cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining two learner approaches in a making activity with university students

As the maker movement has introduced children and adults to learning by making, researchers have begun to explore different approaches to learning by making and ways that participants take up new fabrication techniques. This work examines instruction in a making activity as a way to scaffold learning in a making activity. University students are introduced to a new-to-them fabrication technique using two learning approaches, learning via step-by-step instructions and open ended exploration. This study examines how students privileged the disciplinary ideas and practices of their major, mechanical engineering.
Arav: monitoring a cloud's virtual routers

Virtual Routers (VRs) are increasingly common in cloud environments. VRs route traffic between network segments and support network services. Routers, including VRs, have been the target of several recent high-profile attacks, emphasizing the need for more security measures, including security monitoring. However, existing agent-based monitoring systems are incompatible with a VR's temporary nature, stripped-down operating system, and placement in the cloud. As a result, VRs are often not monitored, leading to undetected security incidents. This paper proposes a new security monitoring design that leverages virtualization instead of in-guest agents. Its hypervisor-based system, Arav, scrutinizes VRs by novel application of Virtual Machine Introspection (VMI) breakpoint injection. Arav monitored and addressed security-related events in two common VRs, pfSense and VyOS, and detected four attacks against two popular VR services, Quagga and OpenVPN. Arav's performance overhead is negligible, less than 0.63%, demonstrating VMI's utility in monitoring virtual machines unsuitable for traditional security monitoring.
Influence of diet and ambient water on hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope ratios in fish tissue: patterns within and among tissues and relationships with growth rates

The influence of food and ambient water on 2H and 18O isotopic composition in fish soft tissues, how growth affects tissue-specific composition, and relationships of isotope values within and among tissues are poorly known. We exposed age-0 largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) to ambient water and food with known δ2H and δ18O values for 65 days and analyzed liver and muscle for δ2H and δ18O levels. Liver δ2H but not δ18O was influenced by water isotopic concentrations and neither ratio was influenced by the isotopic composition of food. In contrast, water and food affected muscle δ2H, whereas muscle δ18O was only influenced by water isotopic values. We observed relationships between fish growth and muscle δ2H and δ18O, where increased growth led muscle to come closer into equilibrium with food and water isotope values, but found no relationships with growth and either liver δ2H or δ18O. Ratios of 2H and 18O were positively related within muscle and within liver of individuals, as were δ2H values between liver and muscle and δ18O values between tissues. Studies assessing 2H and 18O in temperate fishes should account for isotopic contributions from water and food and consider consequences of fish growth and timing of sample collection.
Nanomaterials for treating cardiovascular diseases: A review

Nanomaterials such as nanostructured surfaces, nanoparticles, and nanocomposites represent new viable sources for future therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. The special properties of nanomaterials such as their intrinsic physiochemical properties, surface energy and surface topographies could actively enhance desirable cellular responses within the cardiovascular system, projecting a growing potential for clinical translation. Recent progress on nanomaterials opened up new opportunities for treating cardiovascular diseases. Successful translation of nanomaterials into cardiovascular applications requires a comprehensive understanding of both nanomaterials and biomedicine, and, thus, it is critical to stress current advancements on both sides. In this review, the authors introduced crucial fabrication techniques for promising nanomaterials for cardiovascular applications. This review highlighted the key elements to consider for their fabrication, properties and applications. The important concerns relevant to cardiovascular nanomaterials, such as cellular responses to nanomaterials and the toxicity of nanomaterials, are also discussed. This review provided an overview of necessary knowledge and key concerns on nanomaterials specific for treating cardiovascular diseases, from the perspectives of both material science and biomedicine.
No Evidence to Support Number of Clinical Hours Necessary for Nursing Competency.

Abstract Introduction Direct patient care across the lifespan has been the standard for nursing clinical experiences over the past several years. Recently, the Ohio Board of Nursing ruled that 100% of pediatric clinical hours could be replaced with simulation. Purpose Make a recommendation for the number of direct patient care clinical hours in pediatrics that are needed to meet the pediatric nursing competencies. Method All fifty United States Boards of Nursing prelicensure nursing education requirements were reviewed to identify the number of required clinical hours and definitions for clinical experience. In addition, the Society of Pediatric Nurses members were surveyed to identify the number of direct pediatric clinical hours needed to achieve the Society of Pediatric Nurses pediatric pre-licensure competencies. Results Only ten states outline any requirements regarding the required number of clinical hours for prelicensure nursing education and twenty-six states incorporate language that defines clinical experiences. Conclusion All prelicensure students take the standardized National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), therefore, a consensus among the state boards of nursing outlining the minimum number of clinical hours required to reach nursing competency is needed. Practice Implications Based on the survey results of the Society of Pediatric Nurses' members and expert opinion of the pediatric authors, a minimum of 61 to 80 clinical hours in direct care of pediatric patients is necessary for nursing students to meet the Society of Pediatric Nurses' recommended pediatric nursing content, obtain pediatric nursing competency, and be able to care for pediatric patients and their families.
Using Patient Whiteboards to Engage Families in Harm Prevention and Care Planning: A Quality Improvement Study

