cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kenaf productivity and morphology, when grown in Iowa and in Kentucky

Abstract Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), mostly produced in China and India, is grown to a limited extent in the U.S., although this natural fiber can be a promising alternative to synthetic fibers for reinforcing plastic or other composite materials, or fuel purposes. Producing kenaf in the Midwestern U.S. could provide a local source of this fiber for use in a number of manufactured products and potentially for use as a biofuel feedstock. The objectives of this study were to: 1) compare the productivity and the morphology of kenaf cultivars ‘Tainung 2’ and ‘Whitten’ when grown in Iowa and Kentucky and harvested after the first killing frost; 2) assess kenaf growth over the growing season; and 3) determine management (variety and seed density) effects on kenaf productivity and morphology. In 2014 and 2015, varieties ‘Tainung 2’ and ‘Whitten’ were grown at 185,300 and 370,700 seed/ha in Iowa and in Kentucky. Stem and leaf biomass, plant population, core:bast ratio, stem height and diameter, leaf area index (LAI), and nitrogen concentration were measured during 6 in-season harvests and at the final harvest. Results showed that, ‘Tainung 2’ and ‘Whitten’ grown in Kentucky in 2014 yielded 24 and 19 Mg/ha, respectively, whereas both cultivars reached a final yield of 8 Mg/ha in Iowa. However, in 2015, final yields were similar for both locations (12.6 Mg/ha on average). It was found that variety and seed density treatment effects were starting to be observed during the growing season, and that, when grown in Iowa, kenaf response to treatments was less variable over time than in Kentucky. With respect to fiber production, growing ‘Tainung 2’ in Kentucky produced plants with 16% more core fiber than in Iowa, but using that same variety in Iowa would result in higher bast production. Therefore, a producer in Kentucky could influence kenaf productivity by changing management practices and variety. Overall, kenaf production is very feasible in Kentucky and Iowa, but Kentucky has greater yield potential.
Introduction: Aging, Immigration, and Second Language Learning in the Hispanic Population

By using older adult immigrant firsthand accounts that we have collected over several years, we show the ways structural, cultural, and interpersonal forces impact older adult immigrants’ conception of themselves as second language learners and their practical ability to move toward English language attainment. These examples also highlight the important role that places of language learning have in transforming self-identify and generating pathways for individuals to make language gains. Our stories capture a group of older adults from diverse immigrant contexts to help us better understand what the constraints are and affordances under which they attempt to acquire the English language. Our approach assumes that insights can be gathered by knowing just how much room may be available in the everyday lives of older adult learners to maneuver within the social and political terrain of immigration. Insights regarding language identity formation and local implementation of language resocialization can be the critical pieces for developing strategies and programs used to transform the acculturation experience of older adult immigrants and, thereby, change conventional attitudes and perceptions of immigrants in the United States.
MR- versus CT-based high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer.

Abstract Purpose To compare clinical outcomes of MR-based versus CT-based high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) for vaginal recurrence of endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC). Methods and Materials We reviewed 66 patients with vaginal recurrent EC; 18 had MR-based ISBT on a prospective clinical trial and 48 had CT-based treatment. Kaplan–Meier survival modeling was used to generate estimates for local control (LC), disease-free interval (DFI), and overall survival (OS), and multivariate Cox modeling was used to assess prognostic factors. Toxicities were evaluated and compared. Results Median followup was 33 months (CT 30 months, MR 35 months). Median cumulative equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions was 75.5 Gy for MR-ISBT and 73.8 Gy for CT-ISBT ( p = 0.58). MR patients were older ( p = 0.03) and had larger tumor size (>4 cm vs. ≤ 4 cm) compared to CT patients ( p = 0.04). For MR-based versus CT-based ISBT, 3-year KM rate for local control was 100% versus 78% ( p = 0.04), DFI was 69% versus 55% ( p = 0.1), and OS was 63% versus 75% ( p = 0.81), respectively. On multivariate analysis, tumor Grade 3 was associated with worse OS (HR 3.57, 95% CI 1.25, 11.36) in a model with MR-ISBT (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.16, 1.89). Toxicities were not significantly different between the two modalities. Conclusion Despite worse patient prognostic features, MR-ISBT was associated with a significantly better (100%) 3-year local control, comparable survival, and improved DFI rates compared to CT. Toxicities did not differ compared to CT-ISBT patients. Tumor grade contributed as the most significant predictor for survival. Larger prospective studies are needed to assess the impact of MR-ISBT on survival outcomes.
10-Year-Old Female with Acute Abdominal Pain with Pancreatic Mass.

