cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age and growth of the Kiyi, Leucichthys kiyi Koelz, in Lake Michigan

Abstract Ages were determined and individual growth histories were calculated from the examination and measurement of the scales of 1,649 kiyis captured at seven localities in Lake Michigan in 1931 and 1932. The numbers of individuals employed for the investigation of other phases of the life history (such as length-frequency distributions, length-weight relationship, and sex ratio) varied according to the amount of data available or required. Age-group IV was dominant in the 1931 collections from Racine, Port Washington, and Kewaunee, Wisconsin, and age-group V dominated the 1932 samples from the Fox Islands and from three localities southward of Manistique, Michigan. A trend was noticeable toward an increase in average age from south to north. Among the explanations suggested for the observed differences in age composition were: Variation with latitude in the natural span of life; differences in fishing intensity; fluctuations in the strength of year classes (to account possibly for the shift in the dom...
Inhibition of the soleus H-reflex in standing man

There exists evidence to support the notion that the segmental reflex system is not fixed and inflexible, but rather is highly modifiable under a variety of circumstances. In this study the H-wave and M-wave recruitment curves were obtained from 19 subjects, utilizing the procedures outlined by Hugon. Each subject was tested on one day under two randomly administered conditions: (1) standing; and (2) prone. Once in place, the recording and stimulating electrodes were not removed until the completion of the study, to ensure that exact placement was maintained. A percutaneous electrical stimulus (1 ms pulse) was utilized to elicit the pulse. The current was monitored with a current probe, and was increased in 2 mA increments from zero until a maximal M-wave was obtained. An analysis of variance revealed significant increases in the amplitude of the H-wave (P < 0.05) when the subject was prone with no significant increases in the M-wave. The results indicate significantly higher H/M ratios with the subjects in the prone position. Therefore, it is concluded that H-reflex amplitude is tonically depressed when the subject is maintaining a standing position.
Unions and the pattern of corporate mergers: U.S. evidence

Abstract This paper examines the correlations between corporate merger activity and dimensions of unionization. By aggregating six years of data on blue collar workers and merging it with data on corporate acquisitions, we investigate which worker characteristics are associated with corporate acquisitions. While there are some differences across merger types and for different dimensions of unionization, merger activity generally seems more likely in industries with high degrees of unionization. Even within the separate union and nonunion sectors, measures of union strength often correlate with greater merger activity.
Brain-skull boundary conditions in a computational deformation model

Brain shift poses a significant challenge to accurate image-guided neurosurgery. To this end, finite element (FE) brain models have been developed to estimate brain motion during these procedures. The significance of the brain-skull boundary conditions (BCs) for accurate predictions in these models has been explored in dynamic impact and inertial rotation injury computational simulations where the results have shown that the brain mechanical response is sensitive to the type of BCs applied. We extend the study of brain-skull BCs to quasi-static brain motion simulations which prevail in neurosurgery. Specifically, a frictionless brain-skull BC using a contact penalty method master-slave paradigm is incorporated into our existing deformation forward model (forced displacement method). The initial brain-skull gap (CSF thickness) is assumed to be 2mm for demonstration purposes. The brain surface nodes are assigned as either fixed (at bottom along the gravity direction), free (at brainstem), with prescribed displacement (at craniotomy) or as slave nodes potentially in contact with the skull (all the remaining). Each slave node is assigned a penalty parameter (β=5) such that when the node penetrates the rigid body skull inner-surface (master surface), a contact force is introduced proportionally to the penetration. Effectively, brain surface nodes are allowed to move towards or away from the cranium wall, but are ultimately restricted from penetrating the skull. We show that this scheme improves the model's ability to represent the brain-skull interface.
Serum free light chain ratio as a biomarker for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma

A markedly elevated serum free light chain (FLC) ratio may serve as a biomarker for malignant transformation in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) and identify patients who are at imminent risk of progression. We retrospectively studied the predictive value of the serum (FLC) assay in 586 patients with SMM diagnosed between 1970 to 2010. A serum involved/uninvolved FLC ratio ≥ 100 was used to define high-risk SMM, which included 15% (n=90) of the total cohort. Receiver operating characteristics analysis determined the optimal FLC ratio cut-point to predict progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) within 2 years of diagnosis, which resulted in a specificity of 97% and sensitivity of 16%. Fifty-six percent of patients developed progressive disease during median follow-up of 52 months, but this increased to 98% in the subgroup of patients with FLC ratio ≥ 100. The median time to progression in the FLC ratio ≥ 100 group was 15 months versus 55 months in the FLC <100 group (P<0.0001). The risk of progression to MM within the first 2 years in patients with an FLC ratio ≥ 100 was 72%; the risk of progression to MM or light chain amyloidosis in 2 years was 79%. We conclude that a high FLC ratio ≥ 100 is a predictor of imminent progression in SMM, and such patients may be considered candidates for early treatment intervention.
Ovulation and implantation in montane voles (Microtus montanus) as a function of varying amounts of copulatory stimulation.