OBJECTIVES: Whiteboards are a valuable tool used to facilitate communication between families and the care team, but they were underused in our institution. Our aim was to increase families’ knowledge of their child’s plan of care, safety plan, and medical care team names by increasing the use of patient whiteboards with inpatient populations at a freestanding quaternary care children’s hospital. METHODS: With this quality improvement study, we redesigned the whiteboard template to address the following 4 main barriers to use: (1) not having enough space to explain concepts to families, (2) having too much information to complete, (3) unclear roles of who completes the whiteboard, and (4) forgetting to update the whiteboard. We focused the content of the new template on critical information the family needed to know, assigned roles to make it easy to know who filled out which section, and used plain language. RESULTS: The use of each whiteboard section on the old templates (n = 92) versus new templates (n = 424) were compared. Use increased for all sections (plan of care [48.9% to 71.6%; P = .008], safety plan [4.3% to 22.8%; P ≤ .001], medical team [85.8% to 87.6%; P = .068], nurse’s name [94.5% to 98.8%; P = .031]). After the template redesign, 85.8% of families knew the plan of care, 32.3% knew the safety plan, 61.5% knew the medical team’s name, and 92.8% knew the nurse’s name. CONCLUSIONS: After the implementation of a new whiteboard template, we significantly increased the use of patient whiteboards and demonstrated improvement in families’ knowledge of the plan of care with inpatient populations at a freestanding quaternary care children’s hospital.
RNA interference by short hairpin RNAs expressed in vertebrate cells

RNA interference (RNAi) is now established as a general method to silence gene expression in a variety of organisms. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), when introduced to cells, interferes with the expression of homologous genes, disrupting their normal function. In mammals, transient delivery of synthetic short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which resemble the processed form of standard double stranded RNAi triggers, is effective in silencing mammalian genes. Issues related to transfer efficiency and duration of the silencing effect, however, restrict the spectrum of the applications of siRNAs in mammals. These shortcomings of siRNAs have been solved by the cellular expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) from DNA vectors. shRNAs are indistinguishable from siRNAs in terms of efficacy and mechanism but can be produced within cells from standard mammalian expression vectors. In this way, shRNA expression makes possible the creation of continuous cell lines and transgenic animals in which suppression of a target gene is stably maintained by RNAi. As a result, the types of RNAi-based gene function analysis that can be carried out in mammals have been greatly expanded. We describe methods for the construction and transfer of stable shRNA expressing vectors suitable for generating loss of function alleles in mammalian cells in vitro or in vivo.
Left intraventricular balloon pump optimization during intractable cardiac arrest.

This work aims to determine optimal balloon shape and volume during left intraventricular balloon pumping (IABP) in the fibrillating dog heart. A balloon volume equal to the left ventricular end-di...
Edwin Wilmsen’s Contributions to Ethnoarchaeology

Although Ed Wilmsen has made crucial contributions to ethoarchaeology, he does not identify himself as an ethnoarchaeologist, and so his important work in this field is often overlooked. He is not ...
Enrichment, isolation, and characterization of a nitropropanol metabolizing bacterium from the rumen

Astragalus species (Leguminosae) containing the toxin nitropropanol are poisonous and cause considerable loss of productivity in livestock. Ruminants can acquire tolerance to nitropropanol when rates of ruminal metabolism are increased; however, the microbes responsible for the detoxification are not known. We report here the isolation of a ruminal bacterium able to metabolize nitropropanol. This isolation was from populations of bovine rumen bacteria that were enriched for nitropropanol metabolizing organisms during consecutive batch culture in medium containing nitropropanol. Our evidence showed that nitropropanol
Benefits of Carrier-Pocket Anisotropy to Thermoelectric Performance: The Case of p -Type AgBiSe 2

Room-temperature thermoelectric applications have been impeded by a shortage of suitable materials. This study indicates that electronic anisotropy, in particular a one-dimensional feature of the Fermi surface, allows decoupling of the factors that largely determine electrical transport, elevating the dimensionless figure of merit ZT. The authors predict this electronic structure to occur specifically in the valence band of hexagonal AgBiSe${}_{2}$, but the concept is quite general and can guide the rational search for even better materials that will drive applications.
General surgery resident experience with anorectal surgery.