A previously healthy 10-year-old female presented to a local emergency department following three days of nausea and vomiting diagnosed with a solid pseudopapillary tumor. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are a rare form of pancreatic cystic neoplasm that typically presents in young females in their 20–30s and are very rare in children. These neoplasms often present as an asymptomatic tumor found on incidental imaging. When symptomatic they most commonly present with abdominal pain and can also cause a palpable abdominal mass, weight loss, gastrointestinal obstruction, and nausea and vomiting. Timely diagnosis of this rare neoplasm is very important because complete resection of the tumor is the definitive treatment and leads to an excellent long-term survival.
Microstructural dependence of strain rate sensitivity in thermomechanically processed Al0.1CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy

Abstract Al0.1CoCrFeNi is a single-phase FCC high entropy alloy (HEA) that promises remarkable work-hardening due to its low stacking fault energy (SFE) resulting in suppression of cross-slip and dynamic recovery. The cast material of low yield strength was cold-worked to enhance strength; and then subjected to recovery and recrystallization treatments to improve ductility. Mechanical responses from standard tensile testing at quasi-static strain rate of 10−3 s−1 were coupled with dynamic deformation from split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) testing at 103 s−1 to study strain rate sensitivity (SRS) and its microstructural dependence in various conditions generated by thermomechanical processing. While dynamic work-hardening remained high in all microstructural conditions, SRS was highly sensitive to the nature of obstacles in each condition. The cast condition showed a moderate SRS of 0.017, but introduction of dislocation tangles and large deformation twins with cold work rendered a sharp drop in SRS to ~ 0. As the density of these defects is reduced during low-temperature annealing treatments, the recovered microstructures showed SRS recuperating back to original SRS level of 0.017. Higher temperature treatments resulted in partial recrystallization and lower SRS
Total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic osteoarthritis following acetabular fracture: A systematic review of characteristics, outcomes, and complications.

Abstract Purpose Posttraumatic arthritis (PTA) may develop years after acetabular fracture, hindering joint function and causing significant chronic musculoskeletal pain. Given the delayed onset of PTA, few studies have assessed outcomes of delayed total hip arthroplasty (THA) in acetabular fracture patients. This study systematically reviewed the literature for outcomes of THA in patients with PTA and prior acetabular fracture. Methods Pubmed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library were searched for articles containing the keywords “acetabular”, “fracture”, “arthroplasty”, and “post traumatic arthritis” published between 1995 and August 2017. Studies with less than 10 patients, less than 2 years of follow-up, conference abstracts, and non-English language articles were excluded. Data on patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and outcomes of delayed THA, including implant survival, complications, need for revision, and functional scores, was collected from eligible studies. Results With 1830 studies were screened and data from 10 studies with 448 patients were included in this review. The median patient age on date of THA was 51.5 years, ranging from 19 to 90 years. The median time from fracture to THA was 37 months, with a range of 27–74 months. Mean follow-up times ranged from 4 to 20 years. The mean Harris hip scores (HHS) improved from 41.5 pre-operatively, to 87.6 post-operatively. The most prevalent postoperative complications were heterotopic ossification (28%–63%), implant loosening (1%–24%), and infection (0%–16%). The minimum 5-year survival of implants ranged from 70% to 100%. Revision rates ranged from 2% to 32%. Conclusion Despite the difficulties associated with performing THA in patients with PTA from previous acetabular fracture (including soft tissue scarring, existing hardware, and acetabular bone loss) and the relatively high complication rates, THA in patients with PTA following prior acetabular fracture leads to significant improvement in pain and function at 10-year follow-up. Further high quality randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the outcomes after delayed THA in these patients.
Simulated Dialogues with Virtual Agents: Effects of Agent Features in Conversation-Based Assessments

Pedagogical agents are widely employed in intelligent tutoring systems and game-based learning environments, but research suggests that learning benefits from virtual agents vary as a function of agent features (e.g., the form or register of agent dialogue) and student characteristics (e.g., prior knowledge). Students’ responses to agent-based conversations provide useful evidence of students’ knowledge and skills for assessment purposes; however, it is unclear whether these agent design features and student characteristics similarly influence students’ interactions with agents in assessment (versus learning) contexts. In this paper, we explore relationships between agent features and student characteristics within a conversation-based assessment of science inquiry skills. We examined the effects of virtual agents’ knowledge status (low vs. high) and language use (comparative vs. argumentative question framing) on agent perceptions (ratings) in a conversation-based assessment of scientific reasoning (i.e., using data to predict the weather). Preliminary results show that the effects of these features on students’ perceptions of agents varied as a function of students’ background characteristics, consistent with research on learning from agents. Implications for designing agent-based assessments will be discussed.
The logistics process analysis tool (LPAT): combining agent-based and discrete event simulation techniques for improved logistics analysis

