cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organic aerosols in the Miami area, USA: temporal variability of atmospheric particles and wet/dry deposition

Atmospheric particulate matter and both wet and dry deposition was collected over a period of nine months at one location in the metropolitan area of Miami, Florida. Molecular distributions and concentrations of n-alkanes, fatty acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hopanes were determined using weekly composite samples over this time period in order to determine temporal variability, and their possible dependence on climatic parameters such as temperature, rainfall and wind direction and frequency. Based on molecular distributions of the compounds studied, potential emission sources for the atmospheric particles were assessed and suggested to be mainly derived from automobile exhaust and natural sources. Although wet and dry deposition processes were observed to remove about equal amounts of organic aerosols from the Miami atmosphere, dry deposition was dominant in the removal of anthropogenically derived compounds such as PAHs and hopanes. Only very limited seasonal trends were observed, while wind direction and frequency was found to be the most important meteorological parameter controlling the temporal variability of the organic aerosols. This is the first detailed report of this nature for the Miami area.
Fractures of the humerus

Abstract 1.1. A simple effective method for treating fractures of the humerus is presented. 2.2. The method depends upon traction in the position of neutral muscle equilibrium. 3.3. It is applicable to almost all cases of fracture of the humerus.
Obtaining accurate change detection results from high-resolution satellite sensors

Multi-date acquisitions of high-resolution imaging satellites (e.g. GeoEye and WorldView), can display local changes of current economic interest. However, their large data volume precludes effective manual analysis, requiring image co-registration followed by image-to-image change detection, preferably with minimal analyst attention. We have recently developed an automatic change detection procedure that minimizes false-positives. The processing steps include: (a) Conversion of both the pre- and post- images to reflectance values (this step is of critical importance when different sensors are involved); reflectance values can be either top-of-atmosphere units or have full aerosol optical depth calibration applied using bi-directional reflectance knowledge. (b) Panchromatic band image-to-image co-registration, using an orthorectified base reference image (e.g. Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle) and a digital elevation model; this step can be improved if a stereo-pair of images have been acquired on one of the image dates. (c) Pan-sharpening of the multispectral data to assure recognition of change objects at the highest resolution. (d) Characterization of multispectral data in the post-image (i.e. the background) using unsupervised cluster analysis. (e) Band ratio selection in the post-image to separate surface materials of interest from the background. (f) Preparing a pre-to-post change image. (g) Identifying locations where change has occurred involving materials of interest.
Changes in Phototaxis during Early Development of Walleye

Abstract Phototaxis of walleyes Stizostedion vitreum vitreum was examined during the first 11 weeks of larva and juvenile development. Fish were subjected to six light intensities ranging from 2 to 34 lux, plus 7,800 lux as an extreme. The number of fish positioned in each light intensity was used to determine the phototactic response. Larvae and juveniles 1 to 8 weeks old (9 to 32 mm total length) were attracted to the highest light intensity (7,800 lux), and juveniles older than 8 weeks (32 to 40 mm long) aggregated at the lowest intensities (2 and 4 lux). The change from positive to negative phototaxis was more closely related to fish size than to age. Received July 16, 1982 Accepted February 8, 1983
Mechanistic Aspects of the Oxygen Quenching of the Solid-Matrix Phosphorescence of Perdeuterated Phenanthrene on Partially Hydrophobic Paper

The effects of oxygen over a wide concentration range on the solid-matrix phosphorescence (SMP) of perdeuterated phenanthrene (D10) adsorbed on partially hydrophobic paper (1PS) were investigated. The SMP lifetime results of D10 adsorbed on Whatman 1PS paper and Whatman No. 1 paper were considered, and the SMP intensities and SMP lifetimes of D10 on 1PS paper were compared. The SMP quenching model employed showed that diffusional quenching was not very extensive for D10 adsorbed on both types of paper. In addition, a large fraction of the D10 phosphor molecules did not undergo diffusional quenching in either paper. The changes in the SMP intensities for D10 adsorbed on 1PS paper were much greater than the corresponding SMP lifetime changes, which indicated that static quenching by oxygen was very effective for D10 on 1PS paper. Also, the SMP intensity data indicated that a relatively large fraction of the D10 molecules were not quenched statically. The quenching data were interpreted and compared with equations that permitted both linear and nonlinear models to be employed.
Micronutrient bioavailability techniques: Accuracy, problems and limitations

