cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1629) Proposal to conserve the name Myrtus fragrans (Myrtaceae) with a conserved type

Myrtus fragrans Sw. is the basionym of three combinations, Eugeniafragrans (Sw.) Willd. (Sp. Pl. 2: 964. 1799), Anamomis fragrans (Sw.) Griseb. (Fl. Brit. W. Ind.: 240. 1860) and Myrcianthes fragrans (Sw.) McVaugh (in Fieldiana, Bot. 29: 485. 1963). The names have been widely and persistently used, more or less sequentially, over the past 200 years for a well-known small tree of circum-Caribbean distribution: southern Florida, eastern and southern Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and northwestern South America from Venezuela to Peru. After McVaugh transferred the species to Myrcianthes in 1963, M. fragrans became the universally accepted and applied name. The TROPICOS database (http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast. html) lists 21 floras and checklists published in the past 40 years citing M fragrans, among them McVaugh in Fieldiana, Bot. 24(7): 377. 1963; Long & Lakela, Fl. Tropical Florida: 646. 1971; Molina R. in Ceiba 19: 83. 1975; Sousa & Cabrera, Listad. florist. M6x. II. Fl. Quintana Roo: 58. 1983; McVaugh in Howard, Fl. Lesser Antilles 5: 513. 1989; Sganchez Vindas, Fl. Veracruz, Myrtaceae, 62: 100. 1990; Brako & Zarucchi, Catal. Fl. P1. Gymnosp. Peru: 746. 1993; Breedlove, Listad. florist. M6x. IV. Fl. Chiapas: 146. 1997; Wunderlin, Guide Vasc. P1. Florida: 454. 1998; Jorgensen & Le6n-YSanez, Catal. Vasc. Pl. Ecuador: 621. 1999; Balick et al., Checkl. Vasc. P1. Belize: 98. 2000; and Sanchez Vindas in Stevens et al., eds., Fl. Nicaragua, vol. II: 1575. 2001. The name also appears in Adams, Flow. Pt. Jamaica: 520. 1972; Forero & Gentry, Lista anot. pl. depto. Choc6, Colombia: 115. 1989; and, most recently, in Holst in Berry et al., Fl. Venezuelan Guayana 7: 79. 2003. Two recent checklists cite Eugenia fragrans: Molina R. (l.c.), which also lists Myrcianthes fragrans, and Dwyer & Spellman in Rhodora 83: 214. 1981.
Maternal Medications During Breastfeeding

Human milk provides the infants first and best choice for protection against infectious disease during the first year of life. Not only is it perfectly suited for the infant’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but also its numerous growth factors enhance growth and maturation of a relatively permeable GI tract. Although recent studies have clearly suggested that the number of women who choose to breastfeed is rising, the number of women who discontinue breastfeeding to take a medication because of advice from their healthcare professional is simply too high. Surveys in Western countries indicate that 90% to 99% of women who breastfeed will receive at least 1 medication during the first week postpartum. 1 Although it is not known for sure how many women discontinue breastfeeding due to concerns associated with using various medications, at least 1 Scandinavian study suggests that for mothers who discontinue breastfeeding prematurely, the use of medications is a major reason. 2
Palliative and oncologic co-management: symptom management for outpatients with cancer

Purpose Although outpatient palliative care clinics are increasingly common, evidence for their efficacy remains limited.
METHOD FOR NEUTRON DETECTION EFFICIENCY MEASUREMENTS AND NEUTRON--CHARGED PARTICLE COINCIDENCE DETECTION.

A simple and straightforward method for experimentally determining neutron time-of-flight detector threshold and efficiency as a function of neutron energy is presented. A procedure for neutron-charged particle coincidence studies is included also.
An experimental investigation of hypersonic flow over biconics at incidence and comparison to prediction

Pressure distributions, aerodynamic coefficients, shock shapes, and oil-flow patterns were measured on spherically blunted, 12.84 deg/7 deg on-axis and bent biconics at Mach 6 in air. The angle of attack, referenced to the axis of the aft-cone, was varied from -10 to 40 deg in nominal 5 deg increments. Predictions from an inviscid flowfield computer code referred to as STEIN and codes which solve the three-dimensional parabolized Navier Stokes (PNS) equations were compared with measurement. Three PNS codes were found which provided accurate predictions of windward and leeward pressure distributions for angles of attack to 25 deg.
Electrophoretic display technologies for e-book readers: system integration aspects

Emerging screen technologies, such as Electrophoretic Displays (EPD) used in E-book Readers, are changing product power requirements due to their advantageous properties such as bi-stability (effective "zero power" static display) and reflective mode of operation (no backlight). We will first review the emerging screen technologies under the angle of system and IC design impact. We will explain power management consequences for IC design, with a focus on Application Engine SOCs for the wireless/portable markets.
Capabilities of the NASA/IPAC extragalactic database in the era of a global virtual observatory