Abstract Background Previous studies have suggested that general surgery residents graduate with suboptimal anorectal experience. However, competence in anorectal procedures is an important part of general surgery training. Methods ACGME general surgery resident case logs from 1999 to 2017 were reviewed. Mean number of anorectal procedures were evaluated, comparing Period 1 (1999–2008) and Period 2 (2009–2017). Results Between 1999 and 2017, the mean number of all anorectal procedures performed by each general surgery resident has increased from 25.9 to 32.4 (by 25%). Between Period 1 and 2, mean numbers of total anorectal procedures, abscess drainage, fistula repair, hemorrhoidectomy, prolapse repair, other anorectal procedures all increased (p ≤ 0.01). Mean numbers of sphincterotomy/sphincteroplasty and other procedures for fecal incontinence significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions General surgery residents have gained more experience in some anorectal procedures over time. The required number of procedures to establish competence is not well defined and should be formally evaluated.
Analysis of 207,543 children with acute opioid poisonings from the United States National Poison Data System.

AbstractIntroduction: Previous studies using administrative data have demonstrated that the United States opioid epidemic is harming both adults and children, and is straining health care systems. ...
Temporal vision is related to cognitive function in preadolescent children.

The relation between visual processing speed (critical flicker fusion thresholds [CFF] and psychomotor reaction time) and higher-level cognitive function was assessed using a cross-sectional sample...
Personal Social Networks in Later-Life Alcohol and Cigarette Use

This study examines the social network factors that influence health risk behaviors – specifically cigarette use and alcohol consumption – over time in a sample of older adults in the United States...
Deterrence and liability for intentional torts

Abstract Law and economics suggests that liability for intentional torts is motivated by deterrence. The tortfeasor’s investments in undertaking the intentional act and the victim’s investments in precautions against the harm arising from the act are likely to be socially wasteful. Further, especially in the case of battery, the benefit of committing the intentional act will generally fall short of the loss to the victim. For these reasons, it makes sense to impose liability on the tortfeasor for the full loss experienced by the victim of an intentional tort. This deterrence theory requires that intentional tortfeasors are sensitive to liability exposure. To test this assumption, we examine changes in state-level homicide rates in response to caps on non-economic damages in tort. We find that murder rates increase by more than 5 percent when states adopt caps on non-economic damages.
Safety Protocols for Adolescent Substance Use Research in Clinical Settings.

Abstract Purpose Research involving adolescent risk behaviors must balance data confidentiality with participant safety when risky behaviors are revealed. This report details a safety protocol and reports the experience of two contemporaneous studies that used it with variant safety thresholds. Methods We developed a safety protocol for research with adolescent patients and used it in two concurrent studies of adolescent patients, aged 14–18 years. Study “PC” recruited participants from a primary care adolescent medical clinic (N = 490), and Study “SP” recruited participants from subspecialty pediatric clinics (N = 434); both studies involved a similar self-administered assessment of health behaviors. The protocol sets thresholds for clinical intervention (positive safety flags) for past 3-month heavy alcohol consumption (Study PC: 10 or more drinks and Study SP: “binge-”level drinking), illicit drug use other than marijuana and alcohol in combination with a substance other than marijuana, and sets a positive screen for depression. We examined the rates of positive safety flags in both protocol settings, used significance testing to describe demographic differences between participants with and without positive flags in both studies, and described clinician experiences with protocol implementation. Results In studies PC/SP, .6%/8.8% of participants were flagged for heavy alcohol consumption, respectively; .2%/0% for illicit drug use, 2.2%/.7% for combination substance use, and 14.9%/4.8% for depression. Some clinicians found managing positive flags challenging, although both studies completed recruitment on time and without serious adverse events. Conclusions The protocol was feasible in clinical settings. The findings and experiences documented in this report could be useful for future protocols.
A clinicopathologic examination of myxofibrosarcoma. Do surgical margins significantly affect local recurrence rates in this infiltrative sarcoma subtype

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is an aggressive soft tissue tumor with an unpredictable recurrence pattern. We sought to (a) determine whether margin status in MFS is correlated to rates of local recurrence (LR) and (b) identify demographic and treatment variables associated with disease-related outcomes in this population. METHODS This retrospective study identified 42 surgically treated patients with MFS over 10 years at a single institution. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative variables, and disease-related outcomes were recorded. RESULTS Thirty-three (83%) patients had negative surgical margins and seven (18%) had positive margins. Four of 32 patients (13%) with negative margins developed subsequent LR compared to six of seven (86%) patients with positive margins (p < .001). Three patients (75%) with metastatic disease were deceased at the end of the study, while five (15%) without metastasis were deceased (p = .024). CONCLUSIONS Positive margin procedures for MFS were associated with LR. However, negative surgical margins demonstrated a relatively high rate of LR compared to other soft tissue sarcoma subtypes. Furthermore, though MFS tends to locally recur and have a propensity for distant metastasis, patients are observed to have a higher probability of death from other causes.
Proteome Composition of Bovine Amniotic Membrane and Its Potential Role in Corneal Healing.