Abstract Within the scientific agricultural community it is widely known that the total micronutrient content of soils is not a useful measure of the amount of `available' micronutrients to plants. Thus, soil tests have been developed to determine the amounts of micronutrients in soils available to plants for growth. This same concept applies to plant foods eaten by humans because not all of the micronutrients in plant foods are available (i.e. bioavailable) for absorption and or utilization. Antinutrients and promoter substances within plant foods that can either inhibit or enhance the absorption and/or utilization of micronutrients when eaten. As a result, numerous techniques have been developed to determine the amounts of bioavailable micronutrients present in plant foods when consumed in mixed diets with other dietary constituents that can interact and affect the micronutrient bioavailability. Unfortunately, micronutrient bioavailability to humans fed mixed diets is still a confusing and complex issue for the human nutrition community. Our understanding of the processes that control micronutrient bioavailability from mixed diets containing plant foods is relatively limited and still evolving. It remains the subject of extensive research in many human nutrition laboratories globally. This article reviews some of the numerous methodologies that have arisen to account for the bioavailability of micronutrients in plant foods when eaten by humans.
Physical Sciences: Visual Observation of Electric Sparks on Gypsum Dunes

ELECTRIFICATION in dust storms has been studied at White Sands National Monument in southeastern New Mexico. In this region of New Mexico gypsum dunes, some of which are up to 10 m high, cover an area of about 690 km2 and constantly change shape with the prevailing southwest winds.
Risk factors for pouch failure in patients with different phenotypes of Crohn's disease of the pouch

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch is one of the leading causes of pouch failure in patients with restorative proctocolectomy. Risk factors for pouch failure in these patients are yet to be identified. The aim of the study was to assess risk factors associated with pouch failure in patients with CD of the pouch. Methods: All patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CD of the pouch in the Pouchitis Clinic between 2002 and 2007 were evaluated. Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, normal pouches, pouchitis, cuffitis, surgical complications, and other diseased pouch conditions were excluded. Pouch failure was defined as the requirement for a permanent diversion or pouch resection. Demographic and clinical factors were studied with univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: A total of 137 patients with CD of the pouch were included. Twenty-two patients (16%) developed pouch failure a median of 6 years after ileostomy takedown. Four of 50 patients (8.0%) with inflammatory CD, 4 of 30 (13.3%) with fibrostenotic CD, and 14 of 57 (24.6%) with fistulizing CD had pouch failure. A Kaplan-Meier plot for time to pouch failure by CD phenotype showed a trend toward association (P = 0.054) in patients with fistulizing CD. Adjusting for age, smoking status, and the use of immunomodulators or biologics, fistulizing CD was not found to be significantly associated with a higher hazard for pouch failure. Younger age, being an ex-smoker, and the use of immunomodulators or biologics were found to increase the hazard of pouch failure. Conclusions: Younger age, being an ex-smoker, and the requirement for immunomodulators or biologics were associated with pouch failure. The identification of these risk factors may help delineate the natural history of CD of the pouch and shed light on proper clinical management and prognosis. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Strategic calibration and spatial alignment: a model from prism adaptation.

Two types of adaptive processes involved in prism adaptation have been identified: slower spatial realignment among the several unique sensorimotor coordinate systems (spatial maps) and faster strategic motor control responses (including skill learning and calibration) to spatial misalignment. One measures the 1st process by assessing the aftereffects of prism exposure, whereas direct effects of the prism during exposure are a measure of the 2nd process. A model is described that relates those adaptive processes and distinguishes between extraordinary alignment and ordinary calibration. A conformal translation algorithm that operates on the hypothesized circuitry is proposed. The authors apply the model to explain the advantage of visual calibration when the limb is seen in the starting position prior to movement initiation. Implications of the model for the use of prism adaptation as a tool for investigation of motor control and learning are discussed.
Component based channel assignment in single radio, multi-channel ad hoc networks

In this paper, we consider the channel assignment problem in single radio multi-channel mobile ad-hoc networks. Specifically, we investigate the granularity of channel assignment decisions that gives the best trade-off in terms of performance and complexity. We present a new granularity for channel assignment that we refer to as component level channel assignment. The strategy is relatively simple, and is characterized by several impressive practical advantages. We also show that the theoretical performance of the component based channel assignment strategy does not lag significantly behind the optimal possible performance, and perhaps more importantly we show that when coupled with its several practical advantages, it significantly outperforms other strategies under most network conditions.
Toward a structure- and process-integrated view of personality: Traits as density distributions of states.

