberg's self-esteem scale), and a school and social functioning scale. Results We found a statistically significant relationship between BMI and general and physical health but not psychosocial outcomes. Adolescents who were overweight had significantly worse self-reported health (odds ratio [OR]: 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-3.51), as did obese adolescents (OR: 4.49; 95% CI: 2.87-7.03). Overweight (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.22-2.68) and obese (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.24-1.95) adolescents were also more likely to have a functional limitation. Only among the youngest adolescents (ages 12-14) did we find a significant deleterious impact of overweight and obesity on depression, self-esteem, and school/social functioning. Conclusions Using a nationally representative sample, we found that obesity in adolescence is linked with poor physical quality of life. However, in the general population, adolescents with above normal body mass did not report poorer emotional, school, or social functioning.
The determination of iodine-containing compounds by neutron activation of I129

Abstract A technique was developed for the determination of iodinated compounds in the blood sera. The method includes the following steps: labelling of the iodine pools withI 129 ; paper chromatography in the n -Butanol-2NHAc solvent system; neutron irradiation of the paper strips (I 129 (n, γ)I 130 ); resin chromatography to remove impurities; pulse height analysis. The sensitivity of the method is 10 −11 g of iodine. The recovery is 99.9%.
Assessing Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy Experience in United States Urological Residency Programs

Purpose: Surgical experience is important for the mastery of operative procedures. We evaluated the current United States urological surgical resident training in performing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.Materials and Methods: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Residency Review Committee for Urology operative log reports from 2000 through 2004 were reviewed. We analyzed resident retroperitoneal lymph node dissection experience as surgeon and first assistant by examining CPT codes for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (CPT codes 38780, 38570 and 38572).Results: The overall number of retroperitoneal lymph node dissections performed at urological residency training programs has increased from 2000 to 2004 (781 to 924). The average number of retroperitoneal lymph node dissections performed by graduating residents in 2001 and 2004 did not change significantly (3.5 vs 4.0). Half of all graduating urology residents in 2004 had performed 2 or fewer retroperitoneal lymph node diss...
Diethylpyrocarbonate inhibition of estrogen binding to rat alpha-fetoprotein: evidence that one or more histidine residues regulate estrogen binding.

Abstract Rat alpha-fetoprotein contains a site that both binds serine enzyme inhibitors and substrates and regulates estrogen binding. We report that mM concentrations of the histidine selective reagent, diethylpyrocarbonate, inhibit estrogen binding to rat alpha-fetoprotein and that this inhibition is reversed by hydroxylamine. We suggest that rat alpha-fetoprotein contains one or more histidine residues that regulate estrogen binding. We also find that either estrone or the chymotrypsin substrate, acetyl-tryptophan methyl ester, protects rat alpha-fetoprotein from diethyl-pyrocarbonate-mediated inhibition of estrogen binding. We infer that the protease substrate and estrogen binding sites contain histidine residue(s) essential for estrogen binding by alpha-fetoprotein.
Quotient maps: frame-valued spaces

It is known that the category of frame-valued convergence spaces is topological, cartesian-closed and extensional. Properties of quotient maps between objects in this category are investigated here; in particular, it is shown that quotient maps are productive under arbitrary products. Keywords: L-filter, frame-valued convergence spaces, quotient maps Quaestiones Mathematicae 31(2008), 45–54
Growth responses of Ailanthus altissima seedlings to SO2

Abstract Growth of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle seedlings exposed to various levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) was observed. Exposure for 1 or 2 weeks at 260 μgm−3 (0·1 ppm) or 520 μg m−3 (0·2 ppm) of SO2 significantly (p ≤ 0·05) reduced extension growth and biomass accumulation of 2- and 3-week-old seedlings. Root growth was inhibited more than shoot growth, and reduction of growth was more severe at the higher SO2 concentration.
Distribution and disinfection of bacterial loadings associated with particulate matter fractions transported in urban wet weather flows.