Purpose To investigate the protein profile of bovine amniotic membranes (bAM) and to determine putative associations between protein composition in bAM and known corneal healing pathways. Methods The bAM were acquired from normal full-term births (n = 10), processed, and stored at -80°C for two days. Subsequently, the frozen membranes were thawed at room temperature and prepared for proteomic exploration using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Recently identified corneal healing pathways were contrasted with protein profiles and pathways present in bAM. Results The analyses identified 2105 proteins, with an interactive network of 1271 nodes (proteins) and 8757 edges (interactions). The proteins with higher betweenness centrality measurements include microfibril-associated protein 4, HSD3B1, CAPNS1, ATP1B3, CAV1, ANXA2, YARS, and GAPDH. The top four pathways in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were ribosome, metabolic pathway, spliceosome, and oxidative phosphorylation. The bAM and cornea shared abundant proteins, genome ontology, and signaling pathways. Conclusions The high-throughput proteomic profile of the bAM demonstrated that numerous proteins present in the cornea are also present in this fetal membrane. Our findings collectively demonstrate the similarity between bAM and the cornea's protein composition, supporting our hypothesis that bAM can be used to treat corneal diseases.
Post-Elastic Behavior of Wide-Flange Steel Beams

Relationship of flexural strength and fully plastic strength of wide flange steel sections is explained; based on tests on 21 simple beams of various cross sectional dimensions and moment gradients, semi-empirical expressions for strengths and deformations are established and expressions for effective moment curvature relationships for any rolled steel section are obtained; results are compared with rigid plastic and elastic theories.
American residents' knowledge of brown bear safety and appropriate human behavior

The popularity of viewing wildlife, specifically brown bears (Ursus arctos), is increasing rapidly throughout North America. In addition, population distributions of both humans and brown bears are expanding, creating larger areas of overlap and increased possibility of human–bear interactions. Unfortunately, many who encounter brown bears may have never received any form of bear safety training or education. As a result, it is important for wildlife and park managers to understand the general level of bear safety knowledge and identify potential areas of improvement. To do so, this study employed a quantitative self-assessment questionnaire, distributed online to a representative sample of the American public in October of 2019. The questionnaires asked respondents about their experience viewing bears and then asked them to rate the likelihood of performing several actions as well as the perceived appropriateness of each behavior for 12 different bear viewing scenarios. Of 511 complete responses, 40% reported seeing a wild brown bear but the majority struggled to identify brown versus American black bears (U. americanus) in photographs, suggesting species-specific behavioral recommendations may be ineffective. Further, several factors were significant predictors of an individual's perceived appropriateness of the listed human behaviors, including age, gender identity, source of bear safety information, and experience with bears. Results were then used to develop a set of meaningful recommendations to improve the efficacy of current bear management and safety education. Primary recommendations include the following: 1) Increase the focus on appropriate rather than inappropriate behaviors, explaining the reasoning behind such suggestions; 2) Pay special attention to overly confident individuals or those with more experience; and 3) Use photographs, videos, and virtual reality experiences to better prepare visitors for a range of potential encounter scenarios.
Lessons Learned: Management of Breast Cancer Patients throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose of Review The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 presented a multitude of challenges for physicians nationwide. Standard of care treatment was tailored to protect patients from virus exposure, while delivering safe and adequate care. This article reviews the steps taken to treat and protect breast cancer patients during the pandemic and reentry approaches to resume care. Recent Findings Breast cancer experts rapidly convened to develop treatment guidelines during the pandemic. These recommendations encompass screening approach, prioritization of breast cancer patients, educational modifications, research and data considerations, and a re-entry treatment approach as the pandemic evolved. Without prior experience with a pandemic of this magnitude, these guidelines were based on expert knowledge and previously established data. Summary This emergency forced physicians to operate in a more efficient and effective manner to deliver value-based patient care, and future evaluation of these adjustments will determine if overall patient outcomes were compromised.
Marketing Educational Services to Returning Adults

This research investigates service attributes and factors that influenced potential returning adults in college/university choices. Respondents rank quality-faculty, accreditation, and job-oriented majors highest among academic factors and convenient schedules, campus location and safety highest among non-academic factors. Marketing strategies for targeting returning adults are discussed.
Enterovirus-D68 Associated Acute Anterior Horn Cell Injury (P7.040)

