cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adding grey to the rainbow: a narrative analysis of generational identity through stories and counter-stories of older gay men

We explored identity formation among nine gay men who were born between 1946 and 1964. This group of nine was the largest homogeneous sub-group within a larger sample (N = 18). Although participants share similar demographic characteristics, their individual social, personal and narrative identities diverge to represent distinctive embodied selves. Guided by queer and feminist theories, the qualitative analysis identified dominant and counter-narratives that demonstrate the complexity of sexual identity as it evolves over time. All nine men recall being aware of their gay identity as children; however, like many socially constructed labels, their outward identity was more complex and difficult to understand. The findings demonstrate how participants negotiated their sexual identities through decades of social change. As illustrated within each subset of identity (i.e. social, personal and narrative), some participants found themselves breaking ground for a broader gay rights social movement, while others described their experience of being relegated to silence and invisibility for most of their lives. This research contributes to an ongoing discussion concerning the individuality found among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals in later life. As the LGBT population becomes more visible, there will be a growing need to understand the individualism that exists within this coalition and affirm their diversifying sexual and gender identities.
Cybersecurity of Inference in Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks : Invited Presentation

In recent years, there has been a surge in research and development efforts on vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) with the objective to make driving safer. VANETS that share sensor data can provide tremendous improvements in this respect. Unfortunately, such VANETs are known for numerous security concerns and are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In this paper we focus on studying cyber physical attacks on VANETs which share sensor data among vehicles to track important objects, an important emerging topic that has received little attention. We develop an appropriate VANET system model along with attack detection methods that can find any attack that impacts tracking of important objects like other vehicles or pedestrians regardless of how the attack is launched. This includes attacks modifying hardware, software, sensor data, communications or anything else. We have not seen any similar work. We illustrate these ideas with numerical results for a specific efficient distributed tracking algorithm. We describe a attack detection algorithm and numerically investigate the performance.
Substance Use and Minority Stress in a Population of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Nurses.

The aim of this study was to explore the incidence of problematic substance use (PSU) and the relationship between level of substance use, minority stress, and general stressors in a population of ...
Gust: game theoretic user-centered security design techniques

The field of security has many theories that are both sound and complete, yet their implementation is of concern in modern day systems. The research challenges addressed by this thesis lie in the development and translation of sound and complete theories to a practical implementation, and ensuring the best possible match between the theoretical properties and the practical guarantees. Often this mismatch comes from the fact that theoretical properties are ensured for a single component, while the practical implementations involve the interaction between many components, each of which may individually be sound, but collectively do not retain their properties. Most often, the problem in practical implementations do not merely arise from a single component; rather they arise in the interface of each component. And thus, the weakest link in the chain causes a breach in the entire system, composed of otherwise strong components. This thesis addresses the weakest link in the security chain, viz., the human factor. In this thesis, a technically meaningful approach grounded on game theoretic principles is presented to address the weak human factor. The solutions proposed are focused on solving real world problems; thus the game theoretic models are specifically designed to match the semantics of practical situations appropriately. As a first step, users are broadly classified as ignorant, compliant and non-compliant, based on their interaction with the security mechanism. The thesis then takes the position that ' The Non-compliant User is the Enemy' and 'The Ignorant User is a Vulnerability', thereby setting the stage for game theoretic models' mechanism design. A trust model, based on the notion of compensatory transfers, is first presented; users are assigned trust levels based on their actions and provisions for context specific cues to adhere to the systems' best practices are provided. With this model as a basis, a theory of trust based decisions is developed which provides systems' with a basis for initiating trust based actions. These trust based actions are modeled under two different conditions: Blind Trust and Incentive Trust. Under the incentive trust model, the system can provide incentives or penalties (negative incentives) to non-compliant users to elicit cooperation. Finally, a model for incentivizing/penalizing non-compliant users based on their trust level is proposed; here, the notion of a user's workflow is incorporated into the game theoretic model in order to accurately reflect the real world scenario. The game theoretic models presented in this thesis take into account the preferences of the users and the goals of the system/security mechanism; each of the models is tuned towards the goal of providing a technically meaningful solution by actively involving the users in the loop. This thesis is a major step forward in solving the decade old problem of the weak human factor that has received little technical attention beyond mere education of users.
Relationship between county-level crime and diabetes: Mediating effect of physical inactivity

