cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of calorically dense enteral formulas in adult home enteral nutrition population in a tertiary care center: A retrospective analysis

Introduction: The prevalence of home enteral nutrition (HEN) has increased dramatically as studies showing clinical benefit have emerged. During this time, the practice of HEN has evolved as well including the availability of diverse formulas ranging in macronutrient distribution and concentration. Despite this availability, there continues to be a paucity of data regarding the efficacy of 2.0 kcal/ml density formulas in the HEN population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of HEN database was conducted for the use of concentrated formula (2.0 kcal/ml). Baseline variables as well as efficacy of formula were assessed. Results: In the time period evaluated, 32 HEN patients with a mean age of 58 ± 13.4 years met inclusion criteria. A total of 25 (78.1%) patients were male, the most common indication for HEN was dysphagia (53.1%), and the most common diagnosis was head-and-neck cancer (65.7%). The vast majority (87.4%) received concentrated formula through percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) and were able to receive 93.1% ±19.7% of their goal calories needs as well as 98.5% ±21.7% of their goal protein needs. A total of 9 (28%) patients were initially started on concentrated formula, whereas 23 (72%) were switched from their initial formula with most common indication being the need for additional calories. Twenty-nine patients (90.6%) were able to utilize the formula as their primary source of nutrition with 22 patients (69%) reported no adverse effects. Conclusions: Our study found that the use of concentrated formula was well tolerated in a diverse cohort of patients, meeting their calorie and protein needs. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Practice-based learning, Systems-based practice.
Cutaneous adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: incidence and types of reactive dermatoses

Dermatoses are common and potentially serious complications of programmed cell death receptor PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1 ICI) therapy. Understanding their incidence is necessary to...
Global Variation in Subjective Well-Being Predicts Seven Forms of Altruism.

The geographic prevalence of various altruistic behaviors (nonreciprocal acts that improve other people’s welfare) is not uniformly distributed, but whether this reflects variation in a superordina...
SIGSOFT Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award: Improving Regression Testing Efficiency and Reliability via Test-Suite Transformations

As software becomes more important and ubiquitous, high quality software also becomes crucial. We depend on software developers who write the software to also maintain and improve its quality. When developers make changes to software, they rely on continuous integration [6] and regression testing [15] to check that changes do not break existing functionality. Continuous integration (CI) automates the process of building and testing software after every change. The process of running tests on the code after every change is known as regression testing. The goal of regression testing is to allow developers to detect and fix faults early on, ideally the moment the faults are introduced. Regression testing is widely used in both industry and open source, but regression testing suffers from two main challenges: (1) regression testing is costly, and (2) regression test suites often contain flaky tests.
Treatment of octogenarians and nonagenarians with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a 17-year institutional analysis.

Outcomes for octogenarians and nonagenarians after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are particularly ominous, with mortality rates well above 50%. The present analysis examines the neurologic outcomes of patients ≥ 80 years of age treated for aSAH. A retrospective review was performed of all aSAH patients treated at Barrow Neurological Institute from January 1, 2003, to July 31, 2019. Patients were placed in 2 groups by age, 2. During the study period, 1418 patients were treated for aSAH. The mean (standard deviation) age was 55.1 (13.6) years, the mean follow-up was 24.6 (40.0) months, and the rate of functional independence (mRS 0–2) at follow-up was 54% (751/1395). Logistic regression analysis found increasing age strongly associated with declining functional independence (R2 = 0.929, p < 0.001). Forty-three patients ≥ 80 years old were significantly more likely to be managed endovascularly than with open microsurgery (67% [n = 29] vs 33% [n = 14], p < 0.001). Compared with younger patients, those ≥ 80 years old had an increased risk of mortality and poor neurologic outcomes at follow-up. In the ≥ 80-year-old group, only 4 patients had good outcomes; none of the 4 had preexisting comorbidities, and all 4 were treated endovascularly. Age is a significant prognostic indicator of functional outcomes and mortality after aSAH. Most octogenarians and nonagenarians with aSAH will become severely disabled or die.
NASA-TLX assessment of workload in resident physicians and faculty surgeons covering trauma, surgical intensive care unit, and emergency general surgery services.