Abstract Estrous female voles (Microtus montanus) received (a) no copulation, (b) one ejaculatory series, (c) two ejaculatory series, or (d) more than two series. Copulation was shown to be essential for ovulation, and increasing amounts of copulatory stimulation were demonstrated to increase the probability of ovulation. Only 25% of females receiving one ejaculatory series ovulated, whereas 100% of those receiving more than two series ovulated. Thus, multiple ejaculations play an important role in successful reproduction in this species.
Gender, body mass and age as risk factors for ulnar mononeuropathy at the elbow

Factors that predispose patients to ulnar mononeuropathy at the elbow (UME) are poorly defined. We compared 112 electrodiagnostic reports which met criteria for definite or probable UME to 104 reports which excluded UME. Male gender was strongly associated with definite (OR = 6.9, 95% CI = 2.4-20.4; P 22.0). These findings, in conjunction with gender differences in ulnar motor nerve parameters among UME subjects and controls, suggest that the pathophysi- ology of UME differs with gender.
Love Styles and Relationship Quality: A Contribution to Validation

Using a sample of seventy heterosexual undergraduate couples, we examined the usefulness of the new measures developed by Hendrick & Hendrick (1986) of six of Lee's (1973) basic love styles to predict individual and couple relationship qualities. The six love styles (Eros, Storge, Pragma, Ludus, Agape and Mania) were related to six aspects of relationship quality (Viability, Intimacy, Care, Passion, Satisfaction and Conflict/Ambivalence) derived from Davis & Todd's (1982, 1985) work on friendship and love relationships. Item-loadings and factor structure of the love style scales were replicated, and the pattern of relations among love styles was consistent across gender. Eros and Agape were positively related to individual reports of relationship qualities, and Ludus was negatively related. Mania was positively related to Passion. The pattern of results was supportive of Lee's theory for Eros, Agape, Ludus and Mania, but not for Storge and Pragma. Couples were significantly similar in all love styles exce...
Detection of left ventricular apical thrombus with three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

OBJECTIVE. Left ventricular (LV) thrombosis persists as a clinical challenge in echocardiographic diagnosis and is an important risk factor for perioperative embolic events in cardiac surgery. Appropriate detection and monitoring when thrombus is suspected is critical in surgical planning and in avoiding catastrophic patient outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION. The authors present a case of a laminated LV apical thrombus, which was discovered intraoperatively by real-time 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography. CLINICAL CHALLENGES. The clinical challenges were (a) LV thrombosis impact on surgical management, (b) key echocardiographic challenges in diagnosing LV thrombosis, and (c) role of 3D echocardiography in the diagnostic algorithm. CONCLUSION. Because of the lack of a gold standard, 2D transthoracic echocardiography remains the imaging modality of choice in assessment; however, there is increasing evidence that 3D technology can be more accurate in intracardiac mass detection and should be considered in the diagnostic algorithm.
Information Use in Counter-Offer Decisions: An Examination of Factors that Influence Management Counter-Offer Decisions

We examine factors which influence manager assessments of employee value in response to outside employment offers. Data were collected from 312 managers on counter-offer decisions. We found the size of manager counter-offers increase as a result of the attractiveness of the outside offer, the presence of a neutral, third-party recommendation and when the recommending direct supervisor has an incentive to minimize compensation costs. Additionally, we found a significant interaction between offer attractiveness and third-party recommendation, where counter-offers made to employees with highly attractive offers increased more dramatically when a neutral manager recommended the employee in addition to the immediate supervisor.
sLLE: Spherical locally linear embedding with applications to tomography

The tomographic reconstruction of a planar object from its projections taken at random unknown view angles is a problem that occurs often in medical imaging. Therefore, there is a need to robustly estimate the view angles given random observations of the projections. The widely used locally linear embedding (LLE) technique provides nonlinear embedding of points on a flat manifold. In our case, the projections belong to a sphere. Therefore, we extend LLE and develop a spherical locally linear embedding (sLLE) algorithm, which is capable of embedding data points on a non-flat spherically constrained manifold. Our algorithm, sLLE, transforms the problem of the angle estimation to a spherically constrained embedding problem. It considers each projection as a high dimensional vector with dimensionality equal to the number of sampling points on the projection. The projections are then embedded onto a sphere, which parametrizes the projections with respect to view angles in a globally consistent manner. The image is reconstructed from parametrized projections through the inverse Radon transform. A number of experiments demonstrate that sLLE is particularly effective for the tomography application we consider. We evaluate its performance in terms of the computational efficiency and noise tolerance, and show that sLLE can be used to shed light on the other constrained applications of LLE.
The enhancement of polyclonal T cell proliferation by beta-endorphin.