Urban runoff is a resource for reuse water. However, runoff transports indicator and pathogenic organisms which are mobilized from sources of fecal contamination. These organisms are entrained with particulate matter (PM) that can serve as a mobile substrate for these organisms. Within a framework of additional treatment for reuse of treated runoff which requires the management of PM inventories in unit operations and drainage systems there is a need to characterize organism distributions on PM and the disinfection potential thereof. This study quantifies total coliform, Escherichia coli, fecal streptococcus, and enterococcus generated from 25 runoff events. With the ubiquity and hetero-dispersivity of PM in urban runoff this study examines organism distributions for suspended, settleable and sediment PM fractions differentiated based on PM size and transport functionality. Hypochlorite is applied in batch to elaborate inactivation of PM-associated organisms for each PM fraction. Results indicate that urban runoff bacterial loadings of indicator organisms exceed U.S. wastewater reuse, recreational contact, and Australian runoff reuse criteria as comparative metrics. All monitored events exceeded the Australian runoff reuse criteria for E. coli in non-potable residential and unrestricted access systems. In PM-differentiated events, bacteriological mobilization primarily occurred in the suspended PM fraction. However, sediment PM shielded PM-associated coliforms at all hypochlorite doses, whereas suspended and settleable PM fractions provide less shielding resulting in higher inactivation by hypochlorite.
Infrared Optical Constants of Organic Aerosols: Organic Acids and Model Humic-Like Substances (HULIS)

Aerosols are important atmospheric constituents as they impact the Earth's energy balance and climate. An analysis of the impact of aerosols depends on the detailed knowledge of aerosol optical properties. However, there is a lack of refractive index data for atmospherically relevant organic compounds in the infrared (IR) region which complicates the quantitative estimation of the aerosol influence on the radiative balance. In this study, we investigate the optical properties of atmospherically relevant carboxylic acids and HUmic-LIke Substances (HULIS) proxies. Aerosol size distributions are measured simultaneously with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) extinction spectra to calculate the complex refractive index. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images are also collected to investigate particle shape. Analysis of SEM images shows evidence for agglomeration in some cases. The experimentally measured IR resonances do not appear to be highly sensitive to agglomeration effects. However, there is an increa...
The Fabry-Perot Etalon As An Rf Frequency Channelizer

This paper reports a demonstration of channelizing rf signals with optical techniques. RF signals are upconverted to optical frequencies and demultiplexed with an etalon. The etalon is used as a filter transmitting modulated light at discrete incidence angles. The band 100-1000 MHz is channelized into 70 MHz wide channels.
Percutaneous Stenting of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a distressing manifestation of benign or malignant disease obstructing return of blood flow through the superior vena cava (SVC). Treatment, often centering around management of the underlying illness, may be slow in relieving symptoms, relying on the recruitment of collateral veins to reestablish blood flow. Percutaneous delivery of metallic stents into the vena cava has been used with success to relieve obstruction to blood flow quickly and completely. We present the case of a patient with complete occlusion of the SVC who underwent successful vena caval revascularization with placement of balloon expandable metallic stents. We also review published reports on the use of stents for SVCS. Results from several series demonstrate that stents can be used with excellent results. Response rates in these series reviewed range from 68% to 100%. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in 4% to 45% of patients but could often be treated with anticoagulation, angioplasty of the stented area, or repeat stenting. Stenting has been used successfully in patients with malignant diseases and in the less common cases of SVCS from a benign etiology. Complications are uncommon and usually of minor consequence. Anticoagulation, thrombolytics, and thrombectomy or atherectomy catheters have also been used during or following stent implantation although their use remains primarily empiric. Percutaneous treatment of SVC obstruction offers patients hope for prompt and dramatic relief from the symptoms of SVCS.
Language-Based Curriculum Analysis: A Collaborative Assessment and Intervention Process:

As speech-language pathologists are moving toward more collaborative, curriculum-based models of service delivery, they require an understanding of the curriculum and the language demands of that curriculum on students with communication impairments. This article presents a systematic process for completing a language-based curriculum analysis to address a critical review of the curriculum expectations which may challenge students with communication impairments. This process requires a collaborative effort between the teacher and speech-language pathologist (SLP). Analysis of the vocabulary and the demands for comprehension, oral and written expression within a specific content area provides a framework by which the classroom teacher and SLP can evaluate and predict the language needs of students with communication impairments. This analysis leads to the development of strategies for making modifications in the presentation of curriculum material. Although initially a labor intensive process, the outcomes...
A water-soluble contrast medium for bronchography. Report on clinical use.

