cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pleistocene climatic fluctuations explain the disjunct distribution and complex phylogeographic structure of the Southern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon serratus

The southeastern United States (U.S.) has experienced dynamic climatic changes over the past several million years that have impacted species distributions. In many cases, contiguous ranges were fragmented and a lack of gene flow between allopatric populations led to genetic divergence and speciation. The Southern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon serratus, inhabits four widely disjunct regions of the southeastern U.S.: the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Ozark Plateau, the Ouachita Mountains, and the Southern Tertiary Uplands of central Louisiana. We integrated phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences (1399 base pairs) with ecological niche modeling to test the hypothesis that climate fluctuations during the Pleistocene drove the isolation and divergence of disjunct populations of P. serratus. Appalachian, Ozark, and Louisiana populations each formed well-supported clades in our phylogeny. Ouachita Mountain populations sorted into two geographically distinct clades; one Ouachita clade was sister to the Louisiana clade whereas the other Ouachita clade grouped with the Appalachian and Ozark clades but relationships were unresolved. Plethodon serratus diverged from its sister taxon, P. sherando, ~5.4 million years ago (Ma), and lineage diversification within P. serratus occurred ~1.9–0.6 Ma (Pleistocene). Ecological niche models showed that the four geographic isolates of P. serratus are currently separated by unsuitable habitat, but the species was likely more continuously distributed during the colder climates of the Pleistocene. Our results support the hypothesis that climate-induced environmental changes during the Pleistocene played a dominant role in driving isolation and divergence of disjunct populations of P. serratus.
DEVELOPMENT OF CERTIFIED HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALISTS (CHES) IN THE UNITED STATES: FOCUSING ON THE CHES RESPONSIBILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

Health education is an important profession. The certification of health education specialists (CHES) has evolved in the United States (U.S.) over the past 50 years. This article briefly focuses on the CHES system in the U.S. and research studies related to this topic, including coverage of the CHES responsibilities and competencies by professional school programs in the U.S., as well as other CHES issues. The CHES credentialing system in the U.S. was successfully developed over a long period of time, and its history in the U.S. is unique. Japan has now started to develop a similar certification process and is concerned about academic programs for training Japanese health educators. Awareness of the CHES system and the U.S. health education certification process and framework may help Japanese health educators and academics to tailor their health education certification processes more effectively.
On Classification of Invariant Subspaces of a Linear Operator

The problem of the classification of invariant subspaces of a linear operator is shown to be at least as complex as the problem of the classification of arbitrary pairs of square matrices up to simultaneous similarity.
X-Ray Techniques, Introduction

X-ray scattering and spectroscopy methods can provide a wealth of information concerning the physical and electronic structure of crystalline and noncrystalline materials in a variety of external conditions and environments. X-ray powder diffraction, for example, is generally the first, and perhaps the most widely used, probe of crystal structure. Over the last 100 years, especially with the introduction of x-ray synchrotron sources during the last 35 years, x-ray techniques have expanded well beyond their initial role in structure determination. This chapter explores the wide variety of applications of x-ray scattering and spectroscopy techniques to the study of materials. Keywords: X-ray techniques; introduction; X-ray scattering; X-ray diffraction; X-ray spectroscopy
Successful β-selection depends on TCF-1 (HEM4P.228)

The transcription factor TCF-1 is expressed very early during thymic development and is important for early T cell specification. TCF-1 expression further increases after b-selection and is maintained at high levels in differentiated T cells, but its function at these later stages has not been examined. We used mice with conditional alleles of TCF-1 (TCF-1f/f) to delete TCF-1 at two time points of T cell development. Whereas deletion of TCF-1 in double-positive thymocytes (CD4-cre TCF-1f/f) had little impact on later T cell populations, the effect of the deletion at double-negative 3 (DN3) stage (CD2-cre TCF-1f/f) was dramatic. Thymic cellularity of CD2-cre TCF-1f/f mice was decreased more than 10-fold compared to littermates control, and competitive BM chimeras clearly revealed a sharp defect at the b-selection checkpoint in these mice. Analysis of TCF-1-deleted DN3 thymocytes did not reveal any defects in T cell gene expression and pre-TCR expression and signaling. However, post b-selection DN3 and DN4 thymocytes failed to display the increase in cell size and proliferation characteristic of successful b-selection. Because these two phenomena have been previously attributed to c-Myc, we examined its expression and found that c-Myc protein is reduced in TCF-1-deleted post b-selection DN3. We are currently examining the mechanism by which TCF-1 controls c-Myc. Our work to date implicates TCF-1 downstream of the pre-TCR during the development of αβ T cells.
Collective (In)Action and Corruption: Access to Improved Water and Sanitation

A country’s levels of collective action in the provision of socially desirable goods and services are primarily determined by its level of development, important natural attributes, and its unique institutional characteristics. In general, one can expect that, given a particular set of natural attributes and institutions, the greater a county’s per capita GDP, the more extensive will be its commitment to the provision of goods and services that require collective action. The primary contention of this paper is that one of the most important aspects of institutions that affect socially desirable collective action is the extent of public sector corruption. More specifically, we first develop a theoretical model which explicitly shows the relations between per capita GDP, corruption, and collective action in the form of the provision of improved drinking water and appropriate sanitation facilities. We test our model by analyzing a sample of 77 countries, annually, between 1982 and 2001, for a total sample of 1,519 observations. Relying on a two-way fixed effects estimation strategy, we find that corruption does in fact lead to lower levels of both access to improved drinking water and appropriate sanitation than a given country’s level of per capita GDP and other institutions alone would predict.
I sue doctors. Why do I sue doctors? Should I sue doctors?