This paper assessed the extent to which physical inactivity accounts for the relationship between the crime rate and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the United States. Using 2018 US county-level data, we compared unadjusted and adjusted prevalence of type 2 diabetes between high and low crime counties for 2,966 US counties. Average causal mediating effects of residents' reported physical inactivity were estimated for each comparison. Counties with a higher crime rate were more likely to have higher percentages of people with type 2 diabetes than counties with a lower crime rate, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors such as racial distribution, income level, food insecurity, and neighborhood walkability (adjusted coefficient for top 40% vs. bottom 40% of crime rate distribution = 0.36; p < 0.001). Over 60% of the adjusted relationship between county-level rate of crime and type 2 diabetes was found to be mediated by physical inactivity. This study reinforces potentially overlooked public health benefits of effective anti-crime measures via improved physical activity.
Abstract 14539: Incidence, Risk Factors, Natural History, and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Graves’ Disease

Background: Hyperthyroidism is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) with a reported prevalence of 16-60%. However, risk factors for onset of AF with hyperthyroidism are not well defined. We sou...
Improving Reporting of Tumor Size in Synoptic Reports.

Context.— Tumor size is an important prognostic feature in many synoptic reports. The best format to report this feature is not clearly defined. Objective.— To define formatting features that impact the significance of tumor size. Design.— We reviewed multiple formatting features of tumor size in synoptic reports and correlated them with size distribution, reproducibility, and other pathologic features. Results.— Reporting tumors in millimeters rather than centimeters was more precise because of reduced rounding error and was significantly more reproducible (P = .01). Tumor sizes where the pathologist was concerned that the size may be underestimated are associated with significantly higher tumor N stage than tumors of similar size that are not so identified. Reported tumor sizes in multifocal tumors are also associated with significantly higher N stage than unifocal tumors of the same size. Conclusions.— Tumor sizes should be reported in millimeters, and when tumors are reported as either "at least" a specific size or as "multifocal" this information should also be recorded because these sizes likely underestimate the true biologic potential of the tumor.
A RE-INTERPRETATION OF STEREO/STE OBSERVATIONS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

We present an alternate interpretation of recent STEREO/STE observations which were attributed to energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) from the heliosheath. The inferred ENA intensities, as a function of longitude, are very similar to the instrument response, implying that the source or sources are quite narrow. Such narrow sources may be quite difficult to ascribe to the available sources of ENAs, such as the charge exchange of energetic charged particles with ambient neutrals, which tend to be much broader. We point out that the largest intensity maximum observed by STEREO/STE is centered at the same ecliptic longitude as the brightest known X-ray source, Sco X-1. If this is indeed the source of the detected flux, it naturally accounts for the small source width. We find that the observed energy spectrum and intensity are also consistent with the X-rays from Sco X-1. If this interpretation is correct, then observers must take care in analyzing ENA data based on detectors sensitive to radiation other than ENAs. The problem of energy dissipation in the solar wind termination shock remains unsolved, while current understanding of the interaction between the solar wind and interstellar wind awaits future observations.
Vowel harmony and phonological phrasing in Gua

In Gua, an underdocumented Tano Guang language spoken in Ghana, regressive ATR vowel harmony applies within words and non-iteratively across word boundaries. Although vowel harmony is known to cross word boundaries in some languages, little is known about the domains and extent of such harmony. We show that ATR harmony in Gua operates within phonological phrases that preferentially consist of two or three words, with binary phrases at the left edge and ternary phrases at the right edge of the utterance. Syntactic structure can exert an influence, but only with respect to subjects. In addition, we demonstrate that unary phrases are permitted, but not at the edge of the utterance. Gua is the first reported vowel harmony case that shows the same kind of phonological phrasing sensitivity as other prosodic phenomena, such as tone and duration.
Socialization of racial ideology by White parents.