Abstract Beta-endorphin (β-end) is a naturally occurring opioid peptide that has been implicated as a modulator of immune function. In this communication, data are presented to illustrate that β-end enhances proliferation of murine splenocytes stimulated by the T cell mitogen. Con A. The T cell sensitivity of this effect was demonstrated in cell preparations enriched for T cells by nylon wool separation. The opioid specificity of the enhancement indicates that the C-terminus of the 31 amino acid peptide contributed significantly to the effect. In addition, the magnitude and the incidence of the enhancement was highly dependent on the concentration of Con A, the density of the tested cells and the timing of the addition of β-end relative to that of Con A. These observations suggest that the state of activation of the T cell is a principal determinant of its sensitivity to β-end. Overall, the data provide compelling evidence for the existence of an immunomodulatory role for β-end.
A Review of “Stand Firm Ye Boys from Maine: The 20th Maine and the Gettysburg Campaign”

The American Civil War is full of poignant moments of courage, heroism, and sacrifice. Perhaps Gettysburg's three days saw more of these instances than any other battle of that war. These occurrenc...
Validation and quantification of genetic determinants of lipoprotein-a levels and predictive value for angiographic coronary artery disease.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) has gained attention as a heritable coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factor and therapeutic target. Two genetic variants in the LPA gene have been reported to influence Lp(a) levels and increase CAD risk. The aim of this study was to prospectively test these variants for their associations with Lp(a) and CAD risk. Participants (n = 1,400) in the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study Registry who had Lp(a) cholesterol levels determined at coronary angiography were genotyped for rs3798220 and rs1045587 in LPA. Variants were detected by Taqman polymerase chain reaction. Chi-square and linear and logistic regression tests were used as appropriate among genotypes for Lp(a) and angiographic CAD. Age averaged 63 years; 65% were men; and severe CAD was present in 57%, mild CAD in 12%, and no CAD in 31%. Minor allele frequencies were 0.023 for rs3798220 and 0.090 for rs10455872. In multivariate modeling, only rs10455872 (odds ratio [OR] 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67 to 3.33, p = 1.75 × 10 −9 ) and rs3798220 (OR 1.99, 95% CI 0.99 to 4.00, p = 0.065) contributed to the prediction of elevated Lp(a) cholesterol. Lp(a) cholesterol was weakly associated with CAD (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.37, p = 0.055). Rs10455872 strongly predicted prevalent CAD (per allele OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.91, p = 0.0172); the effect size for the rare rs3798220 variant was similar (dominant OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.67, p = 0.20), but power was limited to demonstrate significance. The combined genotype explained only a small percentage (≤4%) of variability in Lp(a) cholesterol and prevalence of angiographic CAD. In conclusion, heritable contributions of LPA rs10455872 and rs3798220 to Lp(a) cholesterol levels and to angiographic CAD were prospectively assessed in this study. The percentage of intersubject variability in Lp(a) cholesterol and the percentage of prevalent CAD explained were small.
Glutamate Racemase Mutants of Bacillus anthracis

d-Glutamate is an essential component of bacterial peptidoglycan and a building block of the poly-γ-d-glutamic acid (PDGA) capsule of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. Earlier work suggested that two glutamate racemases, encoded by racE1 and racE2, are each essential for growth of B. anthracis, supplying d-glutamic acid for the synthesis of peptidoglycan and PDGA capsule. Earlier work could not explain, however, why two enzymes that catalyze the same reaction may be needed for bacterial growth. Here, we report that deletion of racE1 or racE2 did not prevent growth of B. anthracis Sterne (pXO1+ pXO2−), the noncapsulating vaccine strain, or of B. anthracis Ames (pXO1+ pXO2+), a fully virulent, capsulating isolate. While mutants with deletions in racE1 and racE2 were not viable, racE2 deletion delayed vegetative growth of B. anthracis following spore germination and caused aberrant cell shapes, phenotypes that were partially restored by exogenous d-glutamate. Deletion of racE1 or racE2 from B. anthracis Ames did not affect the production or stereochemical composition of the PDGA capsule. A model is presented whereby B. anthracis, similar to Bacillus subtilis, utilizes two functionally redundant racemase enzymes to synthesize d-glutamic acid for peptidoglycan synthesis. IMPORTANCE Glutamate racemases, enzymes that convert l-glutamate to d-glutamate, are targeted for antibiotic development. Glutamate racemase inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of bacterial infections such as anthrax, where the causative agent, B. anthracis, requires d-glutamate for the synthesis of peptidoglycan and poly-γ-d-glutamic acid (PDGA) capsule. Here we show that B. anthracis possesses two glutamate racemase genes that can be deleted without abolishing either bacterial growth or PDGA synthesis. These data indicate that drug candidates must inhibit both glutamate racemases, RacE1 and RacE2, in order to block B. anthracis growth and achieve therapeutic efficacy.
Experimental studies on tumors of the urinary system of rats induced by chemical carcinogens.