Simulation provides a great way to analyze complex logistics operations. In military domains especially, simulation is a critical and cost-effective tool for deployment planning and analysis. However, existing simulation tools often have a focus that is either too macroscopic or too microscopic to successfully model all the significant processes of a logistics system. These tools focus on simulating either the transportation of materials throughout an entire network or the processes within an installation, but not both. In this paper, we describe the marrying of two existing tools, one having a macro-level focus (ELIST -- the Enhanced Logistics Intra-theater Support Tool) and one having a micro-level focus (PAT -- Process Analysis Tool), into a single simulation system (LPAT -- Logistics Process and Analysis Tool) that is used to simulate many levels of a logistics operation. We describe how the ELIST discrete event simulator is combined with the PAT agent-based simulator to create the new tool. We also provide a short case study as an example of how LPAT has been used effectively. While the original tools were designed for military applications, this case study shows that our new tool is suitable for analyzing logistics and process problems outside of the military domain.
Clinical Cardiac Abnormalities and Magnesium

There are several clinical conditions associated with cardiac abnormalities that resemble those produced by experimental magnesium deficiency or that cause loss of myocardial magnesium. Bajusz (1965b) refers to experimental necrotizing cardiomyopathies to describe a variety of degenerative processes that are more or less confined to the myocardium. He commented that the disease is characterized by subendocardial necrotizing foci, usually without significant disease of the coronary vessels, although comparable disorders can be produced by thrombogenic diets. He observed that “coronary heart diseases” should be classified as primary or secondary cardiomyopathies that result from vascular factors (e.g., coronary artery spasms, local microcirculatory changes), factors that directly affect myocardial metabolism and the susceptibility or resistance of the myocardium at the time of potentially cardiotoxic episodes. He pointed out that, in addition to stress situations, hormones, and age, cardiomyopathy-conditioning factors include sodium excess and deficiencies of chloride, and especially of potassium and magnesium. Bajusz (1969) has stated that the loss of these two cations from the myocardial cells (that are associated with early ultrastructural changes such as enlargement and vacuolization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial degeneration) seem to be important components of many, if not all types of disturbances in cardiac metabolism, resulting in myocardial degeneration, heart failure, or fatal conduction defects.
Sinking Streams and Losing Streams

Allogenic tributary streams lose water or sink entirely and contribute to the primary groundwater circulation routes through karst watersheds and drainage basins. These main conduit flow routes function as transfer paths from headwater influent streams to discharge points at springs. The active trunk flow routes serve as master groundwater collectors of diffuse recharge from infiltration and runoff into sinkholes. Due to limited filtration of influent stream recharge and rapid groundwater velocities, most karst aquifers are extremely vulnerable to pollution from surface activities.
Urethral strictures: treatment with intralesional steroids.

AbstractA review of steroid management of urethral strictures is presented. The 96 patients were followed for a year or more after urethral injection with triamcinolone. Intralesional steroid may be used in many types of strictures but it is especially useful in those cases with strictures in the distal urethra or the meatus, those occurring after radical prostatectomy and in some cases when 1 or more urethroplasties have been done. Every practicing urologist can benefit from using stricture injection in selected cases.
Association of self-reported physical activity with survival among patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

e20664Background: Patient assessment strategies are needed to individualize treatment planning for adults receiving palliative chemotherapy for NSCLC. We evaluated the utility of a cancer-specific ...
Machine translation and the L2 classroom: Pedagogical solutions for making peace with Google translate

This article addresses a key pedagogical issue of our time: the widespread yet generally unwelcome presence of machine translation (MT) in the language classroom. Studies have repeatedly shown that L2 students consult the most widely used translation tool, Google Translate (GT), in spite of the fact that its use is frowned upon by second language (L2) instructors. Even so, academic honesty violations are not always reported, nor is there a consensus on whether the use of MT constitutes a form of cheating. Recognizing the omnipresence of GT in L2 student work, this article examines current research on the use of MT, highlights the strengths and limitations of this technology, explores 21st‐century pedagogical solutions designed to harness the capabilities of both MT and alternative technologies, and suggests venues for future research with the goal of ensuring learners’ academic growth in line with ACTFL's Can‐Do Statements for Intercultural Communication
A Contingent Valuation Analysis of the Galway City Museum: Welfare Estimates for Attendance in the Absence of an Admission Fee

This paper provides empirical evidence about the demand for museum attendance in the absence of an admission fee based upon a survey of visitors to the Galway City Museum. The contingent valuation model results provide estimates of the total value (consumer surplus) of annual museum visits. Using these results it is possible to determine the welfare effects of predicted reductions in the number of visits at various levels for an admission fee. The results also provide insight about the impact of fees on the demand for subsequent versus initial museum visits, a focus of continuing interest within the cultural economics literature.
Clinical-pathological correlations of BAV and the attendant thoracic aortopathies. Part 1: Pluridisciplinary perspective on their hemodynamics and morphomechanics.

