cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human norovirus infection and the acute serum cytokine response

Noroviruses (NoV) are the most common cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. The acute immune response to NoV in humans is poorly understood, hindering research on prevention and treatment. To elucidate the acute immune response and test for cytokine predictors of susceptibility to infection, serum samples from two human NoV challenge studies were tested for 16 cytokines. Subjects who became infected (n = 26) were age-matched with subjects who remained uninfected following NoV challenge (n = 26). Samples were tested from prechallenge and days 1-4 post-challenge. Cytokine responses were compared between infected and uninfected groups. Overall, infected individuals exhibited an elevation in T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines, as well as chemokines interleukin (IL)-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), compared to uninfected individuals (all P < 0.05). Most cytokines peaked on day 2 post-challenge in infected subjects, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, and IL-10 remained elevated to day 3. The only cytokine elevated significantly among infected subjects to day 4 post-challenge was IL-10 (P = 0.021). Prechallenge cytokine concentrations were not predictive of infection status post-challenge. There were no significant changes in serum cytokines among NoV-challenged subjects who remained uninfected. These results suggest that NoV infection elicits a Th1-type response, with some Th2 activation. Persistent elevation of IL-10 among infected subjects is consistent with activation of adaptive immune responses, such as B cell expansion, as well as down-regulation of Th1 cytokines. This study presents the first comprehensive description of the acute cytokine response to GI.1 NoV in humans.
Psychostimulants depress excitatory synaptic transmission in the nucleus accumbens via presynaptic D1-like dopamine receptors

The effects of dopamine (DA) and the psychostimulants cocaine and amphetamine on excitatory transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) were examined in rat NAc slices using both extracellular-field and whole-cell patch-clamp recording. DA, cocaine, and amphetamine reversibly reduced the excitatory synaptic responses (EPSPs/EPSCs) elicited by stimulation of prelimbic cortical afferents. DA and amphetamine increased paired-pulse facilitation, reduced the frequency of spontaneous miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs), and had no effect on mEPSC amplitude, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism for the observed reduction in excitatory synaptic transmission. The effects of DA and amphetamine were attenuated by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 but not by the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. The broad-spectrum DA receptor agonist 6,7-ADTN mimicked the effects of DA and the psychostimulants, but neither the D1 receptor agonists SKF38393 and SKF81297 nor the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole caused a significant reduction in EPSP magnitude. SKF38393 at a higher concentration (100 microM) was effective in reducing the EPSP, however, and this reduction was sensitive to SCH23390. There was no difference in the effects of DA in cells from mutant mice lacking D1a receptors and cells from wild- type control mice. Unilaterally lesioning the dopaminergic afferents to the NAc using 6-hydroxydopamine attenuated the amphetamine-induced reduction in EPSP magnitude in slices from the lesioned hemisphere but not the control (unlesioned) hemisphere. These results indicate that DA and psychostimulants (acting indirectly by increasing endogenous extracellular DA levels) reduce excitatory synaptic transmission in the NAc by activating presynaptic DA receptors with D1-like properties.
Electronic shielding by closed shells in salts of thulium

Electronic shielding by closed electron shells has been investigated in salts of trivalent thulium, by measuring the temperature dependence of the nuclear quadrupole splitting of the 8.42-keV gamma transition in ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{169}$. The measurements were performed by using the technique of recoilless nuclear resonance absorption. The nuclear quadrupole interaction was studied for ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$ ions in thulium ethyl sulfate, thulium oxide, and thulium trifluoride within a temperature range from 9.6 to 1970\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The interpretation of the experimental data in terms of the contributions of distorted closed electron shells to the quadrupole interaction yields values for electronic shielding factors. The results lead to amounts of 10% or less for the atomic Sternheimer factor ${R}_{Q}$. The experiments also reveal substantial shielding of the $4f$ electrons from the crystal electric field, expressed by the shielding factor ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{2}$. Values of 250 and 130 are obtained for the ratio $\frac{(1\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}})}{(1\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{2})}$ for thulium ethyl sulfate and thulium oxide, respectively, where ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ is the lattice Sternheimer factor.
Toxicity and metabolic costs of the Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina) venom delivery system in relation to its role in life history

Abstract The Atlantic stingray ( Dasyatis sabina ) venomous spine is thought to be primarily a defensive adaptation, but may also play key roles in reproduction and conspecific social interactions. This study quantified metabolic costs associated with the venom delivery system, venom toxicity (LC50), and routine resting metabolism for Atlantic stingrays. Respirometry trials estimated an average routine resting metabolism for Atlantic stingrays of 0.484 kcal g−1 h− 1; whereas the average metabolic rate of the venomous delivery system was 0.000162 kcal g−1 h− 1 , or 0.04% of the fish's resting rate. Ballistic bomb calorimetry revealed an average spine caloric density of 0.238 kcal per gram of spine. Acute toxicity tests using sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegates , as a surrogate, determined a venom LC50 value of 0.181 mg protein g fish− 1 . When compared with other venomous species, where venom is used primarily for defense and prey capture , the low toxicity and low metabolic cost of the Atlantic stingray's venomous system suggests that defense is not the primary purpose of the venomous spine.
Ethanolic fuels from renewable resources in the solar age

