cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An 8000-year record of vegetation, climate, and human disturbance from the Sierra de Apaneca, El Salvador

Abstract An ∼8000-cal-yr stratigraphic record of vegetation change from the Sierra de Apaneca, El Salvador, documents a mid-Holocene warm phase, followed by late Holocene cooling. Pollen evidence reveals that during the mid-Holocene (∼8000–5500 cal yr B.P.) lowland tropical plant taxa were growing at elevations ∼200–250 m higher than at present, suggesting conditions about 1.0°C warmer than those prevailing today. Cloud forest genera (Liquidambar, Juglans, Alnus, Ulmus) were also more abundant in the mid-Holocene, indicating greater cloud cover during the dry season. A gradual cooling and drying trend began by ∼5500 cal yr B.P., culminating in the modern forest composition by ∼3500 cal yr B.P. A rise in pollen from weedy plant taxa associated with agriculture occurred ∼5000 cal yr B.P., and pollen from Zea first appeared in the record at ∼4440 cal yr B.P. Human impacts on local vegetation remained high throughout the late Holocene, but decreased abruptly following the Tierra Blanca Joven (TBJ) eruption of Volcan Ilopango at ∼1520 cal yr B.P. The past 1500 years are marked by higher lake levels and periodic depositions of exogenous inorganic sediments, perhaps indicating increased climatic variability.
Distributed TDMA for privacy sensitive anonymous networks

This paper proposes a distributed TDMA slot allocation protocol that relies on absolutely no information exchange among the participating nodes. This novel property allows the protocol to work in restricted anonymous environments such as in privacy-sensitive body area networks and various military networks in which nodes may need to cooperate in distributed TDMA but are not allowed to explicitly exchange any information such as node-IDs in order to preserve their anonymity. This paper introduces an innovative approach of time-coded packet transmissions for implicitly exchanging slot timing information. It is shown that using such implicit information, together with a notion of interrupt control packets, the nodes are able to self-allocate collision-free TDMA slots in an anonymous manner. The protocol is evaluated and its performance has been shown using extensive simulation models.
Wheat Strip Effects on Nutrient Transport Following Manure Application

Cultivation of crops in strips following the contours of the land to minimize erosion is a well-established conservation practice. This study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of a narrow wheat strip in reducing runoff nutrient transport from plots with a range of soil nutrient values. Beef cattle manure was applied to a silty clay loam soil at rates needed to meet a zero, one, two or four year corn P requirement. Three 30 minute simulated rainfall events, separated by 24 hour intervals, were applied. Excessive amounts of manure were added after the initial tests were completed to meet 8, 12, 16 or 20 year corn P requirements to determine the effects of excessive manure application on runoff nutrient transport. The effects of a narrow wheat strip, manure application rate, and runoff rate on nutrient transport were determined using ANOVA. The wheat strip significantly reduced the mean transport of DP, NO3-N, NH4-N, and TN in runoff. The wheat strip also reduced EC of runoff, particularly when excessive amounts of manure were applied. Manure rate significantly affected measurements of DP, PP, TP, NH4-N, TN and EC. Runoff rates significantly affected each of the measured runoff water quality parameters. When manure was applied to meet the 8, 12, 16, or 20 year crop P requirements, DP, PP, TP and NH4-N transport generally increased as application rates increased. The results indicate that wheat strips can reduce N and P transport in runoff.
Food Web Laws or Niche Theory? Six Independent Empirical Tests

1. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas AM 2. Section of Integrative Biology C0930, School of Life Sciences, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712-1064; 3. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73072-7029; 4. School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0118
Algebraic duality theorems with combinatorial applications

Abstract We state and prove two rather direct linear algebra results and show how they are the basis for many combinatorial devices for determining the dual structure of combinatorial designs. Applications to tactical decompositions and partial geometric designs are also included.
Colonialism, Dining, and Changing Strategies of Power: the Example of Iron Age and Roman Mediterranean France at Lattara (ca 150 bc – ad 50)

The establishment of colonial rule by one society over another, both in ancient and modern examples, often has dramatic consequences for the establishment and maintenance of political relationships within the context of everyday life in colonial society. In this article, I examine the ways in which the performative acts of dining can play an integral role in this reconstruction of political relationships that is so often implicit in colonial encounters and state expansion. In particular, I suggest that an analysis of the ceramic evidence of vessels used in dining and the frequency of specific forms in the overall assemblages can help to reveal the ways in which the politics of commensality play an active role in transforming political relationships and strategies of power in colonial societies. This article uses the example of ancient Mediterranean France after the Roman conquest in the late second century bc at the Celtic-speaking settlement of Lattara (modern Lattes). I argue that by the end of the first century bc, coinciding with a time period when the political structure of the region was being significantly reorganized, there was a notable change in dining practices, with a move away from a more communal ethos in dining to one emphasizing the individual. These new practices served the strategic interests of individuals in local society at Lattara seeking to break with earlier political systems and integrate themselves into larger colonial society.
Hostility and the metabolic syndrome in older males: the normative aging study.

OBJECTIVE Several studies have shown that hostility, as measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-derived Cook-Medley Hostility Scale (Ho), is positively associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, possibly accounting for the relationship between Ho scores and cardiovascular mortality. This study was undertaken to examine associations between hostility and cardiovascular risk factors representing the metabolic syndrome in 1,081 older men who participated in the Normative Aging Study. METHODS Subjects included men who completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in 1986 and who participated in a subsequent laboratory examination within 1 to 4 years. Total and subscale Ho scores were computed, and associations with anthropometric data, cigarette smoking, dietary information, serum lipids, blood pressure, and fasting glucose and insulin levels were examined. RESULTS The total Ho score was positively associated with waist/hip ratio, body mass index, total caloric intake, fasting insulin level, and serum triglycerides. The Ho score was inversely related to education and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. Path analysis also suggested that the effects of hostility on insulin, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were mediated by its effects on body mass index and waist/hip ratio, which, in turn, exerted their effects on lipids and blood pressure through insulin. CONCLUSIONS The results are consistent with those of prior research and also suggest that, in older men, hostility may be associated with a pattern of obesity, central adiposity, and insulin resistance, which can exert effects on blood pressure and serum lipids. Furthermore, effects of hostility on the metabolic syndrome appear to be mediated by body mass index and waist/hip ratio.
Temperature-dependent solvation dynamics of water in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate/isooctane reverse micelles

In this paper, for the first time, we report a detailed study of the temperature-dependent solvation dynamics of a probe fluorophore, coumarin-500, in AOT/isooctane reverse micelles (RMs) with varying degrees of hydration (w0) of 5, 10, and 20 at four different temperatures, 293, 313, 328, and 343 K. The average solvation time constant becomes faster with the increase in w0 values at a particular temperature. The solvation dynamics of a RM with a fixed w0 value also becomes faster with the increase in temperature. The observed temperature-induced faster solvation dynamics is associated with a transition of bound- to free-type water molecules, and the corresponding activation energy value for the w0 = 5 system has been found to be 3.4 kcal mol-1, whereas for the latter two systems, it is ∼5 kcal mol-1. Dynamic light scattering measurements indicate an insignificant change in size with temperature for RMs with w0 = 5 and 10, whereas for a w0 = 20 system, the hydrodynamic diameter increases with temperature....
Electrically pumped supermode Si/InGaAsP hybrid lasers

Supermode Si/InGaAsP hybrid lasers with a varying-width Si waveguide have been fabricated and shown to be superior to those lasers with a uniform-width Si waveguide. Edge emission images demonstrate mode evolution.
Network vulnerability assessment under cascading failures

The assessment of network vulnerability is of great importance in the presence of unexpected disruptive events or adversarial attacks, which will lead to a much more devastating consequence especially when failures can be cascaded. In this context, we study the Cascading Vulnerability Node Detection (CVND) optimization problem to identify the most vulnerable nodes in a network whose removals maximally destroy the network's functions after cascading failures, based on the recently proposed effective metric, total pairwise connectivity. Besides its NP-hardness on various graphs, we further show that the CVND problem is NP-hard to be approximated within equation with n vertices and k vulnerable nodes after d-hop failure cascades. Despite the intractability of this problem, we propose TRGA, a novel iterative two-phase algorithm, for efficiently solving the CVND problem in a timely manner. We also formulate the integer linear programming for obtaining the optimal solution. The effectiveness of our solutions is validated on various synthetic and real-world networks.
Social relations between fathers and offspring in a captive group of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract Analysis of social relations between adult males and immatures of known paternity in a captive group of rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ) revealed that fathers and offspring associated significantly more than other male-immature dyads. This association was highly variable, however, and there was no evidence of active preference for or investment in offspring by fathers. The tendency of offspring to approach fathers more often than other males appeared to account for the pattern of selective association. Preferential father-offspring association occurred whether or not mothers were in proximity to fathers, but mothers' associations with males did predict their offspring's, especially for the younger juveniles and the infants. It is possible that long-term social relationships between mothers and fathers lead to father-offspring association, but a year-to-year pattern of shifting mating preferences in the group weakens this hypothesis.
Affect in Ethical Decision Making: Mood Matters

Ethical decision-making research has centered on Rest’s (1986) framework that represents a rational, nonaffective model for ethical decision making. However, research in human cognition suggesting a “dual-processing” framework, composed of both rational and affective components, has been relatively ignored in the ethical decision-making literature. Examining dual-processing literature, it seems affect might be an important factor in decision making when a person’s mood is congruent with the task or situational context frame. Given that ethical decisions are serious and complex tasks, it is proposed here that inducing a negative affective state might produce mood congruence, reinforce the salience of emotion for ethical decision makers, and lead to differences in decision processing. Evidence is presented documenting differences in the decisions made by ethical decision makers in a negative affective state as compared to those in either a positive or neutral affective state.
In vitro selection of RNA aptamers specific for cyanocobalamin

RNA receptors (aptamers) capable of specifically binding cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) have been isolated by in vitro selection from a pool of 5 x 10(14) RNAs of random sequence. After eight rounds of selection by affinity chromatography and enzymatic amplification, the pool was dominated by two sequences. The major sequence, comprising 60% of the pool, was studied further. It was found to bind vitamin B12 in solution with a dissociation constant (Kd) of approximately 320 +/- 90 nM and to bind cobinamide dicyanide with a Kd of 8.8 +/- 0.5 microM. The aptamer does not detectably bind adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12). The selection was conducted in 1 M LiCl, and binding is dependent on the presence of high concentrations of Li+ but independent of Mg2+. To define the binding site for cyanocobalamin, a second cyanocobalamin-binding selection was carried out using a pool of sequences derived from the major aptamer sequence randomized at a level of 30%. The sequence data from this selection revealed a 31-base highly conserved region, on the basis of which was synthesized a smaller aptamer of 35 nucleotides. This small aptamer binds cyanocobalamin in solution with a Kd of 88 +/- 19 nM and cobinamide dicyanide with a Kd of 20 +/- 9 microM. This aptamer has the highest affinity yet reported for a small molecule ligand. A number of covarying positions were found in the conserved region of the sequences from this second, mutagenized pool selection. On the basis of these data, an unusual pseudoknot secondary structure is proposed for the aptamer. Chemical modification protection experiments are consistent with this structure and have demonstrated that the RNA undergoes a conformational change upon binding its ligand. Possible contacts with the cyanocobalamin have also been mapped. A third selection was carried out in which the salt specificity of the aptamer was changed from LiCl to NaCl plus MgCl2. Sequence analysis of the final round pool of RNAs from this selection revealed several conserved changes from the original vitamin B12 aptamer sequence.
The Anatomy of a Consultation: A teaching method

The Anatomy of a Consultation is a teaching method useful in introducing residents to Consultation-Liaison psychiatry. It is designed to stimulate them to think actively about the process of consultation in its broadest implications, including interaction with staff. The residents are encouraged to observe, make inferences, establish hypotheses about the evolution of the consultation, and to test these hypotheses by obtaining new information. The analogy of an unfolding detective story is used. A resident is asked to present the evolution of a consultation chronologically for ongoing group discussion. A vertical and a horizontal approach to the examination of the material are used. The vertical proceeds with clarification of the consultation as it evolves toward closure. The horizontal takes as its point of departure various topics that emerge to illustrate general principles and applications in different situations. These topics are approached more systematically and in greater detail in later teaching. Emphasis is placed upon coping and adaptation and the principles of active interventions useful for people in crisis. Patient data is organized within two broad categories: 1) the diagnostic, phenomenologic, and psychopathologic; and 2) the psychodynamic, conflictual, and life historical. An illustrative example is presented.
Load Balancing in Control Allocation

Next-generation aircraft with a large number of actuators will require advanced control allocation methods to compute the actuator commands needed to follow desired trajectories while respecting system constraints. Previously, algorithms were proposed to minimize the l 1 or l 2 norms of the tracking error and of the actuator deflections. This paper discusses the alternative choice of the l ∞ norm, or the sup norm. Minimization of the control effort translates into the minimization of the maximum actuator deflection (min―max optimization). This paper shows how the problem can be solved effectively by converting it into a linear program and solving it using a simplex algorithm. Properties of the algorithm are also investigated through examples. In particular, the min―max criterion results in a type of load balancing, where the load is the desired command and the algorithm balances this load among various actuators. The solution using the l ∞ norm also results in better robustness to failures and lower sensitivity to nonlinearities in illustrative examples. This paper also discusses the extension of the results to a normalized l ∞ norm, where the norm of the actuator deflections are scaled by the actuator limits. Minimization of the control effort then translates into the minimization of the maximum actuator deflection as a percentage of its range of motion.
Changing tactics: Embedding inclusion reforms within general education restructuring efforts

Abstract After years of research and efforts in pursuit of a greater understanding of inclusion, there is now growing certainty that inclusive reforms in special education must be pursued in terms of restructuring and improvement in general education. In this chapter three issues are raised and addressed. They are: (1) how does special education become an integral part of public schooling? (2) how will higher education, various research organizations, educational labs, institutes, and other research organizations in both general and special education need to change? (3) how should families, individual community members, community agencies, and business participate in large-scale school change?
Block copolymers of amino acids. I. Synthesis and structure of copolymers of L-alanine or L-phenylalanine with D,L-lysine-d7 or D,L-lysine

Water-soluble block copolymers of the type (A)m-(B)n-(A)p, where (A)m,p was either poly(D,L-lysine-α,β,β,γ,γ,δ,δ-d7) or poly(D,L-lysine) and (B)n was either poly(L-alanine) or poly(L-phenylalanine), were synthesized for conformational studies by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Analytical determination of the amount of the initiator fragment (n-hexylamine) at the C-terminus of the copolymers was used to obtain the number-average degrees of polymerization, DPn, and thereby, together with the amino acid composition, to establish the covalent structures of the polymers. The values of DPn were found to be much lower than those deduced from sedimentation equilibrium or form viscosity measurements. These deviations, which also are thought to have arisen in similar studies reported in the literature, are attributable to intermolecular aggregation; the relation of such aggregation to covalent structure (and its effect on the polymerization reaction) is discussed in terms of the conditions and mechanism of synthesis of block copolymers of amino acids.
Toward a Cognitive Psychology of Syntax: Information Processing Contributions to Sentence Formulation

it is widely acknowledged that characteristics of the general information processing svstem in which sentence formulation occurs mav provide constraints on syntax in language use. This paper proposes one possibli&urce of such constraints. Evidence is reviewed indicating that the syntax of sentences may .to some degree reflect the transient processing demands of lexical retrieval, suggesting an interaction between syntactic and lexical processing. Specifically, the syntactic structure of utterances appears to be sensitive to the accessibility of lexical information, with phrases containing more accessible information occurring earlier in sentences. The existence of such an interaction argues that the utterance formulation system is not strictly hierarchical, as most current approaches to sentence production imply. A broad framework for models of production is outlined that incorporates these interactions within a limited-capacity processing system. This framework also permits a resolution of contradictions in the literature on pragmatic determinants of constituent order in adult language use.
Concept maps and modules for microwave education

Proposes restructuring courses into primary concept modules and interlinking these modules to reflect the logical development of knowledge in the domain of the discipline being studied. The two steps in this process, the segmentation of the knowledge domain into interlinked modules and the development of each of such modules, are based on the basic idea of concept mapping. In very simple terms, concept mapping consists of sequential and rational development of involved and complex-looking concepts from simpler concepts developed earlier. This article outlines the basic idea of concept mapping, discusses the structure of a concept-module and its relationship to other concept modules, provides some examples of concept modules for RF and microwave circuit design, and highlights advantages of this approach.
Community and dating violence among adolescents: perpetration and victimization

Purpose: Adolescents are both the perpetrators and victims of violence in the United States. To reduce violence, it is important to identify those most at risk within particular contexts. Methods: A social learning framework was used to investigate involvement in violence in a survey of 719 high school students. Four outcomes (community violence perpetration, community violence victimization, dating violence perpetration, and dating violence victimization) were examined as a function of demographic characteristics, exposure to violence, and several potential mediating variables. Results: Exposure to weapons and violent injury in the community was the sole consistent predictor across the four outcomes. Gender generally was an important correlate of violence; there were substantial gender differences in the correlates of dating violence perpetration and victimization, but relatively few gender differences in the correlates of community violence involvement. Other demographic characteristics typically were of limited importance, and were largely accounted for by exposure to violence or other mediators. Personal norms about the circumstances under which the use of violence is perceived as justified were important for three of the four outcomes: community violence perpetration, and dating violence perpetration and victimization. Conclusions: Being exposed to violence in one context appears to have crossover effects to victimization and perpetration in another context. Furthermore, victimization and perpetration often co-occur.
Flexible Architecture of IP3R1 by Cryo-EM

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) play a fundamental role in generating Ca2+ signals that trigger many cellular processes in virtually all eukaryotic cells. Thus far, the three-dimensional (3D) structure of these channels has remained extremely controversial. Here, we report a subnanometer resolution electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a fully functional type 1 IP3R from cerebellum in the closed state. The transmembrane region reveals a twisted bundle of four α helices, one from each subunit, that form a funnel shaped structure around the 4-fold symmetry axis, strikingly similar to the ion-conduction pore of K+ channels. The lumenal face of IP3R1 has prominent densities that surround the pore entrance and similar to the highly structured turrets of Kir channels. 3D statistical analysis of the cryo-EM density map identifies high variance in the cytoplasmic region. This structural variation could be attributed to genuine structural flexibility of IP3R1.
Subsurface cisterns in the vertebrate retina.

Structures identified as subsurface cisterns (SSC's) were found in retinal neurons and their processes in the Western grey squirrel, the California and 13-line ground squirrels, the South African clawed toad, and the domestic cat. The SSC's are located in amacrine, bipolar, and ganglion cells; they are connected with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and are associated with specific membrane specializations. SSC's were not seen in the Muller cells, an observation which agrees with earlier reports that these organelles do not exist in glial cells.
Clinical Vignettes Provide an Understanding of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Objective To use clinical vignettes to understand antimicrobial prescribing practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Conditional Federal Spending and States' Rights

With its 1995 decision in United States v. Lopez, the Rehnquist Court made clear that the commerce clause does not grant Congress a plenary police power. Prevailing spending clause doctrine, however, permits Congress to use conditional offers of federal funds in order to circumvent seemingly any restrictions the Constitution might be found to impose on its authority to regulate the states directly. This article first explores three normative arguments in favor of the Court's abandoning the existing test, set forth in South Dakota v. Dole, in favor of one that would better safeguard state autonomy while simultaneously preserving for Congress a power to spend that is greater than its power directly to regulate the states. It then proposes a new test under which the courts would presume invalid that subset of conditional offers of federal funds to the states that, if accepted, would regulate them in ways that Congress could not directly mandate. The presumption would be rebutted, and the offer of funds permi...
The science of computer allocations

Computing and Information Services at Vassar College replace and refreshes all college-owned computer hardware on a 4-year replacement cycle. Roughly 25% of all campus computers, including classrooms and labs, are replaced during the summer of each year (June, July, and August). All regular employees and tenure/tenure-track faculty receive new computers with up-to-date operating systems. We visit each scheduled office as a team to ensure the process is as efficient and as least disruptive to the department's workflow as possible. We provided detailed documentation to all techs so that everyone is on the same page and we leave the users with a wealth of resources and available training options to make them comfortable with their new computing environment. Our User Services group has worked to perfect this process year after year. Join us to learn more about the consultation plan, imaging process, asset tracking, documentation, recycle procedure and of course, good spirits and teamwork, that makes our Allocations machine tick. Discussion to follow.
Preliminary open trial of interpersonal counseling for subsyndromal depression following miscarriage.

Miscarriage occurs in 10–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies and is associated with two- to fourfold increases in depressive symptoms. No counseling programs for depressed miscarrying women have been manualized or evaluated for safety and efficacy. We investigated whether depressive symptoms decline substantially among miscarrying women receiving one to six weekly sessions of manualized, telephone-administered interpersonal counseling (IPC), a variant of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) in an open trial. Depressive symptom levels were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression (CES-D) scale. Of 65 women evaluated, 24 were study eligible; 17 consented to participate. Change in symptom levels was evaluated by comparing baseline to postintervention CES-D scores in an intention to treat (ITT) sample (n=17) and a completer subsample (n=9). The latter sample comprised women reevaluated postintervention. In the ITT sample, the CES-D mean score declined from 25.4 to 18.8 [mean within-subject change=6.6, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4–11.6]; in the completer subsample, it declined from 23.6 to 11.2 (mean within-subject change=12.3, 95% CI=4.0–20.7). Findings from this small open trial suggest that IPC decreases depressive symptoms after miscarriage. A randomized, controlled trial of IPC's safety and efficacy with depressed miscarrying women is warranted. Anxiety and Depression 24:219–222, 2007. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SecE-depleted Membranes of Escherichia coli Are Active SecE IS NOT OBLIGATORILY REQUIRED FOR THE IN VITROTRANSLOCATION OF CERTAIN PROTEIN PRECURSORS

Membrane vesicles were prepared fromEscherichia coli cells in which SecE was depleted to 2% of wild-type membranes. SecE depletion had pleiotropic effects; SecD, SecF, SecG, and SecY were decreased 4–6-fold, whereas SecA was increased about 16-fold over that of wild-type membranes. These membranes were substantially active in the in vitrotranslocation of proOmpA, which was mediated by the SecA pathway since it was inhibited by azide. Similar substantial translocation activities were observed for proLamB and proLpp in the SecE-depleted membranes. However, the translocation of proPhoA was more severely impaired. These data indicate that SecE may enhance but is not obligatorily required for the translocation of at least certain precursors, and suggest that the effects of the SecE depletion on protein translocation may be precursor-dependent.
Actual Differences and Stereotypical Perceptions in Body Image and Eating Disturbance: A Comparison of Male and Female Heterosexual and Homosexual Samples

In the present study, 32 homosexual males (HMM), 32 homosexual females (HMF), 32 heterosexual males (HTM), and 32 heterosexual females (HTF) completed measures of body image disturbance and concerns with weight and dieting from five different perspectives: self, and “typical” homosexual male, heterosexual male, heterosexual female, and homosexual female. Participants were primarily Caucasian. Results indicated that, in general, HMMs and HTFs showed greater actual concerns with appearance, weight, and dieting, and were perceived to possess greater body image disturbance and dieting concerns compared to HTMs and HMFs. Subjects also held various stereotypic misperceptions about certain target groups such that HTFs and HMMs were predicted to possess greater body image disturbance and be more concerned with weight and dieting than was actually true. In addition, subjects made accurate predictions about HTMs overall, but were inconsistent in their predictions of HMFs on these measures. Results are discussed in terms of possible variation in the degree of importance these attributes may have for members of these four populations and how such differences may lead to an increased risk for developing eating disorders among heterosexual females and homosexual males.
Species Diversity of Fishes in Naturally Acidic Lakes in New Jersey

Abstract Fish communities in acidic lakes of New Jersey have fewer species than do those in more alkaline lakes of comparable size. This conclusion is based on a multiple regression analysis of published data on fish communities, area, and pH in 85 lakes. Some interesting patterns emerge, however, when species are partitioned into introduced and native species. As expected, diversity of introduced species declines with increasing acidity. The number of native species in a particular lake, however, is independent of pH (range of 4.1 to 9.1). Although diversity of native species is not influenced by pH, species composition changes. The lack of a significant relationship between species diversity of native species and pH can be attributed to the replacement of acid-intolerant species by tolerant species. The smaller number of introduced species in acidic lakes is attributable to both fewer species stocked and a greater frequency of failure for those that were stocked. Species introduction records for largemo...
Psychiatric patients' religion and MMPI responses

The relationship between psychiatric patients' psychological test responses and their religion has been overlooked in the past. MMPI protocols were obtained from samples of 18 Roman Catholic schizophrenic, 18 Protestant schizophrenic, 18 Roman Catholic drug-dependent and 18 Protestant drugdependent male patients. The profiles reflected significant religion-related differences in scales L, HY, D, MF, PA and SC. The results suggest that the religion of the psychiatric patient is a potentially important S variable that could influence the psychiatric diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Identifying isolated, multispeaker Mandarin tones from brief acoustic input: A perceptual and acoustic study

Lexical tone identification relies primarily on the processing of F0. Since F0 range differs across individuals, the interpretation of F0 usually requires reference to specific speakers. This study examined whether multispeaker Mandarin tone stimuli could be identified without cues commonly considered necessary for speaker normalization. The sa syllables, produced by 16 speakers of each gender, were digitally processed such that only the fricative and the first six glottal periods remained in the stimuli, neutralizing the dynamic F0 contrasts among the tones. Each stimulus was presented once, in isolation, to 40 native listeners who had no prior exposure to the speakers' voices. Chi-square analyses showed that tone identification accuracy exceeded chance as did tone classification based on F0 height. Acoustic analyses showed contrasts between the high- and low-onset tones in F0, duration, and two voice quality measures (F1 bandwidth and spectral tilt). Correlation analyses showed that F0 covaried with the voice quality measures and that tone classification based on F0 height also correlated with these acoustic measures. Since the same acoustic measures consistently distinguished the female from the male stimuli, gender detection may be implicated in F0 height estimation when no context, dynamic F0, or familiarity with speaker voices is available.
GLIDING ASSAYS FOR MOTOR PROTEINS - A THEORETICAL-ANALYSIS

Much information about the workings of molecular motors can be gleaned from motility assays in which cytoskeletal filaments are observed as they glide across a surface coated with motor proteins. The statistical properties of the paths followed by the filaments depend both on the motors (their surface concentration and mode of action) and on the filaments (their length and rigidity). By analyzing the dynamics of this system, we determine these dependencies and suggest how they may be used to infer more accurate quantitative information about motor proteins than is currently extracted from gliding assays.
BRAIN ACETYLCHOLINE - A VIEW FROM THE CEREBROSPINAL FLUID

Is acetylcholine (ACh) metabolism in brain reflected by changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)? Are there specific changes in enzyme activities associated with ACh synthesis and hydrolysis, levels of the precursor (choline) and the neurotransmitter, which can be related to physiological and pathological conditions of the central cholinergic nervous system? This question has become more acute as several authors have reported a selective impairment of the cholinergic system with a marked decrease of cholineacetyltransferase (ChAc) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in several cortical and subcortical areas of the brain of patients affected by presenile (AD) and senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) (Davies, 1979; Perry et al., 1977; Rossor et al., 1982; Whitehouse et al., 1981). We have recently reported (Giacobini et al., 1985) changes in choline (Ch), AChE and ChAc activity in the CSF of a group of SDAT patients showing characteristic symptoms of dementia of different grades of severity, as compared to the CSF of healthy age-matched controls. In this review, we shall examine and discuss our recent results and some data found in the literature which might answer, although not completely, the question posed by the title of this paper.
Further studies on the uptake of tritiated nucleic acid precursors by Babesia spp. of cattle and mice

Abstract Irvin A. D. and Young E. R. 1979. Further studies on the uptake of tritiated nucleic acid precursors by Babesia spp. of cattle and mice. International Journal for Parasitology 9 : 109–114. An in vitro culture technique developed earlier was used to study the metabolism of nucleic acid precursors by Babesia microti and B. rodhaini of mice and by B. divergens and B. major of cattle. [ 3 H]Hypoxanthine was readily incorporated by all species of parasite, and the presence of leucocytes did not affect this uptake. When parasites were maintained in culture their ability to incorporate [ 3 H]hypoxanthine fell rapidly after 24 h, but when B. major was maintained at 4°C its subsequent ability to incorporate [ 3 H]hypoxanthine persisted for at least 3 days. This finding could be of practical value in assessing infectivity of stored blood in vitro . On autoradiography, [ 3 H]hypoxanthine appeared to be incorporated into both DNA and RNA of parasites. Salvage pathways for purine metabolism appeared to be important in all species of Babesia whereas for pyrimidine metabolism salvage pathways were more important for murine babesias and the de novo pathway more important for bovine species. This difference may relate to different permeabilities of bovine and murine erythrocyte membranes or may be a more fundamental species difference.
Agranulocytosis and Dose of Methimazole

Excerpt To the editor: In a recent article, we retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of antithyroid-drug-related agranulocytosis (1) and reported that the risk of agranulocytosis from methimazole incre...
A FET-SWITCHED INDUCTION ACCELERATOR CELL

Abstract : An array of 24 field-effect transistors (FETs) is being used to switch a nominal4-kV, 1-microsecond pulse onto a Metglas induction core at pulse rates exceeding 100kHz. Each transistor receives isolated gate power from a dc/dc converter and analog pulse control via an optical fiber. The array is part of a specialized circuit architecture that generates bursts of pulses while providing for core reset between pulses. The circuit will accommodate variations in pulse width, repetition frequency (prf), pulse amplitude, burst length and reset interval. The various circuit elements are assembled directly onto the core structure to yield a compact, low-impedance package. Two prototype machines are presently under development. A 24- FET machine is in operation and capable of 4.2-kV, 1-microsecond pulses (max.) at a 120-kHz prf for short bursts. Pulse rise and fall times are 25 ns and 65 ns respectively. A 128-FET machine is under construction which should be capable of 6-kV, 1-microsecond pulses (max.) at a 150-kHz prf for long bursts.
Social interactions and intentions to revisit for agritourism service encounters

Abstract This study addresses how agritourists' social interactions affect their satisfaction and, in turn, revisit intentions. Adopting social exchange theory and resource theory, the study proposes that social interactions with service providers, local residents, companion tourists, and other customers influence satisfaction, which in turn affects revisit intentions. For this, an onsite survey was conducted to examine the proposed model and test the hypotheses. Subjects (N = 266) were tourists who visited farms. All, but one of the hypotheses were supported or partially supported by the data and the proposed model also had an acceptable fit. Results provide direction for the development of a theoretical framework to understand revisit intentions by seeking to improve the social exchange relationships with agritourists. In addition, the results call for the incorporation of social interactions as a component of the agritourism servicescape.
Use of tissue compensators to improve the dose uniformity for total body irradiation

Abstract This paper describes a technique for obtaining a ± 10% dose uniformity for the delivery of total body irradiation (TBI) with a 6MV linear accelerator. The technique uses lateral fields with tissue compensators for the head, neck, legs and feet. The paper shows a procedure for determining the compensator thickness and a method for checking the thickness with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). It discusses the results recorded from the treatment of 16 patients and presents measurements obtained with an average-man phantom.
Influence of the epithalamic brain region on amphibian chromatophore behavior

Abstract The possible influence of the epithalamic area on melanophore-stimulating hormone (MSH) release was investigated in Rana berlandieri forreri (Rana pipiens, sensu lato) . Electrical stimulation of a specific region on the diencephalic roof resulted in a reversible darkening of skin melanophores. The latency between stimulation and onset of melanophore dispersion averaged from 1 to 3 min. Hypophysectomy, however, prevented the electrical stimulation-induced melanophore response from occurring. Thus, a neuronal, humoral, or integrated neuroendocrine pathway apparently develops from the diencephalon, in proximity to the pineal-subcommissural complex, to regulate pars intermedia MSH secretion.
The concept of childhood in the middle ages

The question is raised of whether the Middle Ages held a view of the nature of childhood as distinct from adulthood. Evidence is offered from legal documents, medical writings, and church and monastic chronicles to support the viewpoint that the special nature of the child was perceived (although with great ambivalence) as being fragile, vulnerable, and naive, while also possessing a potential for closeness to God and the supernatural world.
Theory-W software project management: a case study

The search for a single unifying principle to guide software project management has been relatively unrewarding to date. Most candidate principles are either insufficiently general to apply in many situations, or so general that they provide no useful specific guidance.This paper presents a candidate unifying principle which appears to do somewhat better. Reflecting various alphabetical management theories (X, Y, Z), it is called the Theory W approach to software project management.Theory W: Make Everyone a WinnerThe paper explains the Theory W principle and its two subsidiary principles: Plan the flight and fly the plan; and, Identify and manage your risks.To test the practicability of Theory W, a case study is presented and analyzed: the attempt to introduce new information systems to a large industrial corporation in an emerging nation. The case may seem unique, yet it is typical. The analysis shows that Theory W and its subsidiary principles do an effective job both in explaining why the project encountered problems, and in prescribing ways in which the problems could have been avoided.
DETERMINANTS THAT MAY BE INVOLVED IN VIRULENCE AND DISEASE IN Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is the major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States and developed nations. In addition to gastroenteritis, C. jejuni can cause extraintestinal diseases such as the reactive arthritides and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Most of the illnesses induced by C. jejuni are not life-threatening but can be severe and long-lasting. A number of virulence determinants which are believed to be involved in the induction of gastroenteritis, reactive arthritides and Guillain-Barre syndrome have been demonstrated in C. jejuni. These determinants include attachment and invasion molecules, outer membrane proteins, heat shock proteins, flagella, iron acquiring mechanisms, cytotonic and cytotoxic factors, arthritrogenic antigens that may trigger reactive arthritides and bacterial factors that may induce the Guillain-Barre syndrome. The published literature concerning the pathogenic mechanisms of C. jejuni indicates that many of the virulence determinants of the organism are inadequately characterized and the role that they play in causing disease is not clear.
The Relationship Between Neutrophilic Dermatosis of the Dorsal Hands and Sweet Syndrome Report of 9 Cases and Comparison to Atypical Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Background Neutrophilic dermatoses are a collection of diseases with varying presentation unified by clinical and histologic features. Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands is a recently described clinical entity and an evolving disease concept. Its relationship to acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet syndrome), pyoderma gangrenosum, and a primary vasculitis has been debated. Observations We present 9 cases (8 women and 1 man) of neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands, all with consistent histologic features. Two cases had histologic evidence of vasculitis, and 3 had clinical extension of lesions onto the forearms. Most showed fever, leukocytosis, and/or elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Individual cases were associated with leukemia, lung carcinoma, and inflammatory bowel disease. All 9 patients responded to systemic corticosteroid therapy, with additional response to dapsone, methotrexate, and potassium iodide therapies in several cases. Of the 9 patients, 5 showed complete resolution of their skin disease, whereas 4 required ongoing therapy. We assessed the 43 cases previously reported in the literature. Conclusion The clinical presentation, laboratory data, histologic features, and response to corticosteroid therapy offer strong evidence that neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands is a localized variant of Sweet syndrome and is also identical to atypical pyoderma gangrenosum when that condition presents on the hands.
Regional anesthesia for pediatric cardiac surgery.

p HYSIOLOGIC RESPONSES to pain and stress after surgery may result in adverse circulatory, metabolic, immunologic, and hemostatic changes. 1,2 Pain control with regional anesthesia during and after surgery (ie, intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia) may decrease the stress response, as well as morbidity and mortality, in high-risk adult patients after noncardiac surgery. 3,4 Recent studies showed the same benefits of regional anesthesia in adult and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. 5-H Both intrathecal and epidural anesthesia techniques have been shown to have such benefits. These techniques, however, may have adverse effects, including hypotension and respiratory depression. In addition, the concern regarding epidural hematoma is increased in patients receiving heparin before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The benefits and potential hazards associated with regional anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery are reviewed.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is associated with an increased prevalence of otologic complaints

Abstract Original Article Tuz HH, Onder EM, Kisnisci RS. Prevalence of otologic complaints in patients with temporomandibular disorder. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2003;123(6):620–3. Level of Evidence 3b Purpose The authors examined the prevalence and rank order of otologic complaints in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and compared the prevalence of otologic complaints in TMD patients with the prevalence of otologic complaints in healthy asymptomatic control subjects in the same age range. In addition the authors investigated the relationship of 3 subgroups of TMD to the prevalence of otologic complaints. Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Prospective case-control study
Conserved quantities and radiation effects for a closed system of charged particles

Abstract Quantities conserved to O(c−2), for a closed system of charged particles in motion, are derived from the electromagnetic energy-momentum tensor by making use of a fluid description. These quantities are compared with those derived from the Darwin Lagrangian. The approximation is taken one step beyond to O(c−3) to show explicity how quantities that are conserved to O(c−2) change with time when electric-dipole radiation is later taken into account.