Abstract Background Higher workload is associated with burnout and lower performance. Therefore, we aim to assess shift-related factors associated with higher workload on EGS, ICU, and trauma surgery services. Methods In this prospective cohort study, faculty surgeons and surgery residents completed a survey after each EGS, ICU, or trauma shift, including shift details and a modified NASA-TLX. Results Seventeen faculty and 12 residents completed 174 and 48 surveys after working scheduled 12-h and 24-h shifts, respectively (response rates: faculty – 62%, residents – 42%). NASA-TLX was significantly increased with a higher physician subjective fatigue level. Further, seeing more consults or performing more operations than average significantly increased workload. Finally, NASA-TLX was significantly higher for faculty when they felt their shift was more difficult than expected. Conclusions Higher volume clinical responsibilities and higher subjective fatigue levels are independently associated with higher workload. Designing shift coverage to expand on busier days may decrease workload, impacting burnout and shift performance.
Hydro-thermo-mechanical analysis during injection of cold fluid into a geologic formation

Abstract We conducted in-depth investigations of pore-pressure buildup, temperature, and stress changes under isothermal or nonisothermal injection scenarios, using numerical simulations. The numerical simulation method combines fluid flow, poroelasticity, thermal diffusion, and thermal stress, and is based on the single-phase fluid flow condition. We also examined temporal evolutions of stress states and mobilized friction angles across base, injection zone, and caprock layers for two different stress regimes, normal-faulting and reverse-faulting. Results show that injecting cold fluid shifts an area in which the mobilized friction angle becomes maximum, which is where induced-seismic events are likely to be triggered first, for both stress regimes. We also tested a hypothetical stepwise injection of cold fluid; results show that this injection helps to improve the stability of the injection zone to some extent. Finally, we suggest using dimensionless parameters to determine a prevalence of the thermal-stress effect in the injection zone, and discuss the impact of the initial stress regime and implications of using the single-phase fluid flow condition.
Quantum Mechanics and Spectrum Generating Groups and Supergroups

In our quantum mechanics course we were taught that molecules consist of N electrons and M nuclei and that one has to solve a (N + M) body Schrodinger equation to understand their structure. But if one looks at the work of the practitioners in this area, e.g. the books of G. Herzberg,1) one sees that the practice is different: Low energy spectra and structure of molecules are analyzed in terms of rotators and oscillators (and at slightly higher energies in terms of Kepler systems (one electron outside a core)). This is shown in Figure la.
Semisynthetic Penicillin 6-[d(—)-α-Carboxy-3-Thienylacetamido] Penicillanic Acid Active Against Pseudomonas In Vitro

The activity of 6-[d(—)-α-carboxy-3-thienylacetamido] penicillanic acid, BRL2288, was determined against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and various gram-negative bacilli. The majority of Pseudomonas strains (89%) were inhibited by 100 μg of the antibiotic per ml. BRL2288 is twofold more active than carbenicillin against Pseudomonas at 100 μg/ml or less. Among Enterobacteriaceae tested, 87% Enterobacter and 87% of Proteus mirabilis strains were inhibited by 25 μg/ml or less. Indole-positive Proteus were inhibited by 10 μg/ml or less. Fifty-five per cent of ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli were inhibited by 100 μg/ml. Klebsiella were uniformly resistant. BRL2288 is not hydrolyzed by most resistant Pseudomonas, but it is destroyed by the β-lactamases of E. coli and P. mirabilis. The antibiotic shows synergy with gentamicin but not with penicillinase-resistant penicillins such as cloxacillin. Activity of BRL2288 against gram-positive organisms is two- to eightfold less than that of ampicillin or benzylpenicillin G.
Consequences of impending national change: symptoms of psychological distress among homosexual and heterosexual men living in Hong Kong.

Now that Hong Kong has reverted to Chinese rule, the people of Hong Kong face many social and political uncertainties. It is likely that residents are experiencing significant symptoms of psychological distress. Homosexual men may be particularly apprehensive about impending government change given the persecution of those with this sexual orientation in the People's Republic of China. The Brief Symptom Inventory was administered to heterosexual (N = 46) and homosexual (N = 26) men living in Hong Kong. As predicted, both groups showed elevated symptoms levels compared to nonpatient norms (ps < .001) and the homosexuals were found to have more intense stress symptoms than heterosexuals. Correlations between concerns about life after 1997 and depression and hopelessness were significant (ps < .01). Surprisingly, somatization was the least elevated symptom among Chinese participants and of equivalent magnitude in both sexual orientation groups. Socio-political implications of the findings are discussed.
Numerical simulation of hail formation in the 28 June 1989 Bismarck thunderstorm: Part II, cloud seeding results