This communication describes how ethanol, other liquid fuels, and organic chemicals can be produced from cellulosic biomass at prices that can compete with those of petroleum derived materials by employing presently available or soon to be developed membrane technologies. Contemporary membrance technologies can already effect major savings in process costs for the conventional fermentation of grains or molasses to produce ethanol; developing membrance technologies could employ cheap cellulosic substrates for ethanol production.
Distinct Roles of the β1-Class Integrins at the Developing and the Mature Hippocampal Excitatory Synapse

Integrins are a large family of cell adhesion receptors involved in a variety of cellular functions. To study their roles at central synapses, we used two cre recombinase lines to delete the Itgb1 β1 integrin gene in forebrain excitatory neurons at different developmental stages. Removal of the β1 integrins at an embryonic stage resulted in severe cortical lamination defects without affecting the cellular organization of pyramidal neurons in the CA3 and CA1 regions of the hippocampus. Whereas the hippocampal neurons underwent normal dendritic and synaptic differentiation, the adult synapses exhibited deficits in responses to high-frequency stimulation (HFS), as well as in long-term potentiation (LTP). Deletion of β1 integrin at a later postnatal stage also impaired LTP but not synaptic responses to HFS. Thus, the β1-class integrins appear to play distinct roles at different stages of synaptic development, critical for the proper maturation of readily releasable pool of vesicles during early development but essential for LTP throughout adult life.
Viscoelastic properties of the aorta of hypertensive rats.

SummaryThe viscoelastic properties of strips of aorta from normal and hypertensive rats have been determined. The aortas of hypertensive animals are stiffer and more viscous than those of normal rats. The pari passu increase in stiffness and viscosity is evidence that muscle is the chief structural component resulting in increased stiffness. Photomicrographs of the aorta of normal and hypertensive rats support this idea.
Error estimates for the semidiscrete finite element approximation of linear nonlocal parabolic equations

Existence and uniqueness are proved for nonlocal (in time) for solutions of linear parabolic partial differential equations. Instead of an initial condition, there is a relation connecting the initial value to values of the solution at other times. L2 error estimates are obtained for the semidiscrete approximation of the problem using finite elements in the space variables.
Blood lead levels in the United States "oldest-old" population.

Context. Previous studies have suggested significant endogenous lead release from bony stores in the elderly raising the concern for elevated blood lead levels in that population. Objective. We undertook to determine the range of blood lead levels in the “oldest-old” population, a demographic category that includes persons aged 80 years and older. Materials and methods. We analyzed blood lead level data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 1999–2010 for persons aged 80 years and older. We also screened an inner-city population of patients aged 80 years of age and older presenting to an emergency department. Results. Among persons aged 80 years and older sampled in the NHANES surveys, the geometric mean blood lead level each year varied from 1.98 to 2.66 mcg/dL. Of the 2,168 measured blood lead levels, only 15 samples (0.69%) exceeded our a priori definition of an elevated blood lead level (greater than 10 mcg/dL). Of those 15 samples, the highest blood lead leve...
Hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients: impact of direct-acting antivirals.

Approximately 30 % of HIV-infected patients are co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). After the release of highly active antiretroviral therapy, liver disease has become the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients. Prior to 2011, HCV treatment with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin in HCV/HIV co-infected patients only allowed 14–38 % of patients with HCV genotype 1 to achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR). Additionally, treatment was commonly discontinued as a result of adverse events. Recently, simeprevir and sofosbuvir have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HCV mono-infection. Sofosbuvir has been given FDA approval in co-infected patients offering unprecedented SVR rates and the potential for interferon-free therapy. HCV therapies that are in the pipeline offer improved treatment times, safety profiles, and rates of SVR. Despite these improvements, several new issues including adherence, drug–drug interactions with antiretroviral therapies, adverse events, resistance, and patient selection may complicate therapy. This article reviews the current status of direct-acting antivirals (DAA)-containing regimens for HIV/HCV co-infected patients in the USA. New results investigating telaprevir and boceprevir are also discussed as they are relevant for locations where new DAAs are not available. The impact future interferon-free therapies may have on co-infected patients is also discussed.
Comparison of Four Types of Intrauterine Transfusion: Effect on Fetal Hematocrit