Clinical BAV manifestations pertain to faulty aortic valve (AOV) function, the associated aortopathy, and other complications such as endocarditis, thrombosis and thromboembolism. BAV arises during valvulogenesis when 2 of the 3 leaflets/cusps of the AOV are fused together. Ensuing asymmetric BAV morphologies alter downstream ejection jet flow-trajectories. Based on BAV morphologies, ejection-flows exhibit different wall-impingement and scouring patterns in the proximal aorta, with excessive hydrodynamic wall-shear that correlates closely with mural vascular smooth muscle cell and extracellular matrix disruptions, revealing hemodynamic participation in the pathogenesis of BAV-associated aortopathies. Since the embryologic regions implicated in both BAV and aortopathies derive from neural crest cells and second heart field cells, there may exist a common multifactorial/polygenic embryological basis linking the abnormalities. The use of Electronic Health Records - encompassing integrated NGS variant panels and phenotypic data - in clinical studies could speed-up comprehensive understanding of multifactorial genetic-phenotypic and environmental factor interactions. This Survey represents the first in a 2-article pluridisciplinary work. Taken in toto, the series covers hemodynamic/morphomechanical and environmental (milieu interieur) aspects in Part 1, and molecular, genetic and associated epigenetic aspects in Part 2. Together, Parts 1-2 should serve as a reference-milestone and driver for further pluridisciplinary research and its urgent translations in the clinical setting.
"Do you work for aperture science?": researching and finding the gamer identity in a minecraft community for autistic children

Much of the scholarly work for and about individuals with disabilities focused on accessibility and on disability identity. In this ethnographic study of a Minecraft community for children and youth with autism, Autcraft, I analyze community members' intersecting identities of gamer and autistic. I also describe the role of gender-identity as it impacts how youth explore and express their other identities. This work shows that autistic is only one facet of the community members' lives and that they consider themselves gamers as part of their core identity. I discuss the similarities in mainstream discourse about autism and gaming and the importance of approaching marginalized gaming communities with an intersectional lens. The contribution of this work points to how these complicated, intersecting identities affect how we, as researchers, should approach gaming communities in future work.
Progress not panacea: vancomycin powder efficacy and dose evaluated in an in vivo mouse model of spine implant infection.

Abstract BACKGROUND Intrawound vancomycin powder (VP) has been rapidly adopted in spine surgery with apparent benefit demonstrated in limited, retrospective studies. Randomized trials, basic science, and dose response studies are scarce. PURPOSE This study aims to test the efficacy and dose effect of VP over an extended time course within a randomized, controlled in vivo animal experiment. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Randomized controlled experiment utilizing a mouse model of spine implant infection with treatment groups receiving vancomycin powder following bacterial inoculation. METHODS Utilizing a mouse model of spine implant infection with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus, 24 mice were randomized into 3 groups: 10 infected mice with VP treatment (+VP), 10 infected mice without VP treatment (No-VP), and 4 sterile controls (SC). Four milligrams of VP (mouse equivalent of 1 g in a human) were administered before wound closure. Bioluminescence imaging was performed over 5 weeks to quantify bacterial burden. Electron microscopy (EM), bacterial colonization assays (Live/Dead) staining, and colony forming units (CFU) analyses were completed. A second dosing experiment was completed with 34 mice randomized into 4 groups: control, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg groups. RESULTS The (+VP) treatment group exhibited significantly lower bacterial loads compared to the control (No-VP) group, (p CONCLUSIONS Vancomycin powder provided an overall infection prevention benefit but failed to eradicate infection in all mice. Furthermore, the dose when halved also demonstrated an overall protective benefit, albeit at a lower rate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Vancomycin powder is efficacious but should not be viewed as a panacea for perioperative infection prevention. Dose alterations can be considered, especially in patients with kidney disease or at high risk for seroma.
An Introduction to Health Services Research

The scientific focus of academic surgery has changed dramatically over the past decade. Historically, surgeon-scientists engaged almost exclusively in basic science research. With the rise of health services and outcomes research, more trainees and junior faculty are pursuing research in these disciplines. Despite the increasing popularity of this field, there are very few resources for young surgeons interested in learning about this discipline as applied to surgery.
Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer: Current Status and Future Directions

The investigation of total neoadjuvant therapy has increased significantly in recent years, with a number of approaches being utilized in ongoing prospective studies, including (1) induction neoadjuvant chemotherapy (INCT), (2) consolidation neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CNCT), and (3) short-course radiation therapy (SC-RT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Significant questions remain regarding the ideal sequence of a total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) approach. Multiple prospective multi-institutional trials have evaluated the addition of multi-agent chemotherapy before or after neoadjuvant rectal cancer chemoradiation. In 2019, a multi-center randomized phase II trial from Germany, CAO/ARO/AIO-12, demonstrated better compliance and lower toxicities with CNCT in comparison to INCT. The OPRA study recently reported in ASCO 2020 improved organ preservation for CNCT, and similar 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). RAPIDO reports higher rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) and lower rates of 3-year distant metastases (DM) for TNT compared to traditional treatment sequencing. Recent literature on TNT for LARC highlights the potential of this approach to enhance compliance, increase distant control and survival rates, and reduce toxicities. Further research is important to tailor treatment approaches to patients with LARC.
Engineered TAL Effector Proteins: Versatile Reagents for Manipulating Plant Genomes