In our experience Viscous Umbradil, a viscous, water-soluble, radiopaque medium, has many advantages over iodized oil in bronchography. We feel that the advantages far out-weigh the disadvantages. Bronchograms with this medium are diagnostic and there is complete absorption of the radiopaque material in three to five hours without any clinically demonstrable deleterious effect on the lungs. Certainly Viscous Umbradil deserves extensive trial and further evaluation.
Cold-dependent activation of complement: Recognition, assessment, and mechanism

Cold-dependent activation of complement (CDAC) is a phenomenon characterized by low hemolytic complement activity in chilled serum. Complement component levels are normal when measured immunologically, and there is normal hemolytic activity in EDTA plasma or serum maintained at 37°C. Little attention has been paid to CDAC except in Japan, and current unfamiliarity with it, even by clinical immunologists, can lead to confusion and unnecessary laboratory tests. A 66-year-old patient with a complex medical history is described whose complement tests showed abnormalities characteristic of CDAC. Evidence for classical complement pathway activation in the cold was obtained by CH50 measurements, by hemolytic C4 determinations, by C4a, C3a, and C4d generation, and by quantitating $$C1\mathop s\limits^\_ - C1\mathop r\limits^\_ - (C1 inhibitor)_2 $$ complexes. A good correlation was observed among these parameters. Cryoprecipitates were absent. CDAC activity has persisted for over 5 years and is greater at 13 than at 4°C. Activation is ablated by heating at 56°C and restored by the addition of C1 to the heated serum. Adsorption by streptococcal protein G-Sepharose and precipitation by 2.5% polyethylene glycol support the hypothesis that CDAC is caused by aggregated IgG. The CDAC factor(s) also induces complement activation in normal serum but has not interfered with Raji cell or C1q binding tests or with FACS analysis. More limited studies of a second individual experiencing CDAC yielded similar results.
The effect of D″ on PKP(AB−DF) travel time residuals and possible implications for inner core structure

Abstract The hypothesis that the deep inner core is anisotropic is based on PKP travel time observations at large distances and relies on a small number of very anomalous measurements for paths quasi-parallel to the Earth’s rotation axis. Here, we analyze a global dataset of PKP(AB−DF) travel times residuals, and discuss their significant dispersion (±2 s), and coherent large scale patterns. We show that the trends observed for quasi-equatorial paths are consistent with predictions from recent tomographic mantle models, when the latter are modified to account for strong heterogeneity at the base of the mantle under the Pacific Ocean and Africa, as documented in several recent studies. Likewise, for polar paths, we show that a large part of the signal could be explained by deep mantle structure. The effects of complex structure in the deep mantle on PKP(AB−DF) travel times should be carefully considered in order to reliably estimate the anisotropic structure of the central part of the inner core.
On the charge control of the two-dimensional electron gas for analytic modeling of HEMTs

A simple charge control model is developed for the two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) of high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs). This model explicitly takes into account the effective distance of the 2-DEG from the heterointerface and has been developed for use in analytic I-V and C-V modeling. In this model, the Fermi energy level versus the 2-DEG sheet carrier-concentration is represented by a simplified expression derived from the triangular potential well approximation and is shown to be dominated by terms with different functional forms in two distinct operation regions: a moderate carrier-concentration region and a subthreshold region. The validity of the analytic charge control model is supported by the calculated results of a self-consistent quantum mechanical model. >
Chemical sensing with nanowires using electrical and optical detection

Chemical nanosensors based on inorganic nanowires hold promise for the extremely sensitive, direct detection of pollutants, toxins and biomolecules on platforms small enough to be integrated on optoelectronic chips or even deployed in living organisms. This paper discusses two approaches to nanowire-based chemical and biological detection. First we review the development of electrically-driven nanowire gas sensors that function by an adsorbate-mediated conductivity mechanism. We then describe an alternative sensing strategy that exploits the excellent waveguiding ability of high-refractive-index nanowires to create subwavelength evanescent wave sensors that operate in solution with an optical, rather than electrical, readout.
Note on Diamagnetism: Clarification of Relations between Fundamental Molecular Theories