Tumors in rats were induced in the urinary system of rats with basic lead acetate (BLA), N-nitrosodimethylamine (DMN), N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN), N-nitrosodibutylamine (DBN), 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and 4-nitroquinollne 1-oxide (4NQO). These kidney, ureter and urinary bladder tumors were studied by histopatho-logy, histochemistry, autoradiography and electron microscopy. The tumors of the kidney were classified into the following 4 types; renal cell tumors, embryonal cell tumors, transitional cell tumors and hemangioendotheliomas. However, the tumors of all other regions were of one type, transitional cell tumors. Studies by light and electron microscopy and autoradiography and histochemlcal studies on the histogenesis of tumors of the urinary system in rats showed that renal cell tumors may originate from the renal tubular epithelium and from a part of the metanephrogenic tissue, embryonal cell tumors originate from metanephrogenic tissue and hemangioendotheliomas may originate from blood capillaries. Transitional cell tumors of the kidney, renal pelvis, ureter and bladder originate from transitional epithelium.
Tensile Strength and Creep Resistance in Nanocrystalline Cu, Pd and Ag

Measurements of tensile strength and creep resistance have been made on bulk samples of nanocrystalline Cu, Pd and Ag consolidated from powders by cold compaction. Samples of Cu-Cu{sub 2}O have also been tested. Yield strength for samples with mean grains sizes of 5-80 nm and bulk densities on the order of 95% of theoretical density are increased 2--5 times over that measured in pure, annealed samples of the same composition with micrometer grain sizes. Ductility in the nanocrystalline Cu has exceeded 6% true strain, however, nanocrystalline Pd samples were much less ductile. Constant load creep tests performed at room temperature at stresses of >100 MPa indicate logarithmic creep. The mechanical properties results are interpreted to be due to grain size-related strengthening and processing flaw-related weakening. 26 refs., 2 figs.
The treatment of tuberculous meningitis.

Summary The case histories of nine patients ill with tuberculous meningitis andtreated with streptomycin have been reviewed. In two, temporary clinical response was obtained.
Erratum to: No such look: problems with the dual content theory

And Husserl, who is largely responsible for discovering the phenomenon of presence as absence, writes that the sensuous or intuitive contents in perception, which are responsible for presenting us with objects and properties, "are nothing for themselves; they are appearances-of only through the intentional horizons that are inseparable from them" (Husserl 2001, p. 43). Phenom Cogn Sci (2013) 12:835 DOI 10.1007/s11097-013-9312-4
Solid state 29Si magic angle spinning NMR: investigation of bond formation and crystallinity of silicon and graphite powder mixtures during high energy milling

Abstract In this study, solid state 29 Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to study the bond formation and structural changes of Si in Si–graphite powder mixtures during high energy milling. Both TEM and NMR analyses have shown that amorphization of Si occurred under the milling conditions used in this study. Furthermore, the NMR spectra have provided evidence that even under milling conditions that do not result in the formation of crystalline SiC in-situ during milling, most of the Si and C atoms are intimately mixed at atomic levels in the amorphous phase and the nominal composition of the amorphous phase is about 1:1 of the Si:C molar ratio, corresponding to the Si:C molar ratio of the starting powder mixture. Comparison among XRD, TEM, and NMR analyses indicates that the reduction of the integrated area of Si reflections in the XRD patterns is primarily due to amorphization of Si. Based on these results, it is proposed that amorphization of Si is primarily induced by crystallite refinement and mixing of Si and C at atomic levels is assisted by micro-diffusion during milling.
A New Autotrophic Bacterium which Oxidises Ammonia directly to Nitrate and Decomposes Petroleum

In connexion with the studies of the senior writer1 on living micro-organisms in ancient rocks, an attempt was made to determine whether or not not old materials other than rocks harbour living micro-organisms. Among such materials studied was petroleum. An attempt to find cellulose-destroying organisms in petroleum by inoculating the latter into a cellulose medium yielded an organism which apparently has no power to decompose cellulose but has no power to decompose cellulose but had an extraordinary physiology. It was isolated from petrolium derived from a well more than 8700 feet deep, owned by the Standard Oil Company of California.
NOAA's future GOES satellite program

Future weather satellites for NOAA at geosynchronous orbit may be smaller, less costly, and developed by a different process than is currently done. This path is sometimes called the 'smaller, cheaper and faster' process being pursued by NASA. We believe in the future there will be less money, a focus on using the right technology and the desire to get the most value for the resources invested in space missions. In this paper we give an update on our progress to define future GOES. It will include our efforts to trade on user requirement early, to use evolutionary technology, and to consider new cost reduction and program management techniques.
Tampering with the text to increase awareness of poetry's art. (Theory and practice with a Hispanic perspective)

