cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results of runoff-studies at Fennimore, Wisconsin, show low rates and amounts of runoff

To secure runoff-data applicable to the “Upper Mississippi Valley Upland Areas”, runoff-, rainfall-, and temperature-measuring stations were established in June, 1938, on four small watersheds within the Fennimore (Wisconsin) Demonstration Area of the Soil Conservation Service. The studies are conducted by the Hydrologic and Engineering Divisions of the Service. The four watersheds, designated W-I, W-II, W-III, and W-IV, are one mile north of the city of Fennimore. The characteristics of each watershed have been carefully determined by field-surveys and were compiled on topographic, soil, and cover- and tillage-maps, prints of which are available. Table 1 summarizes the permanent characteristics of the Fennimore watersheds as shown on these detailed maps.
Abstract 705: HER2 assessment to define outcomes for breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: HER2 expression or amplification is now an established companion diagnostic test. Now, as HER2-targeting neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer increases, the accuracy of the companion diagnostic tests are revisited. Specifically, we seek to determine with the level of expression of the target (HER2 protein) is associated with pathologic response. In this study, we quantitatively assess HER2 expression both before and after the neoadjuvant therapies to breast cancer in the BrUOG BR-211B ([NCT00617942][1]) trial. Methods: We evaluated core biopsy samples from breast cancer patients enrolled in a preoperative clinical trial using trastuzumab, nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin combination therapy. Tumor core biopsies were taken before and after 10 days of either trastuzumab or nab-paclitaxel treatment. Combination chemotherapy was given for 6 cycles. Automated quantitative analysis (AQUA), a fluorescent-based method for analysis of in situ protein expression, was used to assess HER2 and phospho-HER2 expression in the BruOG Cohort, a study where patients who serially received Herceptin and Abraxane were biopsied both before and after treatment. This study assesses the HER2 positive patient subset (n=27) Results: Of 18 evaluable patients, the 8 with a PathCR showed a mean HER2 levels of 10251 compared with 4766 in the patients without PathCR (p=0.0047). This is notable in that a HER2 score of 2000 is equivalent to HER2 2+ in previous studies. Measurement of Phospho-HER2 showed no difference in PathCR vs Non-PathCR groups. A small subset (9) cases were measured for HER2 immediately after treatment, but the study has accrued an insufficient number of cases to statistically determine if there is a reduction in HER2 immediately following treatment. Conclusions: High levels of HER2 are associated with PathCR in the neoadjuvant setting. Levels of Phospho-HER2 are not associated with response. Further studies are underway to determine changes in levels of HER2 immediately after treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 705. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-705 [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00617942&atom=%2Fcanres%2F72%2F8_Supplement%2F705.atom
Discovery of novel bacterial elongation condensing enzyme inhibitors by virtual screening

The elongation condensing enzymes in the bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis pathway represent desirable targets for the design of novel, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. A series of substituted benzoxazolinones was identified in this study as a novel class of elongation condensing enzyme (FabB and FabF) inhibitors using a two-step virtual screening approach. Structure activity relationships were developed around the benzoxazolinone scaffold showing that N-substituted benzoxazolinones were most active. The benzoxazolinone scaffold has high chemical tractability making this chemotype suitable for further development of bacterial fatty acid synthesis inhibitors.
Mueller matrix polarimetry of electro-optic PLZT spatial light modulators

Mueller matrix polarimetry has been used to determine operational efficiency and material quality in lead- lanthanum-zirconium-titanate (PLZT) electro-optic modulators. PLZT is a transparent, quadratic electro-optic ceramic which is a candidate for the next generation of electro-optic interconnects and modulating devices. The Polarimetry group at the University of Alabama in Huntsville has measured Mueller matrices for several sample devices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the optical quality of the transmissive PLZT devices, determine the uniformity of the modulation across the active area, and calculate the quadratic electro-optic coefficients. High- resolution imaging polarimetry has demonstrated the uniformity of the polarizing and polarization-scrambling properties of a bulk PLZT spatial light modulator array. The Mueller Matrix Imaging Polarimeter was used to produce magnified maps of device regions; this data provides insight to the material uniformity, proper contact of drive electrodes, distribution of the applied electric fields, and quality of the surface. Light scattering from ceramic grain boundaries was also observed to result in some depolarization of light exiting the device. A single-channel Mueller matrix polarimeter measured spatially-averaged device performance for a range of applied operating voltages. This information easily determined the electro- optic coefficients for the modulating material. Several chemical vapor deposited thin-film PLZT devices were studied, and the quadratic electro-optic coefficients compared favorably to that for bulk PLZT.
Free energy calculation from steered molecular dynamics simulations using Jarzynski's equality

Jarzynski’s equality is applied to free energy calculations from steered molecular dynamics simulations of biomolecules. The helix-coil transition of deca-alanine in vacuum is used as an example. With about ten trajectories sampled, the second order cumulant expansion, among the various averaging schemes examined, yields the most accurate estimates. We compare umbrella sampling and the present method, and find that their efficiencies are comparable.
A TPC for measuring high multiplicity events at RHIC

Abstract The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider ran for the first time in the summer of 2000 with Au beams circulating at S NN =130 GeV and at approximately 10% of the machine's final design luminosity. We gathered data with the STAR Time Projection Chamber for 2 months and recorded events over a wide dynamic range of particle momenta and multiplicities. We reconstructed tracks with momenta from as low as 100 MeV/c to above 3 GeV/c, and we observed collisions with multiplicities ranging from 1 or 2 tracks per event in ultraperipheral collisions to 3000 tracks per event in central collisions. I will report on the design and performance of the STAR TPC in this demanding environment.
Registration of 'Catahoula' rice.