This paper gives a brief discussion of Weber's theory of diamagnetism and of the relations between it and the more recent theory of Langevin, as well as a composite theory involving ideas from both and sometimes confused with that of Langevin.
Fluorescent EXAFS data collection using solid state detectors

Abstract Many problems which can be succesfully investigated by Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) are impractical or impossible to perform with the conventional transmission technique using ion chambers. Over the last 2 years we have been collecting EXAFS data by using both the transmission technique and the fluorescent technique. The fluorescent photons were detected with a three element Si(Li) solid state detector system. We have studied the EXAFS of certain metals in dilute biological systems (e.g. Mo in nitrogenase, Mn in chloroplasts, Fe in cytochrome derivatives). The applicability of this fluorescent technique will be discussed and examples of the data we have obtained will be presented.
Effects of low dose aspirin (81 mg) on proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Amaranthus caudatus labeling in normal-risk and high-risk human subjects for colorectal cancer.

Abstract Epidemiological, experimental, and clinical observations provide support for a colorectal cancer chemopreventive role for aspirin. We have evaluated the effects of aspirin on proliferation biomarkers in normal-risk and high-risk human subjects for colorectal cancer. Colorectal biopsies were obtained at baseline and at 24h after 28 daily doses of 81mg of aspirin from 13 high-risk and 15 normal-risk subjects for colorectal cancer. We evaluated aspirin's effects on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry and epithelial mucin histochemistry using the lectin, Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin (ACA) in crypt sections from rectal biopsies. The baseline whole crypt PCNA LIs differed significantly between normal-risk and high-risk subjects. PCNA LIs are not affected by 28 days of aspirin at 81mg daily. ACA LIs are decreased by 28 days of aspirin at 81mg daily in both normal-risk and high-risk subjects. Aspirin's effects on ACA LIs may have mechanistic and biological implications that deserve further attention. PCNA and ACA LIs are not useful as proliferation biomarkers for aspirin's chemopreventive activity in morphologically normal human colorectal mucosa.
Fractures of the thoracolumbar spine sustained by soldiers in vehicles attacked by improvised explosive devices

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the types of orthopedic spine fractures sustained by North Atlantic Treaty Organization soldiers when vehicles are attacked by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), with specific focus on the flexion-distraction type thoracolumbar fracture (Chance fracture). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Operation Enduring Freedom is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's effort in Afghanistan. IED attacks on armored vehicles are common and account for high proportion of soldiers' deaths and injuries. METHODS: Retrospective record review was accomplished on soldiers admitted to a military hospital with orthopedic spine fractures after IED attacks on vehicles from January 1, 2008 to May 15, 2008. Thoracolumbar fractures were classified using the McAfee classification system. RESULTS: Twelve male patients with 16 thoracolumbar fractures were identified (3 patients with multiple fractures). The 16 thoracolumbar fractures included 6 flexion-distraction fractures in 5 patients (38%, 6/16: two T12, two L1, one L3, and one L4), 7 compression fractures in 5 patients (44%, 5/16; one T7, one T8, two L1, one L2, one L3, and one L4), and 3 burst fractures (19%, 3/16; two L1 and one L2). CONCLUSION: The incidence of flexion-distraction thoracolumbar (Chance) fractures has been reported to be between 1.0% and 2.5% in most spine fracture series. In this small study, Chance fractures represented 38% of all tho-racolumbar fractures sustained after IED attack on armored vehicles. The blast pattern associated with IED explosion may be responsible for the high rate of these injuries in vehicle occupants. Language: en
Negative evidence and inductive generalisation

How do people use past experience to generalise to novel cases? This paper reports four experiments exploring the significance on one class of past experiences: encounters with negative or contrasting cases. In trying to decide whether all ravens are black, what is the effect of learning about a non-raven that is not black? Two experiments with preschool-aged, young school-aged, and adult participants revealed that providing a negative example in addition to a positive example supports generalisation. Two additional experiments went on to ask which kinds of negative examples offer the most support for generalisations. These studies contrasted similarity-based and category-based accounts of inductive generalisation. Results supported category-based predictions, but only for preschool-aged children. Overall, the younger children showed a greater reliance on negative evidence than did older children and adults. Most things we encounter in the world are negative evidence for our generalisations. Understanding...
Randomized noninferiority clinical trial evaluating 3 commercial dry cow mastitis preparations: II. Cow health and performance in early lactation.

