cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Filtration and Oxygen Consumption in Mussels, Mytilus edulis, with and without Pea Crabs, Pinnotheres maculatus

Filtration rates and oxygen consumption rates were measured in mussels (Mytilus edulis) with and without pea crabs (Pinnotheres maculatus). Noninfested mussels had a significantly higher rate of oxygen consumption per hour (0.578 ml±0.012) than did infested mussels (0.352 ml±0.012). There was no significant effect of pea crab size on mussel respiration. Filtration rates of infested mussels were significantly lower than those of uninfested mussels. Assimilation efficiency was not significantly affected by pea crab infestation. The relationship between body size and oxygen consumption inP. maculatus is given by the following equation: {ie264-1} W0.626, where {ie264-2} is oxygen uptake (ml h−1), and W is dry weight (g). There was no difference between the sexes. It is concluded that the decreased oxygen consumption observed in infested mussels is not due to limitation of oxygen availability, but rather reflects a real metabolic response to the presence of the symbiont and the concomittant deprivation of food to the host. The effect is probably reversible, that is, damage can be compensated for after the symbiont has vacated the mussel, depending upon the period of infestation. Our results indicate that the mussels infested by pea crabs may be at an energetic disadvantage relative to mussels without pea crabs.
Effect of platelet-activating factor on beta-adrenoceptors in human lung.

Abstract We examined the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on beta-adrenoceptors in the membranes of human lung and the functional responses to methacholine, histamine and isoproterenol in human lung parenchyma and tracheal strips. Preincubation of the human lung slices with 0.1 uM PAF decreased the density of beta-adrenoceptors without a change in the affinity. In the functional studies, a subthreshold dose of PAF (0.1 uM) significantly reduced the potency of isoproterenol to reverse methacholine or histamine-induced contraction. BN 52021, a PAF antagonist, protected against these PAF-induced changes. These findings suggest that PAF-induced down-regulation of beta-adrenoceptors could be a mechanism of the non-specific airway hyperreactivity in asthma.
Effects of air pollutants on seed germinability

The objective of this research was to study the effects of a selected concentration of CO, NO/sub 2/ and SO/sub 2/ on the germinability of wild mustard, pigweed, giant ragweed, cocklebur and soybean seeds.
High release rate 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one dispensers prevent Douglas-fir beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infestation of live Douglas-fir.

The Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), antiaggregation pheromone, 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (MCH), has been used by natural resource managers and landowners to protect high-value, high-risk trees from Douglas-fir beetle infestation throughout the western United States since 2000. Labor is a major portion of the cost of MCH treatments. MCH is applied by walking through treatment areas and stapling the formulated pheromone in bubble capsules to trees and other objects on a regular grid pattern. Reducing the number of MCH release points and increasing the distance between them could significantly reduce labor costs, particularly in areas with steep terrain or large volumes of woody debris that could impede the movement of applicators. This study compared the standard MCH application method with a method releasing MCH at a 3 times higher rate and placed at three times fewer release points per unit area. Treatments were applied to 2-ha plots simulating an operational application. Aggregation pheromone-baited traps were placed at plot centers to ensure that dispersing adult beetles would be present on all plots. Both MCH treatments were equally effective at preventing the infestation of live Douglas-fir, Pseudotsugae menziesii (Mirbel) Franco, trees (≥30 cm diameter at breast height). These results confirm that MCH formulated to release at three times the current standard rate and placed at 3 times fewer points per unit area can effectively prevent the infestation of live Douglas-fir. The new treatment will significantly reduce the labor cost of MCH applications making them feasible for areas that may have previously been marginal economically.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF 64-SLICE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN DISTINGUISHING ISCHEMIC FROM NONISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

The use of Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) to distinguish ischemic vs non-ischemic etiology in newly diagnosed heart failure patients with low to intermediate probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) is an appropriate indication (appropriateness score = 7) according to the current
Time-resolved analysis of high-resolution electron microscope images

Abstract The ability to record dynamic images on video tape from a JEOL 200CX electron microscope has been utilized to monitor the progress of alloy formation in a thin-film gold-indium diffusion couple. A sequence of images from this reaction has been digitized from video tape, processed, and compared with images calculated from a model of the proposed structure for the reaction product. The method of sample preparation and background information on the gold-indium thin-film system are presented, as well as details on the hardware and software used to process the video-taped images.
Measurement of cytoplasmic calcium concentration in cell suspensions: correction for extracellular Fura-2 through use of Mn2+ and probenecid