Theoreticians have linked the act of poetic creation inextricably to the principle of linguistic 'play'. A number of Hispanic poets have experimented with transformational and permutational creativity of the type that computers can accomplish quite easily. Such computer-induced play enhances the study of poetry by imbuing the poetic text with a new and dynamic dimension in which on-screen manipulation destabilizes the text, allowing the reader to explore it more thoroughly than is possible in the fixed printed medium and to appreciate it as a unique blend of word, structure and pattern. Well-known poems from writers who have themselves experimented with textual alteration, as well as works of others who have not, serve to illustrate diverse modalities of textual alteration, which are grouped by the types of transformation carried out by the computer
Čech cocycles for characteristic classes

We give general formulae for explicit Cech cocycles representing characteristic classes of real and complex vector bundles, as well as for cocycles representing Chern-Simons classes of bundles with arbitrary connections. Our formulae involve integrating differential forms over moving simplices inside homogeneous spaces. An important feature of our cocycles is that they take integer values (as opposed to real or rational values). We find in particular a formula for the instanton number of a connection over a closed four-manifold with arbitrary structure group. For flat connections, our formulae recover and generalize those of Cheeger and Simons. The methods of this paper apply also to the purely geometric construction of the Quillen line bundle with its metric.
The Ionization of Hydrogen by Single Electron Impact

From an analysis of the theoretical potential energy curves for the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ molecule as outlined by Condon the theoretical predictions for the types of ions resulting from primary impacts with electrons are described. These predictions include the formation of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ at 15.25 volts, ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ at 17.9 volts, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ at about 30 volts which then dissociates with several volts kinetic energy, and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{++}$ at about 50 volts which also dissociates with kinetic energy. Using a mass spectrograph the experimental results of a study of the primary ions in hydrogen indicate the formation of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ at 15.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 volts, ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ at 18.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 volts, and ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ at 26 to 30 volts, the last having various amounts of kinetic energy.Curves are given showing the relative number of each of these types of ions from which it appears that at the higher velocities about 92 percent of the total number of ions formed is of the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ type, 1 percent of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ corresponding to the 18 volt potential, and 7 percent of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ having kinetic energy. The probability of ionization for all types together as a function of the electron velocity is given by a curve, plotted to an arbitrary scale, which exhibits a well-defined maximum at 60 volts.
The electronic republic? The role of the Internet in promoting democracy in Africa

(2000). The electronic republic? The role of the Internet in promoting democracy in Africa. Democratization: Vol. 7, The Internet, Democracy and Democratization, pp. 137-156.
Validation and Refinement of a Rule to Predict Emergency Intervention in Adult Trauma Patients

Study objective Trauma centers use "secondary triage" to determine the necessity of trauma surgeon involvement. A clinical decision rule, which includes penetrating injury, an initial systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg, or an initial pulse rate greater than 100 beats/min, was developed to predict which trauma patients require emergency operative intervention or emergency procedural intervention (cricothyroidotomy or thoracotomy) in the emergency department. Our goal was to validate this rule in an adult trauma population and to compare it with the American College of Surgeons' major resuscitation criteria. Methods We used Level I trauma center registry data from September 1, 1995, through November 30, 2008. Outcomes were confirmed with blinded abstractors. Sensitivity, specificity, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results Our patient sample included 20,872 individuals. The median Injury Severity Score was 9 (interquartile range 4 to 16), 15.3% of patients had penetrating injuries, 13.5% had a systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg, and 32.5% had a pulse rate greater than 100 beats/min. Emergency operative intervention or procedural intervention was required in 1,099 patients (5.3%; 95% CI 5.0% to 5.6%). The sensitivities and specificities of the rule and the major resuscitation criteria for predicting emergency operative intervention or emergency procedural intervention were 95.6% (95% CI 94.3% to 96.8%) and 56.1% (95% CI 55.4% to 56.8%) and 85.5% (95% CI 83.3% to 87.5%) and 80.9% (95% CI 80.3% to 81.4%), respectively. Conclusion This new rule was more sensitive for predicting the need for emergency operative intervention or emergency procedural intervention directly compared with the American College of Surgeons' major resuscitation criteria, which may improve the effectiveness and efficiency of trauma triage.
Response to Strevens

I am very grateful to the editors of Philosophy and Phenomenological Research for giving me this opportunity to respond to Michael Strevens' review of Making Things Happen (MTH). I believe that many of the positions that Strevens attributes to me and which serve as a basis for his criticisms rest on misinterpretations of MTH. One reason for this is that Strevens reads me with the preoccupations of a metaphysician; another is that he relies heavily, in reporting what he takes to be my views, on restatements of those views within his own terminology and system of concepts rather than on what I actually say. I will cite examples below, but I am also mindful that (for very good reasons) readers of this journal are not going to be interested in a long and tedious list of I-never-saidthat's. For this reason and because I lack the space to respond to everything in Strevens' review, I would encourage readers of this exchange to read MTH and to form their own assessment of its contents.
Reducing correlated noise in fMRI data.