Abstract The Institute of Atmospheric Sciences' two-dimensional, time-dependent (2DTD) hail category model is used to simulate the effects of various cloud seeding scenarios on the North Dakota Thunderstorm Project (NDTP) hailstorm of 28 June 1989. Two model cases (Case I, rain autoconversion on, and Case II, rain autoconversion off) are tested. Seeding tests concentrate on an intense isolated cell undergoing rapid evolution (Cell 3). Silver iodide seeding done early in the life of Cell 3 at cloud top, near the −10 °C level, produces significant effects. The seeding makes the cloud initiate ice earlier, resulting in increased development of small- and intermediate-sized ice particles at earlier times in the seeded runs for both Cases I and II. The initial stages of embryo production to a large extent determine the character of hail development in Cell 3 due to the limited cell lifetime. Seeding later in the life of Cell 3 is ineffective in modifying hail production because the cell has already developed abundant amounts of ice. For Case I, a positive hail suppression effect is obtained. More intermediate-sized ice particles are formed in the seeded run. These numerous hailstone embryos then compete beneficially for the available supercooled water resulting in the formation of numerous small hailstones, many of which melt before reaching the ground. Such seeding results in substantial decreases in hail fallout (44%) and hail impact energy (58%) for Cell 3. The rain from the seeded cell is increased by about 3% and from the entire system by about 7%. For Case II, with the coalescence process turned off, there is more cloud water and cloud ice but fewer precipitating ice particles than in Case I. The earlier formation and increased amounts of intermediate-sized ice particles in the seeded run allow the particles to grow in the plentiful supercooled water region resulting in more hail particles. Earlier formation of precipitating ice also initiates the rain process earlier. Seeding increases both rain and hail in this situation. The results indicate a 340% increase in rain and a 280% increase in hail in the seeded run for Cell 3, although the precipitation amounts are quite small. In the seeded run, the rain from the entire storm system is increased by 16% and hail by 22%. Seeding near the cloud base of an embedded cell produces only minor differences between the seeded and unseeded run because the surrounding cloud mass provides an ample supply of embryos in both the natural and the seeded runs. A crude simulation of the effects of hygroscopic seeding indicates a slight hail suppression effect for the relatively isolated cell, but increased rain and hail from the embedded cell. These results demonstrate the important role that the microphysical path to precipitation has not only on hail formation, but also on the potential for successful hail suppression.
General Quality Control

A common assumption for conducting microbiological testing is that the laboratory environment and its equipment are properly operated, cleaned, calibrated, and maintained, that the laboratory is a safe working environment, and that the laboratory has a quality assurance plan that it maintains and adheres to. In order to assure that these requirements are met, a QA program needs to be in place.A goal of the QA program is to give management the opportunity to provide input and take responsibility in the planning, implementation, and assessment stages of the environmental microbiology project. The QA Plan should have sections devoted to laboratory facilities, personnel, and equipment; sampling procedures and handling; and deviations, record keeping and audits.
Nonlinear Control for Improved Dynamic Response of Digitally Controlled DC-DC Converters

This paper presents nonlinear control design and implementation methods to achieve improved dynamic responses of digitally controlled switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) without compromising stability margins. The implementation, which includes a programmable A/D quantizer, is relatively simple and well suited for practical high-frequency SMPS controllers. Simulation and experimental results, which are presented for a point-of-load 5V-to-1.3V digitally controlled synchronous buck converter, show significantly improved step-load transient responses.
Mining Adverse Drug Side-Effects from Online Medical Forums

Pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for the prevention, treatment or cure of diseases can have adverse reactions or side-effects that lead to further health complications or sometimes even death. Most of the common side-effects of drugs, reported by their manufacturer, are based on clinical trials. However, not all possible side-effects are identified, as their detection is limited by the extent of the number and diversity of the participants in the trials. Online medical help forums where patients voluntarily provide feedback on the drugs they take, provide an excellent source for identifying the unreported side-effects of drugs. Mining for these side-effects would help patients make informed decisions about the suitability of a drug for their treatment and also for health authorities to take appropriate action against drug manufacturers. In this paper we present a Hidden Markov Model based text mining system that can be used to extract adverse side-effects of drugs from online medical forums.
Synthesis of some steroid spin labels

Abstract An improved synthesis of spin-labeled cortisol, cortisone, and testosterone using N, N'-cyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) is reported. The spin labeled steroids are shown to result from the esterification at the most reactive C(21) and C(17) hydroxyl groups. A mild and high yield oxidation of cortisol spin label to cortisone spin label by chromium trioxide-pyridine is also discussed.
Women's Use of Aggression Toward Their Former Spouses During Marital Separation

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of women's use of verbal and physical aggression during marital separation among a sample of 147 divorced mothers. The predictor variables examined were women's self-esteem, mastery, attachment style, gender-role identity, and husband's verbal and physical aggression during separation. Hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that women's psychological characteristics and men's use of aggression toward their wives during separation were predictive of women's use of verbal aggression toward their husbands during marital separation. In addition, women's psychological characteristics and use of verbal aggression toward their husbands during separation and men's use of aggression toward their wives during separation predicted women's use of physical aggression toward their husbands during separation.
Cardiopulmonary bypass with cardioplegic arrest activates protein kinase C in the human myocardium