Transcription activator-like (TAL) effectors are proteins produced by plant pathogens of the genus Xanthomonas. They are delivered to plant cells during infection and bind to specific plant gene promoters to activate transcription and promote bacterial infection. DNA binding by TAL effectors is mediated by an array of typically 14–24 repeats; each repeat is 34 amino acids in length and folds into a hairpin-like structure that contacts a single base in the target DNA. The TAL effector DNA-binding motif has proven highly modular, and custom TAL effector arrays can be made to recognize virtually any site in a plant genome, thereby providing a valuable reagent for genome manipulation. In particular, when TAL effector arrays are fused to a nuclease, they can create targeted double-strand breaks at a locus of interest. The repair of the breaks can be directed to achieve a variety of targeted genome modifications, with applications ranging from understanding plant gene function to creating novel traits in agronomically important crop species.
Juan Montaño Escobar, el jazzman de los 8 minutos 46 segundos de Black Lives Matter

This essay analyzes the literary response of Ecuadorian Juan Montano Escobar to the Black Lives Matter movement and the tragic death of George F. Floyd, Jr. on May 25, 2020. More than a protest or complaint, Montano presents a statement of collective appropriation of those stolen 8 minutes 46 seconds, to claim them as an act of (re)existence and resignification, precisely because Black Lives Matter and because the movement highlights the systemic racism that defines the history of the Americas.
Assay performance during validation of freezing channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) infected with a Gram‐negative bacterium

Recovery of bacteria from infected fish during population sampling can be affected by factors including the type of assay, method of specimen preservation and concentration of bacteria present. Consequently, before use in field sampling, methods should be validated. The three objectives of this study were, first, to determine whether a channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) fingerling classified as positive for Gram-negative Edwardsiella ictaluri infection according to bacterial culture before freezing was also classified as positive after freezing, second, to determine how direct culture from the kidney (DIRECT), culture of homogenate (HOMOG) and standard PCR (PCR) agree with bacterial culture in terms of classifying fish as positive or negative and third, to estimate diagnostic sensitivity (dSe) and diagnostic specificity (dSp) for DIRECT, HOMOG and PCR. In fresh and frozen fish, as bacterial concentration decreased, the ability of each assay to detect positive fish also decreased, especially when there were <104 colony-forming units per gram (CFU g−1) tissue. HOMOG proved to be the most reliable at correctly classifying catfish, whether they were subclinically or clinically infected. PCR assay was the least reliable. Overall, values for this study population for dSe were 0.66, 0.92 and 0.43, and for dSp were 0.86, 0.91 and 0.95, for DIRECT, HOMOG and PCR respectively.
An integrated model of acting and inference

This paper discusses propositional representations for representing beliefs, actions, and plans. From the point of integrating inference and acting, it introduces the notions of a transformer. A transformer is a representation that specifies a belief/act transformation under the influence of a transforming procedure. We will look at forward and backward transforming procedures. Under this scheme a reasoning rule in SNePS is a belief-belief transformer, i.e. it is a specification of antecedent and consequent beliefs. Such a transformer can be used in forward as well as backward inference (using the transformation procedures). Similarly, we can have belief-action, action-belief, and action-action transformers. These transformers can be used to model planning, plan decompositions, sequencing of actions, effects and preconditions of actions, and reactivity to sensory input. While some of these transformers can be uniformly used by both forward as well as backward transformation procedures, it is not desirable to do so. For this reason we need different representations for same transformers so that some transformations can be blocked. We informally outline a scheme for modifying the existing inference procedure (SNIP) to do forward/backward transformations involved in reasoning as well as acting.
Evaluation of the Hybrid III dummy interactions with air bag in frontal crash by finite element simulation

The main objective of this study was to validate a finite element dummy model for simulation of air bag interaction with an in-position occupant in a frontal vehicle crash. A second objective was to develop a simplified semi-rigid version of the finite element dummy and compare the responses from the two simulations. Since the deformable finite element dummy is more robust and more accurate, fewer runs may be required during the final stages of dummy correlation. Therefore, the total time to develop a correlated model could be competitive with the hybrid approach.
Genetic transformation: a powerful tool for dissection of adaptive traits in trees