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of enterovirus D68-associated anterior horn cell injury BACKGROUND: Enterovirus-D68 is a known cause of respiratory symptoms. Recently, Enterovirus-D68 infection has become associated with acute flaccid paralysis. The pathophysiology may be analogous to that of poliomyelitis. Poliomyelitis is an enterovirus that can cause neuronophagia, particularly in the anterior and intermediate gray matter in the spinal cord. Prior to 2014 there have been few cases of Enterovirus-D68 associated acute flaccid paralysis. In Colorado from August 9 to September 17, 2014 a cluster of 9 cases of acute focal limb weakness was reported. Nasopharyngeal specimens were positive Enterovirus-D68 in four patients. During the period of September to October 2014, three patients presented to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse with acute focal limb weakness. One of the three patients tested positive for EV-D68. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 17 month old female presented with acute right lower extremity weakness. Five days prior to presentation, she had developed rhinorrhea, cough, and intermittent fever. Examination revealed a flaccid right lower extremity with no spontaneous movement. Left lower extremity also exhibited diminished power. Sensation and reflexes were intact. NCS study revealed low compound muscle action potentials and absent F-waves in both peroneal and the left tibial nerves, with normal sensory potentials. No motor units were recruited during EMG examination and fibrillation potentials were absent. The results were interpreted as consistent with acute motor axonal neuropathy, polyradiculopathy or motor neuronopathy. Nasopharyngeal swab was positive for enterovirus D68. CSF revealed mononuclear pleocytosis with normal protein and glucose. MRI of brain and spinal cord with and without contrast were normal. Follow-up clinical data and EMG studies will be reported. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide further evidence that Enterovirus-D68 may cause acute focal limb weakness. We posit that the site of injury is the anterior horn cell. Disclosure: Dr. Williams has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fermin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bradshaw has received research support from Cytokinetcs.
Natural history and surgical management of incidentally discovered low-grade gliomas

Object Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are rarely diagnosed as an incidental, asymptomatic finding, and it is not known how the early surgical management of these tumors might affect outcome. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with incidental and symptomatic LGGs and determine any prognostic factors associated with those outcomes. Methods All patients treated by the lead author for an LGG incidentally discovered between 1999 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. “Incidental” was defined as a finding on imaging that was obtained for a reason not attributable to the glioma, such as trauma or headache. Primary outcomes included overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and malignant PFS. Patients with incidental LGGs were compared with a previously reported cohort of patients with symptomatic gliomas. Results Thirty-five patients with incidental LGGs were identified. The most common reasons for head imaging were headache not associated with mass effect (31.4%) and trauma (2...
Requirement for PD-1 in the induction and maintenance of tolerance differs depending on tolerogenic stimulus (BA8P.118)

The inhibitory receptor Programed Death (PD)-1 interacting with PD-L1 is important for tolerance since blocking this pathway accelerates autoimmunity. However, the mechanisms by which PD-1/PD-L1 contribute to tolerance remain unclear. In this study we tracked endogenous insulin-specific CD4 T cells in mice that are susceptible (NOD) or resistant (B6.g7) to Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Despite the presence of insulin-reactive CD4 T cells in both strains, anti-PD-L1 precipitated T1D in NOD but not B6.g7 mice. Accelerated T1D in NOD mice correlated with increased numbers of insulin-specific CD4 T cells in the spleen, pancreatic LN, and pancreas. The number of cells increased in the pancreatic LN of B6.g7, but not the spleen or pancreas, suggesting that loss of PD-1 signaling was insufficient to promote trafficking to the pancreas in these mice. Unexpectedly, the breakdown of self tolerance in NOD mice did not rely on PD-1 signals as anergic cells did not change with PD-1 blockade. Rather, PD-1 was more important for regulating effector T cells. This contrasts data using antigen-coupled ECDI-fixed cells to induce anergy in potently activated effector cells during T1D in NOD, where PD-1/PD-L1 ligation is required for both the induction and maintenance of tolerance. This work reveals the role PD-1 signaling has for different contexts of tolerance, and has important therapeutic implications for use of PD-1 inhibitors in patients.
The stump-stitch technique for vaginal hysterectomy.

Abstract The damage which is caused by the action of crushing clamps, and the danger of placing the ligatures in the line of the separating cut, in dissecting a bridge of tissue, are briefly mentioned. The stump-stitch technique is recommended for achieving perfect hemostasis of the parametrium and the adnexa in vaginal hysterectomy. The stitch must be applied through the entire thickness of the stump and as close to the ligature as possible. The importance of making flat square knots is stressed. A new technique of tying square knots with the ligatures of the parametrium is presented. New features are: (1) The elimination of unligated areas in dissecting a bridge of tissue by stitches through the previous stump, (2) the use of the stump-stitch technique in vaginal hysterectomy, (3) the performance of only partial dissection of ligated tissue as a means of facilitating the exposure of the previous ligature, (4) the regular placing of the stump stitch close to the ligature, (5) the technique of tying a flat square knot in the sagittal plane, and (6) the technique of the passing maneuver.
Quantifying tillage translocation and deposition rates due to moldboard plowing in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest, USA