James Badenoch QC asks whether it is right that members of the medical profession should be subject to litigation when things go wrong. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Political Use of Social Networks in 2008

The rise of online networks as a means of communicating and organizing has received increasing attention in political science, psychology, sociology, and communications research. Less attention has been given to the differences between these new media and traditional forms of political participation. This paper examines the use of social network sites like Facebook and MySpace in the 2008 election, with particular interest in usage by Democrats and Republicans. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that Democrats are more likely to be active through virtual networks, whereas Republican activists are more likely to be active and organize through traditional community-based organizations. Our expectation is predicated on the premises that 1) Democrats and Republicans differ in both their strategic choices and their supporter base, that 2) Democrats were more excited about the candidates than were Republicans, and 3) the Obama campaign and Democrats have used social networks to target young voters, who are more likely to use social networks. Theoretically, our paper is grounded in one, the Information Science literature on diffusion of innovation, which indicates that the attributes of a technology interact with both the competitive environment and the characteristics of organizations in explaining adoption and implementation decisions; and two, the behavior literature on civic engagement. Using a PEW survey for the 2008 election cycle, we compare social network usage with traditional forms of participation, controlling for demographic attributes. Such differences in party organizations’ use of new media for communicating and organizing have potential consequences for electoral competition between the two parties. For example, since civic engagement in traditional community organizations correlates with income, education, and residential stability, Republican activists may have an organizational advantage at the grassroots level that is offset by online organization in virtual communities by younger, Democratic activists.
Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as a hypopharyngeal mass.

Background Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy derived from skeletal muscle with approximately 40% of cases involving the head and neck. The pleomorphic variant, however, most commonly occurs in the extremities and has never, to our knowledge, been described in the pharynx. Methods A 46-year-old man with no significant medical history presented to the emergency department complaining of hemoptysis. A CT scan of the head and neck revealed a hypopharyngeal mass originally favored to be a benign process. Results Operative endoscopy revealed a previously unseen mucosal ulceration, and subsequent biopsy resulted in the final diagnosis of pleomorphic RMS. Conclusion Although quite rare, RMS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a hypopharyngeal mass. This articleis a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Head Neck 37: E85–E87, 2015
Is the 99th Percentile the Optimal Reference Limit to Diagnose Myocardial Infarction With High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease?

The estimated annual incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) in the United States is ≈525 000 new attacks per year and ≈210 000 recurrent attacks.1 The large number of events results in many emergency room visits for diagnostic evaluation to determine the presence or absence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the need for hospital admission. The third universal definition of MI requires abnormal cardiac biomarkers in the context of acute myocardial ischemia supported by clinical, ECG, or cardiac imaging findings.2 Cardiac troponin (cTn) is recommended as the preferred biomarker to document myocardial necrosis. A rise or fall of cTn with at least 1 value >99th percentile of a reference control population using an assay with total imprecision at the 99th percentile 99th percentile are recommended. Articles see p 2032 and p 2041 In the last few years, more sensitive cTn assays and high-sensitivity cTn (hs-cTn) assays have been introduced that allow more rapid diagnosis of myocardial necrosis and detection of smaller MI events than previously possible with the standard cTn assay. Many patients previously classified as having unstable angina are now able to be reclassified as having an MI with more sensitive cTn assays. Early detection of acute myocardial necrosis may allow the introduction of earlier treatment, which would reduce morbidity and mortality. However, detection of lower levels of cTn than was previously possible with older assays allows the detection of cTn in patients with stable coronary artery disease and in patients with nonischemic conditions associated with low-level cTn elevations in the absence of coronary disease, thus increasing the false-positive rate for MI diagnosis. This decreased specificity results in more complex triage in the emergency …
Apomorphine effects on behavioral response to ethanol in mice selectively bred for differential sensitivity to ethanol.

