cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weibull Analysis of the Strength of Carbon Fibers Using Linear and Power Law Models for the Length Effect

The single-filament test measurements for strength of carbon fibers obtained by Bader and Priest [5] are analyzed using a broader class of Weibull models with the scale parameter assumed to be a function of fiber gauge length. Two specific models are proposed for the fiber gauge length effect on tensile strength: The power law model and a linear model. The methods of maximum likelihood estimation and Weibull plots provide tools for the parameter estimation and assessment of the fitted models. In particular, the models provide excellent prediction of the fiber strength distributions at longer gauge lengths not tested, but illustrate that extrapolation to very short gauge lengths yield larger predicted fiber strengths than those actually observed experimentally, and extrapolation to very long gauge lengths yield smaller predicted fiber strength than observed experimentally. Analysis of the Bader-Priest data using the proposed models supports the observed "end effects" (or "clamp effects) for short gauge len...
Heavily-substituted calix[4]arenes derived from p-Cyanomethylcalix[4]arene

Abstract p-Cyanomethylcalix[4]arene (1b) can be converted in good yield to compounds containing twelve arylmethyl groups, four attached to the phenolic oxygens and eight to the carbons α to the CN groups. Depending upon the reaction protocol the products can be obtained either in the 1,3-alternate (3) or cone (4) conformation. Complete debenzylation or selective debenzylation (to monohydroxy and trihydroxy compounds) can be effected with AlCl3 and Me3SiBr, respectively.
Is Screening and Brief Advice for Problem Drinkers by Clergy Feasible? A Survey of Clergy:

Routine screening for alcohol abuse in primary care, with brief advice to stop drinking for those screening positive, can detect individuals with alcohol problems and reduce alcohol use and alcohol induced problems in those detected. Not everyone with alcohol problems sees a physician regularly, however, and not all respond to a physician's brief advice. To explore the feasibility of expanding screening for alcohol problems to clergy, we did a mailed survey to 315 clergy at Christian churches in Cleveland, Ohio. Clergy reported a variety of views about alcohol use and abuse, but most agreed that alcoholism is a disease. They indicated counseling a significant number of parishioners, and were receptive to learning brief screening questions to detect alcohol problems. We conclude that many clergy would be interested in a strategy of screening and then giving brief advice or referral to individuals found to have alcohol problems.
Clinical year in review I: diagnostic imaging, asthma, lung transplantation, and interventional pulmonology.

sensitivity for individual readers was 50%, and when double reading was applied this increased to 63%. CAD algorithm allowed a mean sensitivity increase to 76%. The authors conclude that CAD algorithms compliment individual readers by detecting individual nodules more effectively than did a second reader.
Linear analysis of coupled lattices

A formalism for describing the coupled two-dimensional motion of high energy particle beams in a storage ring is developed and extended to circumstances where the coupling is very strong, such as for the M\"obius twist accelerator.
The three-nucleon cluster term energy in nuclear matter☆

Abstract The three-nucleon cluster correction to the energy per nucleon has been calculated for a nucleon-nucleon interaction of Serber type with a hard core. An approximation due to Moszkowski and Scott was applied for solving the scattering of two nucleons in nuclear matter. It was found that although the hard core has high Fourier components the increase of the cluster correction due to this reason is largely suppressed by the exchange operator. A correction of −0.10 Mev/nucleon was obtained, thus supporting the validity of the Brueckner theory.
Stratified squamous metaplasia of the uterine epithelium in early androgen-treated rats and its inhibition by light deprivation.

Rats, having been given a single subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate at four days of age, exhibited polyfollicular ovaries, extensive stratified squamous uterine metaplasia and persistent vaginal cornification (90–95% of the smears contained cornified cells) after adulthood was attained. If early androgentreated rats were blinded at 22 days of age the number of vesicular follicles in the ovaries of adults was greatly diminished, the incidence and extent of stratified squamous metaplastic lesions were suppressed and the number of vaginal smears containing cornified cells was reduced by about 50%. The effects of blinding, however, were negated by pinealectomy illustrating that the suppressive influence of light deprivation on reproduction was mediated by way of the pineal gland.
Limits on managerial discretion in management buyouts: the effectiveness of institutional, market and legal mechanisms

Recent changes in the legal environment faced by US corporations suggest that the shareholder–manager conflict of interest, and the effectiveness of mechanisms to narrow this divergence, are issues of continuing importance. This study examines the linkages between institutional, market and legal mechanisms to control managerial discretion in management buyouts, and the circumstances under which each type of mechanism is effective. We find that these mechanisms do act to control managerial discretion in management buyouts to some degree. At the same time, there appear to be significant frictions which act to partially insulate managers from these types of governance, limiting their effectiveness. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic programming approach to the n/m/parallel∑i=1m{∑wj∑tj} scheduling problem