Abstract The objective of this randomized noninferiority clinical trial was to compare the effect of treatment with 3 different dry cow therapy formulations at dry-off on cow-level health and production parameters in the first 100d in milk (DIM) in the subsequent lactation, including 305-d mature-equivalent (305ME) milk production, linear score (LS), risk for the cow experiencing a clinical mastitis event, risk for culling or death, and risk for pregnancy by 100 DIM. A total of 1,091 cows from 6 commercial dairy herds in 4 states (California, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) were randomly assigned at dry-off to receive treatment with 1 of 3 commercial products: Quartermaster (QT; Zoetis Animal Health, Madison, NJ), Spectramast DC (SP; Zoetis Animal Health) or ToMorrow Dry Cow (TM; Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., St Joseph, MO). All clinical mastitis, pregnancy, culling, and death events occurring in the first 100 DIM were recorded by farm staff using an on-farm electronic record-keeping system. Dairy Herd Improvement Association test-day records of milk production and milk component testing were retrieved electronically. Mixed linear regression analysis was used to describe the effect of treatment on 305ME milk production and LS recorded on the last Dairy Herd Improvement Association test day before 100 DIM. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to describe the effect of treatment on risk for experiencing a case of clinical mastitis, risk for leaving the herd, and risk for pregnancy between calving and 100 DIM. Results showed no effect of treatment on adjusted mean 305ME milk production (QT=11,759kg, SP=11,574kg, and TM=11,761kg) or adjusted mean LS (QT=1.8, SP=1.9, and TM=1.6) on the last test day before 100 DIM. Similarly, no effect of treatment was observed on risk for a clinical mastitis event (QT=14.8%, SP=12.7%, and TM=15.0%), risk for leaving the herd (QT=7.5%, SP=9.2%, and TM=10.3%), or risk for pregnancy (QT=31.5%, SP=26.1%, and TM=26.9%) between calving and 100 DIM.
The effect of colorectal cancer screening mandates on access to care and clinical outcomes: A retrospective study of patients undergoing operations of the colon and rectum

Introduction Policies that mandate colorectal screening coverage by private insurers are associated with increased use of screening procedures. We seek to understand whether such mandates have improved access to care and short-term operative outcomes for patients undergoing operations of the colon and rectum (OCR). Methods Privately insured OCR patients, ages 50–64, enrolled in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2000–2009) were identified. Patients were classified as “exposed” if they underwent OCR in a state that implemented a mandate ≥2 years before their procedure. Three outcomes were examined: admission source, postoperative complications, and postoperative mortality. Univariate analyses were performed by the use of logistic regression models. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the relationship between exposure status, admission source, postoperative complications, and postoperative mortality, with adjustment for confounders. Results We identified 99,405 patients who underwent OCR during the study period. Of these patients, 39% were “exposed,” 23% were admitted from the ED, 32% developed a postoperative complication, and 2% died during the admission. After adjusting for confounders, exposed patients were less likely to access OCR through the emergency department (odds ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.83–0.91) and less likely to develop postoperative complications (odds ratio 0.94; 95% confidence interval 0.89–0.98). There was no detectable difference in postoperative mortality. Conclusion Implementation of policies mandating coverage of colorectal screening modestly reduced emergent admission for OCR among privately insured patients. Additional studies are required to examine the screening status of patients to determine causality. Remaining states should consider implementing similar policies.
Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services: Impact of the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable care Act (ACA) legislation of 2010 has three important voluntary provisions for the expansion of home- and community-based services (HCBS) under Medicaid: A state can choose to (1) offer a community first choice option to provide attendant care services and supports; (2) amend its state plan to provide an optional HCBS benefit; and (3) rebalance its spending on long term services and supports to increase the proportion that is community-based. The first and third provisions offer states enhanced federal matching rates as an incentive. Although the new provisions are valuable, the law does not set minimum standards for access to HCBS, and the new financial incentives are limited especially for the many states facing serious budget problems. Wide variations in access to HCBS can be expected to continue, while HCBS will continue to compete for funding with mandated institutional services.
Trichomycterus chungaraensis n. sp. and Trichomycterus laucaensis n. sp. (Pisces, Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the high Andean range.