Abstract Two lines of mice selectively bred for differences in response to a hypnotic dose of ethanol were administered apomorphine alone or in combination with ethanol. When administered by itself, apomorphine produced similar dose-dependent depression of locomotor activity and increases in stereotypy in the two lines. Doses of apomorphine (0.5 μM/kg and 2 μM/kg) thought to bind only presynaptic dopamine receptors blocked the slight locomotor activation to 1.5 g/kg ethanol in the ethanol-sensitive Long-Sleep (LS) mice; in the ethanol-insensitive Short-Sleep (SS) mice which show marked activation to all subhypnotic doses of ethanol, these doses of apomorphine only attenuated the activation. A higher apomorphine dose (8 μM/kg) antagonized the locomotor depressant effects of 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg of ethanol in LS mice but did not alter the shape of the SS ethanol dose response curve for locomotor activity. Apomorphine (2 and 8 μM/kg) potentiated ethanol-induced loss of the righting reflex in LS mice in a dose dependent fashion, but did not alter this soporific effect of ethanol in SS mice. These findings extend the data base suggesting a role for dopamine both in the mechanism(s) differentiating the LS and SS mice and the stimulant and intoxicating properties of ethanol.
Sex Attractants and Behavior in the Two Races of Radophol Us Similis

Sex pheromones are strongly implicated as premating mechanisms of reproductive isolation between the two races of Radopholus similis. Citrus race males do not respond to the banana race females at all; the pheromone of the citrus race female attracts banana race males but does not promote mating. This behavioral divergence between the two races may well be the result of selection for premating isolation that took place after the citrus race evolved. The banana race male recognizes basic components of the citrus race females "long range" attractant, but the "close range" pheromone or mating stimulant is incomplete, resulting in altered behavior when males of the former race are in close contact with females of the latter. This indicates that the pheromone blend contains multiple components, some of which may be more divergent than others.
ULTRASOUND CORNER SONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF PERITONEAL EFFUSION IN SMALL ANIMALS

Summary Abdominal effusion is a common sonographic finding. The sonographic appearance of the fluid is affected by its cellular content. Transudates and modified transudates have a low cellular content, and usually are anechoic or mildly echogenic while exudates containing a high cellular content and fibrin strands are usually echogenci. Using history, laboratory values, sonographic appearance of the effusion, an estimate of the type of effusion and probable cause can be determined.
The oxidative denitrosylation mechanism and nitric oxide release from human fetal and adult hemoglobin, an experimentally based model simulation study.

Abstract Generation of unbound nitric oxide (NO) via the oxidative denitrosylation (ODN) mechanism is proposed to involve the simultaneous reaction of nitrite with oxy and deoxy hemoglobin (Hb(O 2 ) (k 1 ) and Hb (k 13 )) to yield respectively, NO 2 and Hb + 2 (NO). These two reaction pathways are coupled when NO 2 reacts with Hb + 2 (NO) to yield Hb + 3 (NO) (k 22 ), a species that releases NO rapidly. Here, I have constructed an experimentally based molecular model of the ODN mechanism (k 1 –k 31 ), focusing on the high nitrite reductase activity of R-state hemoglobin. This model was used to test the hypothesis that human fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can generate unbound NO faster and to a greater extent than HbA, consequent to a 25-fold larger value of k 1 , which was determined in an earlier study. The results show that despite the use of identical values for k 22 , there was a 44-fold larger apparent rate of reaction of NO 2 with HbF(NO) compared to HbA(NO), for reactions simulated at 410 μM nitrite and 100 μM hemoglobin (heme basis), 50% oxygen saturation at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. This faster reaction was associated with the generation of about 11 μM peak unbound NO. In contrast, HbA failed to generate unbound NO rapidly under the same conditions. However, raising the concentration of nitrite into the millimolar range did generate unbound NO in the HbA simulation, in agreement with the experimental literature, and that result was associated with acceleration in the rate of reaction of NO 2 with HbA(NO). Unbound NO could be generated at 410 μM nitrite in the HbA simulation by lowering the pH. This too was associated with an acceleration in the rate of reaction of NO 2 with HbA(NO). Furthermore, generation of unbound NO could be assigned to the pH-dependent increase in k 1 , independent of the associated increase in k 13 . Finally, selective exchange of the HbA value of k 1 for the HbF value, keeping all other constants and conditions unchanged, generated kinetic patterns for the various species of the “k 1 -modified” HbA simulation, which were virtually indistinguishable from those seen in the HbF simulation. Taken together, these findings show that rapid and extensive generation of unbound NO within the ODN mechanism is controlled by the value of k 1 . The faster and more extensive generation of unbound NO by HbF at micromolar nitrite concentration suggests a possible second function for HbF in sickle cell disease, namely enhanced vasodilation. The failure of 410 μM nitrite to generate unbound NO in the HbA simulation at pH 7.4, contrasts with evidence in the literature showing that exposure of intact red cells to 100 to 200 μM nitrite in PBS, promoted NO release into the gas phase. I point out that this difference in outcome may be due to the higher activity of HbA when bound to the cytoplasmic domain of the red cell membrane anion transport protein SLC4A1 (band 3) and to the demonstrated capacity of band 3 to transport nitrite.
Stimulation of Proteolysis in Thyroid Particles by Thyrotropin