Background The protein kinase C (PKC) family consists of 12 isoforms, 6 of which have been found in human myocardium (PKCα, βI/βII, δ, e, η, and λ/ι). These kinases function in regulation of contractility, ion channels, and in cellular protection or damage during ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study investigated the effects of controlled ischemia-reperfusion injury through cardioplegic arrest on PKC activity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Study Design Myocardium and skeletal muscle were harvested from patients before and after cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest. Total PKC (n=12) was isolated and specifically, the PKCδ (n=8) and PKCe (n=8) isoforms were immunoprecipitated for use in functional kinase assays. Cellular fractions (n=4) were separated by differential ultracentrifugation and analyzed by Western blotting for membrane translocation (an indirect indicator of increased activity). Immunofluorescent staining for PKCδ and PKCe was performed on myocardial sections. An in vitro assay of hypoxic cardioplegic arrest followed by reoxygenation was performed using isolated cardiomyocytes, and apoptosis was assessed. Results Cardioplegic arrest was associated with a 24.4% ± 4.6% increase (p Conclusions PKCδ and e have previously been shown to mediate and protect, respectively, from ischemia-reperfusion injury after myocardial ischemia. Demonstration of increases in their activity after cardioplegic arrest provides support for their possible role in myocardial function after cardiac surgery. Isoform-specific modulators may be of potential therapeutic value in treating postoperative myocardial dysfunction.
Concerning radiotherapy standard dose meter calibration

Constancy measurements for nine ionization chambers were made using a 2 mg Ra source. (AIP)
Synthesis of nanoscale materials using detonation of solid explosives

Abstract Direct synthesis of nanophase materials in detonations is considered. This article describes a number of methods that can lead to the formation of super saturated states of media, which in turn will precipitate as nanoscale particles when the detonation products are quenched in the expansion process. Several examples are given of reactions that will lead to production of nanophase particles of metals, oxides, diamond and other unique materials. It is shown that conditions of nucleation and growth of nanoscale material can be analyzed using advanced methods of computer simulation of detonation and blast wave phenomena. An example of this kind of simulation is given. It is concluded that detonative synthesis of nanophase material can lead to low cost technology that will produce a range of unique materials.
Influences of Sentence Length and Syntactic Complexity on the Speech Motor Control of Children Who Stutter

Purpose To investigate the potential effects of increased sentence length and syntactic complexity on the speech motor control of children who stutter (CWS). Method Participants repeated sentences ...
Is the practice of ECT ethical

The ethical principles of medical care are beneficence (doing good), non-maleficence (not doing harm), autonomy (right to refuse or accept treatment), and justice (equality of opportunity). The present practice of ECT meets standards for beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy. In many nations, however, the principle of justice is not respected, leading to unavailability of ECT, increased suffering and prolonged illness. The signs of improvement are slowly surfacing in the greater recognition of the efficacy of ECT, greater tolerance to its use, and in establishing treatment standards.
Structure of an Enteric Pathogen, Bovine Parvovirus

ABSTRACT Bovine parvovirus (BPV), the causative agent of respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in cows, is the type member of the Bocaparvovirus genus of the Parvoviridae family. Toward efforts to obtain a template for the development of vaccines and small-molecule inhibitors for this pathogen, the structure of the BPV capsid, assembled from the major capsid viral protein 2 (VP2), was determined using X-ray crystallography as well as cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction (cryo-reconstruction) to 3.2- and 8.8-A resolutions, respectively. The VP2 region ordered in the crystal structure, from residues 39 to 536, conserves the parvoviral eight-stranded jellyroll motif and an αA helix. The BPV capsid displays common parvovirus features: a channel at and depressions surrounding the 5-fold axes and protrusions surrounding the 3-fold axes. However, rather than a depression centered at the 2-fold axes, a raised surface loop divides this feature in BPV. Additional observed density in the capsid interior in the cryo-reconstructed map, compared to the crystal structure, is interpreted as 10 additional N-terminal residues, residues 29 to 38, that radially extend the channel under the 5-fold axis, as observed for human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1). Surface loops of various lengths and conformations extend from the core jellyroll motif of VP2. These loops confer the unique surface topology of the BPV capsid, making it strikingly different from HBoV1 as well as the type members of other Parvovirinae genera for which structures have been determined. For the type members, regions structurally analogous to those decorating the BPV capsid surface serve as determinants of receptor recognition, tissue and host tropism, pathogenicity, and antigenicity. IMPORTANCE Bovine parvovirus (BPV), identified in the 1960s in diarrheic calves, is the type member of the Bocaparvovirus genus of the nonenveloped, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) Parvoviridae family. The recent isolation of human bocaparvoviruses from children with severe respiratory and gastrointestinal infections has generated interest in understanding the life cycle and pathogenesis of these emerging viruses. We have determined the high-resolution structure of the BPV capsid assembled from its predominant capsid protein VP2, known to be involved in a myriad of functions during host cell entry, pathogenesis, and antigenicity for other members of the Parvovirinae. Our results show the conservation of the core secondary structural elements and the location of the N-terminal residues for the known bocaparvovirus capsid structures. However, surface loops with high variability in sequence and conformation give BPV a unique capsid surface topology. Similar analogous regions in other Parvovirinae type members are important as determinants of receptor recognition, tissue and host tropism, pathogenicity, and antigenicity.
Electrophysiological effects of verapamil.