Most of the erosion research in the Palouse region of eastern Washington State, USA has focused on quantifying the rates and patterns of water erosion for purposes of conservation planing. Tillage translocation, however, has largely been overlooked as a significant geomorphic process on Palouse hill slopes. Tillage translocation and tillage deposition together have resulted in severe soil degradation in many steep croplands of the Palouse region. Few controlled experiments have heretofore been conducted to model these important geomorphic processes on Palouse hillslopes. The overarching purpose of this investigation, therefore, was to model tillage translocation and deposition due to moldboard plowing in the Palouse region. Soil movement by moldboard plowing was measured using 480-steel flat washers. Washers were buried in silt loam soils on convex-convex shoulder, linear-convex backslope, and linear-concave footslope landform components, and then displaced from their original burial locations by a moldboard plow pulled by a wheel tractor traveling parallel to the contour at ca. 1.0 m s -1 . Displaced washers were located using a metal detector, and the distance and azimuth of the resultant displacement of each washer from its original burial location was measured using compass and tape. Resultant displacement distances were then resolved into their component vectors of displacement parallel and perpendicular to the contour. A linear regression equation was developed expressing mean soil displacement distance as a function of slope gradient. Tillage translocation and deposition were modeled as diffusion-type geomorphic processes, and their rates were described in terms of the diffusion constant (k). A multivariate statistical model was developed expressing mean soil displacement distance as a function of gravimetric moisture content, soil bulk density, slope gradient, and direction of furrow slice displacement. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a weak correlation between soil displacement and both bulk density and moisture content. Soil displacement was, however, significantly correlated with direction of furrow slice displacement. Tillage translocation rates were expressed in terms of the diffusion constant (k) and ranged from 105 to 113 kg m -1 per tillage operation. Tillage deposition rates ranged from 54 to 148 kg m -1 per tillage operation. With respect to tillage deposition, the diffusion constant calculated from volumetric measurements of tillage deposits equals ca. 150 kg/m. The rates of tillage translocation and deposition are not completely in balance; however, these rates do suggest that soil tillage is a significant geomorphic process on Palouse hillslopes and could account for the some of the variations in soil physical properties and crop yield potential at the hillslope and farm-field scale in the Palouse region.
Renewable fuels for the future

That we will require renewable fuels for the future seems an almost obligatory need. This will be largely due not only to the exhaustion of our existing clean hydrocarbon and possibly gas reserves, but to the almost intractable air pollution problem which the combustion of fossil carbon to carbon dioxide produces. The most immediate source of renewable fuel is of course the annually growing plants themselves. Some of these produce hydrocarbon directly and may be economic. In the more distant future the mechanisms by which the plant captures solar quanta and converts them into stable chemical form may be useful in devising totally synthetic devices that will do a similar thing.
An Integrated, Systems Approach to the Development of Solar Fuel Generators

40% of current global transportation fuel is consumed in uses for which electrification is technically difficult, if not impossible, such as in heavy-duty trucks, ships, and aircraft.2 Exhaustive use of advanced biofuels might possibly supply adequate carbon-neutral transportation fuel for these uses, but could not then also fulfill the requirement for long term, massive, grid-scale energy storage.3 Chemical fuels are desirable for energy storage because fuels are the most energy-dense storage medium known to man (other than the atomic nucleus), and could simultaneously provide a means to baseload at scale intermittent renewable energy resources while also fulfilling gaps in the need for high energy-density, carbon neutral, sustainable, transportation fuels.4 Hence a clear rationale exists to
Via placement for minimum interconnect delay in three-dimensional (3D) circuits

The propagation delay of interlayer 3D interconnects is investigated in this paper. For RC interconnects connecting two circuits located on different physical planes, the interconnect delay is minimized by optimally placing the non-stacked interlayer vias. The problem of determining this optimum via locations under the Elmore delay model is described as a geometric program. Simulations indicate delay improvements of up to 26% for relatively short interconnect. The proposed approach is also compared with a wire sizing algorithm. Timing-driven via placement exhibits better results both in terms of delay and power consumption.
Two Chimeric Regulators of G-protein Signaling (RGS) Proteins Differentially Modulate Soybean Heterotrimeric G-protein Cycle

Heterotrimeric G-proteins and the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins, which accelerate the inherent GTPase activity of Gα proteins, are common in animals and encoded by large gene families; however, in plants G-protein signaling is thought to be more limited in scope. For example, Arabidopsis thaliana contains one Gα, one Gβ, three Gγ, and one RGS protein. Recent examination of the Glycine max (soybean) genome reveals a larger set of G-protein-related genes and raises the possibility of more intricate G-protein networks than previously observed in plants. Stopped-flow analysis of GTP-binding and GDP/GTP exchange for the four soybean Gα proteins (GmGα1–4) reveals differences in their kinetic properties. The soybean genome encodes two chimeric RGS proteins with an N-terminal seven transmembrane domain and a C-terminal RGS box. Both GmRGS interact with each of the four GmGα and regulate their GTPase activity. The GTPase-accelerating activities of GmRGS1 and -2 differ for each GmGα, suggesting more than one possible rate of the G-protein cycle initiated by each of the Gα proteins. The differential effects of GmRGS1 and GmRGS2 on GmGα1–4 result from a single valine versus alanine difference. The emerging picture suggests complex regulation of the G-protein cycle in soybean and in other plants with expanded G-protein networks.
A Food Frequency Questionnaire can Detect Pregnancy-Related Changes in Diet