Objectives: The ways that White American parents socialize their children to think about and interact with racial out-groups are not well understood. The goals of this study were to explore the degree to which White parents endorse contradictory racial ideologies, and the reasons behind the presence versus absence of parent-child discussions of race-related current events (e.g., Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, or the Charleston church shooting). Method: We recruited a sample of White parents of children ages 8-12 on Amazon MechanicalTurk (N = 165, 66.1% female, M-age = 36.67) and applied a qualitative thematic analysis to their answers to open-ended probes regarding racial discussions with their children. Results: Results revealed both color-blind and color-conscious racial ideology communicated by White parents. Thirty-seven percent of White parents endorsed a mixture of color-blind and color-conscious ideology. The majority of parents did not discuss race-related current events with their children; many believed these discussions were either too negative or unnecessary. Conclusions: The results indicate that White parents have the potential to be agents of change that socialize color-conscious beliefs in their children, but many are reinforcing the current system of color-blind indifference to racial inequality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes With Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Early Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND For selected patients with early-stage breast cancer (BC), intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) has emerged as a convenient alternative to standard whole breast irradiation (WBI). We report a single institution experience with IORT in terms of oncologic outcomes, toxicities, and cosmesis. METHODS Clinicopathological and perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent IORT for early-stage BC at a public hospital from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively retrieved. Toxicity was categorized to acute or chronic based on 6 months post-IORT cutoff. RESULTS 85 patients underwent IORT and had complete data, aged 49-85 years (mean 62). Intraoperative radiation therapy added 23 minutes on average to the total operative time. Final stage was 0, I, and II in 40%, 58.9%, and 1.1% of patients, respectively. Mean tumor size was 0.8 cm (range .1-2.1), with ductal histology comprising 94% of cases. Surgical margins were positive in 2 patients, and adjuvant WBI was required in 5 patients. After a median follow-up of 17 months (range 3-41), none of the patients had local recurrence and no mortality was recorded. Early wound complications included wound dehiscence (n = 1), seroma/hematoma (n = 15), and re-operation with loss of nipple-areola complex (n = 1). Chronic skin toxicities were reported in 10 (12%) patients and good or excellent cosmetic outcome was reported in 93% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Utilizing IORT among low-risk early BC patients may be a safe and more convenient alternative to traditional WBI, with low toxicity rate, acceptable cosmetic results, and good oncologic outcomes at 17 months. Longer follow-up and further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Low Power 75–110 GHz SiGe Dicke Radiometer Front-End

This paper presents a low-noise and low power calibrated radiometer (Dicke-radiometer), operating at 75–110 GHz and developed in 0.12 µm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The chip consists of single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch, low noise amplifier (LNA) and power detector (PD). The four-stage LNA provides 35.5 dB peak gain with 3 dB bandwidth of more than 35 GHz and noise figure of 5.5 dB. The SPDT shows measured insertion loss of 1.6 dB and an isolation of 24 dB at 94 GHz. The square-law power detector achieves responsivity of 25 kV/W and 1.4 pW/ √ Hz noise equivalent power (NEP). The integrated receiver results in peak responsivity of 59 MV/W, 4.8 fW/√ Hz NEP and temperature resolution (NETD) of 0.1 K with 23.9 mW power consumption.
Altered States: The Globalization of Accountability

Is globalization good for democracy? Or has it made our governing institutions less accountable to citizens? Located at the intersection of international relations and comparative politics, this book explores the effects of globalization on national governance. Under what circumstances do the transnational forces that embody globalization encourage or discourage political accountability? Among the transnational forces discussed in the book are the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, multinational corporations, the United Nations, private military contractors, peacekeepers, the European Court of Human Rights, and several transnational social movements. Using in-depth case studies of situations in which these transnational institutions interact with national governments and citizens, Valerie Sperling traces the impact of economic, political, military, judicial, and civic globalization on state accountability and investigates the degree to which transnational institutions are themselves responsible to the people whose lives they alter.
Concurrent Static Single Assignment Form and Constant Propagation for Explicitly Parallel Programs

Static Single Assignment (SSA) form has shown its usefulness as a program representation for code optimization techniques in sequential programs. We introduce the Concurrent Static Single Assignment (CSSA) form to represent explicitly parallel programs with interleaving semantics and post-wait synchronization. The parallel construct considered in this paper is cobegin/coend. A new confluence function, the π-assignment, which summarizes the information of interleaving statements between threads, is introduced. The Concurrent Control Flow Graph, which contains information about conflicting statements, control flow, and synchronization, is used as an underlying representation for the CSSA from. An extension of the Sparse Conditional Constant propagation algorithm based on the CSSA form makes it possible to apply the constant propagation optimization to explicitly parallel programs.
Work Life Balance and Cognizant Workplaces

There are emerging themes in organizational productivity that is being driven by changes in life styles and nature of work on one hand and the proliferation of channels, devices, computing power, and grids on the other. We will first explore these themes, and the forces driving these themes, specific to industries such as retail, automotive, government, and banking. It is proposed that cognitive insights implemented using soft computing components can address the emerging workplace requirements. Desiderata for such workplaces and associated architectures, including open problems, will be described in the context of industry specific roles and business process adaptation and transformation.
Evaluation of a Dairy‐Yeast Prebiotic in the Diet of Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with the prebiotic GroBiotic-A on juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Juvenile fish in both trials received a basal diet composed of practical and semipurified ingredients or the basal diet supplemented with GroBiotic-A at either 1 or 2% of dry weight. Trial 1 (8 wk), was conducted with juvenile fish initially averaging 4.3 g/fish in which their performance indices, nonspecific humoral and cellular immune responses, and intestinal microbiota were characterized. In that trial, only survival was significantly affected by dietary treatment with the greatest survival (98.7%) observed for fish fed the diet containing 2% GroBiotic-A and significantly (P < 0.05) lower survival (86.9%) for fish fed the diet containing 1% GroBiotic-A (GBA) and intermediate survival (90.7%) for fish fed the basal diet. Trial 2 (5 wk), was conducted with larger juveniles initially averaging 6.5 g/fish to provide a more in-depth assessment of cellular immune responses, intestinal morphometric characteristics, and disease resistance of tilapia fed the three experimental diets. Fish fed the diet with 2% GroBiotic-A exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) increased production of extracellular superoxide anion by macrophages and a distinct microbial community within the intestine compared to fish fed the other diets. No significant differences were seen in survival after controlled exposure to Streptococcus iniae although fish fed the diet with 2% GBA tended to experience reduced mortality (12.5%) compared to those fed the basal diet (35%). Thus, based on the results from both trials, supplementation of 2% GroBiotic-A generally improved survival, altered gut microbiota, and enhanced extracellular superoxide anion production of Nile tilapia.
A robust method of identifying and measuring fibrous cap in 3D time-of-flight MR image