We review the capabilities of the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED, http://ned.ipac.caltech.edu) for information retrieval and knowledge discovery in the context of a globally distributed virtual observatory. Since it's inception in 1990, NED has provided astronomers world-wide with the results of a systematic cross-correlation of catalogs covering all wavelengths, along with thousands of extragalactic observations culled from published journal articles. NED is continuously being expanded and revised to include new catalogs and published observations, each undergoing a process of cross-identification to capture the current state of knowledge about extragalactic sources in a panchromatic fashion. In addition to assimilating data from the literature, the team in incrementally folding in millions of observations from new large-scale sky surveys such as 2MASS, NVSS, APM, and SDSS. At the time of writing the system contains over 3.3 million unique objects with 4.2 million cross-identifications. We summarize the recent evolution of NED from its initial emphasis on object name-, position-, and literature-based queries into a research environment that also assists statistical data exploration and discovery using large samples of objects. Newer capabilities enable intelligent Web mining of entries in geographically distributed astronomical archives that are indexed by object names and positions in NED, sample building using constraints on redshifts, object types and other parameters, as well as image and spectral archives for targeted or serendipitous discoveries. A pilot study demonstrates how NED is being used in conjunction with linked survey archives to characterize the properties of galaxy classes to form a training set for machine learning algorithms; an initial goal is production of statistical likelihoods that newly discovered sources belong to known classes, represent statistical outliers, or candidates for fundamentally new types of objects. Challenges and opportunities for tighter integration of NED capabilities into data mining tools for astronomy archives are also discussed.
Update on Imminent Vaccines: Report of the APPA VU 2010: II

The Asia Pacific Pediatric Association Vaccinology Update 2010 (APPA VU 2010) was held in Mumbai on November 13–14, 2010. This second part of the conference report discusses the interesting information about vaccines which are expected in the near future, namely, live-attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, tetravalent dengue virus vaccine, conjugate typhoid vaccine and conjugate meningococcal A vaccine.
Self-compensation in lanthanumdoped calcium titanate

The reversible change of oxygen content observed by gravimetric measurements on lanthanum (donor)-doped calcium titanate between specified states of reduction and oxidation is proportional to the lanthanum concentration. These measurements indicate that the lanthanum addition is compensated by additional oxygen up-take in the oxidized state. The range of this reversible change in oxygen stoichiometry is up to more than an order of magnitude larger than the oxygen non-stoichiometry of the undoped CatiO3. There is excellent agreement between the calculated amounts of oxygen necessary to compensate the donor-dopant and the measured reversible oxygen weight-change between the oxidized and reduced state of equilibration. A single-phase region from La0.06Ca0.94Ti 0.06 3+ Ti 0.06 4+ O3 to La0.94Ca0.94TiO3.03 has been confirmed. The gravimetric measurements can be explained by a model involving a shear structure.
The use of 16-bit high level languages and microcomputer products to solve industrial control products

Abstract The increasing useage of low-cost microcomputer systems in industrial control and automation has caused two industry bottlenecks — hardware and software system design. Ease of application is thus a prime criterion for Microcomputer system selection for use in this area. This paper examines the consequences of combining high-level languages, which are efficient for the programmer to use — with predefined hardware configurations, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various hardware/software solutions to typical industrial applications
Multiparticle production in proton-nucleus collisions at tevation energy

Abstract For 800 GeV proton interactions with nuclear emulsions, the multiplicity ofshower particles, their correlation and the pseudorapidity distributions are presented.
Use of Genetic Marks to Assess Stock Dynamics and Management Programs for Chum Salmon

Abstract Genetic marking, the manipulation of allelic frequencies to tag fish stocks, was applied to chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta released in Kennedy Creek, a tributary to Totten Inlet in south Puget Sound, Washington. Our objectives were to conduct a Petersen mark-recapture population census of smolts residing in Totten Inlet and to identify the contribution of marked fish to subsequent spawning runs. Male spawners were selected for expression of the 115 allele of aspartate aminotransferase Aat 1,2 or the 90 allele of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase Pgdh. The respective frequencies were thus increased from about 0.12 and 0.01 among the native fish to about 0.25 and 0.11 among the progeny of selected males. Eggs were incubated in streamside gravel box incubators and 11 × 106 hatched fish were released to Kennedy Creek during 1978–1980. Fish from the genetically marked broods made up 15–51% of the chum salmon smolts resident in Totten Inlet each spring, 1978–1980, and Petersen mark-recapture population e...
Effects of Androgens on Male Sexual Behavior and Secondary Sex Characters in the Explosively Breeding Spadefoot Toad,Scaphiopus couchii ☆