Previous studies have demonstrated that verapamil possess potent anti-arrhythmic effects. The present study has been designed to define the cardiovascular effects of this drug. Isolated tissue studies performed in rabbit right atrium demonstrated that prompt and prominent slowing of the sinus rate even at a dose of 1 X 10(-7) mol . litre-1. This dose produced significant decrease in action potential amplitude and phase 4 slope, shifted the 'threshold potential' to a less negative value, prolonged action potential duration but did not change maximum diastolic potential. At this dose of verapamil, sinoatrial conduction time prolonged significantly (control: 40.0 +/- 4.8 ms; 1 X 10(-7) mol . litre-1 verapamil: 50.0 +/- 6.4 ms). Purkinje fibre studies demonstrated decreases in dV/dt, resting potential, total amplitude, action potential duration at 75, 95% of recovery and effective refractory period only after exposure to greater than or equal to 1 X 10(-5) mol . litre-1 verapamil. Electrophysiological studies in conscious dogs demonstrated, after bolus administration of verapamil, progressive increases in the A-H interval and heart rate, but no changes in H-V and QRS intervals. Anaesthetised dog studies showed the lack of significant effect on A-H and H-V intervals or QRS duration regardless of the bolus dose of verapamil. However, verapamil produced statistically significant increases in heart rate after 0.025 mg . kg-1. Verapamil administration did not produce a statistically significant change in escape pacemaker rate in vagal stimulation experiments or with spontaneously beating isolated Purkinje fibres. Finally, the effect of increasing intravenous bolus does of verapamil on ischaemic arrhythmias was studied in five conscious dogs 24 h following LAD ligation. Only one dog with ventricular tachycardia and another dog with junctional escape rhythm were converted to sinus rhythm after the 0.05 mg . kg-1 and 0.2 mg . kg-1 doses, respectively. In conclusion, these studies demonstrated that administration of verapamil specifically depresses tissue with electrophysiological dependence on slow channel current. Therefore, sinus and A-V nodal events would be suppressed and slow-channel mediated events in ischaemic ventricle also would be inhibited. Clinically, acute administration of verapamil would lead to depression of sinus and A-V nodal function as well as potentially eliminate slow current mechanisms in ischaemic arrhythmias.
PREDICTING INSTANTANEOUS PEAK DEMAND IN RURAL DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT: Many rural areas of the United States still have no public domestic water systems. Typical land use patterns in these areas may require 1/2 mile or more of pipe per farm connection. Public systems serving these areas are economically feasible only if realistic short-term peak demand standards are available for their design. The lack of reliable data upon which to establish such criteria has resulted in a large variation in criteria among state and federal agencies involved in financing and in approving construction of these systems. During the summer of 1975 three distribution laterals of a rural system in Utah were master metered and instantaneous peak flows were recorded for 4 months. The metered lines served 4, 12, and 22 farm houses each. The frequency distribution of peak flows has been analyzed and compared with that developed during similar research in Mississippi and with the existing design standards of the Farmers Home Administration and the State of Utah.
Electric and thermoelectric transport in graphene and helical metal in finite magnetic fields

We study the electrical and thermoelectric transport properties of the surface state of a topological insulator and graphene in the presence of randomly distributed impurities. For finite impurity strength, the dependence of the transport coefficients as a function of the gate voltage, magnetic field, and impurity potential are obtained numerically. In the limit of zero impurities (clean limit), analytic results for the peak values of the magneto-oscillations in thermopower are derived. Analogous with the conventional two-dimensional electron gas, the peak values are universal in the clean limit. Unlike graphene, in topological insulators the coupling of the electron spin to its momentum leads to a dependence of the transport coefficients on the gyromagnetic ratio ($g$). We compare our results with data on graphene and identify unique signatures expected in topological insulators due to the magnetoelectric coupling.
Carbon−Oxygen Coupling in the Reaction of Formaldehyde on Ge(100)-2×1

Although catalytic properties are usually ascribed to transition metals and their oxides, the present work identifies a catalytic carbon−oxygen coupling reaction on a group-IV (100)-2×1 semiconductor surface. The reactions of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-d2 on Ge(100)-2×1 were investigated with multiple internal reflection infrared (MIR-IR) spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Formic acid was also studied for comparison. Infrared data indicate that formaldehyde adsorbs in a dative-bonded state and also forms a minority C−H dissociation product. In addition, theory predicts that a CO [2+2] cycloaddition product may form, although the infrared spectra are inconclusive as to its presence. Time-dependent and annealing infrared studies suggest that the dative-bonded species undergoes a subsequent coupling reaction with a nearby surface adduct, resulting in a bidentate formate group as evidenced by an intense ν(O−C−O) stretching mode near 1500...
Production and deexcitation of highly deformed 67Ga.