A knowledge based system has been designed for identifying and measuring fibrous cap (FC) in magnetic resonance images (MRI). The proposed method consists of three basic procedures. First, we apply Markov random field (MRF) to segment the whole image into regions and automatically identify the inner boundary of FC based on prior knowledge of lumen area. An enhanced algorithm, called QHCF, is proposed to find the optimal region segmentation. In the second step, active contour model is employed in finding FC's outer boundary. In this step, we use a new scheme which uses radial searching to find the end points so as to automatically initialize the contour tracking process. Finally, a thickness transformation is designed by extending binary mathematical morphology operation. Based on it, all the thickness related parameters can thus be measured quantitatively and consistently. Through these three integrated steps, FC is identified and measured. Experimental result demonstrates the encouraging performance of this algorithm.
Adaptive Selling And Sales Performance: An Empirical Examination

One of the major advantages of personal selling compared to alternative promotional methods has been described as selling's ability to adjust its messages to meet the buyer's needs. The belief that the key to effective selling is the salesperson's ability to adapt and adjust is one that has widespread popularity. However, like many so-called truisms, this belief has had limited empirical support in the selling literature. The research reported in this article examines the relationship between salesperson productivity and salesperson adaptability in a field setting. Productivity is measured by examining both salesperson and sales manager reports of a salesperson's performance. Adaptability is assessed by using Spiro and Weitz' (1990) ADAPTS scale and by using Merrill and Reid's (1981) versatility scale. Study participants include retail salespeople, their customers, and their sales managers. The results are consistent with prior research, which indicates that questions regarding the efficacy of adaptive selling continue to exist.
Chapter 11 – Optical absorption in PETN and RDX

This chapter presents the theoretical procedure that utilizes the crystal program to generate the eigenvalues and eigen vectors of the time-independent problem, then time-dependent perturbation theory to calculate the imaginary part of the complex permittivity that, with the Kramers–Kronig relationship, provides the optical absorption spectra for PETN and RDX. The stand-alone computer program, most of which was generated with a computer algebra system to calculate the various matrix elements, is described. The imaginary part of the complex permittivity is calculated for both PETN and RDX, using both Hartree–Fock (HF) and density-functional methods. Suggestions for improving optical absorption studies in energetic molecular crystals are given. RDX has been studied for properties. X-ray structure factors and bulk modulus have been calculated using the crystal program as a starting point, and with defects. The formal approach used in this work is based on the seminal work of Ehrenreich and Cohen. The Crystal program, after picking up these eigenvectors and eigenvalues, calculates the relevant matrix elements for an optical transition, and then sorts these according to the energy of the incoming photon, resulting in an optical absorption spectrum. The chapter discusses computational procedure, optical absorption and the use of crystal program, and results for PETN and RDX. PETN—[C(CH 2 ONO 2 ) 4 ]—is a molecular crystal with 29 atoms per molecule, with two molecules per unit cell. For PTEN, the HF potential produces a band gap of over 14eV, and optical absorption edge is found there. The experimental value of the optical bandgap for RDX is 3.4eV, well below the HF value of about 14eV. HF approximation is generally adequate for cases where the correlation is not strong, and molecular crystals could generally fit this description, but certainly continued effort for improving correlation in molecular crystals is likely to benefit the associated properties, such as optical absorption.
Theoretical investigations of silver clusters and silver-ligand systems.