Differential centrifugation of homogenates of prelabeled dog thyroid tissue provides a fraction, sedimenting between 800 and 15,000 Xg, that contains both colloid droplets and lysosomes. When these fractions from control and TSH-stimulated lobes are suspended in 0.45M sucrose, the 131iodoprotein remains largely particle bound over a pH range of 3.6-8.5. Control lobe particles show lysis of the labeled protein as BE131I during these in vitro incubations with peak activity at pH 3.5-4.0, the optimum of lysosomal cathepsin. TSH particles contain more total 131iodoprotein than controls and show not only more BE131I release than controls, but also a greater percentage of the particulate 131I released as BE131I. Furthermore, it is apparent that the lysis of 131iodoprotein in the TSH particles occurs maximally at a higher pH, 4.6-5.0, than in the control particles. When the particles are destroyed with a detergent, Triton X-100, there is inhibition of proteolysis. These studies, in combination with previous obse...
Efficient formulations for pricing under attraction demand models

We propose a modeling and optimization framework to cast a broad range of fundamental multi-product pricing problems as tractable convex optimization problems. We consider a retailer offering an assortment of differentiated substitutable products to a population of customers that are price-sensitive. The retailer selects prices to maximize profits, subject to constraints on sales arising from inventory and capacity availability, market share goals, bounds on allowable prices and other considerations. Consumers' response to price changes is represented by attraction demand models, which subsume the well known multinomial logit (MNL) and multiplicative competitive interaction demand models. Our approach transforms seemingly non-convex pricing problems (both in the objective function and constraints) into convex optimization problems that can be solved efficiently with commercial software. We establish a condition which ensures that the resulting problem is convex, prove that it can be solved in polynomial time under MNL demand, and show computationally that our new formulations reduce the solution time from days to seconds. We also propose an approximation of demand models with multiple overlapping customer segments, and show that it falls within the class of demand models we are able to solve. Such mixed demand models are highly desirable in practice, but yield a pricing problem which appears computationally challenging to solve exactly.
Rediscovering the taxonomies: a structural framework for death education courses

Abstract Many demands have been made of courses in death and dying since their inception. Since teachers of these courses come from many different fields, it is important to examine educational principles in designing courses on death and dying. This article suggests the use of the taxonomies of the cognitive and affective domains to aid the teacher in (a) setting up class goals, (b) suggesting practical considerations such as class size, (c) pointing out possible exercises to be included, and (d) suggesting possible evaluation techniques.
Treating mild gestational diabetes mellitus: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Objective This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of treating mild gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study Design A decision analytic model was built to compare treating vs not treating mild GDM. The primary outcome was the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). All probabilities, costs, and benefits were derived from the literature. Base case, sensitivity analyses, and a Monte Carlo simulation were performed. Results Treating mild GDM was more expensive, more effective, and cost-effective at $20,412 per QALY. Treatment remained cost-effective when the incremental cost to treat GDM was less than $3555 or if treatment met at least 49% of its reported efficacy at the baseline cost to treat of $1786. Conclusion Treating mild GDM is cost-effective in terms of improving maternal and neonatal outcomes including decreased rates of preeclampsia, cesarean sections, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, permanent and transient brachial plexus injury, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions.
Combined cavernous-arteriovenous malformation

Abstract Cerebral angiomas consisting of two distinct types of malformations are rare. A case of a combined arteriovenous and cavernous angioma is reported. For what is believed to be the first time, the cavernous portion of the angioma was clearly demonstrated by angiography and appeared similar to cavernous malformations occurring outside the central nervous system. This case emphasizes the continuous overlapping spectrum of cerebral vasculature anomalies.
Incidence of Increases in Pump Power Utilization and Associated Clinical Outcomes in Patients Who Have Undergone Heartmate II Implantation

Purpose The incidence and clinical significance of increases in pump power utilization (power spikes) in patients with LVADs has not been published. This project’s aim is to identify how often power spikes occur, when they occur relative to device implantation, and whether they precede clinical findings suggestive of pump thrombosis. Methods and Materials All inpatient and outpatient medical logs were reviewed for 205 patients who underwent Heartmate II implantation at the Cleveland Clinic from 2008-2012. Power spikes were defined as an increase in pump power of 2W over baseline or pump power greater than 10W. Results Of the 205 patients, 61 (29.8%) had at least one power spike; 15 (7.4%) patients had just a single power spike and 46 (22.4%) had two or more. 41 patients had spikes in the first post-operative year, 14 patients in the second, 7 in the third, and one in the fourth; two patients had spikes in multiple years. Of the patients with power spikes in post-operative year one, 14 (34.1%) had them in the first twenty days after implantation and 26 (63.4%) had them in the first 100 days. 13 patients (6.3%) had hemolysis, 26 patients (12.7%) had TIA/embolic stroke, and 4 patients (2%) had peripheral thromboembolism (PTE). 3 patients (23%) with hemolysis had a power spike preceding the event, 4 patients (15%) with TIA/embolic stroke had a power spike before the event, and 1 patient (25%) with PTE had a preceding power spike. For those patients with power spikes preceding the clinical event, the mean and median amount of time that the power spikes occurred prior to the event was 79 and 20 days for hemolysis, 286 and 321 days for TIA/embolic stroke, and 579 and 579 days for PTE. Conclusions Power spikes are a common occurrence in patients with Heartmate II LVADs. They occur frequently in the first year after implantation but their initial presentation can be more than three years later. They do not frequently precede clinical events suggestive of pump thrombosis and their proximity to the clinical event varies.
ψϒ production in hadronic collisions