Plant transformation and regeneration systems have become indispensable parts of gene discovery and functional characterization over the last two decades. Adoption of transformation methods in studies of plant adaptation to natural environments has been slow. This is a result of poor genomic knowledge and inefficient transformation systems for species dominating terrestrial ecosystems, and logistical difficulties in conducting field tests of genetically engineered organisms. In trees, where long generation cycles, high background polymorphism, large sizes and outcrossing systems of mating make production of near-isogenic lines and large experiments difficult, transformation is an attractive alternative for establishing direct linkages between genes and adaptively significant phenotypes. Here, we outline the capabilities, challenges, and prospects for transformation to become a significant tool for studying the ecophysiological adaptation of trees to the environment. Focusing on poplars (genus Populus) as model system, we describe how transformation-based approaches can provide insights into the genes that control adaptive traits. The availability of the poplar genome sequence, along with its large expressed sequences tag (EST) databanks, facile transformation and rapid growth, enable reverse genetic approaches to be used to test virtually any hypothesis of gene function.
Emotional Intelligence and the Ease of Recall Judgment Bias: The Mediating Effect of Private Self‐Focused Attention

The present study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and people's tendency to exhibit the ease of recall bias (emanating from the availability heuristic). Results showed that ability to understand emotions, a central element of emotional intelligence, was inversely related to the ease of recall bias, and that this relationship was mediated by participants' private self-focused attention. Implications for theory and practice, as well as limitations, are discussed.
Milk and Casein-Based Diets for the Study of Brain Catecholamines in Copper-Deficient Rats

Copper deficiency in rats results in disruption of catecholamine metabolism, the norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations in total brain being decreased in some, but not all, experiments. This study was designed to explain the discrepancies. Offspring of dams fed low copper diets (0.5 mg/kg) based on nonfat milk plus sucrose, or casein plus sucrose with and without 30% lactose, were fed the same diets until 8 wk of age. The respective control diets were supplemented with 10 mg copper/kg diet. The low copper offspring were severely deficient as indicated by liver copper levels of approximately 2 mg/kg dry weight, gross signs of enlarged and fragile hearts and neuropathological signs. On average, the dopamine concentrations in the corpus striatum of deficient rats fed milk-based diets were 70% of control values; comparable values for deficient rats fed casein-based diets were 60% of controls. Lactose had no effect on the brain pathology of copper deficiency. Approximately one-half of the deficient animals in all groups displayed low dopamine concentrations (20-50% of control values), whereas the remainder were similar to controls. Norepinephrine concentrations were consistently lower in the total brain, but actually higher in the hypothalamus of copper-deficient rats than in that of controls. Extreme variation in the norepinephrine concentrations was not observed. The high variability in the incidence of low dopamine levels suggests that another condition besides copper deficiency must be imposed to produce severe central nervous system pathology. This could be a genetic or environmental factor.
Dietary management of acute diarrheal disease : contemporary scientific issues

Contemporary issues in the dietary management of children with acute diarrhea include the optimal timing of introduction of foods during illness, the appropriate use of milk-containing treatment regimens and mixed diets containing common staple foods, and the proper use of specific micronutrient supplements. Results of recent clinical trials indicate that children should be fed continuously during illness with their usual diets. Most young children fed exclusively with non-human milks can continue to consume these products. However, the subgroup of patients with more severe diarrhea and dehydration may have a slightly increased rate of complications and would, therefore, benefit from close supervision or a modification of their diet. Breastfed infants should continue to nurse at the breast during diarrhea. Treatment of anorexia consists of correction of the underlying metabolic derangements and antimicrobial therapy when indicated. Despite the previous focus of dietary management during diarrhea, attention to convalescent feeding is also necessary to assure complete nutritional recovery following illness.
An adaptive scheme for a class of interpolatory model reduction methods for frequency response problems

Frequency sweep problems arise in many structural dynamic, acoustic, and structural acoustic applications. In each case, they incur the evaluation of a frequency response function for a typically large number of frequencies. Because each function evaluation requires the solution of an often large-scale system of equations, frequency sweep problems are computationally intensive. Interpolatory model order reduction is a powerful tool for reducing their cost. However, the performance of this tool depends on the location and number of the interpolation frequency points. It also depends on the number of consecutive frequency derivatives of the response function that are matched at each frequency point. So far, these two choices have been made in the literature in a heuristic manner. In contrast, this paper proposes an automatic adaptive strategy based on monitoring the Euclidean norm of the relative residual associated with the function to be evaluated over the frequency band of interest. More specifically, the number of interpolation points and the number of matched frequency derivatives are adaptively increased until the global Euclidean norm of the relative residual is reduced below a user-specified tolerance. The robustness, accuracy, and computational efficiency of this adaptive strategy are highlighted with the solution of several frequency sweep problems associated with large-scale structural dynamic, acoustic, and structural acoustic finite element models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization and distribution of [125I]epidepride binding to dopamine D2 receptors in basal ganglia and cortex of human brain