Studies directed at understanding structural and electronic properties of silver clusters have been and remain the subject of an active theoretical [1-22] and experimental [23-38] effort. One of the reasons is the (still) important role these systems play in the photographic process. Investigations of interactions of silver clusters with different atoms and molecules are motivated primarily by a possible utility of these clusters in catalytic processes. The important role of silver in the selective oxidation of ethylene into ethylene oxide, the feedstock for polyester production, is well-known [39]. Possible variations in chemical reactivity with the cluster size and understanding of the mechanisms of interactions with different ligands may lead to new and more efficient applications. Investigations of cluster-ligand systems also contribute a great deal to a better understanding of gas-surface interactions. Accordingly, theoretical studies of silver clusters and cluster-ligand systems [40-44] fall into two categories — those that use clusters as models for silver surfaces [40], and those that target clusters and cluster-ligand interactions as subjects in their own right [41-44]. The common goal of all these studies is to elucidate the nature of the interatomic interactions and bonding at the microscopic level and thereby arrive at a fondamental understanding and description of the various structural and electronic properties.
Why the World No Longer Puts its Stock in Us

Fewer foreign companies are offering their equities securities in the United States, indicating that the United States is losing its position as the global leader in capital formation. This essay analyzes the reason for this change in capital raising behavior and argues that this trend can not be explained sufficiently by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or securities class action litigation. Instead, foreign companies - and to a greater extent US companies - are raising capital away from the United States because of more liquid foreign markets, more robust securities regulation in certain foreign markets, better trading opportunities on foreign exchanges, and a greater willingness by US investors to seek out investment opportunities in foreign markets. An examination of the rising number of Rule 144A/Regulation S offerings, the shrinking percentage of foreign company shares held as American Depositary Receipts and the growing amount of foreign equity securities owned by US investors provides evidence that the movement of foreign companies away from the US equity markets began in the early-1990s. US regulators should acknowledge that the United States is no longer a unique market and respond to this trend in two ways. First, US regulators should open the US markets to greater foreign competition by removing barriers that prevent foreign financial service providers, especially stock exchanges, from doing business with US investors. Second, US regulators should devote more resources to raising the regulatory standards of foreign markets to ensure US investors receive suitable protection when they invest abroad. To accomplish this second goal, US regulators must seek stronger cooperative links with foreign regulators and move to a mutual recognition regime to induce foreign regulators to adopt standards more in line with US practice.
Purification and properties of rabbit skeletal muscle adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinases.

Abstract A modified procedure for purification of the adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent (cyclic AMP-dependent) protein kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle is described. This procedure results in the separation of the enzyme into two peaks of activity on diethylaminoethylcellulose. No interconversion of these two peaks was observed. Both peaks exhibit dependence on cyclic AMP, but under certain conditions the dependence of Peak I on cyclic AMP can be reduced. The concentration of cyclic AMP needed for half-maximal stimulation is 3 x 10-8 m for Peak I and 1.5 x 10-8 m for Peak II. The binding of cyclic AMP to the protein kinase can be reversed by a number of mild chemical treatments and by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. The apparent Km for ATP in the presence of 10 mm Mg2+ is approximately 1.5 x 10-5 m in the presence or absence of cyclic AMP for either Peak I or Peak II. For Peak II the apparent Km for casein is 0.9 and 0.6 mg per ml in the presence and absence of cyclic AMP, respectively. This apparent Km is increased to 8 mg per ml when 0.1 m NaCl is present in the reaction mixture. The pH optimum is 6.0 for casein and 6.5 for histone phosphorylation for both enzymes. Peak I contains two components which are dependent on cyclic AMP and separable by sucrose density gradient centrifugation; the sedimentation coefficients of these components are 6.8 S and 4.9 S. Peak II activity sediments as a single peak with a sedimentation coefficient of 4.8 S. In the presence of cyclic AMP the protein kinase activity of Peak I sediments as a single component with a sedimentation coefficient of 3.4 S. The protein kinase activity of Peak II also exhibits a much lower sedimentation coefficient in the presence of cyclic AMP than that shown in the absence of this nucleotide.
Relationship between intraneural vascular flow measured with sonography and carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis based on electrodiagnostic testing.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to document and analyze intraneural vascular flow within the median nerve using power and spectral Doppler sonography and to determine the relationship of this vascular flow with diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome based on electrodiagnostic testing. Methods Power and spectral Doppler sonograms in the median nerve were prospectively collected in 47 symptomatic and 44 asymptomatic subjects. Doppler studies were conducted with a 12-MHz linear transducer. Strict inclusion criteria were established for postexamination assessment of waveforms; routine quality assurance was completed; electrodiagnostic tests were conducted on the same day as sonographic measurements; and the skin temperature was controlled. Included waveforms were categorized by location and averaged by individual for comparative analysis to electrodiagnostic testing. Results A total of 416 waveforms were collected, and 245 were retained for statistical analysis based on strict inclusion criteria. The mean spectral peak velocity among all waveforms was 4.42 (SD, 2.15) cm/s. At the level of the pisiform, the most consistent data point, mean peak systole, was 3.75 cm/s in symptomatic patients versus 4.26 cm/s in asymptomatic controls. Statistical trending showed an initial increase in the mean spectral peak velocity in symptomatic but diagnostically negative cases, with decreasing velocity as diagnostic categories progressed from mild to severe. Conclusions An inverse relationship may exist between intraneural vascular flow in the median nerve and an increasing severity of carpal tunnel syndrome based on nerve conduction results. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether spectral Doppler sonography can provide an additive benefit for diagnosing the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Neuronal Basis of the Behavioral Choice between Swimming and Shortening in the Leech: Control Is Not Selectively Exercised at Higher Circuit Levels