Abstract We identify g + g → χ J ( c c ) + χ J′ ( b b ) (J, J′) = 0, 1, 2,) , followed by radiative decays, as the lowest-order, O( α 4 s ), QCD processes leading to ψϒ production in hadronic collisions. We have calculated the partonic cross-sections for these subprocesses and use these to present differential cross-sections for ψϒ production in p p collisions at CERN collider energies as an example. The yields are disappointingly small. We also comment on possible χ( c c )χ( c c ) contributions to ψψ production.
Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome: Prevalence of Uterine Variants and Clinical Associations

Background: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome represents a spectrum of congenital anomalies affecting the Mullerian ductal system ranging from complete agenesis of the upper 2/3 of the vagina, cervix and uterus to isolated cervical agenesis. Pelvic pain and renal anomalies can be associated with MRKH. Our objective was to use the classification system provided by Buttram et al. to describe prevalence of MRKH subtypes and associations with pelvic pain and renal anomalies. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective case review of females with MRKH seen in an outpatient setting of an academic OB/GYN department from 1997 e 2010 identified by ICD-9 codes. Clinical characteristics were abstracted including medical, surgical, radiologic and pathologic findings. Subjects with laparoscopy and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for Mullerian anomaly assessment were included. Intravenous pyelogram, renal ultrasound or MRI was used for renal anatomy assessment. Fisher's exact test was used to calculate p value for statistical comparisons. Results: Sixty-four females with MRKH were seen in the pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic. When stratified by subtype, we found no isolated vaginal, uterine fundal or tubal agenesis (Class Ia, c, d), three cases of cervical agenesis (Class Ib), and sixty-one cases of combined agenesis (Class Ie). In the combined category, we further stratified cases into complete agenesis (n1⁄440) and those with hypoplastic uterine remnants (n1⁄421). Information on renal anatomywas electronically available in 45/64 (70.3%) of females with MRKH. Overall prevalence of renal anomalies was 13/45 (28.9%). A trend towards higher prevalence of renal anomalies was seen in those with complete agenesis as compared to those with hypoplastic uterine remnants (11/27 vs 2/16; 40.7% vs 12.5%; p1⁄40.09). No women (0/2) with cervical dysgenesis had renal anomalies. Pelvic painwas most prevalent in thosewith cervical dysgenesis (3/3; 100%). More females with hypoplastic uterine remnants reported pain as compared to those with complete agenesis(14/21 vs 6/20; 66.7% vs 30%; p1⁄40.03). Conclusion: The prevalence of MRKH variants in this large series was: cervical agenesis 5%; uterine remnants 33%; and complete agenesis 62%. MKRHwas commonly associatedwith renal anomalies and pelvic pain. We found that prevalence of pain ranged from 30 e 100% dependent on the MRKH variant. A trend towards higher rates of renal anomalies was identified in patients with complete agenesis.
CT imaging of immunocompromised children with acute abdominal symptoms.

T he number of immunocompromised children has increased over the last decade because of the increased use of immunosuppressive therapy (for neoplasms, autoimmune disease, and organ transplantation), the increased use of bone marrow transplantation, and the spread of HIV infection [I]. Immunocompromised children frequently experience intraabdominal crises [1-6]. Because of the fragile condition of these patients, pathologic abdominal processes are associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate, and prompt diagnosis and management are essential. However, because abdominal symptoms are often nonspecific,
Self-assembled chromophoric thin film NLO materials. Effect of coupling agent surface functionalization and ion exchange processes on second harmonic generation characteristics

Abstract A systematic study of the reaction of 1-chloromethyl-4-(2-trichlorosilylethyl)-benzene (coupling agent) with the surface SiOH groups of glass for times from 15 min to 48 h, followed by stilbazole chromophore precursor deposition/quaternization, is reported. Second harmonic generation characteristics of these thin film materials indicate that a 15 min coupling agent reaction attains approximately 65% of full surface coverage (based on χ zzz (2) ) of benzylic chloride moieties, but that 24 h is the optimal time for maximum coverage. The surface-anchored chromophoric chloride salts in such materials undergo facile ion exchange with iodide, p -aminobenzenesulphonate, and ethyl orange, leading to enhancements in χ zzz (2) of up to 50%.
Regulation of Intestinal Apolipoprotein A-IV and C-III Expression by Dietary Lipid in Weanling Piglets

Regulation of Intestinal Apolipoprotein A-IV and C-III Expression by Dietary Lipid in Weanling Piglets
Particulate Rumen Turnover Rate Measurement as Influenced by Density of Passage Marker