The energy spectra and angular distributions of alpha particles and protons emitted from $^{67}\mathrm{Ga}$ compound nuclei at excitation energies of 110 to 116 MeV formed in four different reactions have been measured. The populated angular momentum ranges deduced from fusion cross section information correspond to 0--24 \ensuremath{\Elzxh} for $^{4}\mathrm{Cu}$, 0--38 \ensuremath{\Elzxh} for $^{12}\mathrm{Mn}$, 0--48 \ensuremath{\Elzxh} for $^{16}\mathrm{V}$, and 0--50 \ensuremath{\Elzxh} for $^{40}\mathrm{Al}$. The experimental data are analyzed using the angular-momentum-dependent statistical model and the rotating liquid drop model. Average multiplicities and barriers are extracted for different zones of angular momentum. Comparisons with the models indicate large deformations of the $^{67}\mathrm{Ga}$ nuclei at the higher angular momenta and suggest large deformation related increases in the nuclear level density and decreases of emission barriers. The p/\ensuremath{\alpha} ratio decreases with increasing angular momentum less than expected for spherical emitters at the higher angular momenta. The average \ensuremath{\alpha} emission barriers are found to be close to those which are calculated for emission from the tips of prolate deformed nuclei such as those predicted by the liquid drop model. The experimental proton barriers appear somewhat smaller than those calculated using the liquid drop model shapes.
Incomplete removal of the pesticide captan from skin by standard handwash exposure assessment procedures

The dermal route of exposure is often the primary route of occupational exposure to pesticides, and several investigators have reported that over 60% of the total absorbed dose was contributed by the dermal route (Durham et al. 1972; Fenske and Elkner 1990). Although handwashing procedures to assess occupational dermal exposure have been standard practice for several decades (Durham and Wolfe 1962), the validity of these results are not typically addressed. As a significant quantity of pesticide may remain sorbed to the skin on the hands, handwashing procedures probably underestimate exposure. Moreover, for those pesticides that most sorb to skin, handwashing exposure assessment procedures result in the most significant underestimates of the physiologically relevant dose.
Chromatographic investigation into the interaction between proteins and polymer matrices I. Agarose gels with substituents of different length and hydrophobicity

To study the adsorption behaviour of proteins on different chemical moieties Sepharose 4B was substituted with various epoxides yielding neutral adsorbents with equal degrees of substitution. The substituents were alkyl chains of different length carrying different functional end groups. The synthesis of the epoxides used for substitution and the preparation and characterisation of the gels are described.
Stoichiometric modeling of carbon diagenesis within a coral reef framework

Abstract Water sampled from the interior framework of Checker Reef, Oahu, Hawaii, indicates that the aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of organic matter dominates diagenesis within the reef framework. Reef interstitial water chemistry shows clear deviations from surface seawater: oxygen is depleted while dissolved inorganic carbon, H + , inorganic nutrients, sulfide and methane concentrations are elevated. Dissolved calcium is also elevated in most interstitial waters, indicating net dissolution of calcium carbonates. A mass-balance model used to determine the extent to which major biogeochemical reactions occur reveals that sulfate reduction is the predominant anaerobic process.
Characterization of electrically evoked [3H]-d-aspartate release from hippocampal slices

Abstract Electrical stimulation has certain advantages over chemical stimulation methods for the study of neurotransmitter release in brain slices. However, measuring detectable quantities of electrically evoked release of endogenous or radiolabeled markers of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters has required current intensities or frequencies much higher than those usually required to study other transmitter systems. We demonstrate here that [3H]- d -aspartate ( d -ASP) release can be detected from hippocampal slices at lower stimulation intensities in the presence of a glutamate reuptake inhibitor. Subsequently, we optimized the electrical stimulus parameters for characterizing electrically evoked d -ASP release. Under the experimental conditions described, greater than 90% of electrically evoked d -ASP release is calcium-dependent. Evoked d -ASP release is markedly reduced by pre-treating slices with the synaptic vesicle toxin bafilomycin A1 (BAF A1) or in the presence of 10-mM magnesium. Evoked d -ASP release is also reduced to variable degrees by N- and P/Q type voltage-sensitive calcium channel antagonists. Neither spontaneous efflux nor evoked d -ASP release were affected by NMDA, AMPA or group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists. Evoked d -ASP release was reduced in the presence of an adenosine A1 receptor agonist and potentiated by treatment with a group I mGluR5 agonist. Evoked [3H]- d -ASP release was similar in magnitude to evoked [3H]- l- glutamate ( l - GLU) release. Finally, in separate experiments using the same electrical stimulus parameters, more than 90% of electrically evoked endogenous l -GLU release was calcium dependent, a pattern similar to that observed for evoked [3H]- d -ASP release. Taken together, these results indicate that electrically evoked [3H]- d -ASP release mimics evoked glutamate release in brain slices under the experimental conditions employed in these studies.
Effects of meal consumption on whole body leucine and alanine kinetics in young adult men.