The advent of cordocentesis has made it possible to treat fetuses affected by severe red cell alloimmunization by infusing red cells into umbilical vessels. In addition, serial hematocrits can be followed between transfusions. Twenty fetuses underwent a total of 118 intrauterine procedures. Four transfusion techniques were compared to assess the effect of each method on the stability of the fetal hematocrit between procedures. The change in hematocrit per day for direct intravascular transfusion was -1.06 +/- 0.68%, for intraperitoneal transfusion: +0.03 +/- 0.6%, for combined exchange intravascular and intraperitoneal transfusion: +0.02 +/- 0.3% and for combined direct intravascular and intraperitoneal technique: -0.01 +/- 0.4%. The greatest fall in hematocrit was noted with the use of the direct intravascular technique alone (p less than 0.001). The combined direct intravascular/intraperitoneal approach produces a stable hematocrit between procedures and offers the possibility of performing intrauterine transfusions at less frequent intervals.
Reversible RNA adenosine methylation in biological regulation

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a ubiquitous modification in mRNA and other RNAs across most eukaryotes. For many years, however, the exact functions of m6A were not clearly understood. The discovery that the fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an m6A demethylase indicates that this modification is reversible and dynamically regulated, suggesting that it has regulatory roles. In addition, it has been shown that m6A affects cell fate decisions in yeast and plant development. Recent affinity-based m6A profiling in mouse and human cells further showed that this modification is a widespread mark in coding and noncoding RNA (ncRNA) transcripts and is likely dynamically regulated throughout developmental processes. Therefore, reversible RNA methylation, analogous to reversible DNA and histone modifications, may affect gene expression and cell fate decisions by modulating multiple RNA-related cellular pathways, which potentially provides rapid responses to various cellular and environmental signals, including energy and nutrient availability in mammals.
Stimulus generalization gradients for auditory intensity in rats and guinea pigs

Eight hooded rats and eight albino guinea pigs were given successive discrimination training involving variable-interval reinforcement (for barpressing in the presence of one intensity of a 1,000-Hz tone) randomly alternated with extinction (for pressing during another intensity). For half of the animals in each group, the S+ was 75 dB and the S− was 65 dB; for the other half, the S+ was 85 dB and the S− was 95 dB. All Ss were then tested in extinction for generalization along the intensity dimension with values of 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 dB. The discrimination performance of the rats and guinea pigs was comparable, but the latter species showed less resistance to extinction during generalization testing. For both species, the discrimination employing the more intense training stimuli was mastered faster than that using the less intense ones. A peaked generalization gradient was obtained from most of the Ss, with maximal responding emitted to a stimulus displaced from S+ in the direction opposite S−, and reduced responding to stimuli still farther removed from S−. The group average function contained a significant quadratic component for each species, although occasional deviations from this pattern were observed.
The enthalpies of formation of crystalline and amorphous boric oxide and orthoboric acid

Abstract The energy of combustion in fluorine of crystalline boric oxide was measured in a bomb calorimeter and found to be −(239.12±0.39) kcal mol−1. The enthalpies of solution in water of B2O3(c) and B2O3(amorph) to form H3BO3·341H2O(l) were found to be −(3.54±0.05) and −(7.98±0.04) kcal mol−1, respectively. These results were used to calculate the standard enthalpies of formation of crystalline and amorphous boric oxide, namely, ΔHfo(B2O3, c, 298.15 K) = −(304.48±0.59) kcal mol−1 and ΔHfo(B2O3, amorph, 298.15 K) = −(300.04±0.59) kcal mol−1. The values were further combined with values reported in the literature to derive ΔHfo(H3BO3, c) = −(261.71±0.31) kcal mol−1 and ΔHf(HF·3H2O, l) = −(76.71±0.08) kcal mol−1.
Vocal types and stereotypes: Joint effects of vocal attractiveness and vocal maturity on person perception

Subjects rated the power, competence, warmth, and honesty of stimulus persons whose voices systematically and independently varied along the dimensions of vocal attractiveness and vocal maturity. The results revealed that the effects of vocal attractiveness on person perception can be attenuated or augmented by variations in vocal maturity; and that the effects of vocal maturity on impressions can be similarly modified by level of attractiveness. Implications of the data for the understanding of vocal stereotypes are discussed.
Certified Flight Instructor Weather Training: Perspectives and Practices

Although weather-related accidents in general aviation continue to claim many lives every year, what pilots are taught about weather during their earliest training is largely unknown. Certified flight instructors were surveyed regarding the weather training they provide to primary student pilots. Participants typically report spending 10 to 12 hr on weather instruction with their primary students. Instrument instructors (CFIIs) report placing significantly greater emphasis on 17 of 34 weather topics when instructing primary student pilots than instructors who are only rated to instruct primary student pilots (CFIs). Similarly, participants who instruct under FAR Part 141 or in academic settings state that they place significantly more emphasis on almost all of the weather topics than those participants who only instruct under FAR Part 61. Generally, all participants report that their own mastery of weather content is significantly better than the quality of the instruction they provide on that content to primary student pilots. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Effects of gamma irradiation on the survival of Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculated on romaine lettuce and baby spinach