1321N1 astrocytoma cells loaded with Fura-2 were found to continuously transport Fura-2 to the extracellular medium. To correct for extracellular Fura-2 fluorescence a protocol was developed in which Mn2+ was added to duplicate cuvettes of cells to quench extracellular Fura-2 at the beginning and end of the experimental time course. Since the export of Fura-2 was linear with time, two separate quench determinations allowed the amount of fluorescence from extracellular Fura-2 fluorescence to be estimated at every point in the time course and subtracted from the data. The uncorrected and Mn2+-corrected basal cytoplasmic calcium concentrations averaged 153 nM and 72 nM, respectively. The peak intracellular calcium concentrations following muscarinic stimulation with 300 microM carbachol averaged 1159 nM (uncorrected) and 889 nM (Mn2+-corrected). Probenecid (2.5 mM) was found to block the export of Fura-2 from these cells and did not change the basal calcium concentration or the muscarinic calcium response.
A NONEQUILIBRIUM STAGE MODEL OF MULTICOMPONENT SEPARATION PROCESSES VI: SIMULATION OF LIQUID-LIQUID EXTRACTION

Abstract A nonequilibrium stage model of liquid-liquid extraction processes is described. The mass conservation equations for each phase are solved simultaneously with properly formulated mass transfer rate equations for multicomponent systems and phase equilibrium relationships to represent the phase interface. The model is used to simulate a number of extraction operations in sieve tray columns and the results compared to experimental data.
Ethical Standards For Group Leaders.

A group leader is one who assumes the responsibility for a group dealing with interpersonal relationships. The leader is committed to a belief in the dignity and personal worth of each member of a group with whom he works. While demanding the freedom to function as a professional, he also accepts the responsibilities this freedom implies and defends the rights and freedom of his group members. He maintains integrity in his relationships with other professionals and the public. He does not use his specialized knowledge to take personal advantage of group members, nor does he permit himself to be used by others for purposes inconsistent with his own ethical standards. The group leader is expected to abide by and practice the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association and the American Personnel and Guidance Association. He is also expected to practice the following ethical standards that were developed for, and are more directly applicable to, working with groups.
Probabilistic analysis of the complexity of A

Abstract This paper analyzes the number of nodes expanded by A∗ as a function of the accuracy of its heuristic estimates by treating the errors h∗ - h as random variables whose distributions may vary over the nodes in the graph. Our model consists of an m-ary tree with unit branch costs and a unique goal state situated at a distance N from the root. Two results are established: 1. (1) for any error distribution, if A∗ 1 is stochastically more informed than A∗ 2 , then A∗ 1 is stochastically more efficient than A∗ 2 , and 2. (2) if the probability that the relative error be bounded away from zero is greater than 1/m, then the average complexity of A∗ is exponential with N, where as if the probability of zero error is greater than 1–1/m, the average complexity is O(N).
A Psychodynamic Approach to Suicide Prevention

This paper sets forth a new theoretical approach to understanding the psychological etiology of suicide. The theory is demonstrated by an in-depth clinical case example, and its implications for the management of the suicidal candidate in his acute interim and long-term care are described. The theory assumes that the primary motivation to suicide comes from a clinically characteristic, unremitting psychological pain. The role of the suicidal prevention center is discussed with specific emphasis on the quality of the engagement between a center staff person and the suicidal patient. A future course for suicide centers is suggested based on the theory.
The effect of carbodiimide-derivatized hyaluronic acid and gelatin surface modification on peroneus longus tendon graft in a short-term canine model in vivo.

Purpose We have recently reported that application of carbodiimide-derivatized hyaluronic acid and gelatin (cd-HA gelatin) to a peroneus longus tendon graft increased tendon graft gliding ability and decreased work of flexion compared with untreated grafts in a canine model in vivo . In this study, we investigated the effect of this modification on adhesions, stiffness, strength of the distal attachment, and fibroblast count. Methods A total of 24 dogs were used for this study. The peroneus longus tendons of each hind leg were grafted into the 2nd and 5th digits of one forepaw in each dog. One peroneus longus tendon was treated with cd-HA gelatin prior to grafting, and the other one was immersed in 0.9% saline solution as a control. Animals were killed 1, 3, or 6 weeks postoperatively. Results The adhesion score of cd-HA gelatin–treated tendons was significantly less than that in the saline-treated tendons at all time points. There was no significant difference in the indentation stiffness between HA- and saline-treated grafts at any time point. For the ultimate force at the distal attachment, there was a significant difference among the time points, with a steady increase over time, but no significant difference between treated and control tendons at any time point. There was no significant difference in fibroblast count between treated and control tendons at any time point. Conclusions Although gross adhesion formation was less, there was no significant difference in strength at the distal tendon-bone interface, cellularity, or tendon graft stiffness when comparing saline-treated and cd-HA gelatin–treated tendon grafts in vivo .
Experimental and computational investigation of light-gas injectors in mach 4.0 crossflow

An experimental and computational study of an aerodynamic ramp (aeroramp) injector was conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The aeroramp consisted of an array of two rows with two columns of flush-wall holes that induce vorticity and enhance mixing. The holes were spaced four diameters apart in the streamwise direction with two diameters transverse spacing between them. For comparison, a single-hole circular injector with the same area angled downstream at 30 deg was also examined. Test conditions involved sonic injection of helium heated to 313 K to safely simulate hydrogen into a Mach 4 air cross stream with average Reynolds number 5.77 e+7 per meter at a jet to freestream momentum flux ratio of 2.1. Sampling probe measurements were utilized to determine the local helium concentration. Pitot and cone-static-pressure probes and a diffuser thermocouple probe were employed to document the flow. This allowed total pressure losses to be determined. The numerical flow solver used was GASP v. 4.2. The inviscid fluxes were computed in three dimensions using third-order AUSM+ with modified essentially nonoscillatory limiting. The AUSM+ algorithm was chosen because of its good resolution of shock discontinuities and its efficiency. The Wilcox k-ω (1998) turbulence model was used. The main results of this work can be summarized as follows: 1) the mixing efficiency value of this aeroramp design, which was optimized at Mach 2.4 for hydrocarbon fuel, was only slightly higher than that of the single-hole injector at these flow conditions; 2) the mass-averaged total pressure loss parameter showed that the aeroramp and single-hole injectors had the same overall losses; 3) the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was unable to accurately predict the quantitative mixing data produced by the experiment, however, the qualitative comparisons of the injectors using the CFD predictions agreed with the experiment.
Tolerance in Drosophila

The set of genes that underlie ethanol tolerance (inducible resistance) are likely to overlap with the set of genes responsible for ethanol addiction. Whereas addiction is difficult to recognize in simple model systems, behavioral tolerance is readily identifiable and can be induced in large populations of animals. Thus, tolerance lends itself to analysis in model systems with powerful genetics. Drosophila melanogaster has been used by a variety of laboratories for the identification of genes that interfere with the acquisition of ethanol tolerance. Here, I discuss the genes identified as being important for the production of ethanol tolerance in Drosophila. Some of these genes have also been shown to be important for the production of tolerance in mammals, demonstrating that gene discovery in Drosophila has predictive value for understanding the molecular pathways that generate tolerance in mammals.
Effect of composition on orientation, optical and mechanical properties of bi-axially drawn PEN and PEN/PEI blend films

Abstract The influence of biaxial deformation on the development of thermal, optical and mechanical properties of PEN and PEN/PEI blends were investigated. The refractive indices in the normal direction of biaxially stretched films decreased with the areal expansion ratio, λ MD × λ TD . The Wide angle X-ray results showed that this is caused by the orientation of naphthalene planes that become parallel to the film surface as the expansion ratio increases. Blending PEI with PEN at concentration up to 20% was also found to reduce the naphthalene plane orientation, thereby improving the deformation behavior of PEN by eliminating highly localized neck formation attributed to this orientation behavior. The WAXS pole figure studies further indicate that biaxially oriented PEN films show bimodal (‘cross-hatched’) orientation of the chain axes one population in the MD1 direction and another distinct population in MD2 direction. This is also reflected in the mechanical properties where moduli exhibit equal values in MD1 and MD2 directions but lower values in other directions in the film plane. When blended with PEI at 10%–20% concentrations, the bimodal orientation is eliminated and the equal biaxially stretched films was found to exhibit in-plane isotropy.
Right ventricular bullet embolism: Diagnostic and therapeutic decisions

Abstract Right ventricular bullet embolism is an extremely rare phenomenon documented sporadically in the medical literature. This occurs most commonly in the setting of small calibre, low velocity missiles. We report a case of a relatively large 0.40 calibre bullet that embolised to the right ventricle via the axillary vein after a patient sustained a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. After a failed attempt at endovascular removal, the intact bullet was removed through median sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest.
Small and Micro Aerial Vehicles: How Much Span is Too Much Span?

This paper explores at what point a further span increase, while maintaining a constant wing area and loading, results in a reduction in aerodynamic performance. Especially in the case of small and micro aerial vehicles, a span increase can be realized with only a minor weight penalty. Of particular interest are the maximum lift-to-drag ratio and the minimum power required. The existence of such extrema with respect to the aspect ratio is based on the notion that, while increasing the span decreases the induced drag, it also increases the profile drag as a result of the decreasing chord Reynolds number. The increasing profile drag eventually leads to a performance loss despite the growing aspect ratio. This behavior is investigated using an analytical and a computational approach. Whereas the analytical approach does not reveal distinct limits in beneficial aspect ratios, the computational approach indicates the existence of such limits, especially for lower flight masses below 500 g. The computations suggest, for a 100 g wing with fixed span, that doubling the aspect ratio from one to two results in a 20% endurance increase.
Finding Support in a Field of Devastation: Bereaved Parents' Narratives of Communication and Recovery

The researcher employed Hastings's (2000) use of fractured identities to analyze recovery in 5 married couples’ narratives of parental bereavement. The research question guiding this study asked what forms of communicative support are described in bereaved parents’ narratives that promote the recovery of their fractured identities. Through narratives from in-depth interviews three forms of communication that support recovery were identified: acknowledgement, compassion, and inclusion. A discussion defines recovery and delineates each communicative form. Theoretical implications for supporting fractured identities are explored, as well as practical implications for researchers and social networks. Finally, limitations and areas for future research are addressed.
Two New Species of Night Lizards (Xantusia) from Mexico

Two lineages of Xantusia occurring in northwestern Mexico are each deeply divergent in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, mutually exclusive relative to other members of the genus, and morphologically diagnosable. They are formally described here as new species. The new species from Sonora resembles its nearest relative, Xantusia arizonae, in that females lack well-developed femoral pores, but it differs in numbers of dorsal scales around midbody and in color pattern. It is found near the Sea of Cortez in a unique microhabitat, fallen Pachycereus pringlei (cardon), whereas X. arizonae occurs in rock crevices in central Arizona. The new species from Baja California Sur differs from its nearest relative, Xantusia gilberti, in color pattern and in having small scales bordering the labium behind the fifth infralabial. It is found in Yucca valida (datilillo) on the Magdalena Plains near the Pacific Coast, whereas X. gilberti occurs in pine-oak woodland of the Sierra La Laguna, 350 km to the south.
Self-esteem and beliefs about memory in environmentally stable and relocated students ☆

Abstract This research examined beliefs about the utility of environmental, semantic, and phonological cues for remembering, as these beliefs are related to feelings of self-esteem, assertiveness, and locus of control. We proposed different types of relationships between self-esteem (and assertiveness) and metamemory for two group of college students, based on their differential experiences with distinctive memory failures. For students who were familiar with their current environment, self-esteem was positively related to confidence in having a good memory. It was only for newcomers—students who had recently moved to a new environment—that beliefs about the benefits of environmental cues were positively related to self-esteem and assertiveness. These results suggested that if newcomers were less aware of the utility of environmental cues, they were more likely to attribute their memory failures to their own inadequacies. We also obtained evidence that subjects with an internal locus of control were more knowledgeable regarding the utility of environmental cues than were externally oriented subjects.
A comparison of two techniques for digital distraction lengthening in skeletally immature patients

Since 1987, 16 skeletally immature patients aged 2 to 16 years (mean, 7.9 years) underwent 27 digital lengthening procedures of terminal bones, 20 metacarpals and 7 phalanges, using the distraction callotasis technique. Seven digits were lengthened with 2 fixator half-pins on either side of the osteotomy site (dual half-pin group). Twenty digits, which were too small to accommodate 4 half-pins, were lengthened over a longitudinal intramedullary guidewire with 1 fixator half-pin on either side of the osteotomy site (single half-pin/K-wire group). No bone grafts were needed. The mean preoperative bone length in the dual half-pin group was 30 mm (range, 23-40 mm) and that of the single half-pin/K-wire group was 18 mm (10-30 mm). The mean total length gained was 14 mm (9-23 mm) in the dual half-pin group and 12 mm (6-19 mm) in the single half-pin/K-wire group. The mean percent lengthened was 49% (22% to 96%) in the dual half-pin group and 70% (27% to 136%) in the single half-pin/K-wire group. Eighteen complications occurred: 15 in the 20 cases using the central guidewire (75%) and 3 in the 7 cases without the central guidewire (43%). Only 7 complications required repeat surgery. We conclude that the use of the single half-pin/K-wire technique allows successful and substantial lengthening for bones shorter than 23 mm, making correction surgery possible for younger children. This technique, however, has a greater risk for complications.
Implementation and Evaluation of a New Surgical Residency Model

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty-hour requirements prompted program directors to rethink the organizational structure of their residency programs. Many surgical educators have expressed concerns that duty-hour restrictions would negatively affect quality of resident education. This article summarizes evaluation research results collected to study the impact of our reengineered residency program designed to preserve important educational activities while meeting duty-hour accreditation requirements. Study Design The traditional residency structure was redesigned to include a mixture of apprenticeship, small team, and night-float models. Impact evaluation data were collected using operative case logs, standardized test scores, quality assurance data, resident perception surveys, a faculty survey, and process evaluation measures. Results PGY1s and PGY2s enjoyed a substantial increase in operative cases. Operative cases increased overall and no resident has failed to meet ACGME volume or distribution requirements. American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination performance improved for PGY1s and PGY2s. Patient outcomes measures, including monthly mortality and number of and charges for admissions, showed no changes. Anonymously completed rotation evaluation forms showed stable or improved resident perceptions of case load, continuity, operating room teaching, appropriate level of faculty involvement and supervision, encouragement to attend conferences, and general assessment of the learning environment. A quality-of-life survey completed by residents before and after implementation of the new program structure showed substantial improvements. Faculty surveys showed perceived increases in work hours and job dissatisfaction. New physician assistant and nurse positions directly attributed to duty-hour restrictions amounted to about 0.2 full-time equivalent per resident. Conclusions Duty-hour restrictions produce new challenges and might require additional resources but need not cause a deterioration of surgical residents' educational experience.
Does iron fertilization lead to rapid carbon export in the Southern Ocean

[1] The Southern Ocean has the potential to influence climate due to its large inventory of excess macronutrients such as nitrate and phosphate. It has been hypothesized that if the supply of the micronutrient iron increased, it would lead to enhanced uptake of atmospheric CO2 and hence the sequestration of carbon via sinking particles [Martin, 1990]. While much has been learned about iron limitation and low phytoplankton biomass in high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll regions [Martin, 1991; Coale et al., 1996], less is known about the effect of Fe on particle export. Here we present results from the first detailed study of particle export during a mesoscale iron fertilization experiment (the Southern Ocean Iron Release Experiment (SOIREE)). Measurements of the natural tracer thorium-234 indicate negligible particle export within 14 days after the initial infusion of iron. We attribute this lack of response to colder water temperatures that promote slower cell metabolism in phytoplankton and hence slower secondary responses of herbivores and particle aggregation.
An Inquiry of The Nominal Group Process

The article reports the author's opinions regarding the validity of group process utilized by problem solving committees. The author includes a critique of the article “Nominal and Interacting Grou...
Personality correlates of adherence with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Adherence with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been problematic. Understanding the factors associated with nonadherence may assist with psychosocial interventions. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between adherence and three measures of personality and coping strategies. Ratings on the behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) scales, the ways of coping inventory, and a broad personality measure (mini-IPIP) were analyzed with a binary logistic regression among 63 subjects, adult men (31) and women (32), diagnosed with OSA. Data from the CPAP device was obtained following initial 30 days at minimum, with adherence defined as >4 h/night on 70% of nights. Elevated BIS was the strongest predictor of nonadherence (r = −.452, p < .01), followed by neuroticism. The regression correctly classified 73% of participants as adherent or nonadherent. Nonadherence is associated with elevated BIS scores and neuroticism, which indicates that personality factors play a role in determining adherence to CPAP. Although more research is needed to draw firm conclusions, the differences noted in BIS may also point toward differences in neurophysiological function. The BIS scale may be a useful tool for predicting nonadherence and assist with the development of intervention strategies that will increase adherence.
Review: Between XX and XY by Gerald N. Callahan

Science is undermining the notion that there are only two sexes, and presenting a broad spectrum of sex, from male to female and everything in between
Insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular risk factors cluster in obese individuals. Insulin resistance emerges as a common pathogenetic denominator underlying the risk factor cluster. Defects in nonesterified fatty acids metabolism have been implicated in the abnormal lipid and glucose metabolism which characterize the cluster. Other evidence also leads to the adipocyte as an important contributor to the risk factor cluster and cardiovascular complications through effects not only on fatty acids but also on leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and angiotensinogen, to name a few. Fatty acids are elevated among abdominally obese individuals, are more resistant to suppression by insulin, and may contribute to hypertension. Fatty acids may affect blood pressure by inhibiting endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and impairing endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Fatty acids increase alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated vascular reactivity and enhance the proliferation and migration of cultured vascular smooth-muscle cells. Several effects of fatty acids are mediated through oxidative stress. Fatty acids can also interact with other facets of cluster, including increased angiotensin II, to accentuate oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, in turn, is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, hypertension, vascular remodeling, and vascular complications. A clearer delineation of the key reactive oxygen signaling pathways and the impact of various interventions on these pathways could facilitate a rationale approach to antioxidant therapy and improved outcomes among the rapidly growing number of high-risk, insulin-resistant, obese individuals.
Repetitive synaptic potentials responsible for inhibition of spinal cord motoneurons during active sleep.

Abstract High-gain intracellular recordings of spinal cord motoneurons were obtained in the chronically prepared cat during wakefulness, quiet sleep, and active sleep. Discrete hyperpolarizing postsynaptic potentials were found to occur repetitively throughout active sleep in conjunction with the presence of somatomotor atonia. These potentials were most prominent in the transition period from quiet to active sleep as well as during episodes of rapid eye movements during active sleep. Their polarity was reversed after the intracellular injection of chloride ions. We propose that these are inhibitory potentials which are responsible for or contribute significantly to the postsynaptic inhibition of spinal cord motoneurons during active sleep.
Measurement of Optical Damage In LiNbO3 Waveguide Devices

Operation of LiNbO3 devices at high optical power levels has become a practical issue owing to the use of the devices in analog optical links [1]. Optical damage at high power and long wavelength has not been well characterized, especially with respect to its effects in an actual interferometric modulator. We report here the results of long-term (up to 200 h), high-power (up to 400 mW) tests, at 1321-, 1064-, and 850-nm wavelengths, of LiNbO3 waveguide devices made using both Ti-indiffused and proton-exchanged waveguides.
A comparison of techniques for downscaling extreme precipitation over the Northeastern United States

Accurate estimates of local changes in extreme precipitation are valuable for informing local policy decisions and estimating potential impacts on areas such as health, infrastructure, ecosystems and agriculture. To bridge the gap between the coarse spatial resolution of climate model output and the need for weather and climate information at a higher resolution, downscaling methods have been developed. This research compares several different downscaling methods in their ability to simulate rainfall extremes over the Northeastern United States. The methods compared are a bias-correction and spatial disaggregation technique, the statistical downscaling model (SDSM) and a regional climate model, HadRM3. Validation was done using generalized extreme value (GEV) distributions of annual maxima and return-period estimates. All the different techniques simulated reasonable estimates of extreme rainfall across the northeast. However, the agreement of simulations with observations depended upon the downscaling technique used and the location. The SDSM simulations matched observed extreme climatology the best. HadRM3 tended to overestimate mean precipitation and gave a GEV distribution that did not replicate the observed distribution well and, thus, overestimated the extremes. We then developed high-resolution projections of future changes to rainfall across the Northeast United States, using IPCC SRES emission scenario A2 combined with these downscaling methods. Future projections based on SDSM indicate increases in the magnitude of extreme rainfall events by ∼7% through the 2041–2060 period with considerable regional variation particularly at the higher 50- and 100-year return periods. However, these projected increases rarely fall outside the 95% confidence intervals based on the observation period from 1961 to 1980. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Terrestrial-type xenon in meteoritic troilite

Recently it has been realized that the isotopic composition of Xe in different phases of chondrites is not uniform and that AVCC Xe is a mixture of the different nucleogenetic components trapped in these phases1–4. We show here a similar abundance pattern for the nonradiogenic xenon isotopes in air and in meteoritic troilite (FeS), which suggests that the isotopic composition of atmospheric Xe was not produced by unique events in the history of terrestrial material but represents a particular mix of the different nucleogenetic components of Xe that was dominant in a central Fe- and S-rich region of the protoplanetary nebula5.
Reactive Effects of Core Fermion Excitations on the Inertial Mass of a Vortex

The time-dependent Schrodinger equation for a fermion two-dimensional super-fluid containing a moving vortex is solved using the adiabatic approximation. The expectation value of the linear momentum of the vortex is found dominated by core fermion excitations. The resulting inertial vortex mass, obtained in the adiabatic limit, is larger than the standard core mass by a factor of (kFξ,)2 where ξ, is the coherence length at T = 0. Anamalous velocity dependence of the mass, associated with the breakdown of the adiabatic approximation, is predicted.
Money supply endogeneity under a currency board regime: the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina

A currency board is a monetary regime based on an explicit commitment to exchange domestic currency for a specified foreign currency at a fixed exchange rate. Currency boards are thought to exhibit properties of money supply endogeneity and monetary self-regulation, eliminating the need for discretionary monetary policy. This paper offers a theoretical and institutional explanation why, under the strict currency board regime in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is possible to observe credit expansion in the presence of persistent trade deficits. It explains how the lender of last resort function is reestablished through private discount window arrangements between domestic and foreign parent banks, illustrating a de facto privatization and decentralization of monetary policy.
Ewing's sarcoma of the kidney

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are small, round-cell tumors of neural crest origin classically found in the central nervous system (CNS) but more recently characterized in the periphery. Peripherally located PNETs (pPNETs) are members of the Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumors (EFTs). Renal localization of pPNETs is very rare, is found in young adults, and is characterized by an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. We present the case of a young man with renal pPNET characterized by psuedorosette formation, cluster of differentiation 99 (CD 99+), focally positive for neuron-specific enolase (NSE), with cytogenetic findings of the translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) and the unique abnormality of trisomy 7. To our knowledge, we report the first case of trisomy 7 and PNET.
Mixture models for linkage analysis of affected sibling pairs and covariates

To determine the genetic etiology of complex diseases, a common study design is to recruit affected sib/relative pairs (ASP/ARP) and evaluate their genome-wide distribution of identical by descent (IBD) sharing using a set of highly polymorphic markers. Other attributes or environmental exposures of the ASP/ARP, which are thought to affect liability to disease, are sometimes collected. Conceivably, these covariates could refine the linkage analysis. Most published methods for ASP/ ARP linkage with covariates can be conceptualized as logistic models in which IBD status of the ASP is predicted by pair-specific covariates. We develop a different approach to the problem of ASP analysis in the presence of covariates, one that extends naturally to ARP under certain conditions. For ASP linkage analysis, we formulate a mixture model in which a disease mutation is segregating in only a fraction a of the sibships, with 1 ‐ a sibships being unlinked. Covariate information is used to predict membership within groups; in this report, the two groups correspond to the linked and unlinked sibships. For an ASP with covariate(s) Z = z and multilocus genotype X = x, the mixture model is a(z)g(x; λ) + [1 ‐ a(z)]g0(x), in which g0(x) follows the distribution of genotypes under the null IBD distribution and g(x; λ) allows for increased IBD sharing. Two mixture models are developed. The pre-clustering model uses covariate information to form probabilistic clusters and then tests for excess IBD sharing independent of the covariates. The Cov-IBD model determines probabilistic group membership by joint consideration of covariate and IBD values. Simulations show that incorporating covariates into linkage analysis can enhance power substantially. A feature of our conceptualization
Macroecology: progress and prospect

The last decade has seen an explosion of research in macroecology. This is evidenced by the rapid increase in the number of publications which contain the word macroecology in their title, abstract, or key words, or which cite seminal publications. The promise of macroecology is that very general statistical patterns provide clues to the operation of equally general mechanistic processes which govern the structure and dynamics of complex ecological systems. There has been much progress in characterizing macroecological patterns and showing that they hold across different taxonomic and functional groups of organisms, kinds of environments, and geographic regions. There has been much less progress, however, in identifying the underlying mechanisms. The challenge for the future is to build and evaluate mechanistic models which can explain macroecological patterns in terms of established physical and biological principles.
Effects of Dietary Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on Equine Plasma Fatty Acid Concentrations and Whole Blood Platelet Aggregation

An 18-week feeding trial was performed to investigate the effects of an omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid-enriched ration on plasma fatty acid concentrations and platelet aggregation in healthy horses. Flaxseed oil served as the source of the n-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Twelve horses were fed dietary maintenance requirements using a complete pelleted ration (80%) and timothy grass hay (20%) for a 2-week acclimation period before being randomly assigned either to a treatment (group 1) or control (group 2) group. Group 2 horses (n = 6) were fed the diet described in the acclimation period, whereas group I horses (n = 6) were fed a 10% flaxseed oil-enriched complete pellet (80%) and grass hay (20%). Biological samples and physical measurements were collected at one point during the acclimation period (week 0) and every 4 weeks thereafter (weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16). Body weight, CBC (including platelet count), plasma fibrinogen. electrolyte (Na, K, and Cl) concentrations, and biochemical profile enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase) did not change markedly with diet. Platelet aggregation was not altered by the supplementation of flaxseed oil in these healthy horses, although increases in plasma cis-polyunsaturated 18-carbon fatty acids C18:3; n-3 (ALA) and C18:2; n-6 (linoleic acid), biologically active C20:5; n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evident. There were no marked decreases in C20:4; n-6 (arachidonic acid [AA]) or increases in C22:6; n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]), signifying that flaxseed oil may have had a high percentage of omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids as well as n-3 fatty acids, and this relatively high n-6: n-3 fatty acid ratio may have affected the biochemical effect of n-3 fatty acids. In healthy horses supplemented with flaxseed oil, platelet aggregation was not altered, which may have been due to the limited biologic effect in healthy subjects or the inability of flaxseed oil to induce the necessary biochemical effect of replacing n-6 fatty acids with n-3 types.
Human retinoblastomas have binding sites for the COOH‐terminal segment of human β‐endorphin

Two human retinoblastoma cell lines (Y79 and McA) were evaluated for the presence of binding sites for human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP). Using tritiated beta h-EP (3H-beta h-EP) and synthetic beta-EP analogues, it was possible to demonstrate binding sites for 3H-beta h-EP with an ED50 of 3.5 nM in Y79 cells and 8 nM in McA cells respectively. The non-opioid segment [beta h-EP-(6-31)] retained about 20% relative potency in Y79 and 40% in McA in displacing the tritiated hormone when compared with beta h-EP. Camel beta-EP had a relative potency of less than 1% and beta h-EP-(1-27) was inactive in both cells in doses as high as 4 microM. Taken together with previous reports on similar binding sites in human neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cell lines, it appears that cell lines of neural origin have binding sites for the COOH-terminal of human beta-EP.
A forward-planned treatment technique using multisegments in the treatment of head-and-neck cancer.

Abstract Purpose To describe in detail a forward-planned multisegment technique (FPMS) as an alternative treatment method for patients who are not suitable for inverse-planned intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IP-IMRT), or for situations where IP-IMRT is not available in a medical clinic. Methods and materials Between April 1995 and February 2002, 38 primary head-and-neck patients were treated using the FPMS technique, which has evolved over the past 7 years at our medical center. In the most recent version of the FPMS technique, which includes 5 patients examined in this analysis, the primary tumor and the upper neck nodes were treated with 7 gantry angles, including an anterior, 2 lateral, 2 anterior oblique, and 2 posterior oblique beams with a total of 13 beam shapes formed by multileaf collimators (MLC), called MLC segments. The shape of each MLC segment was carefully designed, and the associated weights were optimized through manual iterations. The lower neck nodes and the supraclavicular nodes were treated with a split-beam anterior field, matched to the inferior border of the FPMS plan at the isocenter. With an autosequencing delivery system, all fields, including dynamic wedges, can be automatically treated. The dosimetric accuracy of this technique was verified with a phantom plan and measured with an ionization chamber, as well as film dosimetry. A sample FPMS plan is described in detail, and the average results for the 5 patients treated with FPMS are retrospectively compared to results for similar patients treated with IP-IMRT. Results The gross tumor volume was prescribed to 70 Gy (2.12 Gy/fraction) at the 88% isodose line, whereas the clinical target volume received a dose of 59.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction) at the 75% isodose line. The maximum dose to the brainstem and spinal cord was below 54 and 45 Gy, respectively, comparable to IP-IMRT. The mean dose to the parotid glands was 32 Gy with FPMS vs. 26 Gy with IP-IMRT. Average delivery time was shorter for FPMS (15 min) than IP-IMRT (30 min), whereas the planning time depended on the expertise of the planner. Dosimetric accuracy for FPMS and IP-IMRT plans using phantom measurements was similar, within 1% of the phantom plan. With a median follow-up of 31 months, there was no local-regional recurrence, and the incidence of xerostomia is reduced compared to conventional techniques. Conclusion FPMS achieved plans comparable to those for IP-IMRT and is an ideal alternative treatment technique for a center without the capabilities of IP-IMRT or for a patient who is not a suitable candidate, because of prolonged treatment time. The treatment outcomes from our clinical experience indicate that FPMS can achieve excellent local freedom from progression rates without causing excessive toxicity. Lastly, IP-IMRT plans should be comparable to, if not better than, FPMS plans in the treatment of head-and-neck cancer.
Stretched Membrane with Electrostatic Curvature (SMEC) Mirrors: Demonstration of a new technology for large lightweight space telescopes

Development of the SMEC mirror was started as a way to overcome current limitations in aperture size and more specifically the real density of space optical systems of high optical quality1. Most optical systems to date use glass to meet image resolution requirements, but glass is heavy and is difficult stow in a compact configuration within the launch vehicle fairing. Stretched membrane with electro-static curvature (SMEC) is aimed at space optical system to produce diffraction-limited images, easily stow in the launch vehicle fairing and have minimal mass.
Controlling the Addition of Metal Centers to a Bis(pyrazolyl)methane Starburst Ligand: Direct Routes to Mono-, Bi-, and Trimetallic Rhenium(I) Complexes

The bis(pyrazolyl)methane starburst ligand 1,3,5-tris[bis(1-pyrazolyl)methyl]benzene (1,3,5-[CH(pz)2]3C6H3) was prepared by the cobalt-catalyzed condensation reaction between 1,3,5-triformylbenzene...
Prevention of asthma

Summary Infants born of allergic mothers but normal fathers, who had eczema and who were fed cows' milk, had a significantly greater incidence of asthma (P < 0.001) than infants with a similar history but who were breast-fed. An analysis of all breast-fed infants in the study showed that they were less likely to develop asthma than those who were bottle-fed (P < 0.06). There was a lower incidence of allergy in infants born of families with allergic mothers and normal fathers, than in families in which both parents were allergic (P < 0.02). In skin tests of both breast or bottle-fed babies, the two most common allergens eliciting reactions were egg and cat dander.
Cardiovascular adrenergic activity of dopamine in the dog

Abstract In previous studies, dopamine infused at low doses in intact dogs has exerted an inotropic effect without change in systemic blood pressure. This was in contrast to the action of isoproterenol, a pure β-adrenergic agent with which a lowering of mean blood pressure usually accompanies the inotropic effect. This difference suggested that even at lower doses dopamine possessed α-adrenergic properties which were undetectable as a pressor response. The present study was conducted to demonstrate such α activity and to evaluate its effects upon left ventricular performance following β-adrenergic blockade. The results confirm that dopamine in low infusion doses does prossess α-adrenergic activity. Such activity was essentially masked during dopamine infusion alone, but was uncovered in the presence of β-adrenergic blockade. Possibly of greater significance, these data indicate that the intact canine left ventricle, while preserving a relatively steady state of isovolumic contractility, may be unable to maintain stroke volume in the face of increased ejection resistance during propranolol-induced β-adrenergic blockade.
Reliability and Validity of a Priori Estimates of Item Characteristics for an Examination of Health Science Information

A priori estimates of item characteristics are necessary for the effi cient development of sound tests. Judges were asked to rate the For mat, Relevancy, Difficulty, Discrimination, and Overall Quality of multiple-choice items for an examination covering health science in formation. Ratings of Relevancy were least reliable. The combined estimates of Difficulty did not correspond with empirical values of item difficulty; however, the combined ratings for Discrimination did correlate (point-biserial) significantly (p < .05) with item-total test scores. Additionally, combined ratings of Overall Quality were correlated significantly (p < .05) with item-total correlations.