The sensitivity of functional MRI (fMRI) in detecting neuronal activation is dependent on the relative levels of signal and noise in the time-series data. The temporal noise level within a single voxel is generally substantially higher than the intrinsic NMR (thermal) noise, and the noise is often correlated between voxels. This work introduces and evaluates a method that allows fMRI sensitivity improvement by reduction of these correlated noise sources. The method allows model-free estimation of the correlated noise from brain regions not activated by the functional paradigm using a short (1–2 min) reference scan. A single regressor representing this noise-source estimate is added to the design matrix used in the data analysis. Results obtained from five volunteers show an average t-score improvement of 11.3% and a 24.2% increase in the size of the activated area. Magn Reson Med 59:939–945, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pulse self-compression of supercontinuum in photonic nanowires

Photonic nanowires exhibit broad regions of anomalous group-velocity dispersion and large effective nonlinearities allowing for efficient pulse self-compression. Experimentally, we demonstrate self-compression of 70-fs pulses to 6.8 fs. Simulations predict potential compression to near single-cycle durations.
Manipulating neural-stem-cell mobilization and migration in vitro

Neural stem-cell transplantation is a promising strategy for the treatment of neural diseases and injuries, since the central nervous system (CNS) has a very limited capacity to repopulate the lost cells. Transplantation strategies face many difficulties including low viability, lack of control of stem-cell fate, and low levels of cell engraftment after transplantation. An alternative strategy for CNS repair without transplantation is using endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) and precursor cells. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a pleiotropic cytokine of mesenchymal origin, exerts a strong chemoattractive effect on stem cells. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a key regulator for stem-cell proliferation, mobilization, and fate choices, is currently being characterized for endogenous NSC manipulation for brain regeneration. In this study, HGF and LIF have been loaded into hydrogels and degradable nanoparticles, respectively, for sustained, long-term, localized delivery. We examine the use of HGF-loaded hydrogels and LIF-loaded nanoparticles for manipulating migration and mobilization of human NSCs in vitro. The combination of LIF-loaded nanoparticles and HGF-loaded hydrogels significantly mobilized hNSCs and promoted their migration in vitro. Studies are in progress to evaluate endogenous NSC mobilization and migration in vivo with simultaneous, controlled delivery of LIF at the natural reservoir of endogenous NSCs and HGF at the injury or disease site for in situ tissue regeneration.
Diurnal Precipitation Regimes in the Global Tropics

Abstract Diurnal variations of the global tropical precipitation are documented by using two complementary Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) datasets (3B42 and 3G68) for 1998–2006 in an attempt to provide a unified view of the diurnal cycle and a metric for evaluating numerical model performance. The 3B42 data have better spatial coverage; the 3G68 data offer more accurate diurnal phase information. The first and second empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes represent the diurnal cycle and account for 89% of the total variance in 3B42. The third and fourth EOF modes, which account for 10% of the total variance, represent the semidiurnal cycle. Both datasets yield consistent spatial structures and temporal evolution, but they have different advantages: the patterns derived from 3B42 exhibit less noise, while 3G68 yields an arguably more accurate diurnal phase. The diurnal phase derived from 3G68 systematically leads 3B42 by about 3 h. Three tropical diurnal cycle regimes (oceanic, continental, ...
Identifying the core of an emerging multidisciplinary domain

New scientific fields often grow from the intersections and boundaries between existing disciplines. Before these new domains are well established, with important authors and key journals, publications are usually mixed into the journals and conferences of the parent domains, making it difficult to identify core works. This paper presents a validated approach that begins by finding authors in three disciplines who are contributing to the emerging field of quantitative microbial risk analysis, then mining their coauthors and citations to characterize the new domain. The algorithm's results are more comprehensive if the solution sets for the three fields are combined for processing at the end, rather than treating the new field as already established in the intersection of the selected authors.
Developing a Metadata Best Practices Model: The Experience of the Colorado State University Libraries

The Metadata Best Practices Task Force (MBPTF) at the Colorado State University (CSU) Libraries developed a core set of metadata elements and an accompanying data dictionary to facilitate a coordinated metadata management approach for a central digital repository of diverse digital objects. This article describes the rationale for the Task Force and the process used for its work following a look at the background of digitization and past metadata practices at CSU. The article includes a literature review on institutional metadata projects and examples, and it ends with a description of the Task Force's ongoing work and plans for future assessment.
Effects of amending soil with Tagetes patula cv. Single Gold on Meloidogyne incognita infestation of tomato