Abstract Irradiation of fresh fruits and vegetables has been utilized as a post-harvest intervention measure to inactivate microbial pathogen on produce. The objectives of this research were to determine the survival (D 10 values) of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf) strains 2-79, Q8R1, Q287, surface inoculated on baby spinach and romaine lettuce; and Pf strains suspended in buffer peptone water (BPW). Gamma irradiation doses of 0 (control), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 kGy were applied on P. fluorescens inoculated on produce and stored for 24 h at 4 °C. On spinach and romaine lettuce, the D 10 values of P. fluorescens ranged from 0.04 ± 0.01 to 0.05 ± 0.02 and from 0.05 ± 0.03 to 0.06 ± 0.03 kGy, respectively. Pf had high sensitivity to irradiation and its populations varied on spinach and on romaine lettuce. These results indicate that low irradiation values are required to inactivate Pf on produce resulting with low bacterial survival.
Uptake of some volatile alkyl methylphosphonofluoridates from the vapour phase by wheat plants

The uptake of cyclohexyl, isopropyl and 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl methylphosphonofluoridates from the vapour phase by growing wheat plants was studied. The compounds were absorbed through the leaves of the plants and were degraded in a manner similar to that following their uptake through the roots from hydroponic culture solution. The levels of the methylphosphonic acid derivatives in the plant extracts were influenced by the vapour concentration of the methylphosphonofluoridate, the period of exposure to the vapour and the state of illumination of the plants, but were not markedly influenced by the chemical nature of the compounds. Likely mechanisms for the uptake are discussed and it is concluded that the main route of absorption involves the stomata. The studies suggest that growing plants can absorb and possibly have a “sink effect” for atmospheric organophosphorus contamination.
Life cycle assessment of fast pyrolysis of municipal solid waste in North Carolina of USA

Abstract This study was to investigate whether a pyrolysis plant using municipal solid waste (MSW) in North Carolina would be environmentally friendly. Based on the analysis of primary landfills and wasteflow across North Carolina, five pyrolysis plants were assumed to be built to utilize MSW. Life cycle assessment results indicate that global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), human toxicity potential (HTP) and photochem ozone creation potential (POCP) are mainly from bio-oil production, which accounts for 32.8%, 59.4%, 98.2% and 99.8% of the total potentials generated by the whole process, respectively. Besides, the main source of ozone depletion potential (ODP) and terrestric ecotoxicity potential (TETP) is electricity for bio-oil production. Eutrophication potential (EP) emission is mainly from the exhaust of diesel vehicle operation. Hydrogen and char are produced in production and upgrading of bio-oil as co-products, which generate 5.5 MJ and 2.7 MJ energy credits per kg MSW, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the yield of bio-oil is the most sensitive parameter in determining GWP and the electricity consumption also plays a significant role on GWP. The impact potentials of MSW pyrolysis were compared with those of other three alternatives of anaerobic digestion, incineration and landfill for treating MSW. Results show fast pyrolysis for bio-oil causes the least impact, while the disposal of the MSW in landfills causes the worst impact on the environment. Based on above results, pyrolysis of MSW for transportation fuels is an environment-friendly way to utilize the MSW.
The dynamic relationship between disability onset, earnings, and disability insurance application and receipt

At the time of disability onset, the effect of disability insurance on earnings is limited by the finding that work-prevented respondents, who account for the majority of benefit claims, have negligible earnings regardless of application status.
SPATIOTEMPORAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF BACTERIVOROUS NEMATODES AND SOIL RESOURCES IN A RESTORED RIPARIAN WETLAND

Spatial and temporal variability in soil biotic populations reflect heteroge- neity in soil resources, affect patterns of soil process rates, and facilitate coexistence of diverse biota. We investigated these relationships in a 0.7-ha restored riparian wetland in the Coastal Plain of Georgia, USA, for an abundant and diverse group of soil fauna, the bacterivorous nematodes. We quantified spatial distributions in four different seasons for the eight most dominant bacterivorous taxa in the wetland and related their individual distributions to patterns of microbial respiration, inorganic nitrogen, moisture, and soil organic matter. We used geostatistics to quantify spatial aggregation and draw isopleths. For all variates except two nematode taxa, 36-99% of sample population variance was spatially dependent, over ranges of 11-84 m. Isopleths and spatial trend analysis showed that individual bacterivorous taxa exhibited divergent spatial distributions, with populations aggregating into different hotspots in the wetland. Although these large-scale trends per- sisted at all sampling dates, small-scale patterning showed significant temporal variation due to rise and fall of local populations. Individual nematode distributions did not corre- spond well to the (temporally more static) soil resource patterns, except occasionally to soil moisture and nitrate content. We attribute the general lack of correlation between nematode and soil resource patterns in part to the young age (2.5-3.5 yr) of the investigated wetland site. Although nematode patterns remain inadequately explained, we suggest that the observed spatiotemporal divergence among populations of bacterivorous taxa has im- portant implications for our understanding of soil ecosystem and community processes, notably the spatiotemporal distribution of nematode-influenced nitrogen cycling rates and the maintenance of field-scale nematode diversity.
Conflict of interest and attraction in the development of cooperation

Attraction to partner and conflict of interest were experimentally varied for like sex pairs playing a prisoner’s dilemma game. Cooperation was more frequent for low conflict of interest than for high, and females cooperated more than did males; there was some tendency for cooperation to vary with attraction to partner.
In situ hybridization: perspectives of its clinical application in hepatitis B and delta virus infections.