Abstract Trichomycterus chungaraensis n. sp. and Trichomycterus laucaensis n. sp. are described. These new species are from isolated environment 4,300 m above sea level in the high Andes of the north of Chile. Some new characters of Trichomycterus rivulatus Valenciennes from Titicaca Lake and Lauca River are given.
Caught in the Middle: Defensive Responses to IAT Feedback Among Whites, Blacks, and Biracial Black/Whites

This study used archival data to examine how White, Black, and biracial Black/White people respond to implicit attitude feedback suggesting that they harbor racial bias that does not align with their self-reported attitudes. The results suggested that people are generally defensive in response to feedback indicating that their implicit attitudes differ from their explicit attitudes. Among monoracial White and Black individuals, this effect was particularly strong when they learned that they were implicitly more pro-White than they indicated explicitly. By contrast, biracial Black/White individuals were defensive about large discrepancies in either direction (more pro-Black or more pro-White implicit attitudes). These results pinpoint one distinct difference between monoracial and biracial populations and pave the way for future research to further explore how monoracial majority, minority, and biracial populations compare in other types of attitudes and responses to personal feedback.
Quasiclassical trajectory studies of H(D)+HF(DF) collisions at 2 eV

This paper presents a quasiclassical trajectory study of nonreactive and reactive (F transfer) collisions involving H+HF, D+HF, H+DF, and D+DF, with emphasis on comparisons of product vibration/rotation distributions with those in an accompanying paper by Lindner, Lundberg, Lovejoy, and Leone. We find that the nonreactive rotational distributions for each isotope and each vibrational state are composed of a large peak at low J plus a long tail that extends to high J. These results are in general agreement with experiment. The low J peak arises from direct collisions of H with the F atom in HF, while the high J tail is due partly to failed reactive (F-exchange) collisions, and partly to collisions of H with the H atom in HF. The calculated reactive rotational distributions are controlled by the kinematic propensities expected for a heavy–light–heavy mass combination and a nearly isotropic potential. This result does not appear to match experiment, although limitations in the data preclude a detailed compar...
Simplified approach to implementing controlled-unitary operations in a two-qubit system

We introduce a scheme for realizing arbitrary controlled-unitary operations in a two-qubit system. If the 2x2 unitary matrix is special unitary (has unit determinant), the controlled-unitary gate operation can be realized in a single pulse operation. The pulse in our scheme will constitute varying one of the parameters of the system between an arbitrarily maximum and a 'calculated' minimum value. This parameter will constitute the variable parameter of the system while the other parameters, which include the coupling between the two qubits, will be treated as fixed parameters. The values of the parameters are what we solve for using our approach in order to realize an arbitrary controlled-unitary operation. We further show that the computational complexity of the operation is no greater than that required for a controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate. Since conventional schemes realize a controlled-unitary operation by breaking it into a sequence of single-qubit and CNOT gate operations, our method is an improvement because we not only require less time duration, but also fewer control lines to implement the same operation. To demonstrate improvement over other schemes, we show, as examples, how two controlled-unitary operations, one being the controlled-Hadamard gate, can be realized in a single pulse operation usingmore » our scheme. Furthermore, our method can be applied to a wide range of coupling schemes and can be used to realize gate operations between two qubits coupled via Ising, Heisenberg, and anisotropic interactions.« less
New syntheses of mercury methyl‐ and ethyl‐thiocarbonates

A new compound, mercury methyl thiocarbonate, and the previously known mercury ethyl thiocarbonate, have each been synthesized by a new method - the interaction of methyl and ethyl formic esters, respectively, with carbon disulphide and mercuric oxide. A reaction mechanism scheme proposed to explain the formation of the products of the reaction led to the derivation of the following equation, wherein R = CH3 or C2H5: The composition of the mercury alkyl thiocarbonates was established by quantitative determinations of the constituents, mercury and sulphur. Modifications of the current methods for the quantitative estimation of mercury in organic sulphur compounds, obviating contamination with free sulphur, have been developed and applied. A quantitative study of the interaction of the mercury alkyl thiocarbonates with ammonium hydroxide solution established the occurrence of an ammonolysis reaction in conformity with the equation:
Stress dependence of dislocation glide activation energy in single-crystal silicon-germanium alloys up to 2.6 GPa.