Swimming and the whole-body shortening reflex are two incompatible behaviors performed by the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis. We set out to examine the neuronal basis of the choice between these behaviors, taking advantage of the fact that the neuronal circuit underlying swimming is relatively well understood. The leech swim circuit is organized hierarchically and contains three interneuronal levels, including two upper levels of “command-like” neurons. We tested the responses of the swim circuit neurons to stimuli that produced shortening, using reduced preparations in which neurophysiological recording could be performed while behaviors were elicited. We found that the majority of the swim circuit neurons, including most of the command-like cells and all of the cells at the highest hierarchical level of the circuit, were excited by stimuli that produced shortening as well as by stimuli that produced swimming. Only a subset of neurons, at levels below the top, were inhibited during shortening; these included one of the command-like cells and an oscillator cell (an interneuron that is part of the central pattern generator for swimming). These results imply that the control of the choice between swimming and shortening is not exercised selectively at the higher levels of the swim circuit.
Electric field strengths created by electrosurgical units

The electromagnetic environment found in hospital operating rooms can be quite hostile to electronic medical devices. The electromagnetic fields existing in the operating rooms are created by both distant sources such as AM and FM broadcast towers as well as local sources such as electrosurgical units. In this paper, results are presented of electric field strengths created by a typical electrosurgical unit. The field strengths are given as a function of frequency. Electric fields as large as 44 V/m were measured 1 meter from the electrosurgical unit. Interference was observed on monitoring equipment in the operating room during operation of the electrosurgical unit. Measurement results can be used by both the manufacturers of medical equipment as well as appropriate standards organizations when evaluating how to minimize the severity of electromagnetic interference in operating rooms. >
Symbiotic dinitrogen fixation and host‐plant growth during development of and recovery from phosphorus deficiency

Characterization of nodule growth and function, phosphorus and nitrogen status of plant tissues and host-plant growth of nodulated soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) plants developing and recovering from phosphorus deficiency was used to evaluate the role of phosphorus in symbiotic dinitrogen fixation. The sequence of physiological responses during recovery from phosphorus deficiency was; (1) rapid uptake of phosphorus, (2) rapid increases in the phosphorus concentration of leaves and nodules, (3) enhanced growth and function of nodules, (4) increased nitrogen concentrations in all plant organs and (5) enhanced plant growth. The sequence of physiological responses to onset of phosphorus deficiency was; (1) decreased phosphorus uptake, (2) decreased phosphorus concentrations in leaves and nodules, (3) decreased nodule function, (4) decreased nitrogen concentration in plant organs and (5) decreased plant growth. These results, in conjunction with previously published data (Sa and Israel, Plant Physiol. 97: 928–935, 1991), support an interpretation that the total response of symbiotic dinitrogen fixation in soybean plants to altered phosphorus supply is a function of both indirect effects on host-plant growth and more direct effects on the metabolic function of nodules.
Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic studies of a series of metal–mellitate coordination polymers

Benzenehexacarboxylic acid, also known as mellitic acid, reacts readily with cobalt and manganese chlorides to afford a new series of coordination polymers. Three of them are cobalt mellitates (1–3) synthesized at different conditions, i.e. either at room temperature (1) or hydrothermally at 140 (2) and 180 °C (3), the last two in the presence of organic bases. While compound 1 exhibits chains held together by inter-chain hydrogen bonds, compounds 2 and 3 are three-dimensional as could be expected from the synthetic conditions. The latter two structures display complicated connectivity and unusual multi-nodal topologies that have not been observed before. The two manganese compounds contain the nitrogen-based chelating co-ligands 2,2′-bpy or 1,10-phen for 4 and 5, respectively. Due to the pairs of blocked sites by the terminal co-ligands, both structures are low dimensional exhibiting chains in 4 and layers in 5. At the same time, π–π interactions between the co-ligands and multiple inter-chain/layer hydrogen bonds stitch the chains/layers into overall 3D supramolecular frameworks. Magnetic measurements on compounds 2–5 showed that they all exhibit dominant antiferromagnetic coupling. However, the details of the antiferromagnetic behavior are different, and this is consistent with the different structural characteristics.
Search patterns and neglect: A case study☆

