cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rad54 and Rdh54 occupy spatially and functionally distinct sites within the Rad51-ssDNA presynaptic complex

Rad54 and Rdh54 are closely related ATP-dependent motor proteins that participate in homologous recombination (HR). During HR, these enzymes functionally interact with the Rad51 presynaptic complex (PSC). Despite their importance, we know little about how they are organized within the PSC, or how their organization affects PSC function. Here, we use single-molecule optical microscopy and genetic analysis of chimeric protein constructs to evaluate the binding distributions of Rad54 and Rdh54 within the PSC. We find that Rad54 and Rdh54 have distinct binding sites within the PSC, which allow these proteins to act cooperatively as DNA sequences are aligned during homology search. Our data also reveal that Rad54 must bind to a specific location within the PSC, whereas Rdh54 retains its function in the repair of MMS-induced DNA damage even when recruited to the incorrect location. These findings support a model in which the relative binding sites of Rad54 and Rdh54 help to define their functions during mitotic HR.
Magnetic and charge orders in the ground state of the Emery model: Accurate numerical results

We perform extensive auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AFQMC) calculations for the three-band Hubbard (Emery) model in order to study the ground-state properties of Copper-Oxygen planes in the cuprates. Employing cutting-edge AFQMC techniques with a self-consistent gauge constraint in auxiliary-field space to control the sign problem, we reach supercells containing around 500 atoms to capture collective modes in the charge and spin orders and characterize the behavior in the thermodynamic limit. The self-consistency scheme interfacing with generalized Hartree-Fock calculations allows high accuracy in AFQMC to resolve small energy scales, which is crucial for determining the complex candidate orders in such a system. We present detailed information on the charge order, spin order, momentum distribution, and localization properties as a function of charge-transfer energy for the the under-doped regime. In contrast with the stripe and spiral orders under hole-doping, we find that the corresponding 1/8 electron-doped system exhibits purely antiferromagnetic order in the three-band model, consistent with the asymmetry between electron and hole-doping in the phase diagram of cuprates.
“Without the Right Words It’s Hard to Retain Clarity”: Speculative Fiction and Animal Narrative

Speculative fiction is a privileged space to explore the human relationship with other animals. Such fiction, especially science fiction, merges our imaginative capacities with our knowledge from science—in the case of animals, such fiction can fuse our constructions of animal being with what ethology has taught us about them. Both speculative fiction and the field of animal studies are interested in foundational questions about the nature of human existence and sociality. Both are concerned with the construction of alterity and what it means for subjects to be positioned as outsiders. Both take seriously the question of what it means to communicate with a being whose embodied, communicative, emotional, and cultural life—phenomenologically, even physical environment—is radically different from our own. Taking as its central example Emma Geen’s The Many Selves of Katherine North, this chapter will argue that speculative fiction can help foster empathy with other animals and recognition of their agency, even raising ethical questions about the motivations by which we come to inhabit the world of another.
Impact of ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Regionalization Programs on the Treatment and Outcomes of Patients Diagnosed With Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background Many communities have implemented systems of regionalized care to improve access to timely care for patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. However, patients who are ultimately diagnosed with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMIs) may also be affected, and the impact of regionalization programs on NSTEMI treatment and outcomes is unknown. We set out to determine the effects of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction regionalization schemes on treatment and outcomes of patients diagnosed with NSTEMIs. Methods and Results The cohort included all patients receiving care in emergency departments diagnosed with an NSTEMI at all nonfederal hospitals in California from January 1, 2005 to September 30, 2015. Data were analyzed using a difference-in-differences approach. The main outcomes were 1-year mortality and angiography within 3 days of the index admission. A total of 293 589 patients with NSTEMIs received care in regionalized and nonregionalized communities. Over the study period, rates of early angiography increased by 0.5 and mortality decreased by 0.9 percentage points per year among the overall population (95% CI, 0.4-0.6 and -1.0 to -0.8, respectively). Regionalization was not associated with early angiography (-0.5%; 95% CI, -1.1 to 0.1) or death (0.2%; 95% CI, -0.3 to 0.8). Conclusions ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction regionalization programs were not statistically associated with changes in guideline-recommended early angiography or changes in risk of death for patients with NSTEMI. Increases in the proportion of patients with NSTEMI who underwent guideline-directed angiography and decreases in risk of mortality were accounted for by secular trends unrelated to regionalization policies.
Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Using Suture Tape Augmentation: A Case Series of 29 Patients With Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

Purpose To evaluate clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes of patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair using suture tape augmentation. Methods Patients with a proximal tear of the ACL who underwent primary ACL repair with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. The exclusion criteria included multiligamentous knee injuries, midsubstance tears, tibial avulsion fractures, and distal tears. Demographic characteristics, injury pattern, concomitant injury pattern, and patient-reported outcome measures were recorded. Patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up for clinical success, defined as stability not requiring revision ACL reconstruction, and for patient-reported outcome measurements. Failure was defined as the need for revision surgery. Results The mean follow-up period was 2.8 ± 0.9 years. Thirty-five patients met the inclusion criteria, with an average age of 32.2 ± 7.2 years, and 2-year follow-up was obtained for 29 of these patients. Revision surgery was required in 2 of the 29 patients (6.9%); successful treatment was achieved in the remaining 93.1%. The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for the 27 successfully treated patients were recorded, with 70.4% having Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores of 80 or greater. Conclusions This case series shows that primary surgical repair of proximal ACL tears using suture tape augmentation results in a low rate of revision surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV, prospective case series.
High fidelity tracheostomy simulation quality improvement project

Abstract Purpose To increase NICU RNs confidence and performance ability with obstruction and decannulation of a mature and fresh tracheostomy through an effective high-fidelity simulation and education project. Design Pre and post intervention confidence surveys were given and compared, initial and final simulations performance ability scores were obtained and compared, and a simulation effectiveness survey was given following the intervention. Sample Neonatal Intensive Care Unit staff nurses at The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Main outcome variables Increased RN confidence and performance and an effective simulation training. Results RN C-Scale confidence mean scores increased from 16.15 to 22.23 with a z-test of −8.95 and a p value of
Got 15? Try Faculty Development on the Fly: A Snippets Workshop for Microlearning.

Introduction Faculty development (FD) is an element critical to the professional growth of medical educators and a necessary component in developing effective educators. FD offerings are prevalent ...
Outcomes and prediction of lethal recurrence after transoral robotic surgery for HPV+ head and neck cancer.

6047Background: Increasing use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for human papilloma virus-related (HPV+) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is likely to impact recurrence patterns a...
Transnational Surfistas and the Development of Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast

This article weaves together data from the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR), online mainstream media sources, and surfing magazines, to tell the story of the development of the Emerald Coast...
Chapter Three - An Update on the Neurobiology of Repetitive Behaviors in Autism

Abstract Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a variety of repetitive behaviors. These include stereotypies, compulsions and sameness behaviors, sensory disturbances, and intense preoccupations of topics. Animal models of repetitive behaviors led to hypotheses about the role of corticostriatal loops as the underlying neurobiology, including a recent tripartite model. I briefly review key components of corticostriatal loops of repetitive behaviors, and then synthesize the existing structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) literature that examines these corticostriatal loops in ASD. The MRI literature provides partial support for the role of corticostriatal loops in repetitive behaviors, but not the tripartite model per se. This review highlights the need to consider alternate models and proposes two potential avenues of research for clarifying the pathophysiology of these complex and life-interfering behaviors.
Co-evolutionary Methods in Evolutionary Art

Following the ground breaking work of Sims and Latham there was a flurry of activity in interactive artificial evolution of images. However, the move towards non-interactive evolution of images that arises by invoking fitness functions to serve in place of users in order to guide simulated evolution proceeded haltingly and unevenly. If evolutionary computational models for image evolution are indeed inspired by nature, then it is natural to consider image evolution in the broader co-evolutionary context. This chapter briefly surveys the role co-evolutionary methods have played in evolutionary computation and then examines some of the instances where it has been applied to evolutionary art. The paucity of examples leads to a discussion of the challenges faced, and the difficulties encountered, when trying to use co-evolutionary methods both in evolutionary art and artificial creativity.
Superior protection and distinct phenotype of pulmonary CD8+ T cells elicited by mucosal vaccination (MUC5P.863)

CD8-positive T cells (CTLs) confer protective immunity against many infectious diseases, and thus the development of safe and efficient CTL-targeted vaccination is of high clinical significance. Although many respiratory pathogens invade the host through the lung mucosa, most licensed human vaccines elicit limited and systemic T cell responses, rather than strong local pulmonary responses. We therefore wondered whether elicitation of pulmonary CTL response with microbe-free CTL-targeted subunit vaccine might benefit the host and protect against respiratory infections. We discovered superior protection of humanized mice from lethal respiratory challenge with vaccinia virus with intranasal, but not intra-peritoneal, vaccination. Critically, this superior protection did not correlate with the magnitude of the systemic CTL response but was dependent on in situ elicitation of robust pulmonary epitope-specific CTLs, which were able to limit viral replication and prevent disease. Global transcriptome analysis revealed that pulmonary CTLs elicited by vaccination possessed distinct phenotypic and functional properties when compared to CTLs that homed to the spleen. To extend this finding, we developed an approach for eliciting protective CTL responses that utilizes nanoparticle-based mucosal delivery of epitope-targeted vaccine formulated with an optimal adjuvant.
Training Student Leaders in Group Recreation

(1949). Training Student Leaders in Group Recreation. Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Vol. 20, No. 5, pp. 315-351.
Query hardness estimation using Jensen-Shannon divergence among multiple scoring functions

We consider the issue of query performance, and we propose a novel method for automatically predicting the difficulty of a query. Unlike a number of existing techniques which are based on examining the ranked lists returned in response to perturbed versions of the query with respect to the given collection or perturbed versions of the collection with respect to the given query, our technique is based on examining the ranked lists returned by multiple scoring functions (retrieval engines) with respect to the given query and collection. In essence, we propose that the results returned by multiple retrieval engines will be relatively similar for "easy" queries but more diverse for "difficult" queries. By appropriately employing Jensen-Shannon divergence to measure the "diversity" of the returned results, we demonstrate a methodology for predicting query difficulty whose performance exceeds existing state-of the-art techniques on TREC collections, often remarkably so.
Stratigraphic and chronologic analysis of the Warren Beach, northwest Ohio, USA

The current understanding of Lake Warren as a proglacial lake stage in the Lake Erie basin during the last deglaciation is based on limited stratigraphic information from strandlines and a wide range of radiocarbon ages. The purpose of this study is to use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to reconstruct the stratigraphy, depositional environment, and age of the Oak Openings Ridge (OOR), a former strandline of Lake Warren in northwestern Ohio. Both sedimentary exposures and >4 km of GPR data were used to demonstrate that the OOR is a barrier spit that migrated from the northeast to the southwest, and is currently blanketed by an aeolian sheet. Sediments observed in exposures show a shallowing-up sequence attributed to the retreat of proglacial lakes from the area. Corresponding GPR data reveal three distinct GPR facies. The lowermost radar facies 1 (RF1) is a sandy barrier spit platform of a lower beach face prograding across finer-grained lacustrine mud or ...
In Search of Competitive Advantage in Caribbean Tourism Websites

Abstract The intense competitiveness of the global tourism industry increasingly demands the most effective possible marketing for individual destinations. The strategic management literature suggests that competitive advantage can be gained through capitalizing on a destination's unique attributes. In marketing terms, this translates as “competitive positioning.” To what extent do the individual destinations of the Caribbean seek to competitively position themselves as unique attractions among their many competitors? This paper returns to the concept of the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) as a practical and straightforward framework for analyzing distinctiveness in tourism marketing. An exploratory analysis of web-based marketing in the Caribbean suggests widespread failure of destinations to market themselves in terms of unique competitive positioning. The analysis also reveals several exemplary models of the USP concept in tourism marketing, suggesting opportunities for greater regional cooperation th...
Nonparametric Estimation of Labor Supply under the Earned Income Tax Credit and Welfare Programs

This paper examines the effect of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and welfare programs on the labor supply of single mothers. The EITC consists of an earning subsidy program in the form of marginal tax credits to the working poor. The presence of different marginal tax rates at the various earning levels makes the recipients' budget constraint a non-linear function of hours worked. Correspondingly, I estimate a flexible nonparametric labor supply function, taking full account of the nonlinear budget constraint. I then simulate the impact of each program component and their combined impact on hours. Contrary to the standard assumption of constant policy effect, I show that the EITC effect is heterogenous. An expansion of the EITC increases the hours of poor single mothers whose tax credits increase with earnings, while it decreases the hours of those not so poor whose tax credits decrease with earnings. These two effects cancel out, which explains why previous studies, focusing on the average treatment effect, found that the EITC substantially increased the participation, but had little net effects on the average hours worked. I also find that the recent EITC expansion and welfare reform worked together to significantly increase the hours worked by single mothers. Moreover, despite its disincentive effect on part of the population, the EITC improved the family income for all affected groups.
Self-efficacy in romantic relationships: direct and indirect effects on relationship maintenance and satisfaction

Abstract Self-efficacy in romantic relationships is consistently associated with relationship satisfaction. We propose that one reason for this association may be high self-efficacy individuals' greater willingness to carry out relationship maintenance behaviors (positivity, openness, assurances, networks, & tasks). The current study explores whether relationship maintenance behaviors mediate the association between self-efficacy in romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction. Participants currently in romantic relationships (n = 187) completed an online survey. Our findings indicate that relationship maintenance behaviors do indeed mediate the association between self-efficacy and relationship satisfaction. In other words, individuals who believe they are more competent relationship partners report engaging in higher levels of all five relationship promoting behaviors, and these behaviors are then associated with greater levels of relationship satisfaction. In addition to this mediated relationship, a direct effect was also found for self-efficacy and satisfaction. These findings suggest that self-efficacy in romantic relationships has implications for relationship satisfaction and relationship promoting behaviors at least partially explain this association.
The role of the reducing agent in the activation of aconitase.

Abstract When ferrous ions are added to citrate, there is an increased absorbance at 240 mμ. Paralleling this increase in optical density, ferrous ions are oxidized to ferric ions at pH 4.6. The same results were obtained at pH 7.4. The presence of a reducing agent will inhibit this non-enzymic reaction at pH 4.6 and pH 7.4. The application of these data to aconitase activation suggests that the primary function of the reducing agent is to maintain iron in the divalent state.
Tests results and performance comparisons of coated and un-coated skutterudite based segmented unicouples

Abstract Skutterudite based thermoelectric unicouples are being considered for use in Advanced Radioisotope Power Systems (ARPSs) to support NASA’s planetary exploration missions. For these systems, which would be much lighter than state of the art Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), it is important to ensure minimal degradation in the performance of unicouples that may be caused by material sublimation. In this work, two unicouples, JAN-04 with a thin metallic coating on the legs near the hot junction to suppress antimony sublimation and SEP-03 without coating, are tested for >1000 and 3600 h, respectively. The legs in the two unicouples are of almost the same dimensions and compositions; the p-legs are made of CeFe 3.5 Co 0.5 Sb 12 and Bi 0.4 Sb 1.6 Te 3 segments and the n-legs are made of CoSb 3 and Bi 2 Te 2.95 Se 0.05 segments. SEP-03 is tested at average hot and cold junction temperatures of 961.5 ± 22.0 and 296.3 ± 5.7 K, respectively, in argon gas at ∼0.068 MPa, and JAN-04 is tested at 962.8 ± 20.5 and 294.5 ± 3.3 K, respectively, initially in argon gas at the same pressure for ∼26.5 h then in vacuum ∼9.0 × 10 −7 Torr for >973.5 h. The measured open circuit voltage V oc (240 mV) and peak electrical power (1.64 W e ) for SEP-03 at the beginning of test (BOT) are higher than those for JAN-04 (188 mV and 0.84 W e , respectively). Although the argon gas effectively decreased the antimony loss from the legs of SEP-03, marked degradations in performance occurred. The estimated peak efficiency for SEP-03 decreased from 13.8% at BOT to 5.8% at end of test (EOT), and the peak power decreased from 1.64 W e at BOT to 0.48 W e at EOT, however, V oc decreased by ∼14%. The latter for JAN-04 decreased only by ∼3%, the estimated peak efficiency (∼12%) changed very little and the peak power decreased by ∼20%. Unlike SEP-03, the measured total and contact resistances of the legs in JAN-04 changed very little.
Numerical method for the evolution of multi-phase systems with non-equilibrium, stressed planar interfaces

A numerical model for the solution of the coupled elasticity and binary diffusion equations in one dimension is developed for a stressed, multiphase, diffusion couple using a two-grid, finite difference method. Associated with the coherent interfaces are interfacial kinetic barriers that can impede the transfer of mass from one phase to another and permit the interfaces to deviate from local equilibrium. Stresses arise from composition independent misfit strains and applied tractions. Numerical calculations show that the interfacial kinetic barriers retard the growth of the intermediate phase in the absence of stress effects. Misfit strains can alter the sign, as well as the magnitude, of the evolution of the intermediate phase and introduce multiple linearly stable equilibrium states for a given temperature, alloy composition, and mechanical loading condition.
Foreign finance, wealth effects and economic development

In this paper a two-period model of the wealth effect of foreign capital flows on domestic investment in LDCs is developed. It is shown that the link between foreign capital flows and increases in domestic consumption is conditional on the productivity of the capital flow, repayment conditions and complementarity with domestic investment. Generalizations are made regarding the relative productivity and repayment terms of such broad categories of capital flows as unrequited transfers, direct investments and long-term flows to governments. The impact of variations in the terms on which foreign capital is received is related to the ‘wealth effect’ of the capital. The model is tested with pooled cross-section data for seventy countries in 1976 and 1977. Data limitations permit estimation of the effect of foreign finance on domestic investment only up to a monotonic transformation of the true values. Nevertheless, the hypothesized role of the wealth effect of the major categories of external finance can be tes...
Immunization of mice to Sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich carcinoma with ultraviolet-killed tumor vaccine.

SummaryA high level of immunity of long duration was produced in CF1 white Swiss mice against Sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich carcinoma by 3 weekly injections of homologous tumor cells killed by ultraviolet irradiation, at 2537 A. Intraperitoneal route of immunization afforded more protection than the subcutaneous route. Significant immunity to challenge with living Sarcoma 180 cells was still present eight months after immunization. Sarcoma 180-immunized mice were also cross immune to Ehrlich carcinoma. Passive transfer of serum from Sarcoma 180-immunized mice did not protect nonimmunized mice. Neither precipitins nor agglutinins could be demonstrated in the sera of the immunized mice against homologous intact or disrupted tumor cells or cell supernates. The loss of immunogenicity of tumor cell vaccine upon cell disruption and the absence of humoral antibodies and passive transfer leads to the conclusion that immunity produced by irradiated, killed tumor cell vaccine is primarily cell mediated.
Hurricane-Caused Tree Loss on Permanent Plots in a Temperate Hardwood Forest

ABSTRACT Hurricane Isabel (September 2003) was the largest, most damaging hurricane to hit Virginia in at least 70 years. Permanent plots established in a maturing upland hardwood forest in 2002 were resampled in 2004 to assess hurricane damage. Tree loss among stems ≥10 cm diameter breast high (dbh) varied from none in 7 of the 20 plots to 50% of stems and 83% of canopy cover in a plot hit by a local microburst. Loss was greater on ridges and other higher elevation sites, and downwind of expanses of water. Loss was significantly higher in trees ≥60 cm dbh. Loss in Quercus velutina (46.6%) was significantly higher, and in Fagus grandifolia (7.7%) and Acer rubrum (7.4%) loss was significantly lower than the overall loss rate (16.9%). The latter two species occurred mostly in the lower canopy and understory, where tree loss was generally lower. Among stems ≥2.5 cm dbh but <10 cm dbh, all loss was secondary damage from falling larger trees, but was significantly higher in Oxydendrum arboreum (36.4%) and sig...
Triplet lifetime and concentration quenching of methylbenzenes in solution

Abstract Triplet methylbenzenes transfer their excitation energy to 9,10-dibromoanthracene (DBA). The decay of the resulting DBA fluorescence is followed by single-photon counting as a function of donor and acceptor concentrations in cyclohexane solution at 20 °C. The data yield the triplet lifetimes of the methylbenzenes (10 μs or more) as well as the rate constants for energy transfer to DBA (diffusion controlled) and for self-quenching (more than three orders of magnitude slower).
Capitalism, Freedom and Democracy Reprised; Or, Why Is the Liberalization of Capital Associated with the Increased Repression of Individuals?

There is a long-standing belief that free markets are sufficient for a nation is to achieve and sustain a free intellectual, social, and political life. This essay challenges that perspective. It argues that powerful private sector interests, in the pursuit of profit, will be inclined to deploy their economic and political power in ways designed to diminish the freedom of individuals. It argues that this is exactly what has occurred in the United Kingdom and the United States since the onset of the Neoliberal Era in the late 1970s.
Optical flow based head movement and gesture analysis in automotive environment

Head gesture detection and analysis is a vital part of looking inside a vehicle when designing intelligent driver assistance systems. In this paper, we present a simpler and constrained version of Optical flow based Head Movement and Gesture Analyzer (OHMeGA) and evaluate on a dataset relevant to the automotive environment. OHMeGA is user-independent, robust to occlusions from eyewear or large spatial head turns and lighting conditions, simple to implement and setup, real-time and accurate. The intuitiveness behind OHMeGA is that it segments head gestures into head motion states and no-head motion states. This segmentation allows higher level semantic information such as fixation time and rate of head motion to be readily obtained. Performance evaluation of this approach is conducted under two settings: controlled in laboratory experiment and uncontrolled on-road experiment. Results show an average of 97.4% accuracy in motion states for in laboratory experiment and an average of 86% accuracy overall in on-road experiment.
Timing of volcanism in the Sierra Nevada of California: Evidence for Pliocene delamination of the batholithic root?

Recent seismic experiments across the southern Sierra Nevada, California, show that the range lacks a thick crustal root. Xenolith studies indicate that delamination and loss of much of the lower crust may have occurred between 10 and 3 Ma. We estimate that delamination occurred ca. 3.5 Ma on the basis of a sudden pulse of mafic potassic magmatism within and just east of the Sierra Nevada from 4 to 3 Ma. This pulse interrupted the low level of volcanism that had prevailed regionally since 13 Ma. Delamination could have promoted magmatism via decompression melting, heating of the shallow lithosphere by upwelling asthenosphere, and foundering of crustal rocks into the mantle, and could have provided dynamic support to the range. Foundering of the lower crust may have occurred spontaneously, owing to negative buoyancy, or may have been triggered by extension between the Sierra Nevada and Death Valley.
A prospective algorithm for the management of air leaks after pulmonary resection

Abstract Background . Air leaks (ALs) are a common complication after pulmonary resection, yet there is no consensus on their management. Methods . An algorithm for the management of chest tubes (CT) and ALs was applied prospectively to 101 consecutive patients who underwent elective pulmonary resection. Air leaks were graded daily as forced expiratory only, expiratory only, inspiratory only, or continuous. All CTs were kept on 20 cm of suction until postoperative day 2 and were then converted to water seal. On postoperative day 3, if both a pneumothorax and AL were present, the CT was placed to 10 cm H 2 O of suction. If a pneumothorax was present without an AL, the CT was returned to 20 cm H 2 O of suction. Air leaks that persisted after postoperative day 7 were treated with talc slurry. Results . There were 101 patients (67 men); on postoperative day 1, 26 had ALs and all were expiratory only. Univariable analysis showed a low ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC) ( p = 0.005), increased age ( p = 0.007), increased ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC) ( p = 0.04), increased RV ( p = 0.02), and an increased functional residual capacity (FRC) ( p = 0.02) to predict the presence of an AL on postoperative day 1. By postoperative day 2, 22 patients had expiratory ALs. After 12 hours of water seal, 13 of the 22 patients' ALs had stopped, and 3 more sealed by the morning of postoperative day 3. However, 2 of the 6 patients whose ALs continued experienced a pneumothorax. Five of the 6 patients with ALs on postoperative day 4 still had ALs on postoperative day 7, and all were treated by talc slurry through the CT. All ALs resolved within 24 hours after talc slurry. Conclusions . Most ALs after pulmonary resection are expiratory only. A low FEV 1 /FVC ratio, increased age, increased RV/TLC ratio, increased RV, and an increased FRC were predictors of having an ALs on postoperative day 1. Conversion from suction to water seal is an effective way of sealing expiratory AL, and pneumothorax is rare. If an expiratory AL does not stop by postoperative day 4 it will probably persist until postoperative day 7, and talc slurry may be an effective treatment.
The evolution and evolutionary consequences of social plasticity in mate preferences

In many animals, experience modifies behaviour in a variety of ways and contexts. Here we focus on experience of social environments and phenotypic plasticity in mate preferences. We first review adaptive hypotheses about the evolution of social plasticity in mate preferences, finding support for all of them across different species. We suggest that future work should assess which patterns of variation in social environments select for which forms of plasticity in mate preferences. We then highlight that social plasticity in mate preferences creates feedback loops between the role of social environments as causes of variation in phenotypes and the role of social environments as causes of selection on phenotypes. Fully understanding the consequences of these feedbacks will involve assessing both how selection shapes the plastic response to variation in social environments and how individuals in social environments are selected to influence the mate preferences of others. This task is just beginning, but we review evidence of genetic variation in both of these aspects of social plasticity in mate preferences.
Note on Guttman Unidimensional Scaling

This paper reviews the concept of Guttman cumulative or unidimensional scaling and presents an added requirement that such scales must have a completely positive matrix of item intercorrelation.1
Generalized Maxwell Equations and Quantum Mechanics. I. Dirac Equation for the Free Electron

Some preliminary results presented in two previous papers are expanded upon. In the first it was shown that the Maxwell equations are equivalent to a nonlinear Dirac-like spinor equation. In the present paper it is shown that, in that formalism, the Dirac equation for the free electron is susceptible to a puzzling reinterpretation. In fact, it is shown that the Dirac equation is equivalent to the Maxwell equations for an electromagnetic field generated by two currents: one electric in nature and one, magnetic-monopolar. The elaboration of this result brings a nonlinear generalization of Maxwell's equations, as well as a nonlinear Dirac-like equation fully equivalent to them, from which both the electron mass as well as the magnetic monopole mass appear to be fully electromagnetic in nature, and the magnetic monopole to be tachyonic. The corresponding nonlinear Dirac equation reduces, under suitable approximations, to the ordinary Dirac equation for the free electron.
Associations of World Trade Center exposures with pulmonary and cardiometabolic outcomes among children seeking care for health concerns.

Objective Prior research on the physical health of children exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks has largely relied on parental report via questionnaire. We examined the impact of clinically-reported exposures on the physical health of children who lived and/or attended school in downtown Manhattan on September 11, 2001.
Tensile Material Properties of Skeletal Muscle Tissue in Longitudinal and Transverse Directions

Since Blix noted that force varies with muscle length [1], many investigators have worked to characterize the passive length-tension properties of skeletal muscle in the tissue’s fiber direction [2]. However, few reports have examined the properties of muscle in either transverse extension or in longitudinal shear [3–4]. Material properties in these three directions are needed to fully characterize computational models, which generally describe muscle as being transversely isotropic, hyperelastic, and isovolumetric [3–6]. Further, previous studies reporting tri-planar material properties indicate that muscle tissue is stiffer in the transverse direction compared to the longitudinal direction [3–4]. This counters conventional notions of transversely isotropic materials, which are generally stiffer in the fiber direction.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
SPEC: driving better benchmarks

The driving philosophy for the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) is to ensure that the marketplace has a fair and useful set of metrics to differentiate systems is by providing standardized benchmark suites. This paper gives an overview of SPEC and its continuous drive for better benchmarks.
Evaluation of Diastolic Filling of Left Ventricle in Health and Disease: Doppler Echocardiography Is the Clinician’s Rosetta Stone

Abnormalities of diastolic function have a major role in producing the signs and symptoms of heart failure. However, diastolic function of the heart is a complex sequence of multiple interrelated events, and it has been difficult to understand, diagnose and treat the various abnormalities of diastolic filling that occur in patients with heart disease. Recently, Doppler echocardiography has been used to examine the different diastolic filling patterns of the left ventricle in health and disease, but confusion about diagnosis and treatment options has arisen because of the misinterpretation of these flow velocity curves. This review presents a simplified approach to understanding the process of diastolic filling of the left ventricle and interpreting the Doppler flow velocity curves as they relate to this process. It has been hypothesized that transmitral flow velocity curves show a progression over time with diseases involving the myocardium. This concept can be applied clinically to estimate left ventricular filling pressures and to predict prognosis in selected groups of patients. Specific therapy for diastolic dysfunction based on Doppler flow velocity curves is discussed.
The relationship of neuropsychological abilities to specific domains of functional capacity in older schizophrenia patients.

Abstract Background This study sought to determine the relative importance of cognitive measures in predicting various domains of everyday functional capacity in older outpatients with schizophrenia. Methods Ninety-three psychiatry outpatients with diagnoses of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders underwent a comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation, including neuropsychological testing and clinical ratings of psychopathology. Functional capacity was assessed with the Direct Assessment of Functional Status, a performance measure of basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs/IADLs). Results Neuropsychological performance significantly predicted most ADLs/IADLs measured, except simple eating behaviors, time orientation, and grooming. Lower educational level and negative symptoms also were associated with worse functional capacity, whereas positive symptoms and depressed mood were not. Measures of cognitive functioning accounted for more variance in functional capacity than did psychiatric ratings of symptoms, and multiple regression analyses demonstrated that neuropsychological performance was predictive of functional capacity, over and above clinical symptoms. No specific cognitive domains were differentially predictive of specific domains of functional capacity. Conclusions Neurocognitive abilities were more predictive of functional capacity than level of clinical symptoms; however, these abilities were not specific predictors of functioning. This is consistent with findings of relatively generalized, intercorrelated cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and multiply determined domains of everyday functioning.
Clinical approaches to axis II comorbidity: commentary.

In a review of six clinical cases involving the treatment of a patient with two or more personality disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Text Revision (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994), five key decisions that have an impact on treatment emerged. The clinical cases are discussed and compared from the vantage points of the nature of personality disorder, extent and content of patient assessment, treatment focus and sequence, and the role of the patient–therapist relationship. The cases illuminate the complexity of these patients and the need for careful treatment construction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–9, 2008.
Fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase: genomic structure, expression and mutation analysis in Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.

Abstract Fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of medium- and long-chain aliphatic aldehydes derived from metabolism of fatty alcohol, phytanic acid, ether glycerolipids and leukotriene B4. The FALDH gene (ALDH3A2) in man and mouse consists of 11 exons and is closely linked to the gene for ALDH3. In both species, alternative splicing results in formation of a second minor protein, FALDHv, that has a unique carboxy-terminal end. The functional significance of this alternate protein is not known. In humans, mutations in the FALDH gene cause Sjogren–Larsson syndrome (SLS), which is characterized by ichthyosis, mental retardation and spasticity. Missense mutations involving 24 amino acid positions in FALDH have been identified. These amino acids are more highly conserved among related class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes than expected, suggesting that they are critically important for protein folding, catalysis or stability. Studies of mutations in SLS should prove useful for understanding structure–function correlations in FALDH and other aldehyde dehydrogenase proteins.
Microcomputer programs to manage and analyze digitized geological data—applications in exploration modeling

Abstract BASIC programs were developed to digitize and analyze the geology of the Butte Quadrangle, Montana. The programs were developed as part of an evaluation model and have potential in exploration modelling and other similar applications.
Rie’s Story, Ryan’s Journey: Music in the Life of a Transgender Student

This article presents a narrative account of one gender-variant student and his experiences in public school and school music. In the sixth grade, Ryan began cross-dressing and announced that he wa...
From Brochures to Videos to Counseling: Exposure to HIV-Prevention Programs

This research tested the prediction that reading a preventive brochure leads people to watch a preventive video, and that watching this video in turn leads to an increase in the likelihood of participating in a preventive counseling session. A sample of men and women from a southeastern community in the United States was recruited for a general health survey with the objective of examining participation in HIV-prevention interventions. Unobtrusive measures of exposure to HIV-prevention brochures, an HIV-prevention video, and an HIV-prevention counseling session were obtained. Findings indicated that reading the brochures increased watching the video and that watching the video increased participation in the counseling session. The association between exposure to the video and exposure to the counseling was mediated by expectations that the counseling would be useful. Findings are discussed in terms of the need to ensure exposure to interventions to achieve intervention effectiveness.
Plasma Amino Acids Changes in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a severe chronic pain condition that most often develops following trauma. Blood samples were collected from 220 individuals, 160 CRPS subjects, and 60 healthy pain-free controls. Plasma amino acid levels were compared and contrasted between groups. L-Aspartate, L-glutamate, and L-ornithine were significantly increased, whereas L-tryptophan and L-arginine were significantly decreased in CRPS subjects as compared to controls. In addition, the L-kynurenine to L-tryptophan ratio demonstrated a significant increase, whereas the global arginine bioavailability ratio (GABR) was significantly decreased in the CRPS subjects. The CRPS subjects demonstrated a significant correlation between overall pain and the plasma levels of L-glutamate and the L-kynurenine to L-tryptophan ratio. CRPS subjects also showed a correlation between the decrease in plasma L-tryptophan and disease duration. This study shows that CRPS subjects exhibit significant changes in plasma levels of amino acids involved in glutamate receptor activation and in amino acids associated with immune function as compared to healthy pain-free controls. A better understanding of the role plasma amino acids play in the pathophysiology of CRPS may lead to novel treatments for this crippling condition.
Determining the viability of marine protists using a combination of vital, fluorescent stains

Determining the viability of protists and small microzooplankton has long been a focus of studies in marine biology and ecology. It is especially relevant in the issue of shipborne invasive species, and impending international guidelines and various national regulations on the allowable concentrations of organisms in discharged ballast water have spurred the growth of an industry that develops and manufactures ballast water management systems. The success of management systems and ability of ships to meet ballast water discharge standards is determined by the number of viable organisms in treated water. Here, we propose combining two vital, fluorescent stains (fluorescein diacetate [FDA] and 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate [CMFDA]) with direct microscopic observation to enumerate viable organisms ≥10 and <50 μm in minimum dimension (nominally protists). This approach was validated in four locations in the United States to determine the efficacy of the stains. Although the accuracy of the stains varied by geographic location and the taxonomic composition of the planktonic assemblage, combining fluorescent stains is a robust, powerful tool that can be optimized for the species present at each location. While this method was developed for analyzing viable organisms in treated ballast water, it may also be used or adapted for any field of research that examines a broad taxonomic range of autotrophic and heterotrophic plankton.
Intracultural variation in cross-cultural gerontology

Intracultural variation refers to specifically cultural differences between individuals, all of whom belong to the same, larger cultural group. Given shared cultural beliefs and norms, individuals will nevertheless differ in their adherence to these beliefs and norms. For example, Americans may generally know and value participatory democracy and the right to vote, but Americans differ in how well they understand the process or participate in it. In a second sense, intracultural variation refers to the existence of sub-cultural groupings within a larger cultural group. For instance, as regards the latter, researchers interested in multicultural phenomena in the United States often use the broad ethnic categories devised by Office of Budget and Management (Federal Register, October 30, 1997) and employed in Census 2000 to distinguish among ethnic groups. These include five minimum categories for data on race (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and White), plus two categories for data on ethnicity (“Hispanic or Latino” and “Not Hispanic or Latino”). Nevertheless, the research community is increasingly aware that important distinctions must be made within these broad categories. For instance, “Hispanic” or “Asian” include multiple distinct national and local cultures. “Black or African American” collapses over differences between African Americans who are descendents of slaves in the U.S. and African or West Indian immigrants. The notion of intracultural variation is related to, but different from, the notion of individual differences. The study of individual differences involves identifying and measuring within-group patterns of variation in independent and dependent variables, but such differences need not be explicitly cultural, nor do they necessarily involve the identification and characterization of subgroups. For instance, at the level of the group, one immigrant community may differ from another in levels of acquisition of English, but inspection of individual differences in formal education, access to resources, and frequency of visits to the home country may well explain these differences. These essentially psychosocial variables may be powerful predictors of English proficiency, but because they do not involve specifically cultural ideation, cultural value sets, or culturally-shaped J Cross Cult Gerontol (2009) 24:115–120 DOI 10.1007/s10823-009-9098-6
Review Essay: Is Freud Dead? Questions and Answers for the Practicing Analyst

Freud: Darkness in the Midst of Vision by Louis Breger (New York: Wiley, 2000, 480 pp.) This review of Freud: Darkness in the Midst of Vision by Louis Breger considers the book in view of previous biographies of Freud and of historical scholarship. The strength of the book, which plainly is written for an audience of contemporary psychoanalysts and clinicians, consists in its portrait of Freud's character and his work with patients, both contextualized in terms of human relationships as well as theory. The book also contains impartial assessments of Freud's collaborators, such as Adler, Rank, Ferenczi, Jung, and data about trauma and loss in the lives of patients as well as colleagues.