Three experience-sampling studies explored the distributions of Big-Five-relevant states (behavior) across 2 to 3 weeks of everyday life. Within-person variability was high, such that the typical individual regularly and routinely manifested nearly all levels of all traits in his or her everyday behavior. Second, individual differences in central tendencies of behavioral distributions were almost perfectly stable. Third, amount of behavioral variability (and skew and kurtosis) were revealed as stable individual differences. Finally, amount of within-person variability in extraversion was shown to reflect individual differences in reactivity to extraversion-relevant situational cues. Thus, decontextualized and noncontingent Big-Five content is highly useful for descriptions of individuals' density distributions as wholes. Simultaneously, contextualized and contingent personality units (e.g., conditional traits, goals) are needed for describing the considerable within-person variation.
An analogue of a conjecture of Sato and Tate for a Hilbert modular form

If k denotes a number field and e m is the product of an elliptic curve e with itself m times over k , then for each prime π where e has non-degenerate reduction, the zeta factor ζ(e π' S ) can be expressed as Where |π| denotes the norm of π. It is a consequence of a conjecture of Tate [16] that if e does not have complex multiplications, then the numbers are distributed according to the density function that is, the density of the set of primes π such that – is
Programming languages, logic and cooperative games

The author presents an application of computers which is not restricted to a single problem area but is perhaps not general purpose enough to be considered a programming language, even a problem-oriented one. The application is a program to eliminate quantifiers and bound variables from logical statements in the theory of addition on the real numbers. These statements differ from work in linear inequalities by formal use of quantifiers. The first, introductory, part of the paper argues that from one point of view, this application does provide a higher level programming language. The second part is a description of the method, due basically to Langford, that has been programmed. The last section describes a subapplication to the problem area of bargaining sets of cooperative games where other interesting non-numerical problems arise.
AGE-SPECIFIC CHANGES IN REPRODUCTIVE EFFORT AND TERMINAL INVESTMENT IN FEMALE NILE LECHWE

Abstract Reproductive effort should negatively correlate with reproductive value, yielding a pattern of increased effort with age. According to the terminal investment hypothesis, females near the end of their reproductive life span should devote more resources to reproduction than those near the start of their reproductive careers. We tested predictions of the terminal investment hypothesis by evaluating 38 years of reproductive life-history data collected from Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros), an ungulate species living at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. The maximum reproductive success of Nile lechwe matched predictions of models of lifetime reproductive effort, with the relative mass of newborn calves providing an accurate indicator of the costs of reproduction. Newborn mass was significantly correlated with maternal age, and neonatal males tended to be heavier than neonatal females. Older dams were more likely to produce sons than daughters, dams that produced sons were more likely to die than were da...
Spindle deflections in high-speed machine tools — Modelling and simulation

This research attempts to develop spindle deflection error models for high-speed machining systems. A model for determining total spindle deflection at the tool-end is presented. The model incorporates spindle bearing characteristics, shifts in ball contact angles, and centrifugal force and gyroscopic moment effects at high speeds. It uses the transfer matrix method to determine the total deflections at the tool-end based upon the point contact deformations at the individual balls of an angular contact ball-bearing assembly. A simulator is also developed for simulating spindle end deflections for various spindle rotational speeds. The results of the simulation show contact angle variations and peak deflections at particular spindle rotational speeds. Important research issues are also presented.
Hamiltonian description of almost geostrophic flow

Abstract Geostrophic flow in the theory of a shallow rotating fluid is exactly analogous to the drift approximation in a strongly magnetized electrostatic plasma. This analogy is developed and exhibited in detailed to derive equations for the slow nearly geostrophic motion. The key ingredient in the theory is the isolation, to whatever order in Rossby number desired, of the fast motion near the inertial frequency. One of the remaining degrees of freedom represents a new approximate constant of the motion for nearly geostrophic flow. This is the analogue of the familiar magnetic moment adiabatic invariant in the plasma problem. The procedure is a Rossby number expansion of the Hamiltonian for the fluid expressed in Lagrangian, rather than Eulerian variables. The fundamental Poisson brackets of the theory are not expanded so desirable properties such as energy conservation are maintained throughout.
CO2 methanation on Ru-doped ceria

We study the methanation of CO2 catalyzed by ceria doped with Ni, Co, Pd, or Ru. Ce0.96Ru0.04O2 and Ce 0.95Ru0.05O2 perform best, converting 55% of CO2 with a 99% selectivity for methane, at a temperature of 450 °C. This is comparable to the best catalysts found previously for this reaction. Ce0.95Ru0.05O2 was characterized by XRD, electron microscopy, BET, XPS, IR spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed reaction with Ar, H2, CO, and CO2 + H2. Steady-state methanation was studied at several temperatures between 100 and 500 °C. We find that the methanation reaction takes place on the reduced Ce0.95Ru0.05O2, and the role of the dopant is to make the reduction possible at lower temperature than on pure ceria. We discuss the potential for local and global effects of the dopant on catalytic chemistry.
Cell-based expression cloning for identification of polypeptides that hypersensitize mammalian cells to mitotic arrest