In situ hybridization is a sensitive and specific technique for detecting nucleic acids in cyto-logical and histological specimens.Visualization of the target sequences by autoradiography or (immuno)histochemistry allows their precise subcellular localization and quanfitation.The application ofin situ hybridization techniques has contributed to the understanding of the complex replicafive cycle of hepatitis B virus.More recently, hepatitis δ virus replication has also been studied by this technique.Althoughin situ hybridization is a powerful tool for the molecular biologist, its clinical significance in diagnosis and prognosis of human hepatitis virus infections has yet to be fully evaluated.
Parasitic plants major problem to food crops.

In the Plant Pathology special issue, the News articles and Reviews discuss such seed plant pathogens as bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, and insects (22 Jun., pp. 2269-2289). Strikingly absent from the discussion topics were parasitic angiosperms, plant pathogens that are plants themselves. Such parasitic plants are present in most terrestrial ecosystems, but those feeding on food crops are particularly infamous ([1][1]). Species of the root parasitic genera Striga and Orobanche are notorious for the devastation they cause in less developed countries. Striga is estimated to infest more than two-thirds of the 73 million hectares in cereals and legumes in Sub-Saharan Africa, affecting the daily lives of some 300 million Africans in 25 countries ([2][2]). Orobanche destroys a broad spectrum of host crops, including legumes, vegetables, and sunflowers, in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. Although developed countries have not escaped the ravages of parasitic plants—dwarf mistletoe ( Arceuthobium spp.) destroy up to 3.2 billion board feet of lumber per year in western U.S. forests ([3][3])—lesser developed countries are most affected. The International Parasitic Plant Society ( ) was inaugurated this year to promote the study of parasitic plants toward the aim of ultimately enhancing world food security. Funding research aimed at controlling parasitic weeds falls outside the agenda of most federal agencies, so it has largely been international agencies and foundations, notably the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Rockefeller Foundation, that pay for these studies. Their efforts have resulted in significant advances toward ameliorating the Striga problem, most notably through breeding efforts for developing host resistance. With the emergence of genomic data from model species such as Arabidopsis and rice, novel approaches for controlling these pests can be envisioned. But the first step is bringing the problem to light. 1. [↵][4]1. O. C. Maloy, 2. T. D. Murray 1. L. J. Musselman , in The Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O. C. Maloy, T. D. Murray, Eds. (Wiley, New York, 2001), pp. 730-732. 2. [↵][5] Second General Workshop of the Pan African Striga Control Network, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, 23 to 29 June 1991 (Food and Agricultural Organization for the United Nations, Regional Office for Africa, Pan African Striga Control Network, Accra, Ghana, 1991). 3. [↵][6]1. D. W. Johnson, 2. F. G. Hawksworth, 3. D. B. Drummond , Plant Dis. 65, 437 (1981). [OpenUrl][7] [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #ref-3 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [6]: #xref-ref-3-1 "View reference 3 in text" [7]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPlant%2BDis.%26rft.volume%253D65%26rft.spage%253D437%26rft.atitle%253DPLANT%2BDIS%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Teacher Epistemology and Collective Narratives: Interrogating Teaching and Diversity.

Abstract This action research study interrogates how one teacher educator analyzed her pedagogy and engaged her students in writing narratives about working with children, families, and co-workers who are racially and ethnically different from themselves. Data were collected from a special topic graduate course entitled, Epistemology, Diversity and Teaching, at a large Midwestern university. Issues such as “otherness”, the culture of power, and white privilege were some key concepts addressed in the course. Findings indicated that use of key readings and meaningful discussion on controversial issues enhanced students’ ability to take multiple perspectives, recognize the significance of student epistemology, and acknowledge the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
Pregnant Adolescents Admitted to an Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit: An Eight-Year Review

Abstract Study Objective To assess patient outcomes and describe demographic data of pregnant adolescents admitted to an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit, as well as to determine if it is safe to continue to admit pregnant adolescents to such a unit. Design, Setting, and Participants A descriptive retrospective chart review conducted at a free-standing pediatric hospital in northeast Ohio of all pregnant adolescents aged 13 to 17 years admitted to the inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit from July 2005 to April 2013. Main Outcome Measures Data collection included details on demographic, pregnancy status, and psychiatric diagnoses. Results Eighteen pregnant adolescents were admitted to the psychiatric unit during the time frame. Sixteen of those were in the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnancy was found to be a contributing factor to the adolescent's suicidal ideation and admission in 11 of the cases. Admission to an inpatient psychiatric facility did not lead to adverse effects in pregnancy. Conclusion Pregnant adolescents did not have negative pregnancy outcomes related to admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Results of this study suggest that it is safe to continue to admit uncomplicated pregnant adolescents in their first trimester to an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit for an acute stay.
Sampled-data control of systems with widely varying time constants