In male Scaphiopus couchii, plasma elevations in androgens are associated with the seasonal expression of sexual behavior. To test the hypothesis that androgens are necessary for the expression of one aspect of sexual behavior, amplexus, and for the development of secondary sex characteristics in male S. couchii, the effects of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on clasping behavior and thumb pad growth were investigated. Forty toads were divided into five treatment groups as follows: (1) intact, with no hormonal or surgical treatment; (2) sham-castrated, with silastic implants of cholesterol; (3) sham-castrated, with implants of T and DHT; (4) castrated, with implants of cholesterol; and (5) castrated, with implants of T and DHT. Displays of sexual behavior (amplexus) for each individual were counted during a 3-hr observation period at 2, 4, and 7 weeks after the surgical procedure. For each observation trial, there was no significant difference in the amount of clasping among treatment groups: virtually all individuals from each group displayed vigorous clasping. No calling was noted at any time. Thumb pad darkness of each individual was assessed at the 4- and 7-week time intervals. At both time periods, the thumb pads of androgen-treated males were significantly darker than those of cholesterol-treated males, while intact males remained intermediate. Measurement of plasma steroid levels from the treatment groups indicated that androgens were basal in the castrate group and higher in the implant treatment. These results suggest that in S. couchii, although androgens are associated temporally with the onset of reproductive behavior, they are not necessary for its expression. The elevation in androgens during the reproductive period may be instead important in the development and maintanence of secondary sex characteristics and possibly other reproductive functions.
Quaternary glacial stratigraphy and chronology of Mexico

The volcano Iztaccihuatl in central Mexico was glaciated twice during the middle Pleistocene, once probably in pre-Illinoian (or pre-Bull Lake) time, and once in late Illinoian (or Bull Lake) time. Glaciation during the late Pleistocene was restricted to the late Wisconsin (or Pinedale). A maximum advance and one readvance are recorded in the early part, and one readvance in the latter part. Three or four small neoglacial advances occurred during the Holocene. Two other volcanoes nearby, Ajusco and Malinche, have a partial record of late Pleistocene and Holocene glaciations. Three others, Popocatepetl, Pico de Orizaba, and Nevado de Toluca, have a full Holocene record of three to five glacial advances during Neoglaciation.
Dual flagellar systems enable motility under different circumstances.

Flagella are extremely effective organelles of locomotion used by a variety of bacteria and archaea. Some bacteria, including Aeromonas , Azospirillum , Rh
Post-appendectomy visits to the emergency department within the global period: a target for cost containment.

Abstract Background Postoperative visits to the emergency department (ED) instead of the surgeon's office consume enormous cost. Hypothesis Postoperative ED visits can be avoided. Setting Fully accredited, single-institution, 617-bed hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Patients Retrospective analysis of 597 consecutive patients with appendectomies over a 4-year period. Methods Demographic and medical data, at initial presentation, surgery, and ED visit were recorded as categorical variables and statistically analyzed (Pearson χ 2 test, Fisher exact test, and linear-by-linear). Costs were calculated from the hospital's billing department. Results Forty-six patients returned to the ED within the global period with pain (n = 22, 48%), wound-related issues (n = 6, 13%), weakness (n = 4, 9%), fever (13%), and nausea and vomiting (n = 3, 6%). Thirteen patients (28%) required readmission. Predictive factors for ED visit postoperatively were perforated appendicitis (2-fold increase over uncomplicated appendicitis) and comorbidities (cardiovascular or diabetes). The cost of investigations during ED visits was $55,000 plus physician services. Conclusions ED visits during the postoperative global period are avoidable by identifying patients who may need additional care; improving patient education, optimizing pain control, and improving patient office access.
First-class schedules and virtual maps

Explicitly parallel functional languages typically use metalinguistics annotations to provide control over parallel evaluation. In this paper we explore more flexible mechanisms to control when and where an expression is evaluated: firstclass schedules and processors. We discuss the advantages of using first-class objects over traditional annotation-based systems. In particular, we show how monads can be used to access dynamic system parameters like system load in a referentially transparent manner (up to termination). Finally, we describe an implementation of first-class schedules and virtual processors on a 16-processor Silicon Graphics Challenge multiprocessor.
Biological treatment of airstreams contaminated with vocs: An overview

Biological treatment of contaminated airstreams is a technology which has been used successfully in Germany and The Netherlands for twenty years. The technology can be utilized in a wide array of industries to treat numerous volatile chemicals. There are three categories of air phase bioreactors: biofilters, biotrickling filters, and bioscrubbers. Addition of nutrients and buffer capacity may be required. Many different types of support media can be used. Currently, design of airphase bioreactors is based upon guidelines, pilot studies, and experience gained from similar applications.
Use of relaxation methods in sampling-based algorithms for optimal motion planning

