cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual Identity Attachments and International Conflict The Importance of Territorial Threat

This article provides some of the first individual-level evidence for the domestic salience of territorial issues. Using survey data from more than 80,000 individual respondents in 43 separate countries, we examine how conflict affects the content of individual self-identification. We find that international conflict exerts a strong influence on the likelihood and content of individual self-identification, but this effect varies with the type of conflict. Confirming nationalist theories of territorial salience, territorial conflict leads the majority of individuals in targeted countries to identify themselves as citizens of their country. However, individuals in countries that are initiating territorial disputes are more likely to self-identify as members of a particular ethnicity, which provides support for theories connecting domestic salience to ethnic politics. That conflict has variegated effects on identity formation suggests the relationship is not endogenous. Our within-case analysis of changes in...
Depth related trends in proximate composition of demersal fishes in the eastern North Pacific

Abstract The proximate chemistry of the white muscle and liver of 18 species of demersal fish from the eastern North Pacific was studied to determine trends with depth, locomotory mode and buoyancy mechanism, foraging strategy and to elucidate energetic strategies. Data for 24 species from shallow water were taken from the literature and included for analysis of muscle water content. Benthopelagic species, primarily gadiforms, have significantly larger lipid-rich livers than benthic species. The benthopelagic species may use this lipid to add buoyancy, but it is also used as energy storage. Buoyancy mechanism was directly related to proximate composition. Fishes using gasbladders had normal muscle composition. The two species of benthopelagic fishes without gasbladders have either very high muscle lipid content ( Anoplopoma fimbria ) or gelatinous muscle ( Alepocephalus tenobrosus ) to aid in achieving neutral buoyancy. The macrourid, Albatrossia pectoralis , has a very small gasbladder and also has gelatinous muscle. Both of these benthopelagic fishes with gelatinous muscle feed on pelagic organisms. Gelatinous muscle was also found in two flatfishes that inhabit the oxygen minimum zone. For these fishes, high water content may serve to lower metabolic costs while maintaining large body size. Scavengers such as Coryphaenoides armatus and Coryphaenoides acrolepis have lipid rich livers and others such as A. fimbria and Pachycara sp. have high and variable muscle lipid content. Thus foraging mode also acts to influence proximate composition. Several depth-related trends in proximate composition were found. White muscle water content increased significantly with depth, and all four gelatinous species occurred at bathyal depths. This adds evidence in support of the hypothesis that decreasing light levels shorten reactive distances and relax the selective pressure for high locomotory capacity. In addition significant declines in liver protein content were observed, suggesting that the rates of metabolism in this organ also decline with depth. There was little evidence for food availability affecting proximate composition. There were no significant changes in either muscle or liver lipid or caloric density with depth. Total lipid stores actually increased significantly, but they were driven primarily by the abyssal scavenger C. armatus suggesting that foraging strategy rather than depth may be the most important factor determining total lipid stores.
Understory herb assemblages 25 and 60 years after clearcutting of a northern hardwood forest, USA

Abstract The abundance of understory herbs in 25- and 60-year old clearcuts was compared to adjacent old secondary stands to infer how herb assemblages change in space and time following clearcutting of secondary forest. Herb densities and environmental conditions were sampled along 100 m transects crossing the clearcut/old secondary forest boundary, at three sites with 25-year old clearcuts and three sites with 60-year old clearcuts. At the 25-year sites, species densities of the 23 most frequent species were compared between clearcuts and adjacent old secondary forest to classify species into response groups. Species were classed as “insensitive” if there was little or no difference in density (seven species), “sensitive” if densities were lower in the clearcuts (six species), “enhanced” if densities were higher in clearcuts (four species), and “edge-enhanced” if densities were highest near clearcut edges (six species). Densities of two of the six sensitive species declined significantly with distance from the edge into the clearcut. Further, when regression results for all 23 species were combined, the mean slope of density vs. distance was significantly negative, indicating an overall trend to lower density with distance into the clearcuts. Most species classed as sensitive at 25 years did not show similar sensitivity at the 60-year sites; only one species had lower density in 60-year clearcuts than adjacent old secondary stands. Overall, there were substantial residual effects of clearcutting on herb assemblages within 50 m of the historical edge at 25-year sites, but not at 60-year sites. This difference may be due to different logging practices at the two historical times, as well as the difference in time for recovery since logging.
Effect of air in the thermal decomposition of 50 mass% hydroxylamine/water.