Sampled-data control of systems with widely varying time constants was investigated via a simple second-order system. The effect of sampling was examined by comparing the gains based on frequency responses of the second-order system and its lower-order model, respectively. It was found that at sampling periods less than the smaller time constant, the gain based on the reduced-order model could lead to instability. Simulation studies were made for the system under the control action of a P-I controller whoso design was based on cither the original system or its reduced-order model. The results suggest that, for eases of set-point changes, the lower-order model is adequate for the purpose of controller design. These controllers should, however, be enforced at a higher sampling rate for better responses. For load disturbances, the simulation results indicated that significant improvements were achieved when the smaller time constant was taken into consideration in the design of the controller.
Thermal infrared and visual observations of a water ice lag in the Mars southern summer

[1] We present thermal infrared and visual evidence for the existence of water ice lags in the early southern summer. The observed H2O-ice lags lay in and near a chasma and appears to survive between 6–8 sols past the sublimation of the CO2. Possible sources of the H2O that compose the lag are (1) atmospheric H2O that is incorporated into the seasonal cap during condensation, (2) cold trapping of atmospheric water vapor onto the surface of the cap in the spring, or (3) a combination of the 2 processes where water is released from the sublimating cap only to be transported back over the cap edge and cold trapped. We refer to this later process as the “Houben” effect which may enrich the amount of water contained in the seasonal cap at 85°S by as much as a factor of 15. This phenomenon, which has already been identified for the northern retreating cap, may present an important water transport mechanism in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ultraviolet interstellar extinction toward NGC 6530 and the intrinsic energy distribution of 9 Sagittarii and HD 165052

The ultraviolet interstellar extinction curve is determined toward 12 early B main-sequence stars and one O8 V star in NGC 6530. The extinction is found to be uniform across the cluster. At short wavelengths, the extinction curve of NGC 6530 falls below the average Galactic curve by a full magnitude, indicating that the population of small grains relative to larger grains is lower than normal. Longward of 2830 A the curve is almost coincident with the mean Galactic curve. The 2175 A feature is narrower than the average. The derived extinction curve is used to deredden the observed fluxes of two early O-type stars in NGC 6530:9 Sgr and HD 165052. The intrinsic continua are compared to model atmospheres in the region 1200-8200 A. The LTE, line-blanketed models of Kurucz (1979) fit the observations better than the non-LTE, unblanketed models of Mihalas (1972) suggesting that line-blanketing effects are more important than the non-LTE effects in the atmospheres of these stars. The temperatures of the models that best fit the observations are lower than the Zanstra temperatures and the temperatures estimated from the strengths of the He I and He II lines, by 10,000 to 20,000 K.
Heavy elements in surface materials: determination by alpha particle scattering

The backscattering of alpha particles from a radioactive source can be used to determine the amounts of heavy elements such as lead in surface materials. A light, portable instrument has been constructed that can be used as a survey meter for painted surfaces. It has a sensitivity of 0.3 percent by weight in a measurement of a few minutes.
Cellular precipitates of iron oxide in olivine in a stratospheric interplanetary dust particle

The petrology of a massive olivine-sulphide interplanetary dust particle shows melting of Fe,Ni-sulphide plus complete loss of sulphur and subsequent quenching to a mixture of iron-oxides and Fe,Ni-metal. Oxidation of the fayalite component in olivine produced maghemite discs and cellular intergrowths with olivine and rare andradite-rich garnet. Cellular reactions require no long-range solid-state diffusion and are kinetically favourable during pyrometamorphic oxidation. Local melting of the cellular intergrowths resulted in three dimensional symplectic textures. Dynamic pyrometamorphism of this asteroidal particle occurred at approx. 1100 C during atmospheric entry flash (5-15 s) heating.
Stability of MgO(1 1 1) films grown on 6H-SiC(0 0 0 1) by molecular beam epitaxy for two-step integration of functional oxides

Abstract Crystalline magnesium oxide (MgO) (1 1 1), 20 A thick, was grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on hydrogen cleaned hexagonal silicon carbide (6H-SiC). The films were further heated to 740 °C and 650 °C under different oxygen environments in order to simulate processing conditions for subsequent functional oxide growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and stability of crystalline MgO films and the MgO/6H-SiC interface for subsequent heteroepitaxial deposition of multi-component, functional oxides by MBE or pulsed laser deposition processes. The stability of the MgO films and the MgO/6H-SiC interface was found to be dependent on substrate temperature and the presence of atomic oxygen. The MgO films and the MgO/6H-SiC interface are stable at temperatures up to 740 °C at 1.0 × 10−9 Torr for extended periods of time. While at temperatures below 400 °C exposure to the presence of active oxygen for extended periods of time has negligible impact, exposure to the presence of active oxygen for more than 5 min at 650 °C will degrade the MgO/6H-SiC interface. Concurrent etching and interface breakdown mechanisms are hypothesized to explain the observed effects. Further, barium titanate was deposited by MBE on bare 6H-SiC(0 0 0 1) and MgO(1 1 1)/6H-SiC(0 0 0 1) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the MgO as a heteroepitaxial template layer for perovskite ferroelectrics.
Electromigration in Liquid NaK Alloys