Microtubule inhibitors such as Vinblastine and Paclitaxel are chemotherapy agents that activate the mitotic spindle checkpoint, arresting cells in mitosis and leading to cell death. The pathways that connect mitotic arrest to cell death are not well characterized. We developed a mammalian cell-based cDNA cloning method to isolate proteins and protein fragments whose expression inhibits colony formation in the presence of microtubule inhibitors. Understanding how these proteins impact cellular responses to microtubule drugs will lead to better understanding of the biochemical pathways connecting mitotic arrest and cell death in mammalian cells and may provide novel targets that can enhance microtubule inhibitor-mediated chemotherapy.
Impact of Pheidole megacephala (F.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on the Biological Control of Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)

Two field experiments designed as the biological check method (interference) and the paired-cage technique (exclusion) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of natural enemies in maintaining low densities of the pink pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), in pineapple plantings in Hawaii. In the biological check method, the treatments were ant-free plots and ant-infested plots. The numbers of D. brevipes, parasitized mealybugs, and immature and adult predators on the aerial parts of the plants were recorded. Results in the biological check method suggested that Anagyrus ananatis Gahan was responsible for the decline of D. brevipes densities in the absence of ants. In a second study combining the paired-cage technique and the biological check method, the treatments included mealybug-infested potted pineapple plants with no ants or mealybug natural enemies, ants but no natural enemies, natural enemies but no ants, and ants and natural enemies. This experiment showed that in the absence of the big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (F.), D. brevipes densities were greatly reduced by natural enemies and probably by the lack of sanitation or other ant activity. A laboratory study also was conducted to evaluate the impact of P. megacephala on oviposition and predation by A. ananatis and the coccinellid Nephus bilucernarius Mulsant, respectively. These laboratory studies indicated that P. megacephala significantly decreased mealybug mortality induced by A. ananatis and N. bilucernarius adults via interference with natural enemy searching behavior. r 1999 Academic Press
On vertex k-partitions of certain infinite graphs

Abstract Let G be an infinite graph; define deg∞ G to be the least m such that any partition P of the vertex set of G into sets of uniformly bounded cardinality contains a set which is adjacent to at least m other sets of the partition. If G is either a regular tree on a triangular, square or hexagonal planar mosaic graph, it is shown that deg∞ G equals the degree of G . This verifies some conjectures of S . Ulam. Several open problems are given.
Significance of a False-Positive Trisomy 18 Multiple-Marker Screening Test

Objective: To determine if a false-positive trisomy 18 multiple-marker screening test (all three analytes low: maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] at most 0.75 multiples of the median [MoM], unconjugated estriol at most 0.60 MoM, and hCG at most 0.55 MoM) indicates increased risk for obstetric complications or is related to maternal weight. Methods: We accessed our genetic database to obtain multiple-marker screening test results, fetal karyotypes, and pregnancy outcomes from all patients with a normal multiple-marker screening test (n = 3900) and from all patients with a positive trisomy 18 screening test (n = 103) seen in the prenatal diagnosis clinic from 1992 to 1996. During this period, only maternal serum AFP was adjusted for maternal weight. Results: A positive trisomy 18 screen identified five of 12 trisomy 18 fetuses. Women with a false-positive trisomy 18 screen were heavier (175.6 ± 43.8 lb versus 159.9 ± 37.9 lb, P < .001) and younger (29.7 ± 6.5 years versus 32.3 ± 6.5 years, P < .001) than women with a normal multiple-marker screening test, but were not at increased risk for pregnancy complications. Weight-adjusting all three analytes reduced the false-positive trisomy 18 screen rate by 42% (from 1.9% to 1.1%) but did not change the trisomy 18 detection rate. Conclusion: A false-positive trisomy 18 screening test does not indicate increased risk to develop pregnancy complications and may be related to inadequate correction for increased maternal weight.
Results of steroid-based therapy for the hepatitis C-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Overlap syndromes in which persons manifest clinical, histological, or immunological features of both hepatitis C infection and autoimmune hepatitis are well described. The discordant forms of treatment for hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis have made medical management of these patients difficult. We report our experience in using corticosteroids as first line therapy for the hepatitis C–autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome. METHODS: Seven patients with this overlap syndrome (diagnosis based on the presence of serum hepatitis C antibody by RIBA and serum hepatitis C RNA by polymerase chain reaction, and serum hypergammaglobulinemia, elevated ANA or ASMA titers, or histological findings consistent with autoimmune hepatitis) were treated with prednisone with or without azathioprine or cyclosporine, and followed for a median duration of 44.5 months. RESULTS: Five patients (71%) showed improvement of median serum ALT level from 162 U/L to 38 U/L (p = 0.04) and median serum γ-globulin from 2.1 g/dl to 1.4 g/dl (p = 0.04) by 6 months of therapy. The mean modified histological activity index score also decreased from 11.4 ± 2.5 to 6.6 ± 2.6 (p = 0.04) by at least 1 yr of therapy. One patient discontinued prednisone while taking azathioprine and experienced a rebound elevation of serum ALT that did not respond to retreatment with prednisone. Antiviral therapy was subsequently administered and resulted in biochemical and virologic response. Hepatitis C virus RNA remained detectable in all other patients. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroids are beneficial as a first line therapy for some patients with the hepatitis C–autoimmune overlap syndrome, resulting in appreciable biochemical and histological response but without viral eradication.
Propylthiouracil-induced leucocytoclastic vasculitis with pulmonary hemorrhage treated with plasmapheresis.