The distribution and pharmacology of the binding of [125I]epidepride, a substituted benzamide with high affinity and selectivity for dopamine (DA) D2 receptors in rat brain (Neve et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 252: 1108-1116, 1990), is described in human brain. Saturation analysis of the binding of [125I]epidepride to membranes derived from striatum and regions of cortex demonstrated similar Kd values (34 and 28-33 pM, respectively) but differing maximum density of binding site values (152 and 3-8 fmol/mg of protein, respectively). The pharmacological profile of binding in cortex was also similar to striatum (epidepride greater than spiperone greater than butaclamol = flupenthixol greater than clozapine) except that an additional low-affinity site, blocked by the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist idazoxan, was present in cortex. Quantification by autoradiography also demonstrated the greatest binding in the basal ganglia, with the striatum exhibiting greater binding than the pallidal complex or midbrain regions. For the pallidum, binding in the external segment was higher than the internal segment. Within the midbrain the binding of [125I]epidepride correlated well with the known distribution of DA-containing cell bodies, with the substantia nigra (pars compacta and pars lateralis) and ventral tegmental area (A10) higher than area A8 and central gray. Binding in frontal and parietal cortex was highest in the internal layers (layers V and VI). Temporal cortex showed a 2-fold higher density of binding than other cortical regions and a trilaminar pattern; binding was greater in the external (layers I and II) and internal layers than in the middle layers (III and IV). This pattern changed in the parahippocampal complex. Within the lateral occipitotemporal cortex, binding was densest in layers I to III and very low in layers IV to VI, but binding was almost nonexistent in the adjacent entorhinal cortex. Within the hippocampal complex, binding was evident in the subiculum, CA3 and dentate gyrus and almost nonexistent in the presubiculum or other fields of the hippocampus. This pattern of binding in the parahippocampal gyrus is unique to human brain and represents sites of action for DA in limbic cortex.
Automated determination of seven phenolic compounds in mainstream tobacco smoke

Exposure to hydroxyl-substituted arenes, commonly referred to as phenols or phenolic compounds, can have serious health consequences. Select phenols present in tobacco smoke are cardiovascular toxins, act as tumor co-promoters and show genotoxic activity. To examine the mainstream smoke levels of these compounds, we developed and applied a method for quantitative analysis of seven phenols (phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone) in mainstream smoke. Total mainstream smoke particulate matter was collected on a Cambridge filter pad and spiked with an isotopically labeled internal standard solution. This pad underwent an automated phenol derivatization procedure to increase analyte volatility and enhance detection. Following the derivatization step, phenols from the particulate matter were sampled using solid-phase microextraction with subsequent gas chromatography/mass spectrometric detection. Sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and reproducibility were more than adequate for routine detection of phenols in mainstream smoke. Detection limits ranged from 0.04-0.57 microg, with a quantification range of 0.1-710 microg. Higher sensitivity and sample throughput were achieved compared with previously described methods. Mainstream smoke from 28 brands of domestic commercial cigarettes was evaluated to assess typical levels, and reference cigarettes containing single tobacco blends were examined to ascertain the phenolic profile from different types of tobaccos. As expected under machine smoking conditions using the Federal Trade Commission parameters, full-flavored cigarettes deliver more phenols than the light varieties, followed by the ultra light varieties. Differences were seen in relative levels of phenolic compounds in the mainstream smoke from unfiltered cigarettes made with a single type of tobacco.
Using the frame averaging of aS500 EPID for IMRT verification

In this study, we evaluated the use of aS500 EPID for the verification of IMRT beam delivery, using the synchronous, frame-averaging acquisition. In this approach, an EPID continuously integrates frames while irradiated by an IMRT field; the averaged image is then converted to a dose profile using a linear calibration curve, and is compared with the planned profiles using a linear-regression model, which returns an index (root mean squared error) for the goodness of fit. We identified several potential errors in this acquisition mode: missing data between the start of irradiation and imaging, and from the last (incomplete) frame, which we proved are insignificant for IMRT fields; and EPID dead time during irradiation stemming from data transfer, which we successfully corrected for clinical MU (>100). We compared the measured relative profiles and central axis dose of 25 prostate fields with the planned ones. Applying our correction methods, very good agreement was obtained between the measured and planned profiles with a mean of 1.9 and a standard deviation of 0.5; for central-axis dose the agreement was better than 2.0. We conclude that the aS500 is an effective tool for verification of IM beam delivery in the range of clinical MU (>100) settings. Although the vender is developing an upgrade to fix similar problems, our results demonstrate that the current configuration with simple correction schemes can achieve satisfactory results. 2003 American College of Medical Physics.
A Combination of RNase H and S1 nuclease Circumvents an artefact inherent to conventional S1 analysis of RNA splicing