A new approach to the study of plastic flow in semiconductors is introduced. By analyzing relaxation of misfit strain in metastable strained-layer structures, the effects of resolved shear stress up to several GPa can be examined, at least an order of magnitude larger than is accessible using conventional loading techniques. This new approach is used to study stress-dependent dislocation dynamics in silicon-germanium crystals at resolved shear stresses as high as 2.6 GPa. The results are consistent with a conventional picture of dislocation dynamics which includes climb and glide processes, where the glide activation energy depends linearly on the applied stress.
Flower-bud formation in explants of photoperiodic and day-neutral Nicotiana biotypes and its bearing on the regulation of flower formation.

Abstract The capacity to form flower buds in thin-layer explants was studied in flowering plants of several species, cultivars, and lines of Nicotiana differing in their response to photoperiod. This capacity was found in all biotypes examined and could extend into sepals and corolla. It varied greatly, depending on genotype, source tissue and its developmental stage, and composition of the culture medium, particularly the levels of glucose, auxin, and cytokinin. It was greatest in the two day-neutral plants examined, Samsun tobacco and Nicotiana rustica, where it extended from the inflorescence region down the vegetative stem, in a basipetally decreasing gradient; it was least in the two qualitative photoperiodic plants studied, the long-day plant Nicotiana silvestris and the short-day plant Maryland Mammoth tobacco, the quantitative long-day plant Nicotiana alata and the quantitative short-day plant Nicotiana otophora line 38-G-81, where it was limited to the pedicels (and, in some cases, the sepals). Regardless of the photoperiodic response of the source plants, the response was the same in explants cultured under long and short days. The finding that capacity to form flower buds in explants is present in all Nicotiana biotypes studied supports the idea that it is regulated by the same mechanism(s), regardless of the plant's photoperiodic character. However, the source plants were all in the flowering stage, and no flower-bud formation can be obtained in explants from strictly vegetative Nicotiana plants. Hence, flower formation in the explants is not identical with de novo flower formation in a hitherto vegetative plant: it is rather the expression of a floral state already established in the plant, although it can vary widely in extent and spatial distribution. Culture conditions that permit flower-bud formation in an explant are conditions that maintain the floral state and encourage its expression; conditions under which no flower buds are formed reduce this state and/or prevent its expression.
Electron microscopy and 3D reconstruction reveals filamin Ig domain binding to F-actin.

Abstract Filamin A (FLNa) is an actin-binding protein that cross-links F-actin into networks of orthogonally branched filaments. FLNa also directs the networks to integrins while responding to mechanochemical signaling pathways. Flexible, 160-nm-long FLNa molecules are tail-to-tail dimers, each subunit of which contains an N-terminal calponin homology (CH)/actin-binding domain connected by a series of 24 immunoglobulin (Ig) repeats to a dimerization site at their C-terminal end. Whereas the contribution of the CH domains to F-actin affinity is weak (apparent K a ~ 10 5 ), the binding of the intact protein to F-actin is strong (apparent K a ~ 10 8 ), suggesting involvement of additional parts of the molecule in this association. Indeed, previous results indicate that Ig repeats along FLNa contribute significantly to the strength of the actin filament interaction. In the current study, we used electron microscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction to elucidate the structural basis of the Ig repeat–F-actin binding. We find that FLNa density is clearly delineated in reconstructions of F-actin complexed either with a four-Ig-repeat segment of FLNa containing Ig repeat 10 or with immunoglobulin-like filamin A repeat (IgFLNa)10 alone. The mass attributable to IgFLNa10 lies peripherally along the actin helix over the N-terminus of actin subdomain 1. The IgFLNa10 interaction appears to be specific, since no other individual Ig repeat or fragment of the FLNa molecule examined, besides ones with IgFLNa10 or CH domains, decorated F-actin filaments or were detected in reconstructions. We conclude that the combined interactions of CH domains and the IgFLNa10 repeat provide the binding strength of the whole FLNa molecule and propose a model for the association of IgFLNa10 on actin filaments.