The relative electromigration of Na and K atoms in liquid NaK alloys has been investigated for two compositions, 0.47 and 0.30 K (atom. conc.). This effect has been found to be in the opposite direction for the two alloys; Na ions go towards the anode for the 0.47 K concentration and towards the cathode for the 0.30 K. The interpolated concentration of this reversal is found to equal 0.39 K, in agreement with the result of Drakin and Maltsev [13]. The variation of the coefficients of “electron drag” for both components has been measured as a function of temperature in the range of 85 to 300 °C, where they behave anomalously. In both the dilute and concentrated alloy regions the directions of the mass flux agree with theoretical predictions but the magnitudes are smaller by nearly a factor of 10. A possible explanation may be that mass transport proceeds through the motion of large coordinated complexes. The breakup of these complexes at higher temperature might explain one aspect of the anomalous temperature dependence.
Integrated control of industrial systems

There is an increasing focus on the concept of integrated systems control in applications to industrial systems, e.g. chemical processing and steel. Motivating factors include (i) rising costs (and limited availability) of energy and various raw materials, (ii) competitive pressures to improve production efficiency, labour productivity, flexibility, etc., and (iii) more stringent government regulations concerning environmental impact and product quality. At the same time, the tools for effecting systems control (analytical techniques, systems methodology, computer hardware and software) have become increasingly powerful, reliable, and available. Here, control is considered in a very general context to include all aspects of decision-making applied to the operating system, ranging from process control to production scheduling and planning. The digital computer plays a very central role in making feasible the modern industrial control system where it serves the functions of information processing, on-line control, and decision-making in real time through man-machine interaction. The hierarchical control approach provides a conceptual framework for organizing and implementing integrated control of large industrial systems. Various aspects of the control hierarchy are considered; these will be described in the context of integrated systems control applied to the steel industry.
Effect of Denaturing Agents on Stability of Casein, Milk, and Sterile Concentrated Milk

Abstract N-ethylmaleimide, p-chloromercuribenzoate, and dioxane revealed no differences in reactions of stability between κ-casein, casein, milk, and ungelled and gelled sterile concentrated milks. However, the hydrogen and hydrophobic bond-breaking reagents urea, sodium salicylate, and lithium chloride did not change the stability of caseins and gelled concentrated milk to Ca++, but increased that of milk and ungelled concentrate. These differences between protein solutions might be due to increased stability of nonmicelle casein over that in micelle form. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) increased stability of protein, due to possible destruction of micelles, then it combined with protein at higher concentrations. Decreased stability of gelled concentrated milk could not be explained by denaturing with urea and SDS. The reducing or oxidizing agents NaBH 4 , Na 2 SO 3 , sodium ascorbate, mercaptoethanol, cysteine, H 2 O 2 , and K 3 Fe(CN) 6 affected the disulfide linkages in casein and decreased the stability of protein to Ca++. It is possible that changes in the disulfide linkages, hydrolytic cleavage of casein, or both decreased stability of protein in gelled concentrated milk.
VESICOURETHRAL RECONSTRUCTION IN RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY: AN ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUE

AbstractPurpose: We review an alternative method of vesicourethral reconstruction in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate.Materials and Methods: A total of 91 consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated for an alternative technique for vesicourethral reconstruction which incorporates specific principles of direct suture anastomosis and the modified Vest technique. Perioperative and postoperative complications were reviewed.Results: Total continence was reported in 80 of 91 patients (87.9%). Persistent moderate to severe incontinence was present in 1 patient and anastomotic stricture was identified in 7 (7.7%). Prolonged urinary extravasation was rare.Conclusions: This method of vesicourethral reconstruction appears to offer an efficient, reproducible alternative to direct suture anastomosis with acceptable complication rates.
The meanings of branded products: A cross-national scale development and meaning assessment

Abstract This research develops a scale to assess branded product meanings, including quality, values, personal identity, and traditions. Using data gathered in the U.S. and three emerging markets (Romania, Ukraine, and Russia), we demonstrate a valid and reliable measure that exhibits cross-national measurement invariance. Our findings document quality is the most important branded product meaning across countries; identity-related and traditions-related meanings are more important in the U.S. than the emerging markets. We discuss these findings, provide important managerial implications, and offer future research opportunities related to branding and measurement.
Temperature profiles, the size of the heat-affected zone and dilution in electroslag welding

Abstract A mathematical model was developed to represent the three-dimensional temperature field in the slag, the metal pool and the baseplate regions in the electroslag welding process. The spatially distributed heat generation patterns used in the calculations were obtained from the solution of the electric field equations. The output from the model were the temperature fields in the baseplate, the dilution, the size of the heat-affected zone and the grain growth in the heat-affected zone. Reasonably good agreement was obtained between the predictions based on the model and experimental measurements reported in the literature and those obtained in the Welding Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The two important findings that result from this work are that for electroslag welding systems the heat-affected zone is relatively uniform and its size is not markedly affected by the process parameters; furthermore, the percentage dilution is appreciably influenced by process parameters, such as the plate gap and the liquidus temperature.
FMEA on the superconducting torus for the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV accelerator upgrade

As part of the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV accelerator upgrade project, Hall B requires two conduction cooled superconducting magnets. One is a magnet system consisting of six superconducting trapezoidal racetrack-type coils assembled in a toroidal configuration and the second is an actively shielded solenoidal magnet system consisting of five coils. Both magnets are to be wound with Superconducting Super Collider-36 NbTi strand Rutherford cable soldered into a copper channel. This paper describes This paper describes a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) that was done on these magnets to identify their various failure modes, which were assessed in terms of their Risk Priority Numbers (RPN). Mitigating actions were identified that would reduce the RPNs to acceptable values.
Fullerenes and giant fullerenes: Synthesis, separation, and mass spectrometric characterization

Abstract We report a detailed procedure for the production of fullerenes and giant fullerenes in very high yield. Our high yields are obtained by a combination of fine control of the arc gap distance, optimal convection in the apparatus and careful Soxhlet extraction with selected solvents. Our extraction and mass spectrometry results confirm the existence of giant fullerenes with masses in excess of 3000 amu. We find that 94% of the soot can be extracted in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, indicating that a large portion of the soot has a molecular fullerene-type structure. We also present a new one-step method for the rapid separation of pure C 60 directly from raw soot. An overview of recent results in the area of synthesis and purification of fullerenes and giant fullerenes is also presented.
The Rapture of the Christ: The “Pre-Ascension Ascension” of Jesus in the Theology of Faustus Socinus (1539—1604)

In this essay I examine a rather quirky and possibly novel teaching of Faustus Socinus (1539—1604): what George H. Williams calls a “pre-Ascension ascension” (hereafter PAA) of Christ into heaven. Faustus claimed that this bodily ascent into heaven took place before Christ's final visible ascension to heaven some time between his baptism and the commencement of his earthly teaching ministry. The theory states in brief that Christ, “after he was born a human, and before he began to discharge the office entrusted to him by God, his own Father, … was in heaven, and abode there for some time.” Christ took this heavenly sojourn “that he might hear from God himself and … see in his very presence what he was soon to proclaim and reveal to the world in God's own name.” 1 In another place Socinus states that Jesus, “after his birth from the virgin, and before he announced the gospel, was raptured into heaven ( in caelum raptus fuerit ). There he learned from God himself what he was to reveal to the human race.” 2
Celebrations and problems of humanistic psychology

Abstract This paper celebrates the history and victories of Humanistic Psychology, and it also considers the tasks ahead, especially the problem that Humanistic Psychology may not be reproducing itself into the next generation.
Wireless surface acoustic wave and MEMS-based microsensors

The integration of SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave), MEMS and required microelectronics and conformal antennas to realize programmable microsensors suitable for many engineering and biomedical applications will be presented in this talk. This unique combination of technologies results in novel conformal sensors that can be remotely sensed by a wireless communication system with the advantage of no power requirements at the sensor site (passive sensor). The required features in many of these applications are high precision, wide dynamic range and wide frequency range. MEMS-SAW based devices presented possess typical advantages of MEMS sensors including the additional benefits of robustness, excellent sensitivity, surface conformability and durability. After a brief overview of SAW sensors and MEMS, the paper is focused on the design and fabrication of MEMS devices for a few engineering applications such as accelerometer and gyroscopes for automobile, inertial navigation sensors and tire pressure sensor.
Short‐term psychodynamic therapy as a form of desensitization: Treating affect phobias

This article presents an “anxiety-regulating” model of short-term dynamic psychotherapy that uses the behavioral principles of desensitization to treat psychodynamic conflict. In this model, psychodynamic conflict is reinterpreted as an “affect phobia.” In contrast to phobic stimuli that are external (bridges, snakes), intrapsychic phobias occur within us; the phobic stimuli are feelings. Within this framework, behavioral methods of exposure and the prevention of avoidance can be applied to avoided feelings to resolve the psychodynamic conflict. Clients who are afraid of anger, grief, or closeness are exposed to these feelings in imagery in doses they can bear. Defensive avoidance is prevented and the client experiences the conflicted feeling while learning to regulate the associated anxiety, guilt, shame, or pain. A case example with transcripted segments of sessions is presented to illustrate these principles. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.