1. The effects of meal consumption on plasma leucine and alanine kinetics were studied using a simultaneous, primed, continuous infusion of L-[I-13C]leucine and L-[3,3,3-2H3]alanine in four healthy, young, adult male subjects. The study included an evaluation of the effect of sampling site on plasma amino acid kinetics, with blood being drawn simultaneously from an antecubital and dorsal heated hand vein.2. In comparison with the postabsorptive state, the ingestion of small hourly meals resulted in a 35% increase in plasma leucine flux and a 77% increase in leucine oxidation. Calculated entry of leucine into the plasma compartment from endogenous sources decreased by 65%. Plasma alanine flux more than doubled, indicating a significant enhancement in de now alanine synthesis. 13C enrichment of leucine in venous and arterialized plasma did not differ significantly, but alanine flux calculated from isotopic measurement in venous plasma was substantially greater than that based on analysis of arterialized blood plasma.
Mechanical stability of nanoporous metals with small ligament sizes

Digital samples of nanoporous gold with small ligament sizes were studied by atomistic simulation using different interatomic potentials that represent varying surface stress values. We predict a surface relaxation driven mechanical instability for these materials. Plastic deformation is induced by the surface stress without external load, related to the combination of the surface stress value and the surface to volume ratio.
Effect of lactose on the utilization of phosphorus from colloidal phosphate by chicks.

SummaryThe effect of lactose, at levels of 5, 10 and 15% of purified and practical diets, on utilization by chicks of phosphorus from colloidal phosphate was studied. Data presented here demonstrated that utilization of colloidal phosphate by chicks was improved when diets were supplemented with lactose at levels to 10%. The pH of intestinal tract was lowered by lactose supplementation, although this effect was not uniform as lactose level increased.
A unit analysis of prose memory

Four stories were divided into function word units. These units were assigned dependent variable values determined by the scoring of subjects' recalls and independent variable values determined by measures of gist, imagery, repetition, frequency of occurrence, serial position, grammatical connectedness, centrality in a propositional net, and subjects' intuitions of which units would be remembered. The independent variables were all statistically significant predictors of recall. Subjects' intuitions and gist were the best predictors of the more structured stories, while repetition and serial position were the best predictors of the less structured stories. For each story, the underlying rank ordering of function word units from most to least likely to be remembered was the same for all subjects (i.e., scalable). While changes in the retention interval, subject population, and motivation level affected the amount recalled, these changes had little affect on the rank ordering of the units from most to least likely to be remembered. Changes in the retrieval task from free recall to prompted recall and recognition affected both the amount and rank ordering of units.
Metabolism of amino acids in cats with severe cobalamin deficiency

Objective—To validate an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay for measuring serum cobalamin concentration in cats, to establish and validate gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques for use in quantification of methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, cysteine, cystathionine, and methionine in sera from cats, and to investigate serum concentrations of methylmalonic acid, methionine, homocysteine, cystathionine, and cysteine as indicators of biochemical abnormalities accompanying severe cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency in cats. Sample Population—Serum samples of 40 cats with severe cobalamin deficiency (serum cobalamin concentration < 100 ng/L) and 24 control cats with serum cobalamin concentration within the reference range. Procedure—Serum concentrations of cobalamin were measured, using a commercial automated chemiluminescent immunoassay. Serum concentrations of methylmalonic acid, methionine, homocysteine, cystathionine, and cysteine were measured, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, select...
B 2497.73 Å and Line Interference in the Analysis of Silicate-Bearing Rocks

This note reports on a slightly different method for separating boron from SiO intensities at the 2497.73-A position and is also an attempt to call attention to discrepancies in reports from competent observers concerning the nature of interference with B 2497.73 A.
A Small Number of Cells is Sufficient to Trigger a Cardiac Arrhythmia: Stochastic Computational Studies

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death world-wide and this is due in large part to arrhythmias. Here we examine the cellular and subcellular basis of Ca2+ dependent arrhythmias. In order to understand how calcium dynamics, plays a role in arrhythmogenesis, we have investigated normal and dysfunctional Ca2+ signaling in heart cells at high temporal and spatial resolution. Spontaneous calcium release occurs normally as Ca2+ sparks. When RyR2 open probability increases to a high level, then Ca2+ sparks can activate Ca2+ waves. These propagating elevations of [Ca2+]i can activate inward NCX current (INCX ) that may contribute to early after-depolarization (EADs) and underlie delayed after-depolarization (DADs). However, how cellular currents lead to full depolarizations of the myocardium and how they initiate extra systoles is still not fully understood. Some earlier studies that have investigated this question suggest that as many as about ∼700,000 cells must undergo such behavior to initiate a propagating action potential or an arrhythmia. Here we present the results of our study which explores how many cells must be entrained to initiate arrhythmogenic depolarizations in “realistic” computational models. The model presented here suggests that only a small number cells must activate in order to trigger an arrhythmogenic propagating action potential. These conditions were examined in 1D, 2D, and 3D taking into account heart geometry. The finding that only a small number of cells is required to trigger an arrhythmia provides a plausible mechanism by which cardiac arrhythmias might occur.
Morphine and related compounds: evidence that they decrease available neurotransmitter inAplysia californica