Abstract Alterations of estimates of ruminal turnover rate by density, alfalfa fiber chromium concentration, or sampling site were evaluated. Alfalfa fiber density was raised by mordanting with increasing chromium concentrations. Three Holstein cows were fed for ad libitum intake equal portions of a total mixed diet three times a day. After a pulse dose of marker, fecal and ruminal grab samples were collected from cows at scheduled intervals for 5 days. Linear regression analysis was used to measure slopes of declining phase of marker excretion curves. Cell wall densities (g/ml) and ruminal turnover rates (h -1 ) based on ruminal and fecal sampling sites were: 1.21, .0116, .0236; 1.33, .0525, .0306; and 2.08, .0392, .0485 for alfalfa cell wall with chromium concentrations of 7.01, 38.67, and 56.76 mg/g. Particle density and chromium concentration, but not sampling site, influenced estimates of ruminal turnover rate.
Responsiveness of female mice to preputial attractant: Effects of sexual experience and ovarian hormones

Abstract Four experiments evaluated the relative effects of sexual experience, estradiol, and progesterone on the responsiveness of ovariectomized female mice to an attractant in male preputial glands. Two-choice tests were used to compare relative attractiveness of water homogenates of male preputials to that of a control homogenate made from a mixture of fat and muscle. Sexually naive females, not under the influence of estrogen, showed no preference for either homogenate. Sexual experience resulted in a strong and consistent preference for the preputial odor regardless of presence or absence of estrogen. Estrogenized, sexually naive females showed a significant attraction for preputial homogenate but such attraction was less consistent than that resulting from sexual experience. Finally, the effectiveness of sexual experience could be blocked by progesterone and, as could thus be predicted, pregnant females were not attracted by the odor of male preputial glands.
Enhancing the relevance of palaeoclimate model/data comparisons for assessments of future climate change

I discuss the role of model/data comparisons for past climate changes and use of such comparisons for enhancing credibility in future projections. I outline a framework in which data synthesis combined with suitable modelling targets should be able to reduce uncertainty in both. By focusing on areas that the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment report (IPCC AR4) highlighted as being particularly uncertain in future projections, or where current models produce a very wide range of responses, the relevance of palaeoclimate data could be greatly enhanced. Specific targets include: the long-term behaviour of El Nino events and the potential response to volcanic and solar forcing; the variability of subtropical rainfall and the extent of the Hadley Circulation and their response to orbital and high-latitude forcing; ice sheet responses on sub-millennial timescales; multidecadal changes in the North Atlantic ocean circulation and, certainly, overall climate sensitivity. In each case, I highlight data synthesis steps and modelling approaches necessary for reducing the uncertainty. In particular, I stress the need for coordinated model simulation archives that are conformal to those used in simulations of the 20th century and beyond and the consistency of models used for past and future climate simulations. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural organic matter-mediated phase transfer of quantum dots in the aquatic environment.

Imminent commercialization of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of these materials. Understanding the partitioning behavior and obtaining information on the mobility and persistence of QDs in water is key to evaluating potential ecological hazards posed by QDs in the environment. The role of natural organic matter (NOM) in the phase transfer of trioctylphosphine oxide-capped CdSe QDs from an organic solvent to water has been investigated. Results show that humic and fulvic acids, which have been used as model NOM, facilitate the stabilization of organic-capped QDs in water in less than 24 h. Spectroscopic studies indicate that some or all of the organic ligands of QDs are conserved during the phase transfer. The displacement of organic ligands by NOM also appears to play a role in phase transfer. This NOM-mediated phase transfer has also been demonstrated using two natural surface water samples. This study presents the first evidence of the s...
A eutectic dislocation etch for gallium arsenide

A eutectic etchant consisting of 50 mole percent KOH and 50 mole percent NaOH has been developed having a melting point of 170°C. The etchant has an etch rate on 〈100〉 GaAs of 0.2 μm per min at 325°C and is useful on 〈111〉 and 〈100〉 surfaces. The etchant reveals structures not developed with the molten KOH etchant.
To answer or not: what non-qa social activities can tell

Various methods have been proposed to help find answerers for a question in QA communities, but almost all work heavily depends on users' QA history. In this paper we seek to investigate the feasibility of leveraging users' non-QA social activities as a way of gaining insight into their question answering behavior. We collected data of 4,484 users on a QA community in an enterprise and examined the relationship of their QA behaviors and non-QA activities supported by other social tools. We found that the two sets of behavioral indicators are significantly correlated. The top user group for non-QA activities outperformed lower groups in both number and quality of the answers. Regression analysis showed involvement in personal blog, micro-blog and forum and replying and recommending behaviors in non-QA communities were predictive of a user's likelihood of answering questions. Online observations provided a qualitative understanding. Design implications and future work were discussed.
Algorithm for non-hydrostatic dynamics in the Regional Oceanic Modeling System

Abstract A non-hydrostatic algorithm for the Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) is proposed. It is based on a decomposition technique for hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic pressure. The algorithm has a pressure-correction scheme with split-explicit time-stepping for baroclinic and barotropic vertical modes with a free surface. The algorithm implementation requires solving a Poisson equation for a non-hydrostatic pressure that has a non-symmetric matrix in discrete form. The efficiency of a different class of solvers and preconditioners were tested. The algorithm is successfully implemented with several examples where non-hydrostatic effects are important. These include standing external gravity waves; strongly nonlinear internal wave generation and transformation; stratified shear instability and its associated mixing; and nonlinear internal tidal generation over a ridge. The corresponding changes in the pre-processing and post-processing infrastructure in the existing hydrostatic ROMS code were performed to implement parallel elliptic solvers and a new set of dynamical equations.
Zinc oxide micro- and nanoparticles: Synthesis, structure and optical properties