An irregular and unsystematic search pattern may contribute to unilateral neglect. We examined the sequence of cancellations performed by a patient with unilateral neglect and found that she followed a systematic and stereotypic vertical search pattern. To overcome this vertical search pattern, foils were placed in rows. These foils induced slightly more horizontal movements, but did not alter her neglect. In another attempt to overcome her vertical search and tendency to cancel on the right, she was explicitly instructed to cancel targets alternating to and from the right and left sides of the array. This strategy overcame her vertical search, but, instead of modifying the severity of her neglect, this task only changed its spatial distribution. The altered spatial distribution of neglect is difficult to reconcile with current theories of neglect. We suggest that this patient demonstrates a limited capacity to sequentially be aware of or act upon stimuli.
An Experimental Study of Mixed Mode Crack Initiation and Growth in Functionally Graded Materials

Quasi-static mixed mode crack initiation and growth in functionally graded materials (FGMs) was studied through fracture experiments on polymer-based FGMs manufactured by selective ultraviolet irradiation poly(ethylene carbon monoxide)—a photo-sensitive copolymer that becomes more brittle and stiffer under ultraviolet irradiation. The objective of the study was to determine whether crack kinking criteria for homogeneous materials, e.g., maximum hoop stress criterion, also hold for FGMs. Single edge notched tension specimens with different spatial variations of Young's modulus, failure stress and failure strain, were tested. Near tip mode mixity was introduced either by inclining the crack to the remote loading direction, as in the case of homogeneous materials, or to the direction of material gradient, or both. A full-field digital image correlation technique was used to measure in real-time the displacement field around the crack tip while it propagated through the graded material, and to extract the fracture parameters of stress intensity factor K I and K II , and the T-stress. It was found that the nonsingular T-stress term in the asymptotic expansion for stresses plays a very important role in accurately measuring fracture parameters. It was also found that the maximum tangential stress criterion can be applied to the case of FGMs to predict crack kinking provided that the effect of the T-stress is accounted for and the process zone size is small compared to the intrinsic material gradient length scale. However, for accurate crack path prediction at a length scale comparable to the material gradient, detailed material property information is required. In general, the crack will propagate towards a region that exhibits less fracture toughness, but, unlike the case of homogeneous materials, along a path where K II is not necessarily equal to zero.
Increasing the range of the keratometer

How can the ophthalmologist perform keratometry on a patient whose corneal curvature exceeds the limits of the keratometer? A technique for extending the range of the keratometer to test such patients, e.g., those suffering from keratoconus or corneal plana, is presented.
Genetic variation in defensive chemistry in Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae) and its effect on the specialist herbivore Junonia coenia (Nymphalidae)

To examine genetic variation in defensive chemistry within and between natural populations of Plantago lanceolata, we performed a greenhouse experiment using clonal replicates of 15 genotypes from each of two populations, from a mowed lawn and an abandoned hayfield. Replicates of each genotype were harvested for determinations of aboveground biomass and leaf chemical content either at the beginning of the experiment (initial controls), after exposure to herbivory by larvae of Junonia coenia, a specialist on P. lanceolata (herbivory treatment), or at the end of the experiment without exposure to herbivory (final controls). Allocation to the iridoid glycosides aucubin and catalpol and the phenylpropanoid glycoside verbascoside displayed significant genetic variation within and between populations, and differed with leaf age. Significant genotypextreatment interactions indicated genetic variation in response of leaf chemistry to the treatments. There was no evidence for a cost of allocation to chemical defense: genetic correlations within and between chemical pathways and between defensive chemicals and aboveground growth were positive or nonsignificant. Although iridoid glycosides are known to be qualitative feeding stimulants for J. coenia, multiple regression of larval survivorship on leaf chemical content and shoot biomass indicated that larvae had lower survivorship on P. lanceolata ge-notypes with higher concentrations of aucubin in the leaves. Larval survivorship was unaffected by levels of catalpol and verbascoside. Thus, although specialist herbivores may respond to defensive chemicals as qualitative feeding stimulants, they do not necessarily have higher fitness on plant genotypes containing higher concentrations of these chemicals.
Modeling of electronic transport in metallic carbon nanotube interconnects in the presence of electron‐phonon interactions

Metallic carbon nanotubes are being considered as a candidate to potentially replace copper as an interconnect material in next generation nanotechnology integrated circuits.In this article, we have examined the electronic transport behavior in metallic carbon nanotubes using a self consistent nonequilibrium Green's function method. We have included the effects of electron-phonon interactions in our model. Results show that conductivity decreases in the ballistic limit due to localized disorder effects even with a weak disorder potential. We are also able to show that optical phonons (both LO and TO modes) are the dominant mechanisms that govern the mean free path of conduction in the nanotube. Our calculations show an excellent agreement with experimental results available in the literature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2477–2483, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27145
Pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy using standard laparoscopic instruments in the porcine model.