Several variants of incremental sampling-based algorithms have been recently proposed in order to optimally solve motion planning problems. Popular examples include the RRT* and the PRM* algorithms. These algorithms are asymptotically optimal and thus provide high quality solutions. However, the convergence rate to the optimal solution may still be slow. Borrowing from ideas used in the well-known LPA* algorithm, in this paper we present a new incremental sampling-based motion planning algorithm based on Rapidly-exploring Random Graphs (RRG), denoted by RRT# (RRT “sharp”), which also guarantees asymptotic optimality, but, in addition, it also ensures that the constructed spanning tree rooted at the initial state contains lowest-cost path information for vertices which have the potential to be part of the optimal solution. This implies that the best possible solution is readily computed if there are some vertices in the current graph that are already in the goal region.
Analysis of Trans-Permanent Magnetic Systems

This paper develops a method of switching the states of permanent magnets through an on-board magnetization process. The resulting dynamic systems are referred to as trans-permanent magnetic systems. This paper first describes the governing equations needed for the analysis of trans-permanent magnetic systems. Then, the paper demonstrates their feasibility in an experiment. In doing so, this paper presents a method that has the potential of leading to new ultra-low-power designs for electromechanical devices.
Novel approaches targeted toward oxidative stress for the treatment of chronic kidney disease

Purpose of review Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide health problem that affects about 10% of the adult population. No major advances have been made in the treatment of this common disease, which leads to end-stage kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular events and high economic costs. We review new approaches that are currently being explored to halt progression of kidney disease. Recent findings Redox balance plays a significant pathogenic role in the progression of kidney disease through regulation of signaling pathways, gene expression, cell proliferation, and fibrosis. In this review we define the term reactive oxygen metabolites, or oxidants, and discuss novel treatment modalities for diabetic and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease. Our emphasis here is on human studies and those agents that may have a direct or indirect link to oxidative stress and catalytic (labile) iron. Summary We believe that intercepting these pathways with one or more drugs may provide novel therapeutic modalities for halting progression of chronic kidney disease.
Foodways of the urban poor

Abstract In the past decade, progressive public health advocates and food justice activists have increasingly argued that food deserts, which they define as neighborhoods lacking available healthy foods, are responsible for the diet-related health problems that disproportionately plague low-income communities of color. This well meaning approach is a marked improvement over the victim-blaming that often accompanies popular portrayals of health disparities in that it attempts to shift the emphasis from individual eaters to structural issues of equitable development and the supply of health-inducing opportunities. However, we argue that even these supply-side approaches fail to take into account the foodways – cultural, social and economic food practices, habits and desires – of those who reside in so-called food deserts. In this paper, we present five independently conducted studies from Oakland and Chicago that investigate how low-income people eat, where and how they shop, and what motivates their food choices. Our data reveals that cost, not lack of knowledge or physical distance, is the primary barrier to healthy food access, and that low-income people employ a wide variety of strategies to obtain the foods they prefer at prices they can afford. This paper speaks to academic debates on food systems, food movements and food cultures. We hope that progressive policy makers, planners and food justice activists will also draw on it to ensure that their interventions match the needs, skills and desires of those they seek to serve.
Patterns of alcoholism inheritance

Like many other common, complex disorders, alcoholism tends to run in families. Evidence from animal studies as well as biochemical, electrophysiologic, and personality studies of alcoholics and their offspring indicate the existence of heritable factors predisposing to the development of alcoholism. Twin and adoption studies also support the idea that vulnerability to alcoholism depends in part on genetic factors. The observed inheritance, however, does not fit any simple pattern, indicating a substantial degree of etiologic heterogeneity in the alcoholism phenotype, with the ultimate manifestation of the disorder dependent on poorly understood gene-environment interactions. Efforts to address these issues, including the hunt for biological markers, defining more homogeneous subtypes of alcoholism, and molecular genetic strategies of potential use in alcoholism are reviewed.
Pure word deafness and hemispheric dynamics: a case history.

Summary The effects of a presumed unilateral brain lesion on language functions are examined i n a case of “pure word deafness.“ The patient (WB) was totally impaired in his auditory perception of speech while retaining much written comprehension, spontaneous speech and writing. As is usually the case, the word deafness was contaminated by some indication of auditory agnosia and some specific aphasic deficits. The patient's performance on auditory-tactile iTiakhing tests provides a striking contrast with the performance of split-brain patients. The right hemisphere in these patients is able to make both a visual-tactile and an auditory-tactile match between word and object. Case WB, on the other hand, was unable to make an auditory-tactile match. A possible explanation for the lack of right hemispheric language function in this case is offered. The damaged left hemisphere may have an interfering effect on the potential linguistic capacity of the nondominant hemisphere.
Anxiolytic-like activity of oxytocin in male mice: behavioral and autonomic evidence, therapeutic implications

Oxytocin (OT) acts as a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter within the central nervous system (CNS) and regulates a diverse range of CNS functions. Notably, evidence from studies in females has revealed an important role for OT in regulating anxiety behavior. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of OT on both behavioral and autonomic parameters of the anxiety response in male mice using three pharmacologically validated preclinical models of anxiety: the four-plate test (FPT), elevated zero maze (EZM), and stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH). In the FPT, both peripherally (3–30 mg/kg i.p.) and centrally (1–10 μg i.c.v.) administered OT produced dose-dependent increases in punished crossings, indicating an anxiolytic-like effect. The effects of centrally administered OT in the FPT were blocked with peripheral administration of a brain-penetrant OT receptor (OTR) antagonist WAY-162720 (30 mg/kg i.p.), and the effects of peripherally administered OT were blocked with central administration of a non-penetrant OTR antagonist L-371,257, suggesting OT acts centrally. In the EZM, centrally administered OT (0.1–1.0 μg, i.c.v.) produced significant increases in the percentage time spent in the open quadrants of the maze, comparable to alprazolam (0.5–1.0 μg, i.c.v.). In SIH, OT (1–10 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently attenuated stress-induced increases in core body temperature, comparable to the reference anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide (CDP) (10 mg/kg i.p.). These results provide specific behavioral and autonomic evidence of anxiolytic-like effects for oxytocin in males and, together with previously reported observations in females, suggest the potential utility of OTR agonism as a therapeutically relevant mechanism of action for novel anxiolytics in both sexes.
Characteristic Male Urine Microbiomes Associate with Asymptomatic Sexually Transmitted Infection

Article discussing research on characteristic male urine microbiomes associated with asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection.
Jordan-Wigner approach to dynamic correlations in spin ladders

We present a method for studying the excitations of low-dimensional quantum spin systems based on the Jordan-Wigner transformation. Using an extended random-phase approximation (RPA) scheme we calculate the correlation function of neighboring spin flips for the one-dimensional spin-½ chain which well approximates the optical conductivity of Sr 2 CuO 3 . We analyze several possible generalizations of the Jordan-Wigner approach to the two-leg spin-½ ladder. On the mean-field level the most accurate results are obtained when the spin operators are numbered in a meanderlike sequence. Calculation of the optical conductivity based on an extended RPA scheme for the meander-path approach yields very good agreement with a previous density matrix renormalization group evaluation. For polarization along the legs higher-order correlations are important to explain the weight of high-energy continuum excitations and we estimate the contribution of 4- and 6-fermion processes.
Women researching their lives: exploring violence and identity in Belfast, the North of Ireland

As the newly elected members of the Northern Ireland Assembly work towards implementing mechanisms for protecting and furthering the economic, social, political, cultural, and civic rights of the people of the North of Ireland, many local people are simultaneously developing strategies for addressing the legacy of violence that has characterized life in that region of the world for over 30 years. In this article, I describe how one group of working-class women living in Belfast address their personal and collective experiences with the multiple forms of violence that structure their daily lives. I do so by describing an ongoing feminist participatory action research (PAR) project that provided the women with a culturally relevant lens through which to view the historical and political contexts in which they live and act.Although there were multiple dimensions of the women’s lives that were revealed in the project, in this article I focus specifically on the ‘frozen watchfulness’ that characterizes life on...
Acquisition of omptin reveals cryptic virulence function of autotransporter YapE in Yersinia pestis.

Summary Autotransporters, the largest family of secreted proteins in Gram-negative bacteria, perform a variety of functions, including adherence, cytotoxicity and immune evasion. In Yersinia pestis the autotransporter YapE has adhesive properties and contributes to disease in the mouse model of bubonic plague. Here, we demonstrate that omptin cleavage of Y. pestis YapE is required to mediate bacterial aggregation and adherence to eukaryotic cells. We demonstrate that omptin cleavage is specific for the Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis YapE orthologues but is not conserved in the Yersinia enterocolitica protein. We also show that cleavage of YapE occurs in Y. pestis but not in the enteric Yersinia species, and requires the omptin Pla (plasminogen activator protease), which is encoded on the Y. pestis-specific plasmid pPCP1. Together, these data show that post-translation modification of YapE appears to be specific to Y. pestis, was acquired along with the acquisition of pPCP1 during the divergence of Y. pestis from Y. pseudotuberculosis, and are the first evidence of a novel mechanism to regulate bacterial adherence.
Cytopathogenesis and Inhibition of Host Gene Expression by RNA Viruses

Many viruses interfere with host cell function in ways that are harmful or pathological. This often results in changes in cell morphology referred to as cytopathic effects. However, pathogenesis of virus infections also involves inhibition of host cell gene expression. Thus the term “cytopathogenesis,” or pathogenesis at the cellular level, is meant to be broader than the term “cytopathic effects” and includes other cellular changes that contribute to viral pathogenesis in addition to those changes that are visible at the microscopic level. The goal of this review is to place recent work on the inhibition of host gene expression by RNA viruses in the context of the pathogenesis of virus infections. Three different RNA virus families, picornaviruses, influenza viruses, and rhabdoviruses, are used to illustrate common principles involved in cytopathogenesis. These examples were chosen because viral gene products responsible for inhibiting host gene expression have been identified, as have some of the molecular targets of the host. The argument is made that the role of the virus-induced inhibition of host gene expression is to inhibit the host antiviral response, such as the response to double-stranded RNA. Viral cytopathogenesis is presented as a balance between the host antiviral response and the ability of viruses to inhibit that response through the overall inhibition of host gene expression. This balance is a major determinant of viral tissue tropism in infections of intact animals.
Recipient outcome following living donor kidney transplantation using kidneys procured laparoscopically.

Background: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy is becoming increasingly popular as it has been shown to minimize donor morbidity, length of hospital stay and length of time to return to work. Initial experience suggestedthat kidneys procured laparoscopically had higher rates of delayed graft function and ureteric complications but with increasing experience. these complications have become less common. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent living donor kidney transplant using kidneys procured laparoscopically at our centre was performed. From the initiation of the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy programme at our institution in November 1998 until February 2002. we performed 71 living donor kidney transplants (69 kidneys procured laparoseopically and two procured by open donor nephrectomy after failed laparoscopic approach). Donor left kidney was used in all except in one patient. Mean duration of warm ischaemia time was 206 ′ 79 s. Results: The mean age of the recipients was 42 ′ 15 years (range 1-68) including five paediatric recipients (age < 18 years). There were 48 males and 23 females. Nine (13%) were retransplants (seven second transplants and one each of third and fourth transplants). Two patients died with functioning grafts and four patients lost the graft (three thrombosis one anastomotic rupture). No patient developed ureteric complications. The incidence of delayed graft function (need for dialysis in the first week post-transplant) was 4%. Patient and graft survival rates (actual) were 97% and 91%, respectively. Mean length of hospital stay was 9 ′ 7 days (median 7 days). Conclusions: Recipient outcome is not compromised and excellent results can be achieved with living donor kidney transplantation using laparoscopically procured kidneys.
Structure and signaling in polyps of a colonial hydroid

Abstract. After feeding, polyps of colonial hydroids contract regularly, dispersing food throughout the colony via the gastrovascular fluid. Such contractions may trigger signaling pathways that allow colonies to grow in an adaptive manner, i.e., to initiate development of more polyps in food-rich areas and to suppress polyp development in food-poor areas. In this context, we investigated the structure and potential signaling of the junction between polyps and stolons in colonies of the hydroid Podocoryna carnea. Using transmission electron microscopy, we found that the density of mitochondrion-rich epitheliomuscular cells was low in polyp and stolon tissues except at or near the polyp-stolon junction, where many of these mitochondrion-rich cells occur in ectodermal tissue. In vivo fluorescence microscopy suggests that these mitochondria are a principal source of the metabolic signals of the colony. Both native fluorescence of NAD(P)H and fluorescence from peroxides (visualized with H2DCFDA) co-localize to this region of the polyp. Rhodamine 123 fluorescence suggests that both these metabolic signals emanate from mitochondria. To test whether such metabolic signals may be involved in colony pattern formation, inbred lines of P. carnea were used. Colonies of a runner-like inbred line grow with widely spaced polyps and long stolonal connections, much like wild-type colonies in a food-poor environment. Colonies of a sheet-like inbred line grow with closely spaced polyps and short stolonal connections, similar to wild-type colonies in a food-rich environment. Polyp-stolon junctions in runner-like and sheet-like colonies were imaged for the fluorescence of H2DCFDA. Densitometric analysis of this signal indicates that the mitochondria in epitheliomuscular cells of runner-like polyps emit greater amounts of peroxides. Because peroxides and other reactive oxygen species are frequently intermediaries in metabolic signaling pathways, we suspect that such signaling may indeed occur at polyp-stolon junctions, affecting colony pattern formation in these inbred lines and possibly in hydroid colonies in general.
Energy savings through compression in embedded Java environments

Limited energy and memory resources are important constraints in the design of an embedded system. Compression is a useful and widely employed mechanism to reduce the memory requirements of the system. As the leakage energy of a memory system increases with its size and because of the increasing contribution of leakage to overall system energy, compression also has a significant effect on reducing energy consumption. However, storing compressed data / instructions has a performance and energy overhead associated with decompression at runtime. The underlying compression algorithm, the corresponding implementation of the decompression and the ability to reuse decompressed information critically impact this overhead. In this paper, we explore the influence of compression on overall memory energy using a commercial embedded Java virtual machine (JVM) and a customized compression algorithm. Our results show that compression is effective in reducing energy even when considering the runtime decompression overheads; for most applications.
The for aging behavior of Anax junius (Odonata: Aeschnidae) and its potential as a behavioral endpoint in pesticide testing

I examined the foraging behavior of the green darner dragonfly nymph. Anax Junius, to assess the suitability of odonate foraging behavior as a sensitive endpoint for monitoring contaminant exposure. Odonates are potentially excellent organisms for work in biomonitoring programs because: 1) they have complex foraging strategies that tightly couple sensory cues and mechanical responses: 2) their ecology is well-studied: and 3) they are often the dominant invertebrate predator in fishless systems. Thus they have the potential to structure communities through predation. I tested 1) the possibility that nymphs may regulate populations through frequency-dependent foraging and 2) the relationship between head capsule cholinesterase (ChE) levels in nymphs exposed to an organophosphorus insecticide and subsequent foraging behavior. Functional response models were developed for nymphs fed exclusively midges or amphipods and for nymphs fed mixed prey. Nymphs fed only midges exhibited a sigmoidal type III response (a prerequisite for frequency-dependent foraging): nymphs fed only amphipods exhibited a hyperbolic type II response. These results were reversed in mixed prey trials. Regardless of densities of prey offered, a higher percentage of midges were eaten compared to amphipods. Dragonflies did follow a simplified optimal foraging model based on energy maximization but they did not consistently exhibit frequency-dependent selection. ChE levels were slightly elevated in treated nymphs and foraging behaviors between treated and control groups were not statistically significant, most likely because of high variability in ChE activities within the control group and across treated groups. My results suggest
The Frequency of Self-Limiting Behavior in Groups: A Measure and an Explanation

This study sought to develop a valid and reliable measure of the frequency with which individuals choose to engage in self-limiting behavior in groups, i.e., behavior that reduces the individual's influence on or contribution to the performance of a work group's task. In addition, this study explored under what general conditions managers perceive they are most inclined to engage in self-limiting behavior when they are members of a task group. Based on in-depth interviews of managers and executives, and a relevant literature search, 45 conditional statements were developed to encompass the most commonly cited reasons for engaging in self-limiting behavior. Utilizing these statements, a reliable and valid instrument was developed to measure the frequency with which managers perceive themselves engaging in self-limiting behavior. Factor analysis revealed that there were six underlying conditions which precipitate self-limiting behavior on the part of a group member: (1) an indifferent group climate, (2) an ...
Developing countries and fertility: role of agricultural technology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of agricultural technology on fertility rates in developing countries.Design/methodology/approach – It is hypothesized here that agricultural technology transforms production techniques and labor demand patterns which affect fertility rates. The hypothesis is tested empirically using ordinary least squares as well as instrumental variables estimation techniques.Findings – The results show that agricultural technology has a direct and indirect negative impact on fertility. Once technology is divided into mechanical and biochemical technology, one finds stronger evidence of mechanical technology being the driving force behind reducing fertility.Research limitations/implications – This paper's main limitation is that it does not take regional, sub‐regional and intra‐country variations into account. Future research should focus on these areas.Practical implications – The policy implication of these results would be for governments of developing coun...
Upper airway surface tension: is it a significant cause of airflow obstruction during sleep?

obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to oxyhemoglobin desaturation, recurrent arousals, and long-term neurocognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular dysfunction. It is widely recognized that this disorder is due to
A transcriptomal analysis of bovine oviductal epithelial cells collected during the follicular phase versus the luteal phase of the estrous cycle

Reproductive success depends on a functional oviduct for gamete storage, maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The ovarian-derived steroids estrogen and progesterone are key regulators of oviductal function. The objective of this study was to investigate luteal and follicular phase-specific oviductal epithelial cell function by using microarray-based transcriptional profiling, to increase our understanding of mRNAs regulating epithelial cell processes, and to identify novel genes and biochemical pathways that may be found to affect fertility in the future. Six normally cycling Angus heifers were assigned to either luteal phase (LP, n = 3) or follicular phase (FP, n = 3) treatment groups. Heifers in the LP group were killed between day 11 and 12 after estrus. Heifers in the FP group were treated with 25 mg PGF2α (Lutalyse, Pfizer, NY) at 8 pm on day 6 after estrus and killed 36 h later. Transcriptional profiling by microarray and confirmation of selected mRNAs by real-time RT-PCR analyses was performed using total RNA from epithelial cells isolated from sections of the ampulla and isthmus collected from LP and FP treatment groups. Differentially expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology classification and bioinformatic pathway analyses. Statistical one-way ANOVA using Benjamini-hochberg multiple testing correction for false discovery rate (FDR) and pairwise comparison of epithelial cells in the ampulla of FP versus LP groups revealed 972 and 597 transcripts up- and down-regulated, respectively (P < 0.05). Within epithelial cells of the isthmus in FP versus LP groups, 946 and 817 transcripts were up- and down-regulated, respectively (P < 0.05). Up-regulated genes from both ampulla and isthmus were found to be largely involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cell cycle pathways, while down-regulated genes were found in numerous inflammatory response pathways. Microarray-based transcriptional profiling revealed phase of the cycle-dependent changes in the expression of mRNA within the epithelium of the oviducts’ ampulla and isthmus.
Reaction times and intelligence: a comparison of Chinese-American and Anglo-American children

Chinese-American and Anglo-American school children were compared on a nonverbal test of intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices) and on twelve chronometric variables which measure the speed with which basic information processes (e.g. stimulus apprehension, decision, and discrimination) can be carried out. All of these tasks are correlated with psychometric intelligence. The two groups differed significantly on most of the variables, but the differences appear to be multidimensional and are not simply due to a group difference in psychometric intelligence, equivalent to about 5 IQ points in favour of the Chinese-Americans. The results are compared with those of Lynn and his colleagues on Bristish, Japanese, and Hong Kong children, and both consistencies and inconsistencies are found.
The Impact of the College Assistance Migrant Program on Migrant Student Academic Achievement in the California State University System

The 7-year longitudinal study examined the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) impact on migrant student achievement in the California State University system. Participants included migrant students, Latinos, and general student populations from 2002-2009. The analysis of variance and chi-square test of independence were used to explore statistical differences in persistence, 1st-year and cumulative grade point averages, and baccalaureate degree attainment. When compared with other groups, CAMP students were found to have higher academic achievement.
The rise in chlorophyll a fluorescence yield and decay in delayed light emission in Tris-washed chloroplasts in the 6–100 μs time range after an excitation flash

Abstract Parallel measurements of the rise in chlorophyll a fluorescence yield and delayed light emission decay, after a 10 ns saturating excitation flash, have been made in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-washed chloroplasts. Various electron donor systems (Mn 2+ ; ascorbate; reduced phenylenediamine and benzidine) were used in conjuction with different preillumination regimes to alter [ P + -680], the oxidized form of the Photosystem II reaction center chlorophyll a . Conditions giving rise to high [ P + -680] resulted in only a small rise in fluorescence yield, an inhibition of a 6 μs delayed light component, and an enhancement of a 60 μs component of delayed light emission. These results confirm the hypothesis that P + -680 acts as a quencher of fluorescence and that delayed light emission in the microsecond time range is due to the back reaction of P + -680 and Q − . (Q is the first “stable” electron acceptor of Photosystem II.) Two preillumination flashes are required before the full effect of Tris washing is observed in the delayed light emission decay and fluorescence yield rise; this suggests that a capacity to hold two charges exists between the Tris block and P + -680. Tris washing has no direct effect on the movement of electrons from Z (the first electron donor to P + -680) to P + -680. Finally, Mn 2+ donates electrons to P + -680 via Z.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Perspectives for the Healthcare Epidemiologist

Nosocomial pneumonia is defined as an infection of lung parenchyma that was neither present nor incubating at the time of the patient's admission to the hospital. In the United States, hospital-acquired pneumonia is the second most common nosocomial infection and accounts for the most deaths from nosocomial infection. We describe how infection control personnel can use targeted surveillance to identify clusters of cases and to prevent pneumonia. We also discuss common pathogens that cause nosocomial pneumonia; ventilator-associated pneumonia; and strategies for prevention of hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Materials science and engineering's pivotal role in sustainable development for the 21st century

Perhaps the greatest challenge of the 21st century is to sustain the developmental needs of the world. The economic growth that occurred in developing countries over the past two decades is unprecedented. Materials science and engineering (MSE) innovations will continue to have a pivotal role as an enabling resource to address sustainable development needs. This article focuses on the opportunities for MSE in five key thematic areas: energy, transportation, housing, materials resources, and health.
Trap Style Influences Wild Pig Behavior and Trapping Success

ABSTRACT Despite the efforts of many natural resource professionals, wild pig (Sus scrofa) populations are expanding in many areas of the world. Although many creative techniques for controlling pig populations are being explored, trapping has been and still is the most commonly used method of population control for many public and private land managers. We conducted an observational study to examine the efficiency of 2 frequently used trap styles: a small, portable box-style trap and a larger, semi-permanent, corral-style trap. We used game cameras to examine patterns of trap entry by wild pigs around each style of trap, and we conducted a trapping session to compare trapping success between trap styles. Adult female and juvenile wild pigs entered both styles of trap more readily than did adult males, and adult males seemed particularly averse to entering box traps. Less than 10% of adult male visits to box traps resulted in entries, easily the least percentage of any class at any style of trap. Adult fe...