Abstract We present a dynamic program to solve the problem of scheduling n simultaneously available jobs on m parallel machines to minimize the weighted sum machine makespans. This dynamic program is pseudo-polynomial when m is a fixed number.
Bark Beetle Conversion of a Plant Compound to a Sex-Specific Inhibitor of Pheromone Attraction

Both sexes of the bark beetle Dendroctonus brevicomis convert the (+) and (-) enantiomers of the tree terpene alpha-pinene to the corresponding enantiomers of trans-verbenol at about equal rates. (-)-trans-Verbenol inhibited the response of females, but not of males, to a mixture of attractive pheromone components. Since the female initiates the attack on a pine tree, (-)-trans-verbenol may play a role in reducing intraspecific competition for breeding areas.
736 ASSOCIATION OF MYOSITIS, HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND IMMUNO-REGULATORY DYSFUNCTION

Lipoprotein complexes have been associated with depressed immunologic functions. An 18-month old male presented with a history of intermittent and recurrent fevers, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia and thrombocytopenia. The patient developed a progressive polymyositis associated with elevations in CPK and aldolase enzymes; muscle biopsy revealed infiltration and replacement of striated muscles with connective tissue and mononuclear cells. Analysis of serum demonstrated a hyperlipidemia consistent with a Type I phenotype. Although the patient demonstrated only minimal depression of serum Ig levels, the addition of his serum to cultures of healthy donor peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) stimulated with pokeweed mitogen resulted in significant suppression of Ig synthesis and secretion. This suppressor activity was also demonstrated when washed patient PBL were cocultured with normal donor cells in the absence of patient serum. Furthermore, suppressor activity correlated with increased levels of T cells bearing surface receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (Tγ cells). These results support a model which includes the role of lipoproteins in the modulation of the immune response. (Supported in part by NIH grants CA-08748, CA-17404 and CA-19267 and American Cancer Society grant IM-126.)
Coupling of substrate recognition and catalysis by a human base-excision DNA repair protein.

oxoguanine (oxoG) by catalyzing cleavage of the bond linking the lesion to its sugar. A previously reported x-ray structure of a mutant form of hOGG1 provided insight into recognition of oxoG by the enzyme but raised questions about the catalytic mechanism. We report the x-ray structure of wild-type hOGG1 bound to mechanism-based inhibitor and with no oxoG occupying the base-recognition pocket. The structure lends insight into the coupling of base recognition and catalysis and suggests a previously unanticipated role for a key aspartic acid residue in the enzyme. See Journal of the American Chemical Society 123, 359-360 (2001) for the complete article.
The bioassay of aflatoxins and related substances with Bacillus megaterium spores and chick embryos.

The “paper disc plate” method of antibiotic assay usingBacillus megaterium spores was tested for the assay of aflatoxins and related compounds. Significant inhibitions were obtained in the range of 1–4 µg/disc for aflatoxin B1 and 4–8 µg/disc for aflatoxin G1. Dicumarol was the most active of the compounds tested and inhibited at 0.1–1.0 µg/disc. Compounds were also tested using nine-day-old chick embryos. It was found that embryos incubated in egg cartons were much more sensitive to toxins than eggs incubated on cotton padding or in a commercial egg incubator. The LD100 of aflatoxin B1 to carton-incubated embryos was 0.01 µg, while to embryos from the commercial incubator the LD100 was >5.0 µg. The results of the two bioassay procedures did not correlate completely with each other.
Monolayer-induced band bending in the near-surface region of Ge(111)

Directly grafted organic monolayers on Ge surfaces offer an interesting opportunity to explore aspects of surface passivation and control of electrical properties, namely, molecular gating, of semiconductor surfaces. We report our study of the interfacial electronic structures of $n$-type, intrinsic, and $p$-type Ge(111) surfaces that have been chemically modified with various organic monolayers. The monolayers investigated include octadecane, attached via hydrogermylation of 1-octadecene at Ge surfaces, as well as para-substituted phenyl rings, attached by diazonium activation of hydrogenated Ge surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicate that there is downward band bending, up to 160 meV, associated with assembling these organic monolayers on the Ge substrates. This band bending does not directly correlate with the dipole moment or electron withdrawing or donating character of the molecular moieties, pointing to the critical roles of the nature and quality of the self-assembled monolayer, and the intrinsic electronic structure of the semiconductor material in defining the interfacial electronic structure of the passivated Ge(111) surfaces.
Flavour profiling of ‘Marion’ and thornless blackberries by instrumental and sensory analysis