Purpose: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is an emerging technology that uses endoscopic instruments passed into the peritoneal cavity through hollow viscera to perform surgical procedures without the use of abdominal incisions. There are, however, limitations regarding the equipment available to simulate traditional surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a pure NOTES nephrectomy by using standard laparoscopic instruments through a modified transvaginal trocar. Materials and Methods: One 40-kg female swine underwent transgastric peritoneoscopy. Transgastric endoscopic visualization guided the introduction of a second transvaginal endoscope through a novel laparoscopic trocar/endoscopic overtube device. The retroflexed transgastric endoscope provided triangulated visualization as standard endoscopic instruments provided retraction, which allowed dissection of the kidney with standard laparoscopic instruments through our modified transvaginal trocar device....
Paleolimnological reconstruction of recent acidity changes in four Sierra Nevada lakes

We have completed a paleolimnological analysis of sediment cores from four lakes in the Sierra Nevada Range of California (USA). The diatom-inferred pH profile from Harriet Lake in Yosemite National Park (present pH=6.52) indicates no significant trends over the last 250 years. Inferred pH from Emerald Lake in Sequoia National Park (present pH=6.10) indicates a very small increase (<0.1 pH unit) over the past 60 years and perhaps another small increase (ca. 0.15 pH unit) since 1976. Eastern Brook Lake in Inyo National Forest (present pH=7.06) shows evidence of both long-term alkalinification (ca. 0.3 pH unit over the last 200 years) and pH fluctuations since 1970. Lake 45 in King's Canyon National Park (present pH=5.16) appears to have acidified slightly (ca. 0.2 pH unit) over the last 60 years. Factors causing the observed trends are uncertain, but a role for acidic deposition cannot be ruled out.
Damping of Power Swings in a Parallel AC and DC System

In an earlier paper, the authors presented a method of simulating a transmission system including ac and dc lines in parallel, and established the validity of the simulation. In this paper the method, which utilizes a direct and quadrature axis representation, is used to study with the aid of an analog computer the electromechanical oscillations in a system consisting of one machine tied to an infinite bus through two parallel transmission lines, one of which is ac and the other dc. Results make it clear that with proper dynamic control of power flow in the dc line, a substantial degree of damping of transient power swings may be achieved.
The phylogenetic structure of primate communities: variation within and across continents

Aim Our goals are: (1) to examine the relative degree of phylogenetic overdispersion or clustering of species in communities relative to the entire species pool, (2) to test for across-continent differences in community phylogenetic structure, and (3) to examine the relationship between species richness and community phylogenetic structure. Location Africa, Madagascar, Asia, and the Neotropics. Methods We collected species composition and phylogenetic data for over 100 primate communities. For each community, we calculated two measures of phylogenetic structure: (1) the net relatedness index (NRI), which provides a measure of the mean pairwise phylogenetic distance among all species in the community; and (2) the nearest taxon index (NTI), which measures the relative phylogenetic distance among the closest related species in a community. Both measures are relative to the phylogeny of the species in the entire species pool. The phylocom package uses a randomization procedure to test whether the NRI and NTI values are higher or lower than expected by chance alone. In addition, we used a Kruskal–Wallis test to examine differences in NRI and NTI across continents, and linear regressions to examine the relationship between species richness and NRI/NTI. Results We found that the majority of individual primate communities in Africa, Asia and the Neotropics consist of member species that are neither more nor less closely related than expected by chance alone. Yet 37% of Malagasy communities contain species that are more distantly related to each other compared with random species assemblages. Also, we found that the average degree of relatedness among species in communities differed significantly across continents, with African and Malagasy communities consisting of more distantly related taxa compared with communities in Asia and the Neotropics. Finally, we found a significant negative relationship between species richness and phylogenetic distance among species in African, Asian and Malagasy communities. The average relatedness among species in communities decreased as community size increased. Main conclusions The majority of individual primate communities exhibit a phylogenetic structure no different from random. Yet there are across-continent differences in the phylogenetic structure of primate communities that probably result from the unique ecological and evolutionary characteristics exhibited by the endemic species found on each continent. In particular, the recent extinctions of numerous primates on Madagascar are likely responsible for the low levels of evolutionary relatedness among species in Malagasy communities.