Abstract Propylthiouracil (PTU) can effectuate antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)–positive vasculitis. We report a case of severe, PTU-induced leucocytoclastic vasculitis with diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage within a month of initiating PTU. Emergent plasmapheresis was initiated with excellent clinical response. A clinical suspicion for this potential side effect coupled with early cessation of the drug is generally adequate. Clinical manifestations, posited pathogenetic mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies, including the role of plasmapheresis, are discussed.
Hybrid whisker-fibre-reinforced glass-matrix composites with improved transverse toughness

The aim of the study was to fabricate, via slurry winding, a hybrid composite containing both wiskers and fibres intended to improve the transverse properties of a unidirectionally fibre-reinforced composite without unnecessarily complicating the fabrication process
Absence of correlation between coronary arteria atherosclerosis and severity or duration of diabetes mellitus of adult onset

Abstract The relation between the severity and duration of diabetes mellitus and the severity of ischemic heart disease is uncertain. The clinical findings and the findings at autopsy were studied in 185 patients with diabetes mellitus of adult onset who ranged in age from 37 to 91 years and had a clinical diagnosis of diabetes established for a few days to 50 years before death. No statistically significant association was demonstrated either by simple correlation or by multivariate regression analysis between the clinically diagnosed severity or duration of diabetes and either the overall coronary disease, the number of diseased vessels or the number of myocardial infarctions. The presence of other expected correlations in the multivariate analysis suggested that the results of this study were not spurious. However, comparison with 185 age- and sex-matched control patients revealed that on the average , diabetic patients have more overall coronary disease (p
Ray propagation in oblate atmospheres

Phinney and Anderson's (1968) exact theory for the inversion of radio-occultation data for planetary atmospheres breaks down seriously when applied to occultations by oblate atmospheres because of departures from Bouguer's law. It has been proposed that this breakdown can be overcome by transforming the theory to a local spherical symmetry which osculates a ray's point of closest approach. The accuracy of this transformation procedure is assessed by evaluating the size of terms which are intrinsic to an oblate atmosphere and which are not eliminated by a local spherical approximation. The departures from Bouguer's law are analyzed, and it is shown that in the lowest-order deviation from that law, the plane of refraction is defined by the normal to the atmosphere at closest approach. In the next order, it is found that the oblateness of the atmosphere 'warps' the ray path out of a single plane, but the effect appears to be negligible for most purposes. It is concluded that there seems to be no source of serious error in making an approximation of local spherical symmetry with the refraction plane defined by the normal at closest approach.
Completions of Hypersurface Domains

Let V be a complete regular local (Noetherian) ring and let f ∈ V be a nonunit. We find necessary and sufficient conditions for to be the completion with respect to the maximal ideal of an integral domain of the form where S is a regular local ring whose completion with respect to its maximal ideal is V. In addition, if contains the rationals, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for to be the completion of an excellent local domain of the form , where f ∈ S, and S is a regular local ring whose completion is V.
Modeling atmospheric turbulence effects on ground-based telescope systems

Questions still exist concerning the appropriate model for turbulence- induced phase fluctuations seen in ground-based telescopes. Bester et al. used a particular observable (slope of the Allan variance) with an infrared interferometer in an attempt to distinguish models. The authors have calculated that observable for Kolmogorov and {open_quotes}random walk{close_quotes} models with a variety of outer scales and altitude-dependent turbulence and wind velocity. The authors have found that clear distinction between models requires good data on the vertical distribution of wind and turbulence. Furthermore, measurements at time separations of order 60 s are necessary to distinguish the {open_quotes}random walk{close_quotes} model from the Kolmogorov model.
The effects of valinomycin on striated muscles of the frog and the crayfish.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of valinomycin on frog and on crayfish striated muscles were tested by measuring membrane resistances, the response to stimulation and the change in Vm following abrupt shifts in [K+]0 or [Cl-]0. 2. 2. Valinomycin produces a decrease in membrane resistance and an increased change in Vm following an abrupt rise in [K+]0, suggesting that the drug produces an increase in K+ conductance. 3. 3. In the presence of valinomycin depolarizing stimuli elicited only graded potential changes in frog muscle, in fast crayfish muscle and in slow crayfish muscle treated with Ba2+, Sr2+ or tetrabutylammonium.
High risk sexual behavior and alcohol consumption among bar-going gay men