Abstract The flavour of thornless blackberries grown in Pacific Northwest including ‘Thornless Evergreen’, ‘Black Diamond’, ‘Black Pearl’, ‘Nightfall’, ORUS 1843-3, ‘Waldo’, NZ 9351-4, and ‘Chester Thornless’ as well as ‘Marion’ was profiled by sensory evaluation and instrumental analysis. Sensory results showed that ‘Marion’ and ‘Waldo’ had the lowest sweetness score, while NZ 9351-4 and ‘Thornless Evergreen’ had the highest sweetness scores. ‘Nightfall’ and ORUS 1843-3 had significantly lower sourness, while ‘Black Diamond’ and ‘Waldo’ had significantly higher sourness. The taste data only partly matched with the objective °Brix and titratable acidity data. Descriptive aroma analysis indicated that ‘Black Diamond’, ‘Black Pearl’, ORUS 1843-3, and NZ 9351-4 were similar to ‘Marion’ in terms of fresh fruit, strawberry, floral, and raspberry aroma, while ‘Thornless Evergreen’, ‘Chester Thornless’, ‘Nightfall’, and ‘Waldo’ had more vegetal, woody, mouldy, and cooked fruit character. Instrumental analysis and calculated odour activity values (OAVs) indicated that furaneol, linalool, β-ionone, 2-heptanol, and carvone could be the major aroma contributing compounds in these blackberries. Generalised Procrusters analysis (GPA) indicated the chemical analysis matched with descriptive sensory analysis. Odour-active compounds of furaneol, linalool, geraniol, ethyl hexanaote, trans -2-hexenol, and β-ionone in ‘Marion’, ‘Black Diamond’, ‘Black Pearl’, ORUS 1843-3, and NZ 9351-4 could account for their similarity in fresh fruity, floral, strawberry, and raspberry aroma; while 1-octen-3-ol, myrtenol, eugenol, and α-terpineol in ‘Thornless Evergreen’, ‘Chester Thornless’, ‘Nightfall’, and ‘Waldo’ could account for their vegetal, woody, mouldy, and cooked fruit flavour.
Lack of Effect of Methenamine in Suppression of, or Prophylaxis Against, Chronic Urinary Infection

Methenamine is frequently prescribed for patients who have chronic urinary infection to suppress bacterial growth during active infection or to prevent recurrence once an infection has been brought under control. We have examined the effect of methenamine mandelate and ascorbic acid on bacteriuria in para- and quadriplegics from a spinal cord unit. Patients with indwelling urinary catheters and those on a program of intermittent catheterization were included. No suppressive or prophylactic effect of this regimen was observed in any of our patients. Methenamine does not appear to be an effective antimicrobial agent in subjects who have an indwelling urinary catheter or in patients with spinal cord injury who are on intermittent catheterization. Since there appears to be reason to question the efficacy of methenamine in situations in which it is usually prescribed, evidence should be sought for a therapeutic effect in other cases. If no benefit is observed, the drug should not be used.
Whole-blood glucose and lactate. Trilayer biosensors, drug interference, metabolism, and practice guidelines.

c Objective.—To assess the effects of 30 of the most commonly used critical care drugs on measurements obtained with trilayer electrochemical biosensors on a reference analyzer (ABL625-GL), to determine metabolic changes in glucose and lactate in vitro, and to formulate guidelines for whole-blood analysis of these 2 analytes. Design.—Serial measurements were taken of changes in glucose and lactate levels caused by metabolism in whole blood in vitro over time. A parallel control study of drug interference with measurements of glucose and lactate in whole blood and of dose-response relationships in wholeblood samples and in plasma samples also was conducted. Results.—At room temperature, whole-blood metabolism decreased glucose levels 22.3% at 15 minutes, 24.6% at 30 minutes, and 26.4% at 45 minutes. Metabolism increased lactate levels 11.4% at 15 minutes, 20.6% at 30 minutes, and 26.7% at 45 minutes in vitro. Paired differences between drug-spiked and control samples were calculated to determine interference (corrected for metabolism). The threshold for determination of interference was 62 SD from within-day precision, equal to 60.18 and 60.10 mmol/L for glucose and lactate, respectively. Only mannitol (C6H14O6) interfered with glucose and lactate measurements. At a concentration of 24 mg/mL, mannitol decreased whole-blood glucose levels by an average of 0.711 mmol/L (12.8 mg/dL) and whole-blood lactate levels by 0.16 mmol/L (1.4 mg/dL). Mannitol interference with measurements may have resulted from suppression of hydrogen peroxide formation in the enzymatic reactions in the biosensors, repartitioning of water between erythrocytes and plasma, or from other mechanisms. Conclusions.—Most critical care drugs had no significant effects on the trilayer electrochemical biosensors. Whole-blood analysis should be performed within 15 minutes for lactate and within 30 minutes for glucose because of metabolism in vitro. Mannitol effects on glucose measurements may be clinically significant in mannitol-induced acute renal failure and therefore should be considered for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of critically ill patients. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2000;124:1128‐1134)
Nonparametric Methods Clinical Applications