Abstract This paper presents experimental measurements of 50 mass% hydroxylamine (HA)/water thermal decomposition in air and vacuum environments using an automatic pressure tracking adiabatic calorimeter (APTAC). Overall kinetics, onset temperatures, non-condensable pressures, times to maximum rate, heat and pressure rates versus temperature, and mixture vapor pressures for the experiments in vacuum were similar when compared to the corresponding data for HA decomposition in air. Determined was an overall activation energy of 119±8 kJ/mol (29±2 kcal/mol), which is low compared to 257 kJ/mol (61.3 kcal/mol) required to break the H 2 NOH bond reported in the literature. The availability of oxygen from air did not affect detected runaway decomposition products, which were H 2 , N 2 , N 2 O, NO, and NH 3 , for samples run in vacuum or with air above the sample. A Δ H rxn of −117 kJ/mol (28 kcal/mol) was estimated for the HA decomposition reaction under runaway conditions.
Regulation of mRNA stability in mammalian cells

The regulation of mRNA decay is a major control point in gene expression. The stability of a particular mRNA is controlled by specific interactions between its structural elements and RNA-binding proteins that can be general or mRNA-specific. Regulated mRNA stability is achieved through fluctuations in half-lives in response to developmental or environmental stimuli like nutrient levels, cytokines, hormones and temperature shifts as well as environmental stresses like hypoxia, hypocalcemia, viral infection, and tissue injury. Furthermore, in specific disorders like some forms of neoplasia, thalassemia and Alzheimer's disease, deregulated mRNA stability can lead to the aberrant accumulation of mRNAs and the proteins they encode. This review presents a discussion of some recently identified examples of regulated and deregulated mRNA stability in order to illustrate the diversity of genes regulated by alterations in the degradation rates of their mRNAs.
An Ultrasonic Phased Array Evaluation of Cast Austenitic Stainless Steel Pressurizer Surge Line Piping Welds

A set of circumferentially oriented thermal fatigue cracks (TFCs) were implanted into three cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) pressurizer (PZR) surge-line specimens (pipe-to-elbow welds) that were fabricated using vintage CASS materials formed in the 1970s, and flaw responses from these cracks were used to evaluate detection and sizing performance of the phased-array (PA) ultrasonic testing (UT) methods applied. Four different custom-made PA probes were employed in this study, operating nominally at 800 kHz, 1.0 MHz, 1.5 MHz, and 2.0 MHz center frequencies. The CASS PZR surge-line specimens were polished and chemically etched to bring out the microstructures of both pipe and elbow segments. Additional studies were conducted and documented to address baseline CASS material noise and observe possible ultrasonic beam redirection phenomena.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Correlates of falls and fear of falling among adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To identify correlates of falling and fear of falling, and to examine how fear of falling affects activities among adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Adults (mean age 54.2 years; SD 9.1) with RA (n = 128) responded to questions related to falls, fear of falling, and activities modified. Other measures included the Profile of Mood States Short Form, the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form, walk time, grip strength, predicted maximum oxygen uptake, and joint count. Results Thirty-five percent of participants fell during the previous year. Subjects who fell had more comorbid conditions than subjects who did not fall. Almost 60% were fearful of falling. Compared with subjects who denied fear of falling, fearful subjects had longer walk times, more comorbid conditions, and more intense pain. Activities affected most by fear of falling involved heavy work and climbing. Conclusions The number of comorbid conditions plays an important role in falling and fear of falling in adults with RA. Knowledge of this and other factors, such as pain intensity and functional status, can facilitate appropriate interventions.
Performance evaluation of TCP algorithms in multi‐hop wireless packet networks

Wireless packet ad hoc networks are characterized by multi-hop wireless connectivity and limited bandwidth competed among neighboring nodes. In this paper, we investigate and evaluate the performance of several prevalent TCP algorithms in this kind of network over the wireless LAN standard IEEE 802.11 MAC layer. After extensively comparing the existing TCP versions (including Tahoe, Reno, New Reno, Sack and Vegas) in simulations, we show that, in most cases, the Vegas version works best. We reveal the reason why other TCP versions perform worse than Vegas and show a method to avoid this by tuning a TCP parameter— maximum window size. Furthermore, we investigate the performance of these TCP algorithms when they run with the delayed acknowledgment (DA) option defined in IETF RFC 1122, which allows the TCP receiver to transmit an ACK for every two incoming packets. We show that the TCP connection can gain 15 to 32 per cent good-put improvement by using the DA option. For all the TCP versions investigated in this work, the simulation results show that with the maximum window size set at approximately 4, TCP connections perform best and then all these TCP variants differ little in performance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Africa as the theatre of christian engagement with Islam in the nineteenth century

La rencontre au XIXe siecle entre l'Europe et l'islam a souvent ete marquee par des facteurs nes du long passe historique de l'Europe et de l'Asie. Dans cette rencontre avec l'islam, l'Europe, tout en modifiant parfois son idee sur l'islam, croyait qu'elle connaissait deja tout ce qu'il fallait connaitre, et les missionnaires etaient generalement peu aptes a compiler ce corpus de connaissances. Le but de cet article est de suggerer que l'Afrique etait en partie une exception, et d'explorer quelques-unes des facons dont l'Afrique occidentale, surtout, a ete le theâtre de l'engagement chretien et musulman et s'est heurte au debat qui avait lieu en Europe.
How to Game Your Sharpe Ratio

The Sharpe ratio is a commonly used measure of return/risk performance. However, the Sharpe ratio is susceptible to gaming by managers. This article describes a derivative structure that can induce an upward bias in the measurement of the Sharpe ratio. The structure accomplishes this by shifting returns from the highest monthly return each year to the lowest one. This smoothes observed returns-and lowers observed volatility-without significantly altering the annual return. The objective of the article is to demonstrate how adding derivatives can appear to improve risk-adjusted return without actually doing so.
The North Anatolian fault and complexities of continental escape

Abstract Before the Plio-Pleistocene, the proto North Anatolian fault zone was occupied by two separate faults: a WNW-striking right-lateral eastern segment which extended to the Black Sea, and a WSW-striking left-lateral western segment. During the Plio-Pleistocene most of the right-lateral displacement on the eastern fault was transferred from the Black Sea extension to the western fault, converting the latter to a right-lateral structure, and giving rise to the modern North Anatolian fault zone. This model explains the evidence first reported by Hancock & Barka for an apparent Plio-Pleistocene reversal of displacement along the western part of the fault. The model may also account for the Plio-Pleistocene change in regional stress in southwestern Anatolia.
Use of an institutional intervention to improve quality of care for adolescents treated in pediatric ambulatory settings for pelvic inflammatory disease.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement intervention for outpatient management of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) on provider compliance with published guidelines and to explore issues affecting patient adherence to outpatient care regimens. Methods This study utilized an interrupted time series design. The intervention included an algorithm and clinical practice guideline based on the 2002 Centers for Disease Control STD Guidelines, a complete course of medications to be given at discharge after initial doses given in the site, standardized discharge instructions, close follow-up at 24–48 hours and after two weeks of treatment by a member of the PID team, and a referral for follow-up. Results At baseline, 38% of patients did not receive an appropriate medication regimen and only 10% of clinic outpatients returned for follow-up evaluations within 72 hours. In the postintervention group, 91% of patients received an appropriate outpatient regimen and 43% of emergency department and clinic patients returned for care. Based on the results of logistic regression models, adolescents in the postintervention group were 8.4 times more likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 8.4, confidence interval [CI]: 2.6–26.8, p Conclusions Interventions utilizing a multi-level approach to the management of outpatient PID improve provider compliance with published guidelines and quality of care delivered to adolescents in academic settings. Many adolescents, however, continue to have difficulty with adherence. Additional research is warranted to address adherence to outpatient regimens for the treatment of PID in adolescent girls.
Cytokines secreted by bone marrow stromal cells protect c-KIT mutant AML cells from c-KIT inhibitor-induced apoptosis

Cytokines secreted by bone marrow stromal cells protect c-KIT mutant AML cells from c-KIT inhibitor-induced apoptosis
The Will and the Understanding in the Philosophy of Jonathan Edwards

A new examination of this well worn theme seems to be appropriate in view of the current discussion of the place of metaphysics in the study of philosophy. The familiar supposition that philosophy may, and indeed should, dispense with all high speculations concerning the nature of “the grand scheme of things entire” while it devotes its time to “the order and connection of ideas in the mind,” or to that quasi-mental order known as scientific methodology, would make of philosophy either a segment of natural science or a footless and irresponsible expression of animal hungers and party causes. Any philosophy, so we are told, which indulges in metaphysics is a mere rationalization of animal “drives” on a par with folklore, religion, and magic. Aside from the suspicion that this supposition is itself a metaphysical hypothesis not subject to scientific verification, the reasonable manner of dealing with it is to test it by comparison with rival suppositions in the history of man.
A double-blind, within subject comparison of spontaneous opioid withdrawal from buprenorphine versus morphine

Preliminary evidence suggests that there is minimal withdrawal after the cessation of chronically administered buprenorphine and that opioid withdrawal symptoms are delayed compared with those of other opioids. The present study compared the time course and magnitude of buprenorphine withdrawal with a prototypical μ-opioid agonist, morphine. Healthy, out-of-treatment opioid-dependent residential volunteers (N = 7) were stabilized on either buprenorphine (32 mg/day i.m.) or morphine (120 mg/day i.m.) administered in four divided doses for 9 days. They then underwent an 18-day period of spontaneous withdrawal, during which four double-blind i.m. placebo injections were administered daily. Stabilization and spontaneous withdrawal were assessed for the second opioid using the same time course. Opioid withdrawal measures were collected eight times daily. Morphine withdrawal symptoms were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than those of buprenorphine withdrawal as measured by mean peak ratings of Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS), Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS), all subscales of the Profile of Mood States (POMS), sick and pain (0-100) Visual Analog Scales, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and pupil dilation. Peak ratings on COWS and SOWS occurred on day 2 of morphine withdrawal and were significantly greater than on day 2 of buprenorphine withdrawal. Subjective reports of morphine withdrawal resolved on average by day 7. There was minimal evidence of buprenorphine withdrawal on any measure. In conclusion, spontaneous withdrawal from high-dose buprenorphine appears subjectively and objectively milder compared with that of morphine for at least 18 days after drug cessation.
Foreign and National Enterprise in Nineteenth-Century Colombia

The energy and interplay of Latin American and foreign businessmen in enduring the uncertainties of independence and the obstacles of nature are underscored in this example from the Colombian experience.
Risk of Premenopausal Breast Cancer and Use of Electric Blankets

Electric blanket use, estimated to significantly increase background exposure to 60-Hz electromagnetic fields, has been hypothesized to increase breast cancer risk. From 1986 to 1991 in western New York State, the authors investigated the use of electric blankets as a risk factor for breast cancer in a case-control study of premenopausal women. A total of 290 premenopausal breast cancer cases and 289 age-matched randomly selected community controls were queried in regard to their use of electric blankets in the previous 10 years, including frequency of use in season and mode of use. After adjusting for age, education, and other risk factors, the odds ratio for use of an electric blanket at any time in the previous 10 years (40% of cases and 37% of controls) was 1.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-1.68). Estimates of risk did not differ in a dose-response fashion for number of years of electric blanket use. The risk associated with daily use in season relative to nonuse was 1.27 (95% CI 0.86-1.88). The risk of breast cancer among those who reported use of the blanket through the night was 1.43 (95% CI 0.94-2.17). However, the risk for those who reported daily use in season, continuously throughout the night for the previous 10 years was 1.10 (95% CI 0.59-2.05). These findings do not support the hypothesis that electric blanket use is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. Studies with improved measures of more highly exposed individuals with quantification of total electromagnetic field exposure might clarify the uncertainties regarding risk of breast cancer associated with such exposure.
Projectile-Shape Dependence of Impact Craters in Loose Granular Media

We report on the penetration of cylindrical projectiles dropped from rest into a dry, noncohesive granular medium. The cylinder length, diameter, density, and tip shape are all explicitly varied. For deep penetrations, as compared to the cylinder diameter, the data collapse onto a single scaling law that varies as the 1/3 power of the total drop distance, the 1/2 power of cylinder length, and the 1/6 power of cylinder diameter. For shallow penetrations, the projectile shape plays a crucial role with sharper objects penetrating deeper.
Modification of muscle models to simulate fatigue

Fatigue of striated muscle after intense exercise of moderate duration can be separated into two distinct types, distinguishable on the basis of their recovery rates. High-frequency fatigue (HF), a decrease in force produced by high-frequency stimulation of a muscle, recovers over the course of minutes to tens of minutes. Low-frequency fatigue (LF), a decrease in twitch tension or force elicited by low-frequency stimulation, recovers only over the course of hours. Models of muscle can be altered to simulate these two types of fatigue by modifying separate mechanisms. Modeling HF fatigue requires changes in the muscle mechanics and changes in troponin-calcium kinetics. Modeling LF fatigue simply requires reduction of the amount of Ca released per twitch. >
Lick rates in infant Mongolian gerbils

Licking rates as a function of age were assessed in six female and one male infant Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) over a 20-day period. The data supported previous research by showing that infant and adult gerbil lick rates differ. The magnitude of these differences was small, and did not contradict the lick rate invariance hypothesis. In contrast to previous data, however, lick rate variability was relatively constant over time.
Role of Cdc42p in pheromone-stimulated signal transduction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

CDC42 encodes a highly conserved GTPase of the Rho family that is best known for its role in regulating cell polarity and actin organization. In addition, various studies of both yeast and mammalian cells have suggested that Cdc42p, through its interaction with p21-activated kinases (PAKs), plays a role in signaling pathways that regulate target gene transcription. However, recent studies of the yeast pheromone response pathway suggested that prior results with temperature-sensitive cdc42 mutants were misleading and that Cdc42p and the Cdc42p-PAK interaction are not involved in signaling. To clarify this issue, we have identified and characterized novel viable pheromone-resistant cdc42 alleles that retain the ability to perform polarity-related functions. Mutation of the Cdc42p residue Val36 or Tyr40 caused defects in pheromone signaling and in the localization of the Ste20p PAK in vivo and affected binding to the Ste20p Cdc42p-Rac interactive binding (CRIB) domain in vitro. Epistasis analysis suggested that they affect the signaling step at which Ste20p acts, and overproduction of Ste20p rescued the defect. These results suggest that Cdc42p is in fact required for pheromone response and that interaction with the PAK Ste20p is critical for that role. Furthermore, the ste20ΔCRIB allele, previously used to disrupt the Cdc42p-Ste20p interaction, behaved as an activated allele, largely bypassing the signaling defect of the cdc42 mutants. Additional observations lead us to suggest that Cdc42p collaborates with the SH3-domain protein Bem1p to facilitate signal transduction, possibly by providing a cell surface scaffold that aids in the local concentration of signaling kinases, thus promoting activation of a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade by Ste20p.
How many founders, how large a population?

The number of population founders and the size of the population are two important variables in determining how much gene diversity can be retained in a population. A model is developed to determine the most cost-effective balance of those two variables, based on comparing the marginal costs of increasing the number of founders vs. increasing the population size. Marginal costs, in this case, are the costs of increasing the number of founders or the population size by one animal. For a goal of retaining 90% gene diversity for 10–15 generations (approximately 100 years), the current recommendation of 20 effective founders is very close to the least-cost solution when the ratio of the marginal costs is equal to one. However, when the ratio is greater or less than one that number can change considerably. Zoo Biol 29:638–646, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The primary cilium as the cell's antenna : signaling at a sensory organelle

Almost every vertebrate cell has a specialized cell surface projection called a primary cilium. Although these structures were first described more than a century ago, the full scope of their functions remains poorly understood. Here, we review emerging evidence that in addition to their well-established roles in sight, smell, and mechanosensation, primary cilia are key participants in intercellular signaling. This new appreciation of primary cilia as cellular antennae that sense a wide variety of signals could help explain why ciliary defects underlie such a wide range of human disorders, including retinal degeneration, polycystic kidney disease, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and neural tube defects.
Computational modelling of flow bypass effects on straight fin heat sink in rectangular duct

Flow bypass effects of straight fin heat sink inside a rectangular duct is studied using computational fluid dynamics techniques. Computation accuracy is verified by comparing with experimental of a test problem. Both tip clearance and spanwise spacing dimensions are varied to examine the flow bypass effects on thermal resistances and pressure drops. Averaged local velocity and heat transfer coefficient distributions along the fin length are also examined to study the flow and thermal characteristic details.
First Confirmed Records of Parasitism of Seaside Sparrow Nests by Brown-Headed Cowbirds

Abstract Molothrus ater (Brown-headed Cowbird) is a known nest parasite for numerous North American passerines and has exacerbated the decline of many imperiled landbird species. However, Brown-headed Cowbird habitat preferences do not frequently overlap with many salt marsh-dwelling species. During intensive demographic research of Ammodramus maritimus (Seaside Sparrow) in the coastal salt marshes of Mississippi (2010–2012), we documented the first instances of confirmed nest parasitism of Seaside Sparrows by Brown-headed Cowbirds. We suggest that sea-level rise could increase instances of nest parasitism in marsh-dwelling passerines by increasing the perimeter-to-area ratio of marsh habitat and moving existing marsh in closer proximity to habitats preferred by Brownheaded Cowbirds.
Jitter Analysis of PWM Scheme in High Speed Serial Link

This paper presents a jitter analysis method for PWM (pulse width modulation) scheme in high-speed serial links. The data rate of PWM with N different pulse widths (PWM-N) scheme is (log2N) times (symbol rate). However it increases the timing jitter of the transmitted signal. The timing jitter is determined by the pulse widths of PWM symbols and the characteristics of the communication channel. The analysis of the first-order systems and the second-order systems demonstrates that data dependent jitter (DDJ) strongly depends on the -3dB frequency and the damping ratio of the systems. The proposed jitter analysis method makes it possible to determine the pulse width of PWM symbols with the known characteristics of the channel
Neck Abscess due to Goose Feathers Leaked From a Down Comforter Case Report, Review of Literature, and Recommendations for Parents

We present a 10-month-old baby girl who developed a neck abscess from the penetration of neck skin by 2 goose feathers that leaked from a down comforter. We review the risks of down and feather bedding and discuss consumer recommendations for parents and pediatricians.
Bragg diffraction imaging with predominantly spherical lenses

The authors propose, analyze, and demonstrate a Bragg diffraction imaging system that is predominantly anastigmatic in that is relies on only one weakly correcting cylinder lens in an easily adjustable, noncritical position. It is showing that the proposed system constitutes a simple and effective means of ultrasonic imaging if aspect ratio distortion is not of primary importance. >
Radio-triggered wake-up capability for sensor networks

Power management is an important technique to prolong the lifespan of sensor networks. Many power-management protocols employ wake-up/sleep schedules, which are often complicated and inefficient. We present power management schemes that eliminate such wake-up periods unless the node indeed needs to wake up. This type of wake-up capability is enabled by a new radio-triggered hardware component. We evaluate the potential power saving in terms of the lifespan of a sensor network application, using experiment data and SPICE circuit simulations. Comparing the result with always-on and rotation-based power management schemes, we find the radio-triggered scheme saves 98% of the energy used in the always-on scheme, and saves over 70% of the energy used in the rotation-based scheme. Consequently, the lifespan increases from 3.3 days (always-on) or 49.5 days (rotation-based) to 178 days (radio-triggered). Furthermore, a store-energy technique can extend operating distance from 10 feet to 22 feet, or even longer if longer latency is acceptable. We also present amplification and radio-triggered IDs which can further enhance performance.
Longitudinal development of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and lung disease progression in children with cystic fibrosis.

ContextAlthough Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common virulent respiratory pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF), the longitudinal development of P aeruginosa infection and its effect on antibody responses and lung disease progression in children with CF remain unclear.ObjectiveTo prospectively examine the epidemiology of P aeruginosa infection and its impact on CF pulmonary morbidity.Design, Setting, and PatientsWe prospectively evaluated 56 CF patients at 2 CF centers in Madison and Milwaukee, Wis, from birth up to age 16 years between April 15, 1985, and April 15, 2004, with diagnoses made through the Wisconsin CF Neonatal Screening Project.Main Outcome MeasuresTiming of nonmucoid P aeruginosa and mucoid P aeruginosa acquisition was assessed by first positive result. Longitudinal development from no P aeruginosa to nonmucoid P aeruginosa and from nonmucoid P aeruginosa to mucoid P aeruginosa was examined. Outcome measurements included antibody titers, respiratory symptoms, quantitative chest radiography, and pulmonary function tests.ResultsSixteen patients (29%) acquired nonmucoid P aeruginosa in the first 6 months of life. The age-specific prevalence of mucoid P aeruginosa increased markedly from age 4 to 16 years. Nonmucoid and mucoid P aeruginosa were acquired at median ages of 1.0 and 13.0 years, respectively. In contrast with the short transition time from no P aeruginosa to nonmucoid P aeruginosa, the transition time from nonmucoid to mucoid P aeruginosa was relatively long (median, 10.9 years) and could be slightly extended by brief/low anti–P aeruginosa antibiotic treatment. Antibody titers increased with both transitions, but the deterioration in cough scores, chest radiograph scores, and pulmonary function correlated best with transition from nonmucoid to mucoid P aeruginosa.ConclusionsEarly prevention and detection of nonmucoid and mucoid P aeruginosa are critical because of early acquisition and prevalence. There is a window of opportunity for suppression and possible eradication (by aggressive anti–P aeruginosa treatment) of initial nonmucoid P aeruginosa. Mucoid P aeruginosa plays a much greater role in CF lung disease progression than nonmucoid P aeruginosa. Antibody titers, cough scores, and chest radiographs are early signs of nonmucoid P aeruginosa and especially mucoid P aeruginosa stages.
Epistatic interactions of CDKN2B-TCF7L2 for risk of type 2 diabetes and of CDKN2B-JAZF1 for triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio longitudinal change: evidence from the Framingham Heart Study

Fifteen known type 2 diabetes (T2D) gene variants were assessed for their associations with T2D status in 228 T2D families from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Original, Offspring, and Children Cohorts. Bayesian approach was used to test single-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association followed by logistic regression. Bayesian and logic regression approaches were used to test multiple SNP association searching for the best combinations of variants followed by logistic regression reconfirmation. The significant variants for T2D risk were also tested for their main and interacting effects on triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio change derived from four point measures across time. This slope phenotype was made available using mixed model growth curve approach from 155 T2D families in the FHS Offspring Cohort.
Submicron feature surface mapping interferometer for hard-to-access locations

This paper describes a compact, imaging Twyman-Green interferometer to measure small features such as corrosion pits, scratches and digs on hard to access objects such as assembled parts. The shoebox size interferometer was designed to guarantee proper orientation and working distance relative to the inspected section. The system also provides an extended acceptance angle to permit the collection at selected view points on a subject. We will describe the various image shifting techniques investigated as part of the prototype. All the components with the exception of power supplies were integrated into an enclosure. The interferometer has been demonstrated to provide sub-micron depth resolution and diffraction limited spatial resolution (a few microns). This paper will present the final performance achieved with the system and provide examples of applications.
MENDB: a database of polymorphic loci from natural populations.

Summary: MENDB is an online database for genetic markers determined to be polymorphic in natural populations. The database contains primer sequences and conditions for PCR, taxonomic information, and links to GenBank records, as well as basic statistics on the level of polymorphism for the surveyed populations/individuals.
Economic importance of managing spatially heterogeneous weed populations

Three methods of predicting the impact of weed interference on crop yield and expected economic return were compared to evaluate the economic importance of weed spatial heterogeneity. Density of three weed species was obtained using a grid sampling scheme in 11 corn and 11 soybean fields. Crop yield loss was predicted assuming densities were homogeneous, aggregated following a negative binomial with known population mean and k, or aggregated with weed densities spatially mapped. Predicted crop loss was lowest and expected returns highest when spatial location of weed density was utilized to decide whether control was justified. Location-specific weed management resulted in economic gain as well as a reduction in the quantity of herbicide applied. Nomenclature: Corn, Zea mays L.; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. Additional index words: Competition, negative binomial, patch, corn, sampling, precision agricul- ture, integrated pest management, Abutilon theophrasti, ABUTH, Setaria spp., Amaranthus spp. Abbreviations: ER, economic return; ET, single year economic threshold; Xeq, density equivalent; YL, yield loss; YLC, yield loss based on weed density within a cell; YLk, yield loss based on mean weed density adjusted for the distribution of weed density within that field; YL., yield loss based on mean weed density for the entire field.
p53-Mediated Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Competition

Cell competition was originally described in Drosophila as a process for selection of the fittest cells. It is likely to play an important role in tissue homeostasis in all metazoans, but little is known about its role and regulation in mammals. By using genetic mosaic mouse models and bone marrow chimeras, we describe here a form of cell competition that selects for the least damaged cells. This competition is controlled by p53 but is distinct from the classical p53-mediated DNA damage response: it persists for months, is specific to the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and depends on the relative rather than absolute level of p53 in competing cells. The competition appears to be mediated by a non-cell-autonomous induction of growth arrest and senescence-related gene expression in outcompeted cells with higher p53 activity. p53-mediated cell competition of this type could potentially contribute to the clonal expansion of incipient cancer cells.
Megaspores and other dispersed plant remains from the Dakota Formation (Cenomanian) of Kansas, U.S.A.

Abstract Bulk maceration and sieving of terrestrial and marginal marine sediments from the Dakota Formation (Cretaceous, Ce‐nomanian) of Kansas yielded a diverse assemblage of dispersed plant fossils, including 16 species of lycopod and heterosporous fern megaspores, six species of seed and fruit cuticles, four types of bilobed cuticular structures which may be reproductive structures from some unknown Mesozoic seed plant, and two species of algal cysts. The megaspore and seed cuticle flora is similar to other North American floras of Cenomanian age, and some of the species found are index fossils for the Cenomanian, thus reconfirming the age of these deposits. The botanical affinities of many of these fossils have been investigated, based on evidence from megaspore wall ultrastructure, morphology, associated microspores, and occurrence in‐situ in megafossils. The suggested affinities of some of the megaspores, based on this and previous studies, are as follows: Arcellites and Molaspora — Marsiliales; Ari...
Characterizing network covert storage channels

A novel characterization is presented for covert channels in stand-alone systems. This characterization is used to examine the nature of covert channels in computer networks. Most network covert channels are shown to reduce to covert channels in standalone systems. The remaining identified network covert channels are identified to be examples of a more general Trojan horse leakage problem. The search for a general solution to this problem is identified as an important area for future research. >
Terminal course of nerve supply to Müller's muscle in the rhesus monkey and its clinical significance.

The superior tarsal (Miiller's) muscle is innervated by sympathetic nerve fibers but their course is unknown. They may accompany the motor nerve to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle,1-2 follow the internal carotid and ophthalmic arter­ ies,3 or join the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve3 (Fig. 1). The course is of clinical importance in blepharoptosi s surgery.4 Miiller's muscle is present in congenital blepharoptosis5 and it proba­ bly accounts for about 2 mm of eyelid elevation since its paralysis, as in Horner's syndrome, results in this degree of blepharoptosis. The standard blepharop­ tosis operations remove most or all of Miiller's muscle. If the muscle is pre­ served, it must not be denervated. 6 Many blepharoptosis operations involve cutting the levator muscle. We report herein the results of an investigation designed to learn if this denervates Miiller's muscle. MATERIAL AND METHODS The levator muscle was cut in 16 mon­ keys and Miiller's muscle was examined by electron microscopy for evidence of adrenergic nerve damage, by a modifica­ tion of the Falck-Hillarp histochemical fluorescence technique which indicates intraneuronal catecholamines in intact
Cognitive Moral Development And Organizational Commitment: Two Potential Predictors Of Whistle-Blowing

The recent popularity of whistle-blowing as a research topic has results in numerous publications attempting to identify the variables and antecedent conditions related to an individual act of whistle-blowing. Following suit this paper proposes that two individual characteristics, cognitive moral development and organizational commitment, will affect the likelihood of an individual engaging in whistle-blowing behavior.
Beyond charity-social justice and health care.

Though it is sorely needed, charity care may in some ways perpetuate the unjust system that makes it necessary in the first place. True social justice in medicine, on the other hand, demands that physicians take the lead in advocating for systemic change.
Thinking Critically About Rural Crime: The Influence of William J. Chambliss

William J. Chambliss (Bill) is well-known for his path-breaking theories of lawmaking and for his innovative research on state-organized crime. However, the fact that his study of the original vagrancy laws marked the birth of rural critical criminology has gone unrecognized by criminologists. The main objective of this article is twofold: (1) to show how Bill helped shape contemporary rural critical criminology and (2) to provide suggestions for further critical theoretical and empirical work on rural crime and social control.
Impulsivity and Stress Response in Nondependent Smokers (Tobacco Chippers) in Comparison to Heavy Smokers and Nonsmokers.

Introduction Tobacco chippers are light smokers with stable patterns of smoking that exhibit lower nicotine dependence severity than heavy smokers. Chippers may provide valuable information about the factors influencing drug dependence. Impulsivity and stress are two factors known to influence smoking. By comparing nondependent smokers (tobacco chippers, n = 25) to dependent smokers (heavy smokers, n = 23) and nonsmokers (n = 25), this study examines the relationship between nicotine dependence, impulsivity, chronic stress, and stress reactivity. Methods A total of 73 adult participants completed a study visit that included questionnaires to measure nicotine dependence, chronic stress, personality, affect, withdrawal, and craving. Impulsivity was measured with the delay discounting task and the flanker task. Stress reactivity was assessed by monitoring respiration, heart rate, and salivary cortisol during performance of a titrated Stroop task. Effects of acute stress on affect and craving were examined. Results Tobacco chippers were as impulsive as heavy smokers on the delay discounting task but no different from nonsmokers on the flanker task. Heavy smokers reported higher perceived stress than chippers and nonsmokers. Perceived stress was a significant predictor of discounting only in heavy smokers. Acute stress induced changes in respiration, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Craving and negative affect increased after stress in both smoking groups, but craving was associated with affect only in chippers. Conclusions Tobacco chippers do not differ from heavy smokers in impulsivity, but do differ in perceived stress. One's perception and experience of stress might be associated to nicotine dependence resistance and could inform smoking cessation treatments. Implications By examining impulsivity, chronic stress, and stress reactivity in nondependent smokers (tobacco chippers) compared to dependent smokers and nonsmokers, this study contributes to the understanding of nicotine addiction and informs smoking cessation programs.
Abstract 3456: Macrophages as independent prognostic factors in small T1 breast cancers.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in women in the United States. The occurrence of high numbers of macrophages in the tumor stroma has been associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in breast and other solid malignances. However, macrophage numbers in tumors have not been validated as a prognostic factor in clinical practice. The present analysis was designed as a pilot study aimed at determining whether the presence of CD68 + macrophages is an independent prognostic factor in small T1 ER + breast cancers across three different ethnic groups, i.e. African American, Latinas and Caucasian women. A retrospective pilot analysis of 30 T1 breast cancers cases encompassing these three ethnic groups was carried out. African American and Latina women present with less incidence but more aggressive breast cancer disease and therefore proportionally higher death rates. Using immunohistochemistry, we sought to find out whether there was any association between the presence and density of CD68 + macrophages and standard prognostic markers with overall survival in these groups. Our data showed that overall survival did not differ significantly for the occurrence or density of CD68 + macrophages in T1 ER + tumors. There were also no significant differences in overall survival for the occurrence of CD68 + macrophages across ethnicities, although macrophage numbers were significantly higher in tumors from African American and Latinas than in Caucasian patients. Interestingly but not surprisingly, the absence of PR associated very strongly with decreased overall survival. This pilot project shows that CD68 + macrophages are not pivotal in determining tumor prognosis in early T1 breast cancers. New studies are presently being conducted to assess the value of different macrophage markers and macrophage activation profiles as prognostic factors in breast cancers of different clinical stages, using a larger number of patients among these three different ethnicities. Citation Format: Roberto Carrio, Tulay Koru-Sengul, Feng Miao, Stefan Gluck, Omar Lopez, Yamil Selman, Consuelo Alvarez, Clara Milikowski, Carmen Gomez, Merce Jorda, Mehrad Nadji, Marta Torroella-Kouri. Macrophages as independent prognostic factors in small T1 breast cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3456. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3456
Systemic Insecticides for Six-Spotted Leafhopper Control and Reduction of Incidence of Lettuce Yellows

There systemic insecticides, phorate, dimethoate and Di-Syston® ( O-O -diethyl S -2(ethylthio)ethyl phosphorodithioate), were investigated for six-spotted leafhopper control and prevention of the lettuce-yellow virus disease in Oswego County, New York, during 1958–1960. Results showed that significant reduction in the yellows incidence was possible with all three sys-temies when applied as soil treatments at a rate of 1.0 pound actual per acre at the time of planting. Treatments with granules or drenches were more effective than seed treatments and equally or more effective than malathion spray treatments. Time-mortality studies at the laboratory indicated that phorate was considerably more effective in killing leafhoppers in a 24-hour period than either Di-Syston or dimethoate. The systemic materials were effective 4 or 5 weeks following soil applications, but appeared to lose much of their effectiveness 6 weeks after application.