Objectives:To determine whether alcohol use prior to sexual behavior influenced the occurrence of unprotected anal intercourse among bar-going gay men.Methods:Anonymous AIDS behavioral risk surveys were administered to men entering gay bars in 16 cities on three nights in February 1993 in six states
Feminist Therapy with Incarcerated Women: Practicing Subversion in Prison

Feminist psychotherapy is essential to the well-being of women of marginalized women, especially incarcerated women. Although some feminist principles have been applied to programming for women in prison, major feminist inroads have yet to be made into correctional systems. There is a need for a shift to an activist feminist paradigm of “corrections” to transform women's correctional facilities into rehabilitative environments. This article describes the characteristics of incarcerated women and issues of mental health care in prisons, explains some of the challenges of conducting feminist therapy in prisons, and presents strategies for feminist therapists involved in this transformative endeavor.
The Effect of Varying Protein Levels on Carcass Composition and Nutrient Utilization in Two Lines of Chickens Divergently Selected for O2 Consumption

Abstract A replicated experiment was initiated to investigate the response of 2 populations of chickens, divergently selected for high and low O2 consumption, to varying protein levels. A 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of four isocaloric protein diets (16, 18, 22, 26%) and three levels of intake (100%, 80%, and 60% of ad libitum) were randomly assigned to 24 pens, resulting in 2 pens per treatment combination for each line. Two hundred and forty chicks from each line were then randomly assigned to the 24 pens, 10 chicks per pen. Criteria measured on a per pen basis were weekly body weight gains, daily feed intake, metabolizable energy (ME) values of the diets, and changes in carcass moisture, nitrogen, fat, and energy. Statistical analysis indicated that feed efficiency and weight gains of the low O2 birds were greater at all protein levels studied than the high O2. Carcass composition data indicated that the low O2 birds gained more lean and less fat tissue than the high O2 birds both totally and as a percentage of dry matter gain. Low O2 birds were also more efficient in the utilization of nitrogen, but there was no difference between the lines in the efficiency of ME utilization. The low O2 birds were slightly superior in net energy utilization, as would be expected since they were depositing more lean tissue. Selection for low oxygen consumption, therefore, has resulted in a faster growing, leaner, and more efficient bird.
Eliminating error-prone notations in medical communications

Three decades advocating the elimination of ambiguous medical notations, one of the most common, but preventable causes of medication errors, came into sharp focus in 2006 when the FDA and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices launched a comprehensive educational campaign against medical mistakes rooted in unclear abbreviations, symbols and dose designations. Acting out of a joint effort to promote safe healthcare practices, FDA and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices determined that eliminating the use of potentially confusing notations in all forms of medical communication is one way to increase awareness about this important issue, and is one area in which education could help save lives. Still, the frequency of preventable medication-related injuries represents and remains a very serious cause for concern.
Diagnosis of sinusitis in children: Emphasis on the history and physical examination

Abstract Sinusitis can occur as an acute, subacute, recurrent acute, or chronic clinical disease process in children. Sinusitis most often manifests as a prolongation or complication of a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Because children average six to eight upper respiratory tract infections per year, sinusitis is probably a more frequent diagnosis in the pediatric age group compared with adults who average two to three upper respiratory infections per year. Upward of 5 to 13% of children may experience sinusitis, but precise incidence data are not available because many imaging techniques currently available are inappropriate procedures for a prospective pediatric survey. Symptoms of acute sinusitis in children can vary from the more common persistent, purulent rhinorrhea and cough to the less common symptoms of fever, headache, facial pain, and swelling. Recurrent acute and chronic sinusitis may be associated with another condition such as a host-defense defect, cystic fibrosis, asthma, or a local condition that predisposes to obstruction of the sinus ostia such as nasal polyps, deviated septum, foreign body, or allergic inflammation. Diagnosis of sinusitis can be made on the basis of a careful history and physical examination with radiography reserved for confirmation of clinical impression or documentation of disease. Although fiberoptic rhinoscopy is used more frequently as an adjunct in adults for the evaluation and management of sinusitis, more studies, need to be performed to document its clinical usefulness in children.
Prevention of embolization of a catheter fragment to the lower extremity by compression of the femoral artery

Distal embolization of a catheter fragment into the lower leg during attempted retrieval was prevented by compression of the common femoral artery to retain the fragment above the inguinal ligament, where it was retrieved successfully. This maneuver should be employed when it is suspected that a fragment may dislodge or is difficult to grasp. This will prevent embolization occurring distally, where surgical retrieval will most likely be required.
Toward an integrated framework for online consumer behavior and decision making process: A review

This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent empirical studies dealing with online consumer behavior and decision-making processes. To that end, the paper adapts and extends Engel, Kollat, and Blackwell's (1978) and Engel, Blackwell, and Miniard's (1986) decision-making model as backdrop in the review of the literature. The vast majority of studies examine the link between external factors and one or more components of the decision-making process. The findings of this study show a paucity of research on a number of components of decision making, as well as inconsistencies in the way the online environment is characterized. Finally, the findings show that student samples are prevalent among the studies identified and the research method is biased toward the survey method as opposed to experimentation. Discussion and conclusions are provided, and directions for future research are presented. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silver-109 NMR studies of some silver complexes in Nonaqueous solvents

Abstract The use of silver-109 NMR as a technique for the study of silver ion complexes was examined in several nonaqueous solvents. Measurements were carried out in acetone, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, propylene carbonate, pyridine, and acetonitrile solutions. Benzene, pyridine, and their derivatives were the ligands investigated. In view of the extremely weak sensitivity of the109Ag resonances, only qualitative information could be obtained with the instrumentation used in this study.
Role of lipid polymorphism in pulmonary surfactant.

The development of artificial surfactants for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requires lipid systems that can spread rapidly from solution to the air-water interface. Because hydration-repulsion forces stabilize liposomal bilayers and oppose spreading, liposome systems that undergo geometric rearrangement from the bilayer (lamellar) phase to the hexagonal II (H II ) phase could hasten lipid transfer to the air-water interface through unstable transition intermediates. A liposome system containing dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine was designed; the system is stable at 23°C but undergoes transformation to the H II phase as the temperature increases to 37°C. The spreading of lipid from this system to the air-water interface was rapid at 37°C but slow at 23°C. When tested in vivo in a neonatal rabbit model, such systems elicited an onset of action equal to that of native human surfactant. These findings suggest that lipid polymorphic phase behavior may have a crucial role in the effective functioning of pulmonary surfactant.
Reactive silica: VII. Chemisorption and pyrolysis procedures in a flow system

Abstract The vacuum pyrolysis of surface SiOCH3 groups leads to the formation of SiH2 and silanol groups which disappear on degassing. The silica then becomes remarkably active. To check if the reaction was unique to SiOCH3, a variety of reagents were tested using a flow system and monitoring the reactions by infrared spectroscopy. Most alcohols and simple esters became chemisorbed as silyl alkyl ethers. In general, with the exception of benzyl alcohol, a reagent was effective in producing SiH2 if, upon chemisorption, methoxy groups were formed directly or if the adsorbed species itself contained methoxy groups. The results suggest that the initial reaction of a reagent with surface silanol s involved a mechanism in which an initial hydrogen bonding led to the formation of a surface-stabilized ion pair which could then readily suffer a direct displacement; the postulated mechanism can account for the observed order of chemisorption. The pyrolysis of alkoxy groups is thought to involve the homolytic cleavage of the OC bond to generate a siloxy radical which would then react further with desorbed material and/or with neighboring alkoxy groups. With methoxy, the SiH2 and silanols were formed because the siloxy radical was too far from neighboring methoxy groups for interaction to occur. With alkoxy groups other than methoxy, however, the siloxy radical was within bonding distance of the alkoxy, and direct interaction was possible, surface silanols being generated.
Systems-based practice in graduate medical education: systems thinking as the missing foundational construct

Background: Since 2001, residencies have struggled with teaching and assessing systems-based practice (SBP). One major obstacle may be that the competency alone is not sufficient to support assessment. We believe the foundational construct underlying SBP is systems thinking, absent from the current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competency language. Summary: Systems thinking is defined as the ability to analyze systems as a whole. The purpose of this article is to describe psychometric issues that constrain assessment of SBP and elucidate the role of systems thinking in teaching and assessing SBP. Conclusion: Residency programs should incorporate systems thinking models into their curricula. Trainees should be taught to understand systems at an abstract level, in order to analyze their own healthcare systems, and participate in quality and patient safety activities. We suggest that a developmental trajectory for systems thinking be developed, similar to the model described by Dreyfus...
Synergism by caffeine and by cocaine of the motor control deficit produced by midazolam.