In clinical research, "samples" are studied in order to get ideas about the characteristics of the larger populations from which the samples are taken. Population characteristics are called parameters (the population mean and standard deviation are examples). Parametric statistical methods are those that require estimates of parameters and assumptions about the source populations. Familiar examples of parametric methods are the t test, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Nonparametric (NP) methods do not require estimates of population parameters. These methods are sometimes called "distribution-free" because the samples of interest can be evaluated without concern for the shape (distribution) of the values in the populations providing the samples. NP methods also are called "ranking" or "ordering" tests, because the relative size or order of the observations may be evaluated, rather than requiring actual measurements. More than 30% of the research reports that appeared between July 1982 and June 1983, in four pediatric journals, employed at least one nonparametric method. The commonly used tests were chi-square, the Fisher exact test, and various "ranking" methods. An alphabetical list of common nonparametric tests is presented, with brief comments about each. Tables are presented, arranged by types of observations, so that the nature of the data guides the user to the method that might be used.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Patient with Honeycomb Lung

A 26-year-old man had a one-month history of progressive dyspnea on exertion. A chest roentgenogram at that time demonstrated a diffuse, reticulonodular infiltration of both lungs, accompanied by small cyst-like areas, predominantly in the apices, characteristic of honeycomb lung. Physical and laboratory examination results were normal except for the pulmonary function tests, which revealed a restrictive pattern with decreased vital capacity, normal residual volume, and normal flow rates. These functions deteriorated during hospitalization, and an open lung biopsy was performed and the diagnosis made. The patient then began receiving steroid therapy and symptomatically improved, although the roentgenographic appearance of the chest remained unchanged. Three months following discharge, the patient returned with acute onset of shortness of breath. The admission chest roentgenogram is shown as Figure 1. This PA ifim shows a right-sided pneumothorax and an air-fluid level at the right costophrenic angle in addition to apical honeycombing that was unchanged from previous examinations.
Kinematic and 3D motion prediction for gaze control

Estimation and prediction of the state of dynamical systems operating in three dimensions, and of mechanisms acting in space, provide a way for multiple-loop, multirate, time-delayed control systems to cooperate. Animate vision systems, biological or robotic, employ gaze control systems to acquire, fixate, and stabilize images. The aim is to build robust gaze control behavior from cooperating lower level visual reflexes. Solutions are explored through simulation incorporating ten primitive gaze control capabilities, more or less comparable to subsystems in primate gaze and head control. Versions of several of the subsystems have been implemented on a binocular robot. Smith prediction is the basic paradigm, using kinematic simulation of the agent and optimal filtering to predict world state. >
Bayesian computation of the Intrinsic Structure of Factor Analytic Models

The study of factor analytic models often has to address two im- portant issues: (a) the determination of the "optimum" number of factors and (b) the derivation of a unique simple structure whose interpretation is easy and straightforward. The classical approach deals with these two tasks separately, and sometimes resorts to ad-hoc methods. This paper proposes a Bayesian approach to these two important issues, and adapts ideas from stochastic geometry and Bayesian finite mixture modelling to construct an ergodic Markov chain having the posterior distribution of the complete col- lection of parameters (including the number of factors) as its equilibrium distribution. The proposed method uses an Automatic Relevance Determi- nation (ARD) prior as the device of achieving the desired simple structure. A Gibbs sampler updating scheme is then combined with the simulation of a continuous-time birth-and-death point process to produce a sampling scheme that efficiently explores the posterior distribution of interest. The MCMC sample path obtained from the simulated posterior then provides a flexible ingredient for most of the inferential tasks of interest. Illustrations on both artificial and real tasks are provided, while major difficulties and challenges are discussed, along with ideas for future improvements.
A Granulomatous Disease of Fish Produced by Flavobacteria

An enzootic fatal disease occurred in a group of tropical fish, Molliensia sphenops. Multiple focal areas of chronic granulomatous inflammation were found in the liver, central nervous system, kidney and pancreas of the affected fish. There appeared to be a predilection for the liver. A gram-negative rod was isolated from the lesions which fits the characteristics of the genus Flavobacterium. This isolate produced the disease experimentally in fish of the same species.
Inflammatory markers and secondhand tobacco smoke exposure among U.S. workers.