The effects of amending soil with either roots or tops of tomato or marigold on subsequent tomato growth and infestation by Meloidogyne incognita was determined in greenhouse pot experiments. Controls consisted of non-amended soil, and pre-cropping for 8 weeks with tomato or marigold previously infested with M. incognita. Amending soil with marigold or tomato tops or roots increased the weight of tomato tops at high M. incognita inoculum densities. Galling and nematode populations were high when tomato followed tomato, but very low when tomato followed marigold. Galling and final nematode population levels were reduced by all soil amendments, but by much less than pre-cropping with marigold for 8 weeks. Although some reduction in nematode infestation can be achieved by amending soil with marigold plant parts, this reduction is not specific to marigold and is unlikely to be of practical use. Die Wirkung einer Bodenverbesserung mit Tagetes patula cv. Single Gold auf den Befall von Tomaten durch Meloidogyne incognita - In Topfversuchen im Gewachshaus wurde die Wirkung von Wurzeln oder oberirdischen Teilen von Tomate oder Tagetes auf das anschliesende Wachstum und auf den Befall mit Meloidogyne incognita untersucht. Als Kontrollen dienten nichtverbesserter Boden oder eine acht Wochen lange Vorkultur von Tomaten oder Tagetes in voher mit M. incognita verseuchter Erde. Eine Bodenverbesserung mit oberirdischen Teilen oder Wurzeln von Tagetes oder Tomate steigerte das Gewicht der oberirdischen Teile von Tomatenpflanzen bei hohen Befallsdichten. Gallbildung und Nematodenpopulationen waren hoch, wenn Tomate auf Tomate folgte, aber nur gering bei Tomate nach Tagetes. Gallbildung und Hohe der Endpopulation wurden durch alle Bodenverbesserungen vermindert, aber deutlich weniger als durch eine achtwochige Vorkultur von Tagetes. Obwohl eine gewisse Verminderung der Nematodenpopulation durch eine Bodenverbesserung mit Teilen von Tagetespflanzen erreicht werden kann, ist diese Verminderung nicht spezifisch fur Tagetes und wahrscheinlich ohne praktischen Nutzen.
The syntax and interpretation of temporal expressions in English

The only obligatory temporal expression in English is tense, yet Hans Reichenbach (1947) has argued convincingly that the simplest sentence is understood in terms of three temporal notions. Additional possibilities for a simple sentence are limited: English sentences have one time adverbial each. It is not immediately clear how to resolve these matters, that is, how (if at all) Reichenbach’s account can be reconciled with the facts of English. This paper attempts to show that they can be reconciled, and presents an analysis of temporal specification that is based directly on Reichenbach’s account.
Optical intensity dynamics in a five-emitter semiconductor array laser

The intensity dynamics of a five-emitter laser array subject to a linearly decreasing injection current are examined numerically. We have matched the results of the numerical model to an experimental AlGaAs quantum-dot array laser and have achieved the same robust oscillatory power output with a nearly π phase shift between emitters that was observed in experiments. Due to the linearly decreasing injection current, the output power of the waveguide decreases as a function of waveguide number. For injection currents ranging from 380 to 500 mA, the oscillatory behavior persists with only a slight change in phase difference. However, the fundamental frequency of oscillation increases with injection current, and higher harmonics as well as some fine structures are produced.
Motivational influences on children's strategic remembering

Abstract The present article focuses on the role of mental effort as an information processing link mediating the effects of motivational factors on remembering task performance. A general model of strategy selection, incorporating mental effort as a mediator of the effects of motivational factors on strategy selection, is first discussed; this model provides a framework for the analysis of the loci of individual and developmental differences in memory task performance. Two experiments are then described which were designed to test predictions of the model. Experiment 1 examined the effects of different levels of extrinsic motivation and general academic skill on third-grade children's spontaneous use of mnemonic strategies. Experiment 2 examined the effects of the effort demands of strategy use during training on strategy transfer by adults. The findings from the two experiments are discussed in the context of the presented model of motivational influences on strategy use.
Some asymptotic properties of solutions of nonlinear abstract wave equations

We shall be concerned with two asymptotic properties of solutions of the nonlinear abstract wave equation 8~” + yd = A2u + f(t, u) in a Banach space; here A2 is a linear operator, in general unbounded. In the first part of the paper we let E --f 0 and ask about the connection between g and a suitable solution U of the unperturbed equation $7 = A2U +f(t, U), and also about the connection between ri and u’. In the last part, we seek conditions on f which will guarantee that to each bounded solution u of u” + yu’ = A2u +f(t, u) there is a bounded solution U of the linear (unperturbed) equation U”+yU’=AW such that II u(t) U(t)11 --t 0 as t -+ co, and conversely. An integral-equation method based on the representation of Hersh [7] is used for the resolution of both problems.
Induced hypothermia is underused after resuscitation from cardiac arrest: a current practice survey

Abstract Background: Important recent work has demonstrated that the use of induced hypothermia can improve survival and neurologic recovery after cardiac arrest. We wished to ascertain the extent to which physicians were using this treatment, and what opinions are held by clinicians regarding its use. Methods: An internet-based survey of physicians was conducted, with physicians chosen at random from published directories of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the American Thoracic Society, and the American Heart Association. Physicians were questioned regarding use of therapeutic hypothermia, methods employed, and/or reasons why they had not incorporated hypothermia into their care of cardiac arrest patients. Results: Completed surveys were collected from 265 physicians, including those practicing emergency medicine (41%), critical care (13%), and cardiology (24%). Respondents were geographically well distributed and the majority (94%) were at post-training level. Most respondents (78%) practiced at either larger referral hospitals or academic medical centers. When asked if they had ever used hypothermia following cardiac arrest, 87% said they had not. Among reasons cited for non-use, 49% felt that there were not enough data, 32% mentioned lack of incorporation of hypothermia into advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) protocols, and 28% felt that cooling methods were technically too difficult or too slow. Conclusion: Despite compelling data supporting its use, hypothermia has yet to be broadly incorporated into physician practice. This highlights the need for improved awareness and education regarding this treatment option, as well as the need to consider hypothermia protocols for inclusion in future iterations of ACLS.
Ratio and group size in day care programs