Abstract Objective To determine whether a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) can detect changes in dietary intake before pregnancy to mid-pregnancy relative to a 4-day food record. Design FFQs and 4-day, weighed food records (4DRs) were completed during similar time intervals before pregnancy and again near mid-pregnancy by women served by a large health maintenance organization in the Minneapolis-St Paul, Minn, area. The outcome of interest was change in the intake of energy and 16 nutrients. Participants were members of the Diana Project, a prospective study of relationships among prepregnancy and pregnancy nutritional and other exposures and reproductive outcomes. Fifty-six (51%) of the eligible women completed the study. Subjects Well-educated, healthy, white women. Statistical analyses performed Spearman rank order correlations. Results Mean energy and nutrient intake levels estimated using the 4DR were generally higher than those estimated using the FFQ. Correlations between change in energy and nutrient intakes measured by the 4DR and FFQ ranged from 0.75 for vitamin C to 0.02 for cholesterol and averaged 0.48. Applications Comparisons with 4DRs indicate that the FFQ used in this study is appropriate for obtaining reliable estimates of prepregnancy to mid-pregnancy changes in intake of energy and a number of nutrients in similar groups of women. J Am Diet Assoc. 1996; 96:262-266 .
Ureteral Replacement with Ileum in Transverse Colon Conduit

A case of replacement of a damaged ureter with ileum, in a previously constructed transverse colon conduits, is reported. This is an attractive surgical alternative that deserves a place as a reconstructive procedure in the management of ureteral complications following urinary diversion.
Neonatal enucleation induces an asymmetric pattern of visual callosal connections in hamsters.

Autoradiography and the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique were used to investigate visual callosal connections in normal hamsters and in animals which had one eye removed at birth. In normals and in the cortex contralateral to the remaining eye in the neonatal enucleates, callosal cells and terminal labeling were restricted to the region around the area 17–18a border. In the cortex ipsilateral to the remaining eye in the neonatal enucleates labeled cells and terminal labeling were observed throughout areas 17 and 18a.
Redox rich dicobalt macrocycles as templates for multi-electron transformations

Pyridazine-templated dicobalt macrocycles reversibly support five oxidation states with unusually positive CoII/CoI redox couples, and are also active proton reduction electrocatalysts.
Thermodynamics and nucleation of bubbles in normal and superfluid liquid helium-4 at negative pressures

We report on a theoretical investigation of liquid helium-4 at negative pressures. For normal liquid helium we estimate the thermodynamic functions for negative pressure via extrapolation of measurements made for positive pressures. We determine the free energy as a function of density and temperature and find the location of the liquid-vapor spinodal. The results of these calculations are used to construct a temperature-dependent density-functional scheme to describe the inhomogeneous liquid. This density functional is then applied to calculate the rate at which bubbles nucleate in the liquid at negative pressures. We include a discussion of the properties of the superfluid phase based on the use of Landau's quasi-particle model.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated inhibition of LNCaP prostate cancer cell growth and hormone-induced transactivation.

Abstract LNCaP prostate cancer cells express the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and treatment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) induces CYP1A1 protein and an Ah-responsive reporter gene. Similar results were obtained with the selective AhR modulator 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (6-MCDF); however, TCDD but not 6-MCDF induced degradation of the AhR protein. TCDD and 6-MCDF inhibited growth of LNCaP cells, and inhibitory AhR-androgen receptor (AR) crosstalk was investigated in cells transfected with constructs containing the androgen-responsive probasin promoter (−288 to +28) (pPB) or three copies of the −244 to −96 region of this promoter (pARR 3 ). Ten nanomolar dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 17β-estradiol (E2) induced transactivation in LNCaP cells transfected with pPB or pARR 3 ; however, inhibitory AhR-AR crosstalk was observed only with the latter construct. 6-MCDF and TCDD did not inhibit DHT- or E2-induced transactivation in ZR-75 human breast cancer cells, indicating that these interactions were promoter and cell context-dependent. Both E2 and DHT stabilized AR protein in LNCaP cells; however, cotreatment with TCDD or 6-MCDF decreased AR protein levels. These results indicate that inhibitory AhR-AR crosstalk in prostate cancer cells is complex and for some responses, AR protein stability may play a role.
Isomeric aminoacyl-tRNAs are both bound by elongation factor Tu.