Abstract To evaluate the effects of caffeine and cocaine on the impairment of discriminative motor control produced by midazolam, rats were trained to hold a force transducer operated with a paw so that it remained between upper and lower limits of a force band for a continuous 1.5-s period to deliver each food pellet. Acute doses of 3 mg/kg midazolam SC impaired motor performance. Except for one animal, caffeine (10–40 mg/kg IP) had little or no effect on performance, while cocaine (3.75–22.5 mg/kg IP) produced dose-related impairment. When each dose of caffeine was combined with 3 mg/kg midazolam, a marked synergism in motor performance impairment occured. Cocaine plus midazolam produced mainly an additive synergism. The conspicuous synergistic action of caffeine on the motor control deficit produced by midazolam contrasts with the typical antagonism found between the benzodiazepines and methylxanthines when performance is evaluated by psychomotor tests not requiring fine motor control.
Investigation of Composite Patch Performance Under Low-Velocity Impact Loading

A finite element model to investigate the performance of hybrid structure under lowvelocity impact loading was developed and validated using a building-block approach. The hybrid structure consisted of a composite patch adhesively bonded to a metal substrate. Each component of the model was validated individually to accurately capture the behavior and damage mechanisms of each material. Interlaminar composite damage and adhesive damage were modeled with cohesive zone theory. Hashin failure criteria with energy dissipation based damage evolution modeled intralaminar damage in the composite. The Johnson-Cook plasticity model captured the metal substrate’s behavior. Each component was assembled into a hybrid structure model that captured the interactions between the damage modes. Once the hybrid model was validated with experimental results, a sensitivity study was performed on various input parameters to provide guidance for optimized design of composite patches subjected to low-velocity impact loading.
Women in the Federal Civil Service Career Advancement, Veterans’ Preference, and Education

There is a widely accepted belief that veterans’ preference is a significant barrier to women’s career advancement. This article measures the impact of these policies on the careers of women in the...
Modification of Mesoscale Convective Weather Systems

Modification of mesoscale convective weather systems through ice-phase seeding is briefly reviewed. A simple mathematical framework for estimating the likely mesoscale response to convective cloud modification is presented, and previous mesoscale modification hypotheses are discussed in the context of this mathematical framework. Some basic differences between cloud-scale and mesoscale modification hypotheses are also discussed. Numerical model experiments to test the mesoscale sensitivity of convective weather systems are reviewed, and several focal points for identifying mesoscale modification potential are presented.
The Continuing Challenge of Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Neural Tube Defects

Human birth defects are a major public health burden: The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 of every 33 United States newborns presents with a birth defect, and worldwide the estimate approaches 6% of all births. Among the most common and debilitating of human birth defects are those affecting the formation of the neural tube, the precursor to the central nervous system. Neural tube defects (NTDs) arise from a complex combination of genetic and environmental interactions. Although substantial advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of these malformations, NTDs remain a substantial public health problem, and we are only now beginning to understand their etiology. Here, we review the process of neural tube development and how defects in this process lead to NTDs, both in humans and in the animal models that serve to inform our understanding of these processes. The insights we are gaining will help generate new intervention strategies to tackle the clinical challenges and to alleviate the personal and societal burdens that accompany these defects.
Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ Promotes Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transformation by Rho GTPase-dependent Activation of ERK1/2

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) causes epithelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in intestinal epithelial cells, as evidenced by reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, acquisition of a polarized, mesenchymal cellular morphology, increased cellular motility, and colony scattering. This response is due to activation of Cdc42, resulting in p21-activated kinase-dependent phosphorylation and activation of MEK1 Ser298 and activation of ERK1/2. Dominant negative MEK1, MEK2, and ERK2 block PPARγ-induced EMT, whereas constitutively active MEK1 and MEK2 induce a mesenchymal phenotype similar to that evoked by PPARγ. PPARγ also stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the intestinal epithelium in vivo. PPARγ induces the p110α subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and inhibition of PI3K blocks PPARγ-dependent phosphorylation of MEK1 Ser298, activation of ERK1/2, and EMT. We conclude that PPARγ regulates the motility of intestinal epithelial cells through a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade that involves PI3K, Cdc42, p21-activated kinase, MEK1, and ERK1/2. Regulation of cellular motility through Rho family GTPases has not been previously reported for nuclear receptors, and elucidation of the mechanism that accounts for the role of PPARγ in regulating motility of intestinal epithelial cells provides fundamental new insight into the function of this receptor during renewal of the intestinal epithelium.
Age Changes in the Neuronal Microenvironment

The extracellular space of the rat brain was visualized by electron roscopy in sections of cerebral cortex fixed by freeze-substitution. The volume tissue occupied by the extracellular space was estimated stereomnetrically, and found to decrease from 20.8 percent in 3-month-old rats to 9.6 percent in escent animals, 26 months of age. This decrease in extracellular space indicates age-associated change in the microenvironment of nerve cells.