Abstract Zinc oxide (ZnO) spherical nanoparticles (SNPs) and bitter-melon-like (BML) microparticles were synthesized by a hydrothermal route using a zinc (Zn) plate as a source and substrate at various synthesis conditions. The structural analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO with hexagonal wurtzite phase on the hexagonal Zn substrate with growth of the ZnO microparticles along the [1 0 1] direction. The UV–vis absorption spectra of the ZnO microparticles indicated absorption peaks in the UV region which can be attributed to the band gap of ZnO. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) of the ZnO microparticles exhibited a broad emission band, which is fitted with four Gaussian peaks and were assigned to transitions involving free excitons and various defect centers. The growth model for the formation of ZnO micro- and nanoparticles is presented.
Split-off valence band parameters for GaSb from stress-modulated magnetoreflectivity

Abstract We obtain the following results from interband magnetoreflectivity in p -type GaSb at 30°K: Δ = (0.749 ± 0.002) eV , ( m / m c + m / m so ) = 29.8 ±0.3, and ( g c + g so ) = -12 ± 6, where Δ is the spin-orbit splitting, m c and m so are the conduction and split-off band effective masses, and g c and g so their effective g -factors. From these results we deduce m so / m = 0.15 ± 0.03, g so = -6 ± 7, and K L = 3.0 ± 1.5, where K L is the valence band parameter introduced by Luttinger.
Studies on the nature of serum stimulation of proliferation in cell culture.

Secondary platings of chick embryo fibroblast cells were found to be capable of subsisting in the absence of serum supplements for periods exceeding 1 week. No significant mitotic activity was detected in these serumdeprived cultures. When serum was added, a coordinated mitotic burst occurred between 12 and 14 hr after the serum addition had been made. A complete mitotic burst could also be obtained with an abbreviated serum exposure of only 6 hr. Patterns of DNA and RNA synthesis were investigated following serum addition to serum-deprived cultures or serum removal from normal cultures. The results obtained are commensurate with mitotic-specific serum stimulations which fall within the G1 growth phase.
A first-principles investigation of hydrous defects and IR frequencies in forsterite: The case for Si vacancies

We investigate charge-balanced hydrous magnesium and silicon defects [(2H) X Mg, (4H) X Si] by first principles. Two new lowest-energy hydrogen configurations are proposed for (4H) X Si. With these new configurations, the distribution of O-H stretching phonon frequencies in Group I (>3450 cm –1 ) are better reproduced. Substitution of silicon with four hydrogen atoms gives rise to significant elongation of distances between O atoms at the tetrahedron of the silicon vacancy. Our calculations indicate that the correlation between O-O distances and O-H stretching phonon frequencies, which has been well established for hydrous minerals, does not apply directly to nominally anhydrous minerals and should not be used to determine the identity of hydrous defects responsible for infrared absorption peaks.
The influence of winter soil cover on spring nitrous oxide emissions from an agricultural soil

Abstract In temperate regions, a majority of N2O is emitted during spring soil thawing. We examined the influence of two winter field covers, snow and winter rye, on soil temperature and subsequent spring N2O emissions from a New York corn field over two years. The first season (2006–07) was a cold winter (2309 h below 0 °C at 8 cm soil depth), historically typical for the region. The snow removal treatment resulted in colder soils and higher N2O fluxes (73.3 vs. 57.9 ng N2O–N cm−2 h−1). The rye cover had no effect on N2O emissions. The second season (2007–08) was a much milder winter (1271 h below freezing at 8 cm soil depth), with lower N2O fluxes overall. The winter rye cover resulted in lower N2O fluxes (5.9 vs. 33.7 ng N2O–N cm−2 h−1), but snow removal had no effect. Climate scenarios predict warmer temperature and less snow cover in the region. Under these conditions, spring N2O emissions can be expected to decrease and could be further reduced by winter rye crops.
The role of recombinant PTH in human fracture healing: a systematic review.

Objectives Human parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known to be efficacious in the treatment of osteoporosis and reduction of risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures; however, its role in the enhancement of human fracture healing is controversial. Our objective is to conduct a systematic literature review on the use of recombinant PTH in human fracture healing to (1) evaluate the evidence for recombinant PTH in human fracture healing and (2) assess whether there are notable differences between previous case reports and prospective trials. Data sources We performed a literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for "teriparatide," "PTH (1-84)," "fracture," and "healing." Study selection References of retrieved articles were screened for additional studies, and exclusion criteria were applied. Data extraction Due to the limited publications on the subject, case reports and case series were included in our data analysis. Data synthesis Due to the limited publications on the subject, our data are presented in simple tabular format. Conclusions Our literature review yielded 16 publications on the use of recombinant PTH in human fracture healing and 2 randomized controlled trial with 1 retrospective subgroup analysis. There continues to be anecdotal evidence for the use of recombinant PTH to enhance fracture healing. There are discrepancies in study design in the randomized controlled trials and the majority of case reports and, additional prospective studies are warranted.
Stiles’s π 5 mechanism: failure to show univariance is caused by opponent-channel input