Abstract Recent suggestions that elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) is specific for 2'-O-aminoacyl-tRNA, as compared with the 3'-isomer, prompted us to assay [3H]aminoacyl-tRNAs from Escherichia coli terminating in 2'- or 3'-deoxyadenosine for binding to EF-Tu to determine the possible positional specificity of the factor. Binding of modified aminaocyl-tRNAs to EF-Tu-GTP was measured both as a function of the ability of EF-Tu-GTP to diminish the rate of chemical deacylation of [3H]aminoacyl-tRNAs and by gel filtration of the individual ternary complexes. Fifteen different tRNA isoacceptors were tested by the deacylation procedure, including three (tRNAAsp, tRNACys, and tRNATyr) for which isomeric modified aminoacyl-tRNAs were available. All of the modified aminoacyl-tRNAs were protected fromdeacylation, although generally to a lesser extent than the corresponding unmodified species. Six modified tRNA isoacceptors (including tRNATrp and tRNATyr, for which both modified aminoacyl-tRNAs were accessible by enzymatic aminoacylation) were used in gel filtration experiments to permit direct measurement of the individual aminoacyl-tRNA-EF-Tu-GTP complexes. These experiments were also done in the presence of equimolar amounts of the corresponding unmodified [14C]aminoacyl-tRNAs, and the relative affinities for a limiting amount of EF-Tu-GTP were measured. The results were completely consistent with those obtained by the deacylation procedure and indicated that EF-Tu can bind to both positional isomers of aminoacyl-tRNA with no obvious preference for either.
Identifying areas of basin-floor recharge in the Trans-Pecos region and the link to vegetation

Abstract Comparative water potential and chloride profiles (∼10 m deep) collected from four vegetation communities in the Trans-Pecos region of the Chihuahuan Desert were assessed to evaluate the potential for using vegetation patterns as a means of efficiently improving large-scale estimates of basin-floor recharge in semiarid and arid regions. Analytical solutions and multiphase flow and transport modeling constrained flux histories and current fluxes across the water table at each site. Chloride bulge profiles containing ∼12–15 kyr of atmospheric deposition and long-term drying water potential profiles typified most desertscrub and grassland sites. In contrast, evidence of episodic sub-root zone percolation and chloride profiles containing
Method for determination of silicon in plant materials by neutron activation analysis

Silicon has been found to be an essential element for the growth and development of many ecomomically important plants such as sugarcane, rice, oats, and wheat. A method is described for the quantitative determination of silicon in plant samples. Measurements were made with two Ge(Li) detectors matched with a multiplexing unit to provide a single amplified signal to a computerized analyzer system. For those materials containing greater than 0.5 weight percent silicon, the reaction29Si(n, p)29Al (1273 keV) provides a direct measurement of the quantity of silicon provided the irradiation is done in a special boron nitride capsule to reduce interferences from thermal neutron reactions and a correction is made for the single escape line from28Al (1268 keV). For lesser quantities of silicon, a technique which utilizes the fast neutron reaction28Si(n, p)28Al is preferred. Corrections for the interference produced by the presence of phosphorus31P(n, α)28Al are made by determining the phosphorus content following the instrumental analysis using a unique application of neutron activation analysis, i. e., measurement of tungsten in tungstomolybdophosphoric acid produced when molybdate and tungstate ions are added to dissolved samples of the plant material containing phosphorus. Aluminum, which may also produce an interference by thermal neutron reaction27Al(n, γ)28Al, is determined directly from the original activation data after subtracting out the effect of the phosphorus. Thus, three irradiations in the pneumatic sample irradiator are necessary; one short irradiation (1 min) without thermal neutron shielding, a longer irradiation (6 min) in the boron capsule, and a final irradiation of the tungstomolybdophosphoric acid provide all data required to accurately determine silicon in plant materials. A computer program has been developed that provides rapid reduction of the data in final report format. Elements such as sodium, chlorine, calcium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium extrinsic to the analysis for silicon are also determined by this method. The method has been tested on a large number of samples and reliable results are obtained with less than 0.2 g of sample.
Steady state axisymmetric deformations of a thermoviscoplastic rod striking a hemispherical rigid cavity

Abstract Steady state thermomechanical deformations of a semi-infinite rod moving at a very high speed and hitting a rigid hemispherical cavity are studied. It is assumed that the deformations of the rod are axisymmetric, that its material can be modeled as rigid-viscoplastic, that the material exhibits work-hardening, strain-rate hardening and thermal softening effects, and that the contact between the deforming rod and the cavity surface is smooth. It is found that the axial force experienced by the rod depends strongly upon its speed. An effort has been made to identify the effect of work hardening, strain-rate hardening and thermal softening on the deformations of the rod. Results computed and presented graphically include the distribution of the velocity field, the temperature change, the second-invariant of the strain-rate tensor and the principal stresses in the deforming region. Also plotted are the normal tractions on the cavity wall.