S1 nuclease mapping is commonly used to analyze transcription and processing of unlabelled RNAs. However, the S1 protocol that appears best suited to demonstrate splicing of a particular RNA (using an intronless probe that is 5' end-labelled in the downstream exon) is not diagnostic as expected. Rather, both intron-containing RNA and intronless RNA confer protection of probe across the splice juncture. To unambiguously demonstrate correctly spliced RNAs that begin at a specific initiation site, we present a procedure in which unspliced RNA molecules are first cleaved by RNase H following annealing to an intronic DNA fragment and the remaining RNA is then subjected to S1 analysis using an intronless probe present in vast excess. Only spliced, correctly initiated transcripts can protect the probe across the splice junction and up to residue +1. This RNase H/S1 method provides a broadly applicable technique with which to demonstrate splicing and initiation of a variety of transcripts, especially ones from transfected genes that can arise both from the normal and from activated cryptic initiation sites.
Note on a proof of the extended Kirby-Paris theorem on labeled finite trees

Buchholz 2 extended a certain game of unlabeled finite trees of Kirby-Paris 6 to the case of labeled finite trees whose nodes have labels from ω + 1 = {0, 1, 2, . . . , ω}, and proved that this game stops in finite time. He used an infinitary notion of 'well-founded infinite trees' to prove this property on the finite-tree game. In this note, we avoid the use of any infinitary notion and reduce the infinitary technique to a finitary technique, by utilizing Takeuti's system of ordinal diagrams 7. Also we generalize Buchholz's game by introducing higher ordinal numbers as the labels of the trees, and show the termination property of this generalized game.
12A. The Gut-Joint Connection: Treating Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Intestinal Hyperpermeability With Acupuncture, Natural Products, and Diet

Focus Areas: Integrative Approaches to Care, Pediatrics, Alleviating Pain Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients and their parents have a high propensity to use complementary therapies to relieve pain. Medications and exercise therapy are a cornerstone of conventional treatment with a substantial rate of inadequate pain relief and the potential of side effects from pharmaceuticals. This session will highlight the evidence behind treating intestinal permeability to reduce pain from JIA.
Effect of specific surface area on the reactivity of CaO with SO2

The paper discusses results of measuring the rate of reaction of calcined limestone (CaCO/sub 3/) with sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/) and oxygen (O/sub 2/) at conditions that eliminate all resistances not associated with the lime (CaO) grain surface. Reactivity increased with the square of the Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (B.E.T.) surface area when grain size was varied as an experimental parameter. The observed effects of surface area and temperature account for the SO/sub 2/ capture reported for boiler tests of the limestone-injection process.
Homeless patients' experience of satisfaction with care.

This article explores homeless individuals' experiences of satisfaction with health care, and explores the interrelationship among experiences of being homeless, health perceptions of participants, and experiences of satisfaction with health care. It presents the findings of a phenomenological study that was conducted using participants selected from five sites in one southeastern state. Participant interviews were conducted at a nurse-managed primary health care clinic for homeless, at a night time soup-kitchen, and at three private, not-for-profit, homeless shelters in two different towns. The study was part of a larger study designed to develop and validate a reliable measure of client satisfaction with primary health care among homeless individuals. Face-to-face in-depth interviews with 17 homeless individuals were conducted, with the semistructured interview constituting the primary data source. Common themes were identified and the interrelationship of theme clusters was explored. Analysis of the data yielded five distinct themes that represent the lived experiences of satisfaction with health care. These themes were mediated and directly informed by five themes of homelessness and three themes of health identified in the shared experiences of the participants. The themes identified suggest that satisfaction with health care for homeless persons differs from currently identified dimensions of satisfaction with care, and that some aspects of homelessness are seen by participants as positive and health promoting.
Approaches to Defining “Empire” and Characterizing United States Influence in the Contemporary World

The militant unilateralism of the George W. Bush administration has revived interest in such closely related and contested terms as “superpower,”“hegemon,”“empire,” and “imperialism.” This article identifies four different but somewhat overlapping approaches to defining “empire”: ideal type, self-consciously empirical, constructivist, and overtly normative. The author’s personal view is that any notion of American Empire or indeed U.S. hegemony or even superpower is profoundly misleading. Although the United States still ranks high on the scale of most traditional realist power factors, United States capabilities appear to be gravely waning today and its exercise of both hard and soft power has recently been so inept as to limit its current influence and possibly future role in global politics.
An expert system for automating security incident assessment using OPS5 in an Ada environment

An expert system that automatically assesses security incidents is being developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The expert system associates, classifies, and prioritizes monitored sensor events. The outcome of these processes is a dynamic representation of the state of Laboratory security in the form of security "incidents." A graphical representation of the incidents is integrated into a map-oriented console monitor that provides the operator with a comprehensive view of incidents and their locations. A prototype expert system has been developed using the OPS5 rule-based language. A large Ada-based program provides control of the map display system and interfaces to the various monitoring and access-control devices. In addition to the expert system operation, the issues and methods involved in integrating the OPS5-based incident-assessment system to the large Ada-based control program are discussed.