Stiles’s π5 field sensitivity approaches the sensitivity of the long-wavelength (L) cone as the duration of the test flash decreases. Further, for short test flashes mixtures of red and green backgrounds are additive. For long test flashes the backgrounds cancel, the mixture raising threshold less than expected. These results are explained if π5 is approximately the L-cone sensitivity combined with some opponent-channel sensitivity.
Persistence Length of Cartilage Aggrecan Macromolecules Measured via Atomic Force Microscopy

Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) was employed to directly calculate the persistence length of individual fetal bovine epiphyseal and mature nasal cartilage aggrecan monomers, as well as their constituent chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains.
Effects of insulin on blood, plasma, and brain glucose in hyperglycemic diabetic rats.

This study, in biologically bred hyperglycemic diabetic rats, examined the effect of a intravenous insulin infusion (1.5 units.hr-1) on blood, plasma, and brain glucose concentrations to determine their relationship during decreasing blood and plasma glucose levels. The data were compared to saline-treated diabetic rats and saline-treated nondiabetic littermates. The volume and duration of the treatment infusion were similar in all groups. Insulin infusion in diabetic rats produced the expected reduction in blood and plasma glucose, and normoglycemia was produced within 78 +/- 37 minutes (mean +/- SD). However, once normoglycemia was achieved, brain glucose was still significantly greater by 44% than in nondiabetic rats (p = 0.015). Moreover, the ratio of brain to plasma glucose was more than 50% greater in diabetic than nondiabetic rats, irrespective of whether or not they received insulin (p less than 0.01). We conclude that measurement of blood or plasma glucose in diabetic subjects will tend to underestimate the amount of glucose in the brain and that this relationship is not influenced by acute insulin therapy.
Active transport of nonpolar amino acids in Chromatium vinosum

Abstract The photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium, Chromatium vinosum , takes up the amino acids, l -phenylalanine and l -leucine, via two apparently different electrogenic, H + /amino acid symports. Na + serves as an allosteric modulator for leucine transport, lowering the K m for leucine from 66 to 15 μ m . C. vinosum cells also contain a system that transports both isoleucine and valine. The isoleucine/valine system has the attributes of a H + /amino acid symport at pH + /Na + (Li + )/amino acid symport at pH ⩾ 7.5. Na + gradients produce an allosteric lowering of the K m values for both isoleucine and valine, from 14 to 7 μ m and from 34 to 17 μ m , respectively. C. vinosum also accumulates d -alanine in an energy-dependent reaction. The transport process appears to involve the electrogenic cotransport of d -alanine and Na + . The K m value for d -alanine was determined to be 9 μ m . Unlike the previously characterized C. vinosum l -alanine/Na + symport, Na + gradients did not affect the K m for d -alanine transport. l -Alanine and glycine, but not α-aminoisobutyric acid, act as competitive inhibitors for d -alanine transport.
DIAGNOSIS OF RENAL FAILURE IN THE NEWBORN

Diagnosis of renal failure in newborn infants is difficult due to immaturity of the kidney and technical factors. Utilization of urine to plasma ratios of urea (U/P U), creatinine (U/P Cr), sodium (U/P Na), and fractional sodium excretion (FE/Na) obviate the use of timed urine collections. FE/Na is calculated as: Measurement of U/P Na, U/P Cr or U/P U and FE/Na were performed in 11 premature and full term infants with demonstratable renal failure, and in 9 infants of various gestational ages with pre-renal oliguria. One patient with renal failure had FE/Na values below 3-5. and no infant with pre-renal oliguria had values above 3-5- However, 2 infants with renal failure had U/P U values above 11 and 4 infants with ollguria had values less than 11. FE/Na appears to be a useful adjunct to diagnosis of renal failure in the newborn and appears to be better than U/P U alone.
Refined mapping of the three DNA repair genes, ERCC1, ERCC2, and XRCC1, on human chromosome 19.

Three DNA repair genes, ERCC1, ERCC2, and by in situ hybridization using fluorescently-labeled cosmid probes. XRCC1 have been regionally mapped on human chromosome 19. ERCC1 and ERCC2 have been found
A priori determination of valid control sites: an example using marine meiobenthic nematodes

Abstract Proper control sites for nematode abundance, patch size and patch dispersion could not be defined prior to a manipulative oil pollution experiment despite the apparent physical similarity and proximity of two locations. Comparisons of abundance and patch size demonstrated that neither site could serve as a control for the other. Spectral analysis was not useful, in this case, in resolving patch dispersion in the range of 1·2 to 60 cm. These data indicated that in circumstances where a posteriori studies comparing two areas cannot be avoided, it is only with great caution that a single factor should be interpreted as causative of observed densities or distribution of organisms.