Background Self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) has been associated with elevated inflammatory markers in adults. The association between SHS indicated by serum cotinine and markers of inflammation has not been investigated in adult workers. Methods Using the subpopulation of employed participants (20 years and older) who were non-smokers and denied home SHS exposure from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002, the association between serum cotinine and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, and white blood cells) was analyzed. Inflammatory marker values were log-transformed and expressed as geometric means with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Serum cotinine was categorized as either no cotinine (below the detection limit), low cotinine (above the detection limit and <0.2 ng/ml), or high cotinine (≥0.2 and <15.0 ng/ml). The association between serum cotinine and inflammatory markers was analyzed using univariate and multivariate-adjusted linear regression. Results Geometric mean serum cotinine was significantly higher among non-smokers reporting SHS exposure in the workplace (0.17 vs. 0.10 ng/ml, P < 0.01). Workers exposed to low and high levels of cotinine had significantly higher homocysteine levels relative to non-exposed workers; mean homocysteine differences remained significant in the multivariable model (i.e., 0.363 and 0.491 mg/dl increase, respectively). Conclusion Exposure to SHS as measured by serum cotinine may result in increased homocysteine levels among adult workers. These results provide further evidence in support of universal workplace smoking restrictions in order to protect worker health. Further research is required to determine the adverse effects of workplace SHS exposure on cardiovascular risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:626–632, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Renal replacement therapy in infants and children with hepatorenal syndrome awaiting liver transplantation: a case-control study.

Limited data on short- and long-term outcomes of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) patients exist. We evaluated risk factors for RRT in pediatric LT recipients with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and described the outcomes. We performed a single-center, case-control study of LT recipients who required RRT for HRS from 1999 to 2011. Three controls who did not receive RRT were matched with each case on the basis of age, diagnosis, and LT date. We identified 8 recipients among 133 recipients of 152 LT cases [6%, 95% confidence interval = 2%-10%; mean age = 7.7 years, range = 0.5-19.8 years) who required RRT before LT for HRS. Four patients were 0.99; and 97 versus 114 mL/minute/1.73 m2 at the most recent follow-up, P = 0.09). The case survival rates were 75% and 63% at 1 month and 1 year, respectively; 4 cases required antihypertensives and diuretics 1 month after LT, but at the last follow-up, only 1 case required antihypertensive therapy, and none required diuretics. In conclusion, pediatric patients with HRS, including infants, benefit from RRT. Although HRS decreases survival, patients with HRS who undergo LT generally recover renal function within 1 month that persists during long-term follow-up.
BEAM: a framework for business ecosystem analysis and modeling

This paper presents a framework for the modeling and analysis of business model designs involving a network of interconnected business entities. The framework includes an ecosystem-modeling component, a simulation component, and a service-analysis component, and integrates methods from value network modeling, game theory analysis, and multiagent systems. A role-based paradigm is introduced for characterizing ecosystem entities in order to easily allow for the evolution of the ecosystem and duplicated functionality for entities. We show how the framework can be used to provide insight into value distribution among the entities and evaluation of business model performance under different scenarios. The methods are illustrated using a case study of a retail business-to-business service ecosystem.
Prospective evaluation of dual-energy imaging in patients undergoing image guided radiation therapy for lung cancer: initial clinical results.

Purpose A prospective feasibility study was conducted to investigate the utility of dual-energy (DE) imaging compared to conventional x-ray imaging for patients undergoing kV-based image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) for lung cancer. Methods and Materials An institutional review board-approved feasibility study enrolled patients with lung cancer undergoing IGRT and was initiated in September 2011. During daily setup, 2 sequential respiration-gated x-ray images were obtained using an on-board imager. Imaging was composed of 1 standard x-ray image at 120 kVp (1 mAs) and a second image obtained at 60 kVp (4 mAs). Weighted logarithmic subtraction of the 2 images was performed offline to create a soft tissue-selective DE image. Conventional and DE images were evaluated by measuring relative contrast and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) and also by comparing spatial localization, using both approaches. Imaging dose was assessed using a calibrated ion chamber. Results To date, 10 patients with stage IA to IIIA lung cancer were enrolled and 57 DE images were analyzed. DE subtraction resulted in complete suppression of overlying bone in all 57 DE images, with an average improvement in relative contrast of 4.7 ± 3.3 over that of 120 kVp x-ray images (P 5 cc), with average relative contrast improvement ratios of 3.4 ± 4.1 and 5.4 ± 3.6, respectively. Moreover, the GTV was reliably localized in 95% of the DE images versus 74% of the single energy (SE images, (P=.004). Mean skin dose per DE image set was 0.44 ± 0.03 mGy versus 0.43 ± 0.03 mGy, using conventional kV imaging parameters. Conclusions Initial results of this feasibility study suggest that DE thoracic imaging may enhance tumor localization in lung cancer patients receiving kV-based IGRT without increasing imaging dose.
Nutritional Epidemiology: Issues and Challenges

Studies of diet in relation to disease raise methodological challenges considerably more complicated than in most epidemiological investigations. Diet is not a single exposure, but rather a complex set of many intercorrelated continuous variables. Moreover, these variables are likely to have non-linear relationships with disease and interact with each other. Many epidemiologists have questioned whether useful measurements of individual diets could be made within populations, due to homogeneity of food intake and imprecision of assessment methods. However, in several recent studies it has been possible to demonstrate reasonable levels of correlation between simple, structured food frequency questionnaires and detailed, weighed assessments of diet. This provides evidence documenting that between-person variation in diet does exist and that simple questionnaires are sufficiently accurate to measure these differences. For a limited set of nutrients, biochemical measurements provide an alternative assessment of exposure. It remains to be seen whether these methodologies can be reliably employed in case-control studies since even small biases due to the presence of illness, which may affect recall of diet or the levels of biochemical parameters, will seriously distort relationships between diet and disease.
Systematics of North American Froelichia (Amaranthaceae subfam. Gomphrenoideae) II: Phylogeny and biogeographic speciation patterns inferred from nrITS sequence data