Literature on the influences of ratio and group size on children's development in day care is reviewed. Relatively few studies are responsible for the widely held beliefs about the influence of ratio and group size on children's development. When measured separately, ratio and group size are sometimes, but not always related to children's development. Some significant relationships are not in the expected direction. When included as variables in quality clusters, ratio and group size are more likely to be related to developmental outcomes. Group size more consistantly influences development in the expected direction than ratio. This suggests the need for increased attention to group size in the policy arena. Regardless of methodology, ratio and group size explain a relatively small protion of the variance in children's development. Ratio and group size have been found to have both direct and indirect effects on development, indicating that they are potentially valuable as proxy measures of children's experience in day care programs.
Tantalum-Mediated Cleavage of an NN Bond in an Organic Diazene (Azoarene) To Produce an Imidometal (MNR) Complex: An η2-Diazene Complex Is Not an Intermediate.

Treatment of methyl tantalocene complexes Cp2Ta(L)CH3 (4, L = Cp2Ta(S)CH3, PMe3, ethylene) with azobenzene or azotoluene (ArNNAr) leads to loss of L and formation of Cp2Ta(η2-ArNNAr)CH3 (5; the first structurally characterized group V azoarene complex) and Cp2Ta(NAr)CH3 (6). Mechanistic studies show that complex 5 cannot be an intermediate in the formation of 6; an η1-azoarene complex (8) is suggested as an alternative.
Cognitive impairment or inadequate norms? A study of healthy, rural, older adults with limited education

Abstract This study established preliminary norms for nine commonly administered neuropsychological tests for a biracial sample (N = 133; White = 64, African American = 69) of nondemented, rural community-dwelling elders (mean age = 76.48; SD = 7.87) with 10 or fewer years of formal education (mean education = 6.65 years; SD = 2.14). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that education was an important predictor of performance on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS), Clock Drawing, Ravens' Colored Progressive Matrices, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Vocabulary and Block Design, Verbal Fluency (Category) and Logical Memory and Visual Reproduction subtests from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), but did not predict scores on the Fuld Object Memory Evaluation or memory savings scores from the WMS-R. Race was a predictor only for WAIS-R Vocabulary and Block Design, and WMS-R Logical Memory Delayed. Approximately half of the subj...
A sequence-pair representation and MIP-model-based heuristic for the facility layout problem with rectangular departments

In Facility Layout Problem (FLP) research, the continuous-representation-based FLP can consider all feasible all-rectangular-department solutions. Given this flexibility, this representation has become the representation of choice in FLP research. Much of this research is based on a methodology of Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) models. However, these MIP-FLP models can only solve problems with a limited number of departments to optimality due to the large number of combinations of the binary variables used in the models to maintain feasibility with respect to departments overlapping. Our research centers around the sequence-pair representation, a concept that originated in the Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design literature. We show that an exhaustive search of the sequence-pair solution space will result in finding the optimal layout of the MIP-FLP and that every sequence-pair solution is position consistent (although possibly not layout feasible) in the MIP-FLP. We propose a genetic-algorithm-bas...
Fabrication of Micro-Actuated Galvanic Cells as Power on Demand for Lab on a Chip Applications by Means of Novel PCB/MEMS Technology

A novel copper-clad liquid crystal polymer material is proposed as a basic material for the construction of galvanic cells. Copper is an ideal material that allows not only the formation of conductor patterns in the material but also can be electroplated selectively with a wide variety of metals to create heterogeneous systems. The use of a novel mask-less patterning system described herein opens up the opportunity for micro fabrication of different microstructures that can be layered to form complex two and potentially three-dimensional micro fluidic networks. Achieving the photo-imprinting by the use of a novel mask-less system not only reduces the cost but also allows for ease and flexibility in making systems and is ideal for research and development environments. In this paper micro galvanic cells actuated by means of fluidic actuators have been designed and constructed. The electrochemical galvanic cells used as power source examples are a Daniell’s (Copper-Zinc) electrochemical battery, and an aluminum-air galvanic system. The choice for the electrochemical systems is discussed and some preliminary results are presented to show the levels of energy available. In addition, the basic concept of an electrically induced expansion mechanism for circuit activation on demand is described. Lastly, the mechanics of the suggested actuation mechanism are discussed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME