cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Respect for Patients' Autonomy

ABSTRACT Background Respect for patients' autonomy is an ethical principle in health care highlighted in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. The author presents a case example to illustrate its importance in dentistry. Methods Using a clinical example of disrespect for patients' autonomy, the author underscores the importance of incorporating normative ethical principles in patient-dentist relationships. Conclusions Respect for patients' autonomy sustains healthy boundaries between patients and the clinician. It underscores the importance of providing patient education and counsel without attempting to persuade or manipulate patients for dentists' benefit. Practice Implications Respect for patients' autonomy is a fundamental principle of health care ethics that patients expect dentists to follow. The author encourages dentists to incorporate this principle into every patient encounter.
Numerical criteria for divisors on to be ample

The moduli space of n -pointed stable curves of genus g is stratified by the topological type of the curves being parameterized: the closure of the locus of curves with k nodes has codimension k . The one-dimensional components of this stratification are smooth rational curves called F -curves. These are believed to determine all ample divisors. F - conjecture A divisor on is ample if and only if it positively intersects the F - curves . In this paper, proving the F -conjecture on is reduced to showing that certain divisors on for N ⩽ g + n are equivalent to the sum of the canonical divisor plus an effective divisor supported on the boundary. Numerical criteria and an algorithm are given to check whether a divisor is ample. By using a computer program called the Nef Wizard, written by Daniel Krashen, one can verify the conjecture for low genus. This is done on for g ⩽24, more than doubling the number of cases for which the conjecture is known to hold and showing that it is true for the first genera such that is known to be of general type.
The Allocation of Housework: Extending the Gender Display Approach

The current study attempts a simultaneous testing of economic models, the gender display perspective, and gender-deviance neutralization hypothesis that attempt to explain present housework arrangements between men and women. The study uses fixed effects models that can produce more robust coefficients than the standard regression models generally used in cross-sectional designs. The findings in the study reveal the inadequacy of economic models and the gender display theory to account for men’s housework behavior. The study introduces the marital contract hypothesis as an alternative theoretical framework for explaining men’s housework behavior. According to the study, what is crucial for achieving housework parity is changes in women’s gender related attitudes and their economic and labor market standing and orientation to paid work. The study suggests that attempting to change men’s gender beliefs can do little to achieve the goal of housework parity.
Child Behavior During Sequential Dental Visits

A statistically significant relationship was observed between the behavior of 86 children (3 to 7 years old) who underwent an oral examination on their initial dental visit and their mothers’ scores on the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale and a short preoperative questionnaire. This relationship was not found for the second and third visits when restorative procedures were performed.
SU-E-T-459: Distance Matters — the Minimum CTV-To-Bladder Distance Tells All in HDR Cervical Cancer Treatment

Purpose: Bladder/rectum sparing is always the challenge in HDR 3D CT‐guided brachytherapy treatment planning for cervical cancer due to the tight separation between them and High Risk Clinical Target Volume (HRCTV). In this study, we analyzed the minimum CTV‐to‐Bladder distance (MCBD), the minimum CTV‐to‐Rectum distance (MCRD), dose to 2cc of bladder (BD(2cc)) and rectum (RD(2cc)) respectively. The potential application of MCBD and MCRD as plan optimization indicators was investigated. Methods: Total 49 consecutive HDR plans for 11 patients with stage I–IIB cervical cancer were retrospectively reviewed. The prescribed dose (PD) was either 6 Gy/fraction × 5 or 7 Gy/fraction × 4 fractions. For each plan, MCBD and MCRD were measured on relevant transverse CT slices. BD(2cc), RD(2cc), the minimum dose cover 90% HRCTV (D90) were recorded. All plans were optimized with dose constrains BD(2cc) 90%PD. Results: For 49 insertions, MCRD was 14±7mm. MCBD was 2±1mm. D90 was 100±15%PD. RD(2cc) and BD(2cc) were 57±12%, 74±10% of PD respectively. The correlation coefficient of MCBD and BD(2cc) was 0.31(p=0.03), indicating that bladder dose was significantly impacted by MCBD.Among 49 insertions, 19 cases had MCBD 75% PD and D90 96±13%PD. 13 cases had 1mm 75% PD. 17 out of 49 insertions had MCBD>2mm with D90 105±15%PD. Only 2/17 cases had BD(2cc)>75% PD. For 46/49 insertions, MCRD was >=5mm, which caused RD(2cc) extremely low. Conclusion: Our study shows that bladder sparing is correlated with MCBD. 65% of 49 insertions had MCBD 75%PD. We believe that MCBD and MCRD can be used as plan optimization indicators. When any of them is <2mm, the target coverage would be comprised in order to spare bladder or rectum. This allows physicians have a reasonable expectation before plan is completed and guide further insertions.
Metastable b.c.c. mischmetal

The b.c.c. phase in the MM-Mg system (where MM ≡ mischmetal) can be metastably retained at room temperature for magnesium compositions within the range 16–20 at.%. The retention of the b.c.c. phase at lower compositions was restricted by quenching rate and at higher concentrations by the precipitation of the MM-Mg intermetallic compound. The lattice parameter for the hypothetically pure b.c.c. mischmetal phase was determined by extrapolation. Magnetic susceptibility data suggest a Neel temperature at approximately 20 K, which was independent of the magnesium composition. The effective magnetic moment per gram-atom-magnetic lanthanide was 2.79 μβ (in excellent agreement with theory) and also independent of the magnesium composition. The observed Curie-Weiss temperature values, however, decreased with increasing magnesium content. As a part of this study, the mischmetal-rich portion of the MM-Mg equilibrium phase diagram was determined. An undercooling effect of approximately 40 °C around the eutectoid composition (approximately 17 at.% Mg) was observed in thermal analysis data. The sluggishness of the b.c.c. → d.h.c.p. + MMMg reaction was considered to be a major factor in the retention of the b.c.c. structure in the MM-Mg system.
Profiles of States as Fuzzy Sets: Methodological Refinement of Lateral Pressure Theory

One of the most serious challenges in international relations pertains to the theory and measurement of transformation and change. This paper proposes, and then develops a conceptual and methodological extension in the measurement of change within and across states as postulated by lateral pressure theory. It argues, and shows, that by conceptualizing the profiles of states identified by lateral pressure theory using fuzzy logic, we can systematically and precisely locate and track relative changes in the distribution of states within and across profile spaces, across geographical regions, as well as over time. This may be an important step toward identifying and possibly anticipating changes in the configuration of states, including conflict-prone constellations, before they escalate into conflict or war. It may also improve our understanding of those regions of the world and help articulate the implications of significant geopolitical changes as they occur.
Bluetongue virus and white-tailed deer in an enzootic area of Texas.

A ten-year serologic and virologic investigation into the activity of enzootic bluetongue (BT) virus was conducted in southern Texas white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texanus). Eighty-nine percent of 484 adult deer, 36% of 129 juvenile deer and 93% of 182 neonatal deer were sero-positive of BT. Antibody was not detected in fetal fawns but was found in colostrum samples. Sentinel fawn studies demonstrated that maternal antibody persists at least 8 weeks and that BT was transmitted during the fall months. The virus was isolated from a sentinel fawn but could not be recovered from deer with antibody or with organizing lesions suggestive of previous BT infection. Virus was not isolated from deer ectoparasites.
School Program Selection: Why Schools Worldwide Choose the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program

School improvement and reform efforts frequently involve the adoption of a new curriculum program. This article examines the factors that influence program selection when schools have freedom to choose as opposed to having programs mandated by district, state, or national education authorities. Survey and document analysis are used to examine the self-reported reasons for program selection for 336 public and independent schools worldwide who, between 1994–2007, adopted the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. The analysis suggests that while issues of implementation, marketing, branding, and the support of an external agency for quality control and professional development are acknowledged by schools as influencing program selection, the most important determinant of International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program selection was a perceived match between the existing school philosophy and program elements that supported it.
Comparative Study of Velocities Under Hydrostatic And Non-hydrostatic Stress In Sands

In this paper, we compare Vp measured under hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic stress conditions in a sand. We describe how we apply isotropic stress using a polyaxial apparatus. We examine velocities in three perpendicular directions as function of stress and find that Vp under hydrostatic pressure is higher than Vp measured under nonhydrostatic isotropic stress. Furthermore, we observe that velocity anisotropy revealed the intrinsic anisotropy in the sands.
Mutants of 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase catalyze the decarboxylation of oxaloacetate through an imine mechanism

A designed single amino acid substitution can alter the catalytic activity and mechanism of 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT). While the wild-type enzyme catalyzes only the tautomerization of oxalocrotonate, the Pro1Ala mutant (P1A) catalyzes two reactions--the original tautomerization reaction and the decarboxylation of oxaloacetate. Although the N-terminal amine group of P1A is involved in both reactions, our results support a nucleophilic mechanism for the decarboxylase activity, in contrast to the general acid/base mechanism that has been previously established for the tautomerase activity. These findings demonstrate that a single catalytic group in a 4-OT mutant can catalyze two reactions by two different mechanisms.
Real-time identification and localization of body parts from depth images

We deal with the problem of detecting and identifying body parts in depth images at video frame rates. Our solution involves a novel interest point detector for mesh and range data that is particularly well suited for analyzing human shape. The interest points, which are based on identifying geodesic extrema on the surface mesh, coincide with salient points of the body, which can be classified as, e.g., hand, foot or head using local shape descriptors. Our approach also provides a natural way of estimating a 3D orientation vector for a given interest point. This can be used to normalize the local shape descriptors to simplify the classification problem as well as to directly estimate the orientation of body parts in space. Experiments involving ground truth labels acquired via an active motion capture system show that our interest points in conjunction with a boosted patch classifier are significantly better in detecting body parts in depth images than state-of-the-art sliding-window based detectors.
Comment on “Structural stability and electronic structure for Li 3 Al H 6 ”

Density functional calculations of the electronic structure are used to elucidate the bonding of . It is found that this material is best described as ionic, and in particular that the units are not reasonably viewed as substantially covalent.
Nitric Oxide Can Mediate Beta-Adrenergic- and CaMKII-Dependent Spontaneous Ca2+ Waves in Cardiac Myocytes, Independent of PKA Activation

Increased diastolic SR Ca leak can initiate spontaneous Ca waves (SCaWs). SCaWs activate inward Na/Ca exchanger current causing an arrhythmogenic delayed afterdepolarization. Here we examine SCaWs in ventricular myocytes isolated from rabbit hearts. Myocytes did not exhibit SCaWs at baseline conditions, but 43% did when exposed to isoproterenol (ISO). This ISO-induced increase in activity was reversed by inhibition of CaMKII by KN93, but not with PKA inhibition by H89. At similar [Ca]SRT (121 μM) myocytes treated with ISO plus KN93 had significantly fewer SCaWs versus those treated with ISO or ISO plus H89 (0.2±0.28 vs. 1.1±0.28 & 1.29±0.39 SCaWs cell−1, respectively). We attribute this increase in activity to the previously characterized CaMKII-dependent increase in RyR-dependent leak. We also find that SR Ca leak is increased by the nitric oxide (NO) donor, SNAP; and this NO-dependent effect is also completely reversed by KN-93. We also show the increase in leak to be dependent on nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) activity. At comparable SR Ca load (132 μM) ISO treated myocytes have significantly higher leak vs. control (8.4 vs. 3.8 μM). The ISO-induced leak (at constant SR Ca load) was attenuated by the NOS1 inhibitor, SMLT, but not the NOS3 inhibitor, L-NIO (3.5 vs. 6.8 μM). Moreover, ISO causes an upward trend in myocyte [NO] (sensed by the NO-dependent dye, DAF-2 A), and the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME significantly attenuated the development of SCaWs. Together this data suggests a novel pathway in which β1-adrenergic receptor activation stimulates NO production via NOS1, which in turn activates CaMKII to increase RyR gating, SR Ca leak, SCaWs and delayed afterdepolarizations.
Cardiac complications of adult methamphetamine exposures.

Abstract Background Methamphetamine use is an increasing problem in the United States. Despite the similarities to cocaine in clinical presentation, methamphetamine effects on the cardiovascular system are not as clearly understood. Objectives The purpose of this retrospective review is to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes of methamphetamine exposures reported to both the California Poison Control System (CPCS) and two Level 1 trauma centers. Methods CPCS records from 2000−2009, as well as inpatient and emergency department charts from two Level 1 trauma centers during the time frame of 2000−2004 were reviewed. Charts of adults with coded methamphetamine exposures were included. Results Records of 2356 adults with methamphetamine exposure were assigned levels of severity according to National Poison Data System Medical Outcomes Criteria. Out of the combined charts reviewed from the CPCS data and hospital registries, 584 cases were coded as minor effects, 450 as moderate effects, 208 as major effects, and 28 as deaths. Of the included 1270 cases, 627 electrocardiograms (ECGs) were analyzed. Together, troponins and ECGs showed evidence of myocardial ischemia in 82 total cases, which is 6.5% of the cases reviewed. Cocaine was a co-ingestant in 10 of the 82 cases. Conclusions This study presents a large cohort of methamphetamine users. The study found that chest pain and myocardial ischemia were reported in a number of cases. Although no true incidence can be taken from this dataset, it provides a large-scale review of methamphetamine use and its possible association with acute coronary syndromes.
Engineered product storage under the advanced fuel cycle initiative. Part II: Conceptual storage scenarios ☆ ☆☆

Abstract The Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) of the US Department of Energy stresses waste minimization within an integrated nuclear fuel cycle. In one possible future fuel cycle scenario, the radionuclides 244 Cm and 241 Am are placed in decay storage until a capability for fast-spectrum transmutation is available. We discuss the scale of hypothetical wet and dry storage facilities for cesium/strontium and americium/curium products. Because of the extended storage period for cesium/strontium products, underground storage appears to be the option most acceptable to regulatory policy. Several underground designs are discussed. To reduce the required underground storage space, we recommend a pre-staging period where the cesium/strontium products are cooled in a small pool for 30–50 years. Americium and curium products would require storage for not more than approximately 50 years. For this reason, and because of the high thermal power density, pool storage appears to be the best option for americium and curium.
A disfluency descriptor digest for clinical use

Abstract A clinical form to be used in identifying which of a set of fluency eliciting techniques might be used most advantageously in therapy with individual stutterers is described.
A direct-inlet mass spectrometer for real-time analysis of airborne particles

Abstract A surface-ionization mass spectrometer has been developed for real-time analysis of particles in air. The spectrometer is equipped with an efficient inlet for transmitting air-borne particles directly to the ionizing filament in the ion source, a dispersive mass analyzer for simultaneous measurement of multiple ion beams, and an ion detecting and measuring system which can integrate ion bursts from individual particles over a three-decade size range. The desk-sized instrument requires only electrical power for operation and can be transported to different locations.
Evaluation of biological activity of bone morphogenetic proteins on exposure to commonly used electrospinning solvents

Bone tissue engineering is one of the emerging strategies for developing functionally viable bone substitutes. The recent trend in bone tissue engineering is to combine the benefits of a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold with biologically active molecules and responsive stem cells. Electrospinning is the most versatile of the scaffold fabrication strategies and may involve the use of an organic solvent at one stage or another. In spite of all distinct advantages of electrospinning, valid concerns about potentially denaturing interactions between the organic solvent and the biomolecules exist. Efforts are ongoing to incorporate osteoinductive molecules, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), during the electrospinning process. The challenge lies in ensuring that the biological activity of these incorporated molecules survives the process. This study was specifically designed to investigate the effects of exposure to commonly used organic solvents on heterodimeric BMP-2/7 using slot-blot assay qua...
Pulsed EPR Determination of the Distance between Heme Iron and FMN Centers in a Human Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Mammalian nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is a homodimeric flavo-hemoprotein that catalyzes the oxidation of l-arginine to nitric oxide (NO). Regulation of NO biosynthesis by NOS is primarily through control of interdomain electron transfer (IET) processes in NOS catalysis. The IET from the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) to heme domains is essential in the delivery of electrons required for O2 activation in the heme domain and the subsequent NO synthesis by NOS. The NOS output state for NO production is an IET-competent complex of the FMN-binding domain and heme domain, and thereby it facilitates the IET from the FMN to the catalytic heme site. The structure of the functional output state has not yet been determined. In the absence of crystal structure data for NOS holoenzyme, it is important to experimentally determine the Fe···FMN distance to provide a key calibration for computational docking studies and for the IET kinetics studies. Here we used the relaxation-induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME) t...
Positioning of automated guided vehicles in a loop layout to improve response time

Abstract One of the control decisions in the operation of an Automated Guided Vehivle (AGV) System is that of determining the home positions for idle vehicles. A home position is a location strategically selected within the AGV System network for holding idle vehicles. Such point selection is based on the system operational objective. In this paper, the problem of selecting the home positions vehicles in a single loop type AGV network is addressed. Several single loop home selection models, along with solution methodologies are presented. The models are constructed based on the objective of minimizing the dead travel time of vehicles.
Chronic Perigraft Seroma of a Femoropopliteal PTFE Graft — A Case Report:

Chronic perigraft seromas (CPS) complicating bypass grafts have been re ported with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron), the latter graft material being involved in two thirds of the reported cases. The first case of CPS formation following a femoropopliteal artery bypass with PTFE graft is reported.
IgG antibody responses to an inhaled antigen in horses with "heaves" (recurrent airway obstruction).

Abstract A controlled experimental system for the evaluation of pulmonary immune responses in horses with “heaves” (recurrent airway obstruction) has been developed. We hypothesized that the humoral immune response to an inhaled antigen in diseased horses would be different from that of healthy horses and that chronic pulmonary inflammation would bias the production of IgG isotypes in diseased horses as compared to healthy horses. Healthy and affected horses were housed in a natural challenge environment (stabled, fed dusty hay) and exposed by inhalation, to a nebulized solution of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) were collected from horses prior to and following their inhalation exposure to the antigen. Differential cell counts were performed on the cells in the BALF. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the concentrations of IgGa, IgGb, IgG(T) and combined IgG specific for KLH in the sera and BALF. The percentages of neutrophils in the BALF of diseased horses were increased 4–6-fold over healthy horses. Combined IgG specific for KLH was significantly greater in BALF and serum from healthy compared to diseased horses. Differences in isotypes were also evident; however, only IgGb specific for KLH in the BALF was significantly increased in healthy versus diseased horses. Possible explanations for this difference include: (1) increased destruction of antigen before it could interact with lymphocytes, (2) down-regulation of IgGb production by inhibitory cytokines in diseased horses, or (3) binding of IgGb to Fc receptors on the large numbers of neutrophils in the lungs of diseased horses. In contrast to the prevailing notion that horses with heaves have exaggerated immune responses, our data suggest that diseased horses exposed to an aerosolized protein mount weaker IgG responses compared to healthy horses.
What symptoms predict the diagnosis of mania in persons with severe/profound intellectual disability in clinical practice?

BACKGROUND: While researchers have attempted to address the difficulties of diagnosing affective disorders in the intellectually disabled population, diagnosing bipolar disorder in an individual with severe intellectual disability (ID) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to identify what symptoms can predict a diagnosis of mania in the intellectually disabled population. METHODS: Three groups of persons with ID participated in this study: (1) individuals with a bipolar diagnosis who were currently manic; (2) individuals with an Axis I diagnosis other than bipolar disorder; and (3) individuals without an Axis I diagnosis. Two recognized measures of mania (i.e. Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped-Revised and Parent Version of Young Mania Rating Scale) were used to evaluate symptoms of mania. A logistical regression procedure was conducted on mania items to identify which items correctly identify persons with ID who were currently manic. RESULTS: Psychomotor agitation, decreased sleep, changes in mood and aggression were significantly related to the diagnosis of mania. Further, psychomotor agitation and disturbed sleep were significant predictors of a diagnosis of mania. CONCLUSIONS: Problems of sleep and psychomotor agitation should alert clinicians that further assessment of bipolar symptomatology is warranted. Focusing on observable behaviours based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-IV criteria can be useful in formulating a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in persons with ID. Language: en
Immunogenicity of polyethylene glycol-modified superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Abstract Modification of proteins with polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to result in a decrease in immunogenicity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were modified with PEG and used to immunize mice. Antibody titers against the antigens were determined by ELISA. Mice immunized with PEG-SOD had antibody titers 0.03%–0.07% of that seen in mice with SOD, while mice immunized with PEG-catalase developed titers 0.02%–0.09% of that seen in mice with catalase. The modified enzymes retained the ability to react with preformed antibodies to the unmodified antigens. Antibodies to SOD reacted equally well with the PEG-SOD or SOD antigen. Antibodies to catalase reacted to PEG-catalase but at only 0.02% of the reaction with catalase antigen. In reciprocal studies, antisera against the PEG-proteins failed to react to an appreciable level with the corresponding unmodified protein. Modification with PEG resulted in a decrease in immunogenicity of both SOD and catalase.
Granulomatous lung disease with progressive deterioration of phagocytic function.

A 3-year-old girl is described who had laboratory and histopathologic features which placed her within the spectrum of chronic granulomatous disease of childhood. Her illness differed from that of previously described patients with phagocytic dysfunction syndromes in that her leukocyte nitroblue tetrazolium values progressively decreased over the period of observation, and depression of cell-mediated immunity was identified by several parameters.
Elongation Correlates with Nutrient Deprivation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Unsaturated Biofilms

Bacteria in nature frequently grow as biofilms, yet little is known regarding how biofilm bacteria morphologically adapt to low nutrient availability, which is common in unsaturated environments such as the terrestrial subsurface or on plant leaves. For unsaturated biofilms, in which the substratum may provide all nutrients, what are the relationships between nutrition and cell size and shape-the simplest metrics of cellular morphology? To address this question, we cultured Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a ubiquitous gram-negative bacterium that is environmentally and medically important, on membranes overlaying solid media, and then measured cellular dimensions using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Nutrition was controlled chemically by media composition and physically by stacking membranes to increase the path length for nutrient diffusion. Under conditions of carbon-nitrogen imbalance, low carbon bioavailability, or increased nutrient diffusional path length, cells elongated while maintaining constant width. A mathematical relationship suggests that, by elongating, biofilm bacteria strategically enlarge their nutrient collection surface without substantially changing the ratio of surface area to volume (SA/V). We conclude that P. aeruginosa growing as unsaturated biofilm with a planar nutrient source morphologically adapt to starvation by elongating. This adaptation, if generalizable, differs from a better-understood starvation response (i.e., cell size decreases; thus SA/V in-creases) for planktonic bacteria in well-mixed environments.
Influence of antipsychotics and serotonin antagonists on presynaptic receptors modulating the release of serotonin in synaptosomes of the nucleus accumbens of rats.

Abstract In the nucleus accumbens of rats the release of [ 3 H]serotonin (5-HT) from superfused synaptosomes stimulated by 30 mM K + was investigated. In the presence of 40 μ M of the uptake inhibitor cocaine the release of [ 3 H]5-HT was inhibited by 5-HT in a concentration-dependent manner (IC 50 = 0.45 μ M). The maximum inhibitory effect of 5-HT was 54% of controls. The inhibition of K + -stimulated release of [ 3 H]5-HT induced by 5-HT was antagonized completely by methiothepine and clozapine, respectively, whereas methysergide had only a weak antagonizing effect in a concentration of 20 μ M or less, haloperidol was ineffective. Furthermore, the synaptosomal K + -stimulated release of [ 3 H]5-HT was also inhibited by dopamine (DA) in a concentration-dependent manner (IC 50 = 0.1 μ M). This inhibitory effect was antagonized by antipsychotic drugs, the rank order of antagonistic potencies was sulpiride > haloperidol > clozapine; methiothepine was ineffective. The experimental system (the K + -stimulated synaptosomal release of [ 3 H]5-HT seems to be a suitable model for differentiating dopaminergic and/or serotonergic components of antipsychotics or other drugs on presynaptic receptors.
PEMFC contaminant tolerance limit – Foreign cations in ionomers

A unique, generic, transient, and more general PEMFC contamination model able to predict the cell performance impact of foreign cations exchanging with ionomer protons was derived by adding a variable equivalent proton fraction in the flow field channel liquid water drops. Ion exchange phenomena are described with appropriate and recognized relationships. Steady state ohmic performance losses and time constants for both contamination and recovery processes were used to define contaminant tolerance limits for monovalent, divalent and trivalent cations and are respectively equal to 5100, 380 and 4.4 ppm. These tolerance limits are expected to be widely applicable for similarly charged cations because model parameters, ionic conductivity and separation factor, do not vary significantly (first order approximation). The model also describes the effect of ammonia, revealing that its fast reaction with ionomer protons creating ammonium ions at the gas phase/membrane phase boundary is analogous to ion exchange. A 2.1 ppb tolerance limit is proposed which does not take into account the scavenging effect of liquid water (parallel contamination path). The model applicability to ammonia enlarges the existing contamination model library specifically developed to facilitate mechanism identification (fingerprinting) and addresses the large number of untested and unidentified contaminants.
Investigation of Al-Al 2 O 3 Cold Spray Coating Formation and Properties

Coating build-up mechanisms and properties of cold-sprayed aluminum-alumina cermets were investigated using two spherical aluminum powders having average diameters of 36 and 81 μm. Those powders were blended with alumina at several concentrations. Coatings were produced using a commercial low-pressure cold spray system. Powders and coatings were characterized by electronic microscopy and microhardness measurements. In-flight particle velocities were monitored for all powders. The deposition efficiency was measured for all experimental conditions. Coating performance and properties were investigated by performing bond strength test, abrasion test, and corrosion tests, namely, salt spray and alternated immersion in saltwater tests. These coating properties were correlated to the alumina fraction either in the starting powder or in the coating.
A Fixed-Point Equation for the High-Temperature Phase of Discrete Lattice Spin Systems

A fixed-point equation on an infinite-dimensional space is proposed as an alternative to the usual definition of the infinite-volume limit in discrete lattice spin systems in the high-temperature phase. It is argued heuristically that the free energy and correlation functions one obtains by solving this equation agree with the usual definitions of these quantities. A theorem is then proved that says that if a certain finite-volume condition is satisfied, then this fixed-point equation has a solution and the resulting free energy is analytic in the parameters in the Hamiltonian. For particular values of the temperature this finite-volume condition may be checked with the help of a computer. The two-dimensional Ising model is considered as a test case, and it is shown that the finite-volume condition is satisfied forβ⩽0.77βcritical.
Isolation of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus from the surface and core of tonsils in children

Summary Background The rate of recovery methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in tonsils that were removed because of recurrent Group A-β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) tonsillitis was not previously reported. MRSA may serve as a potential source for the spread of these organisms to other body sites as well to other individuals. This study investigated the rate of recovery of MRSA as well as other aerobic organisms from tonsils that were removed because of recurrent GABHS infection. Patients and methods Core and surface tonsillar cultures for aerobic bacteria were obtained from 44 children who had tonsillectomy because of recurrent GABHS tonsillitis. Results A total of 167 aerobic isolates were recovered from the core of the tonsils (3.8/specimen) and 151 (3.4/specimen) were isolated from the surface. The predominant isolates were alpha-hemolytic streptococci, GABHS, S. aureus, gamma-hemolytic streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Concordence in the recovery of all organisms was noted in 117 instances. Certain organisms (i.e. GABHS, S. aureus) were recovered more often from the tonsillar cores, where other (i.e. alpha-hemolytic streptococci, gamma-hemolytic streptococci) were recovered more often from the tonsillar surface. Forty-four beta-lactamase-producing bacteria (BLPB) were recovered from 32 (75%) of the tonsillar cores, and 28 were isolated from 23 (52%) of the tonsillar surfaces. The predominant BLPB were S. aureus, H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. Seven isolates of MRSA were recovered from the cores and two were isolated from the surface. Five of the core isolates and the two surface isolates were also BLPB. All of the MRSA isolates were resistant to oxacillin, penicillin and erythromycin and were susceptible to clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and vancomycin. Conclusions These data demonstrated that in recurrently GABHS infected tonsils, BLPB was recovered from over 75% of the tonsillar cores, core tonsillar cultures yielded more GABHS and S. aureus, and MRSA was isolated from 16% of the tonsils.
Coordination of alkenes and alkynes to a cationic d0 zirconocene alkoxide complex

This paper describes the synthesis of base-free (C5R5)2Zr(OtBu)+ cations, the direct observation of nonchelated alkene and alkyne adducts of these cations, and studies of the thermodynamic and dynamic properties of these novel species. Reaction of (Cp‘ = C5H4Me) with tert-butyl alcohol followed by [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] in benzene yields [ ][B(C6F5)4] (1), which exists as solvent adducts in C6D5Cl and CD2Cl2 solutions. Addition of ligands L (L = ethylene, propylene, propyne, 2-butyne, CO, phenylacetylene, allene, 1-hexene, cis-2-butene) to 1 in CD2Cl2 at −89 °C results in reversible formation of adducts. NMR data for (4) indicate that the propylene coordinates unsymmetrically and is polarized with positive charge buildup at Cint. Equilibrium constants, defined by Keq = [Zr−L][1]-1[L]-1, vary in the order CO > propyne > 2-butyne > phenylacetylene > ethylene > allene > propylene > 1-hexene > cis-2-butene > vinyl chloride. Loss of L from to give 1 appears to proceed via associative displacement by CD2Cl2 in most c...
Identification of Adducts Formed in the Reaction of α-Acetoxy-N-Nitrosopyrrolidine with Deoxyribonucleosides and DNA

N-Nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) is a well-established hepatocarcinogen in the rat. NPYR requires metabolic activation by cytochrome P450-catalyzed α-hydroxylation to express its carcinogenic activity. This produces α-hydroxyNPYR (2), which spontaneously ring opens to 4-oxobutanediazohydroxide (4), a highly reactive intermediate, which may itself modify DNA or yield a cascade of electrophiles that react with DNA to produce adducts. Multiple dGuo adducts formed in this reaction have been previously characterized, but there are no examples of adducts formed with other DNA nucleobases. In this study, we used α-acetoxyNPYR (3) as a stable precursor to 2 and 4. Compound 3 was allowed to react with DNA. The DNA was enzymatically hydrolyzed to deoxyribonucleosides, and the products were analyzed by LC-ESI-MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS. Reactions of 3 with individual deoxyribonucleosides were also carried out. The products were identified by their MS, UV, and NMR spectra as N6-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)dAdo (16) and N4-(tetrahydrof...
DQE Characterization of a high-energy in-line phase contrast prototype under different kVp and beam filtration

The objective of this research is to characterize the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of a high-energy in-line phase contrast prototype operated under different x-ray exposure conditions. First of all, an imaging prototype was demonstrated based on a high-energy in-line phase contrast system prototype. The DQE of this system is calculated through modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and input signal to noise ratio under a fixed radiation dose. The radiation dose was estimated by employing a 4-cm-thick BR12 phantom. In this research, the x-ray exposure conditions were modified by not only using different tube voltage but also different prime beam filtration. Aluminum, Molybdenum, Rhodium, and a combined filter were selected to acquire a variety of x-ray energy compositions with 100, 110 and 120 kVp exposures. The resultant curves are compared through the modes of different kVp/same filter and different filter/same kVp. As a result, the curves obtained under a fixed radiation dose, indicate that the MTF performs similar behavior under different experimental mode; the NPS is majorly affected by the composition of x-ray photon energies; and the overall DQE decreases with the increasing portion of high-energy x-ray photons in the exposure.
Reply [to Comment on “Different views of the Grand Canyon” Comment: On science and pseudo‐science in national parks by Michael W. Asten]

I appreciate Michael Asten's thoughtful comments. The aim of my Forum article was not to promote censorship, but rather, to point out that Tom Vail's book, Grand Canyon: A Different View, is a text that propounds religiously based pseudo-science about a geological icon. As I wrote in that article, in my opinion, the sale of that book within the park is undermining the work of the National Park interpreters who work so hard to educate the public, and I believe that Asten would agree with that view. However, he raises a difficult issue.
Low grade papillary transitional cell carcinoma pelvic recurrence masquerading as high grade invasive carcinoma, ten years after radical cystectomy.

Background Tumor recurrence following radical cystectomy for a low-grade superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is exceedingly uncommon and has not been reported previously.
Landmark routing in large wireless battlefield networks using UAVs

In the future automated battle field communications will be supported in part by a hierarchical wireless network that includes: ad hoc ground radio subnets; point to point wireless long haul backbone, and; unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In such a hierarchical network, nodes are generally partitioned into groups. Each group has one or more backbone nodes that provide access points to the backbone network and to UAVs. Communications between groups can thus utilize links at higher level. A critical protocol in the operation of such a large mobile network is routing. Previous research of UAV based systems has generally assumed the use of a hierarchical routing scheme, for example, extended hierarchical state routing (EHSR). However, a hierarchical scheme like EHSR has some limitations. In this paper, we extend landmark ad hoc routing (LANMAR) to a hierarchical structure with backbone nodes, high quality backbone links and UAVs. We show that the basic LANMAR scheme can be extended to incorporate backbone and UAV links. We will also show how backbone links and UAV links are automatically discovered by the LANMAR routing algorithm and are used effectively to reach remote destinations (thus reducing the hop distance). In other words, our scheme will combine the benefits of "flat" LANMAR routing and physical network hierarchy, without suffering of the intrinsic EHSR limitations.
Metabolic studies on the arrested and fibrillating perfused heart.

Abstract Results are described dealing with comparative values on the metabolism of the naturally perfused heart, the empty artificially perfused beating heart in situ, and the fibrillating and arrested perfused heart. The studies were performed on open and closed chest dogs. Perfusion of the arrested heart in the closed chest animals was accomplished with a new technic employing a specially devised arterial catheter. This permitted perfusion of all coronary arteries and did not necessitate cannulation of the coronary arteries. In the open chest animal, there was a significant decline in the oxygen usage from the rhythmically contracting to the arrested heart. The myocardial oxygen usage of the arrested heart was only slightly less than that of the fibrillating organ. Myocardial extractions of substrates were mostly negative during the control period. This was probably the results of difficulties in experimental technic. In the closed chest animal, no statistical difference existed between the oxygen usage of the empty rhythmically contracting heart and the fibrillating or arrested organ. The oxygen usage in these preparations was between 20 to 30 per cent of that of the naturally perfused heart in situ. Mean myocardial balances of glucose, lactate and ketones were positive during artificial perfusion of the rhythmically contracting heart. These values became negative during cardiac standstill or ventricular fibrillation. The results indicate that the oxygen usage of the heart is primarily determined by its external work; they also suggest that previous values calculated for the mechanical efficiency of the beating heart are too low.
Best-Sellers in Academic Libraries

Libraries have important collection development decisions to make about best-sellers and popular culture materials. A selection of academic libraries was studied to follow the ownership of best-sellers from 1940 to 1990. The trend is to keep a higher percentage of older best-sellers in fiction than newer ones. Nonfiction appears to be more sporadic but still follows this basic trend. With the influx of popular culture studies, scholars potentially could lose valuable resources. From this study, libraries will see that a new set of collection development policies may need to be developed.
Relationship Between Performance Validity Testing, Disability Status, and Somatic Complaints in Patients With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain-related disorder that typically includes cognitive complaints as well as non-specific somatic complaints, such as fatigue and sleep disturbance (Wolfe et al., 2010). Fibromyalgia has also been shown to be associated with a high rate of failure on performance validity testing (PVT), which has not been examined with respect to other self-reported symptoms that are now part of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. We evaluated 85 patients with fibromyalgia who completed objective measures of pain, sleep, and fatigue along with symptom validity measures (Word Memory Test or Test of Memory Malingering and Reliable Digit Span). Three groups were formed based on effort testing: Two PVTs Failed, One PVT Failed, and No PVTs Failed. We also formed three groups based on disability status: On Disability, Applying for Disability, and Not on Disability. A total of 37% of the patients failed one or both PVTs. PVT group analyses were significant for daily pain, weekly pain, and sleep, but not fatigue. Disability status analyses were significant for daily pain, weekly pain, and fatigue, but not sleep. The implication of this study is that PVT performance and disability status are associated with exaggeration of non-cognitive symptoms such as pain, sleep, and fatigue in persons with fibromyalgia. This study reinforces the importance of effort testing when working with medical populations.
Effects of agonists on the intracellular cyclic AMP concentration in monkey trabecular meshwork cells.

We examined the effects of several neuroendocrine agents on the intraceliular cyclic AMP level in cultured monkey trabecular meshwork cells. Among the peptide agonists studied, only the vasoactive intestinal peptide elevated the cyclic AMP level. Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, glucagon, and others showed no stimulation. Prostaglandin E1 and L-isoproterenol also enhanced the intraceliular cyclic AMP level. Such effects may implicate physiologic roles of these agonists in the trabecular meshwork.
A Novel Approach to Nanoscale Materials Synthesis Using Industrial Laser Processing of Organosilazane Liquid Precursors

A new approach has been developed for the synthesis of nanoscale ceramic powder materials from liquid organosilazane precursors. This technique, by exploiting fast kinetic chemical and physical reactions, makes it possible to synthesize significant quantities of material in a relatively short time. In the current approach aerosols of a silazane monomer, (CH3SiHNH) n , (n = 3 or 4), of mol. wt. 280–320, are injected into the beam of a cw industrial CO2 laser to obtain nanoscale ceramic powders. Injection of the aerosol into the laser-beam results in a high-temperature plume. Rapid condensation of the molecular precursor species emerging from the laser plume results in the formation of preceramic polymer particles, with an average diameter of 62 nm. One attractive feature of this process is that 70 wt.% of the liquid precursor is converted into nanoscale powders. Another feature is that only a further 10 wt.% loss occurs during post thermal treatment to form the end-product.
On (Not) Defining 'The African': Amos Tutuola's The Palm-Wine Drinkard

According to convention, Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart (1958) is the founding text of modern African literature. This paper seeks to complicate that narrative and the definition of African literature it instantiates by considering (the failure of) an alternate founding text: The Palm-Wine Drinkard (1952). Published before Things Fall Apart, fellow Nigerian Amos Tutuolas surreal novel occasioned a range of contemporary responses from Nigerians (horror at the novels non-standard English and its potential to misrepresent Africans) and from metropolitans (adulation for, alternately, its inventive modernism or African authenticity). I argue that the intensity of these early debates indicates the stakes of defining the African novel, and thus African subjectivity, and that the disjuncture of these reactions suggests how the defining of Nigerian and African identity takes place both within and between the Global North and Global South. Excavating Tutuolas status as a detour and absence from the canon of African literature, I examine what modes of African identity are and are not available, at what sites and what moments, as the identities construed from The Palm-Wine Drinkard are mediated by the institutions of publishing and popular reception, national and international canon formation, and the ideologies of scholarly deployment.