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS 1 and ITS 2) and the 5.8S gene were used to infer a phylogeny among the ten recognized taxa of Froelichia in North America. Analyses using both maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum-likelihood (ML) depicted a low level of sequence divergence though it was sufficient in most cases to differentiate taxa. Froelichia xantusii, a species restricted to southern Baja California was shown to be the basalmost member of the group subtending three clades. Two of the clades received good bootstrap support in the MP analysis and corresponded to a genetically homogeneous F. interrupta, and a clade comprising the two species F. latifolia and F. texana. A third clade receiving low bootstrap support contained F. floridana, F. gracilis, F. arizonica, and F. drummondii. Species diversity within the genus was centered within the Tamaulipan Brushland region of north-east Mexico and the southern portion of the US state of Texas where taxa from two of the three principal clades occurred, indicating a region of high speciation and diversification within the genus.
A comparison of a biological sciences curriculum study (BSCS) laboratory and a traditional laboratory on student achievement at two private liberal arts colleges

The purpose of this experiment was to compare an inquiry-oriented Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) style laboratory approach with a more directive traditional approach on student outcomes in the cognitive and affective domains of learning at two private, midwestern liberal-arts colleges. The BSCS approach emphasized basic and integrated science processes, concept development through extensive questioning, and increased student discretion, while the traditional approach contained highly structured, more prescriptive, teacher-oriented activities. Intact laboratory sections of students enrolled in introductory general biology at two private liberal-arts colleges were randomly selected into two treatment groups. Pretest and posttest measures were taken on three dependent variables: (1) biological content achievement, measured with a researcher-generated Test on Biology Laboratory Concepts, (2) reasoning ability, measured with the Group Assessment of Logical Thinking, and (3) attitude toward biology, measured with the Biology Student Behavior Inventory. Analysis of covariance indicated the experimental group (n = 60) using the BSCS-style laboratory approach scored significantly higher than the comparison group (n = 59) in levels of performance on biology content achievement, F(1, 114) = 4.07, p < 0.05. There were no significant differences between the two groups in performance levels on attitude toward biology or on reasoning ability. However, both groups experienced a 15-percent increase in the number of formal thinkers as indicated by pretest-posttest gain scores on the reasoning ability test. These results lend support to the hypothesis that a BSCS-style laboratory approach fosters desired learner outcomes at the postsecondary level. In addition, these findings support the notion that the science laboratory may be used as a primary vehicle to promote formal reasoning skills.
Effects of built-in polarization on InGaN-GaN vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We investigate the effect of built-in spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization on the internal device physics of current-injected GaN-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with strained InGaN quantum wells. Advanced device simulation is applied to a previously manufactured device design featuring dielectric mirrors and an indium-tin-oxide current injection layer. Contrary to common perception, we show: 1) that only a small fraction of the built-in quantum-well polarization is screened at typical injection current densities and 2) that the polarization of the AlGaN electron stopper layer has a strong effect on the VCSEL threshold current which can be partly compensated for by higher p-doping.
Regulation of the Histidine Utilization (Hut) System in Bacteria

SUMMARY The ability to degrade the amino acid histidine to ammonia, glutamate, and a one-carbon compound (formate or formamide) is a property that is widely distributed among bacteria. The four or five enzymatic steps of the pathway are highly conserved, and the chemistry of the reactions displays several unusual features, including the rearrangement of a portion of the histidase polypeptide chain to yield an unusual imidazole structure at the active site and the use of a tightly bound NAD molecule as an electrophile rather than a redox-active element in urocanase. Given the importance of this amino acid, it is not surprising that the degradation of histidine is tightly regulated. The study of that regulation led to three central paradigms in bacterial regulation: catabolite repression by glucose and other carbon sources, nitrogen regulation and two-component regulators in general, and autoregulation of bacterial regulators. This review focuses on three groups of organisms for which studies are most complete: the enteric bacteria, for which the regulation is best understood; the pseudomonads, for which the chemistry is best characterized; and Bacillus subtilis, for which the regulatory mechanisms are very different from those of the Gram-negative bacteria. The Hut pathway is fundamentally a catabolic pathway that allows cells to use histidine as a source of carbon, energy, and nitrogen, but other roles for the pathway are also considered briefly here.
An improved phase retrieval algorithm for coherent beams

Summary form only given. We have developed a frequency quadrupled Nd:YLF laser as a source of photons to Compton backscatter from a beam of electrons circulating in a storage ring. The laser beam must be transported 22 meters to the interaction region in the synchrotron and the mode at that point must be matched to the electron beam. Unfortunately, the laser is non-Gaussian, so that both the phase and intensity must be known to calculate the beam propagation. The Gerchberg-Saxton phase retrieval procedure deduces the phase of an image from intensity measurements in the image plane and the diffraction plane. For a freely propagating non-TEM/sub 00/ beam it is generally difficult to locate the waist. Also, if the Rayleigh range of the beam is too small, high spatial resolution of the beam profiling device is necessary; conversely, if the Rayleigh range is too large, it may be difficult to make a measurement at a great enough distance to achieve the far field condition. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a generalization of the Gerchberg-Saxton procedure to include intensity measurements in multiple planes of the propagating beam. We have tested the algorithm with "synthetic" data generated computationally by propagating multimode Hermite-Gaussian beams, extracting intensity profiles at a series of planes and adding normally distributed noise. To test the procedure with data, we have measured the profile of the laser beam in several planes after an optical transport system, retrieved the phase, propagated the retrieved beam back to a location near the laser exit and compared this reconstructed beam profile to a measurement at that location.
Effects of Mechanical Barriers on Distribution of Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Lettuce

The effects of mechanical barriers (1.5 m high, 3 m long) on the distribution of aerial thrips above a lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) field in Kula, Hawaii, were measured. Barriers were made from an aluminum polyvinyl net. Significantly fewer thrips were caught on sticky traps closest to barriers. The mean overall reduction in thrips due to barriers was 45.6 ± 7 thrips per set of five traps per week, which constitutes about a 10% reduction. There was also a significant effect due to barrier and trap position. Thrips were significantly more numerous on the side of the field corresponding to the prevailing wind direction.
Experimental study of high electric current effects in carbon fiber polymer matrix composite

Electrical and thermal responses of the carbon fiber polymer matrix composites subjected to relatively high (up to 75 A) electric currents are studied. A new fully automated experimental setup for real time measurements of the electric current, resistance, voltage, and temperature in carbon fiber polymer matrix composites has been developed. A series of electrical characterization tests on IM7/977-3 unidirectional and symmetric cross-ply composite laminates have been performed and the effects of electric current magnitude and duration, electrical resistance, and associated thermal effects have been investigated. It is determined that voltage-current relationship stays ohmic for up to 50 A DC currents, electrical resistance exhibits time-dependent behavior but is independent of temperature. It is shown that application of the electric current leads to a significant temperature gradient across the composite in the direction of the applied current and the temperature at the electrode-composite junction increases rapidly with an increase in the magnitude of the applied current. Temperature is determined to be a function of Joule heat produced in electrically conductive carbon fibers and electrical contact heat produced at composite-electrode interfaces.
A meta-analytic review of health information credibility: Belief in physicians or belief in peers?

Background:Despite the large corpus of literature on the credibility of health information, results of studies that examined the effect sizes for relationships between credibility and expertise/trustworthiness are inconsistent and have drawn attention to the ambiguity and uncertainty that surrounds the relationship between these constructs in the literature.Objective:This study aimed to provide an estimate of the magnitude of the relationship between manipulated expertise and trustworthiness in predicting health information credibility and to search for potential moderators of the relationship.Method:Comprehensive searches of the Communication & Mass Media Complete, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge, and Medline databases were used to identify potentially eligible studies. No year range was set in this study. Application of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 20 studies, which were analyzed using the R package.Results:Results indicated that manipulated expertise correlated with health info...
Chikungunya Fever Cases Identified in the Veterans Health Administration System, 2014.

Background During December 2013, the first locally transmitted chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections in the Americas were reported in the Caribbean. Although CHIKV infection is rarely fatal, risk for severe disease increases with age and medical comorbidities. Herein we describe characteristics of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with CHIKV infection and, among those with infections diagnosed in Puerto Rico, investigated risk factors for hospitalization. Methodology We queried VHA’s national electronic medical records to identify patients with CHIKV testing during 2014. Demographics, clinical history, laboratory results, and outcomes were abstracted. We investigated risk factors for hospitalization among patients with laboratory-confirmed CHIKV infection in Puerto Rico. Principal Findings We identified 180 laboratory-confirmed CHIKV infections; 148 (82.2%) were diagnosed in Puerto Rico, and 32 (17.8%) were diagnosed among returning travelers elsewhere in the United States. In Puerto Rico, where more patients were hospitalized (55.4% versus 20.0%) and died (4.1% versus 0%), risk for hospitalization increased with age (relative risk [RR]/each 10-year increase, 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.32) and, adjusted for age, increased among patients with congestive heart failure (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.25–1.99), chronic kidney disease (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.19–1.94), diabetes mellitus (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06–1.84), or chronic lung disease (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03–1.82). Conclusions/Significance CHIKV infection is an emerging problem among Veterans residing in or visiting areas with CHIKV transmission. Although overall mortality rates are low, clinicians in affected areas should be aware that older patients and patients with comorbidities may be at increased risk for severe disease.
An Empirical Study of Population Urbanization and Energy Consumption Based on Panel Data model

This paper uses panel data analysis method of the four municipalities directly under the central government in 1998—2012 the relationship between population urbanization and energy consumption is the empirical analysis,the results show that the population urbanization and energy consumption are not stationary variables,but there is a long-term co-integration relationship between them.
Service System of Non-teaching Support of Open and Distance Education

Currently,the non-teaching supporting service in distance and open education has not been paid much attention and its relevant study is lacking.However,to construct such a non-teaching supporting system is of great importance to overcome the "separation of teaching and learning",prefecting teaching service and enhancing students' study.Therefore,the non-teaching service should be a system which includes the service from school to students,from school to teachers,from teachers to students.Under the guidance of distance and open education theory,the above three aspects should be integrated,thus,a true non-teaching supporting system can be set up.
The Interaction of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Determining Risk of Complication Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background The arthroplasty population is increasingly comorbid, and current quality improvement initiatives demand accurate risk stratification. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been identified as a risk factor for adverse events after arthroplasty; however, its interaction with obesity in contributing to risk is unclear. Methods A retrospective analysis of all Medicare patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a single institution from 2009 to 2013 investigated the interaction between MetS, body mass index (BMI), and risk for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)–reportable complications, readmission, and discharge disposition. Results A total of 1462 patients (942 TKA, 538 THA) were included, of which 16.2% had MetS. Regression analysis found that MetS was significantly related to risk of CMS complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-3.31, P = .012) and nonhome discharge (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.39-2.27, P P = .485). Within the MetS cohort, increasing BMI was not associated with increasing complications ( P = .726) or readmissions ( P = .206) but was associated with nonhome discharge (OR = 1.191 per unit increase in BMI, 95% CI 1.038-1.246, P = .001). Conclusion MetS increases risk for CMS-reportable complications and nonhome discharge disposition after THA and TKA regardless of BMI. Obesity is of less value than MetS in assessing overall risk for complication after THA and TKA.
Examples of Surgical Innovation by Surgeons: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery

The introduction of antiseptic techniques by Lister and the description of the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy by Muhe are illustrations of innovative approaches proposed in an effort to improve surgical outcomes and decrease morbidity. The introduction of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) by Kalloo and Kantsevoy ushered in a new era in minimally invasive surgery. In this technique, numerous ports and standard laparoscopic instruments are eschewed in an effort to improve cosmesis, morbidity, and time for convalescence. Given the unique characteristics of a natural orifice approach and the viable minimally invasive alternatives, it is critical that a transparent evaluation of the approach be undertaken. Herein is a discussion of the necessary elements of the ethical evaluation of NOTES.
Tendon Transfers for Tetraplegia

It is estimated that 65% to 75% of patients with cervical spinal cord injuries could benefit from upper extremity tendon transfer surgery. The goals of surgery are to restore elbow extension, as well as hand pinch, grasp, and release. Patients who have defined goals, actively participate in therapy, and understand expected outcomes, appear to have the highest satisfaction following tendon transfer procedures.
Eliminating composite bias in treatment effects estimates: Applications to quality of life assessment

Researchers are often interested in composite measures such as overall ratings, indices of physical or mental health, or health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes. Such measures are typically composed of two or more underlying discrete variables. In this paper, I investigate conditions where the estimated treatment effect based solely on the composite outcome is biased under non-random treatment assignment, which I refer to as composite bias. I then compare the magnitude of this bias across a variety of estimators, including ordinary least squares, propensity score estimators, and an alternative two-stage approach that first estimates treatment effects on the underlying outcomes and then combines these effects into an overall effect on the composite outcome of interest. The results highlight the presence of composite bias, identify general conditions under which such bias exists, and offer guidance as to how best to minimize this bias in practice.
Genetic Predispositions to Heart Failure

Heart failure can be caused by either acquired or inherited cardiovascular diseases. With the rising incidence of heart failure (HF), there is a need to further understand the molecular pathogenesis of HF. There has been growing interest in the role of genetic predisposition for developing HF, not only in inherited cardiomyopathies but also in acquired cardiovascular diseases. There have been expanding knowledge bases in specific pathogenic variants of sarcomeric genes, as well as genes encoding structural and cytoskeleton proteins, ion channels, calcium cycling proteins, nuclear proteins or transcriptomic factors, and even mitochondrial genes. Beyond inherited cardiomyopathies, several genome-wide association studies have identified novel genes associated with HF, yet the pathophysiologic contributions and their propensities of therapeutic targeting remains unresolved.