Abstract Studies were made of the action of morphine on an identified monosynaptic, unitary excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica . The synapse is presumed to be cholinergic. Upon repetitive stimulation of the right pleurovisceral connective the size of EPSPs recorded intracellularly in cell R15 undergo a progressive depression followed by facilitation to a frequency dependent plateau and a period of post-tetanic potentiation. Perfusion with10 −4 M morphine for 3 h reduced the size of every EPSP of the train to about 50% of its control value. The relative depression, facilitation and post-tetanic potentiation (measured as a fraction of the first EPSP of a train) were not affected by morphine. The minimal effective concentration of morphine was about10 −5 M . The morphine effect on EPSP amplitude does not appear to be due to blockade of the postsynaptic receptor since the potential obtained by iontophoretic application of acetylcholine onto the postsynaptic cell body was not decreased by morphine perfusion. The effect of morphine on the EPSPs appears to be due to reduction of neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal. The reduction of transmitter release seems to result from a general reduction in the supply of transmitter to the pool available for release. This contrasts with previous studies on a group of drugs typified by trimethidinium, which appear to selectively block frequency dependent supply of neurotransmitter without affecting the frequency independent supply process. Naloxone, which is an antagonist of morphine in many other systems did not antagonize the morphine effect in this system. Instead, it too decreased the amplitude of all EPSPs of a train. Levorphanol and dextrorphan also produced these effects, indicating that the ‘receptor’ for this action of opiates is not stereospecific. The relatively high concentrations of morphine required to produce the effect, and the lack of stereospecificity distinguish these findings from some actions of morphine in vertebrate preparations. However, some morphine effects in vertebrate preparations are similar to those observed here. Whereas the relationship of these findings to the analgesic action of morphine is unclear, the characteristics of its action at this synapse assist in the pharmacological analysis of regulation of transmitter release in Aplysia .
Experiencing Democratic Identity

This essay is a review of: Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue, by Paul Woodruff. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. x + 248 pp. First Democracy: The Challenge of an Ancient Idea, by Paul Woodruff. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. xv + 284 pp. The Necessity of Theater: The Art of Watching and Being Watched, by Paul Woodruff. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008. x + 257 pp.
Experimental evaluation of knock characteristics of producer gas

Abstract Amongst popular bio fuels is producer gas, or wood gas. It is a combustible gas derived from the thermo chemical conversion of woody biomass and generally composed of a mole fraction of 18–20% H 2 , 18–20% CO, 2–3% CH 4 , 12% CO 2 and 48–50% N 2 .The composition of producer gas can vary depending on the inherent production technology. Five different compositions of producer gas were chosen from literature in order to evaluate their knocking characteristics. These compositions were simulated using a gas blending system and the methane number was evaluated on a CFR F-2 engine. The methane number of the chosen producer gas compositions ranged from 54 to 131. Further, the effects of the specific concentrations of CO 2 and H 2 were quantitatively evaluated. It was determined that addition of CO 2 increases the critical compression ratio while H 2 decreases it. Overall, the effect of CO 2 on changing the critical compression ratio was found to be over twice that of H 2 .
Global corporate web sites: an empirical investigation of content and design

Globally accessible web sites enable corporations to communicate with a wide variety of constituencies and represent a resource for any organization seeking a broad audience. Developing an effective multinational Internet presence requires designing web sites that operate in a diverse, multi-cultural environment. This is not simple, given that the field of web site development has lacked standards and vales relating to content and design. This study develops a conceptual model that differentiates web site content from design. The content component addresses the issue of what is included in the site and identifies the various types of information. The design component addresses presentation and navigational features. This conceptual web site content/design model was used to study the features of global corporate web sites to determine if the content and design features have become globally standardized or if differences exist as a result of national culture and/or industry. The majority of web site content features were found to be significantly different across various cultural groups. This, however, was not the case for design features. Furthermore, there appeared to be little association between the content and design features and industry classification.
A kinetic investigation of high-temperature mercury oxidation by chlorine.

First-stage mercury oxidation reactions typical of coal combustion flue gases were investigated. The present study is a determination of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the bimolecular reactions, Hg + Cl(2) HgCl + Cl, Hg + HCl HgCl + H, and Hg + HOCl HgCl + OH, at the B3LYP/RCEP60 VDZ level of theory over a temperature range of 298.15 to 2000 K at atmospheric pressure. Conventional transition state theory was used to predict the forward and reverse rate constants for each reaction and ab initio based equilibrium constant expressions were calculated as a function of temperature. Reasonable agreement was achieved between the calculated equilibrium constants and the available experimental values.