'Catahoula' (Reg. No. CV-130, PI 654462), a conventional long-grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, was developed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center at the Rice Research Station near Crowley, LA, and approved for release by the director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station in 2007. The population from which Catahoula was derived began as a single cross of RU9502008-A/'Drew' that was made in 1997 at the Rice Research Station. The long-grain female RU9502008-A, a sister line to 'Cocodrie' first tested in the Uniform Regional Rice Nursery in 1995, is a high-yielding, widely adapted, semidwarf experimental line. Drew is noted for its resistance to most major races of blast disease, caused by the fungus Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc. Catahoula originated as a selected F 2:4 line in 2001. Subsequent testing in preliminary yield trials in 2002 indicated high yield and quality potential and favorable agronomic characteristics. From 2003 to 2007, Catahoula was tested in statewide and multistate yield and performance trials as RU0302082. Catahoula is a high-yielding, blast-resistant, semidwarf cultivar with good milling quality, excellent lodging resistance, and grain quality parameters within the U.S. long-grain market classification.
Risks Versus Benefits of Testosterone Therapy in Elderly Men

'Andropause', like menopause, has received significant attention in recent years. It results in a variety of symptoms experienced by the elderly. Many of these symptoms are nonspecific and vague. For this reason, many authors have questioned the value of androgen replacement in this population. Also in dispute is the normal cutoff level for testosterone beyond which therapy should be initiated, and whether to measure free or total testosterone. Testosterone levels decline with age, with the lowest level seen in men older than 70 years. This age-related decline in testosterone levels is both central (pituitary) and peripheral (testes) in origin. With aging, there is also a loss of circadian rhythm of testosterone secretion and a rise in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Total testosterone level is the best screening test for patients with suspected hypogonadism. If the total testosterone concentration is low, free testosterone levels should be obtained. Prostate cancer remains an absolute contraindication to androgen therapy. Testosterone replacement results in an improvement in muscle strength and bone mineral density. Similar effects are observed on the haematopoietic system. Data on cognition and lipoprotein profiles are conflicting. Androgen therapy can result in polycythemia and sleep apnoea. These adverse effects can be deleterious in men with compromised cardiac reserve. We recommend that elderly men with symptoms of hypogonadism and a total testosterone level <300 ng/dl should be started on testosterone replacement. This review discusses the pros and cons of testosterone replacement in hypogonadal elderly men and attempts to answer some of the unanswered questions. Furthermore, emphasis is made on the regular follow-up of these patients to prevent the development of therapy-related complications.
Leiomyoma characteristics and risk of subsequent surgery after myomectomy

Abstract Objective: Evaluate the association between leiomyoma characteristics at myomectomy with subsequent surgery risk. Methods: A population-based nested case control study from a cohort of women at a large HMO, identified as having had a myomectomy was performed; 82 cases had subsequent uterine surgery; 82 controls, frequency matched for age and date of first surgery, did not. Medical records were abstracted; follow-up was 18–128 months. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Women without subserosal myomas were more likely to have a second surgery as compared to women with at least one subserosal myoma, aOR = 4.1(95% CI 1.5–10.9). Size of myomas did not predict subsequent surgery in subanalyses by type of surgery. Number of leiomyomas was not predictive of a subsequent uterine surgery overall or in subgroup analyses. Conclusion: Myoma location, but not number or size, impacts the risk for subsequent leiomyoma uterine surgery.
Cross-Spectral Analysis of Midfrequency Acoustic Waves Reflected by the Seafloor

Direct path measurements of a single-bottom interacting path on a vertical array are used to probe the seabed structure. The phase of the cross-spectrum, commonly used in engineering acoustics, permits examination of the importance of subbottom paths. When the cross-spectral phase is linear with frequency it implies that source to receiver propagation is dominated by a single path. A linear cross-spectral phase would also satisfy the linear seabed reflection coefficient phase approximation sometimes employed in forward modeling and geoacoustic inversion approaches. Shallow water measurements of the cross-spectrum, however, evidence a strongly nonlinear phase, below about 1500 Hz at one site, and 600 Hz at another site, implying that: 1) the subbottom structure plays an important role (i.e., a seabed half-space approximation would be inappropriate); and 2) the linear reflection phase approximation would be violated at those frequencies.
Effects of valproate, phenytoin, and MK-801 in a novel model of epileptogenesis.

Summary: Purpose: We have developed and characterized a novel model of epileptogenesis based on the convulsive actions of flurothyl in mice. The hallmark feature of this model is a reliable change in the type of seizure expressed in response to flurothyl from generalized clonic to generalized tonic seizures. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of chronic administration of valproate (VPA), phenytoin (PHT), and MK-801 on the change in seizure phenotype observed in our model system. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received flurothyl seizures on 8 consecutive days. Two hours after the last generalized seizure, chronic drug or vehicle was administered twice daily at 12-h intervals for 28 days. The drugs evaluated were VPA (250 mg/kg), PHT (30 mg/kg), and MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg). After a 7-day drug washout period, mice were retested with flurothyl. Results: Among uninjected or vehicle-injected control mice, there was a significant increase in the proportion of animals expressing tonic seizures after the 28-day stimulation-free interval. Chronic administration of VPA or MK-801, but not PHT, blocked the characteristic change in seizure type from clonic to tonic. Conclusions: The change in seizure phenotype observed after exposure to our paradigm indicates a fundamental reorganization in the propagation of flurothyl-initiated seizures. As in electrical kindling, VPA and MK-801 are effective at blocking or retarding the reorganization, whereas PHT is not. The concordance in pharmacologic profiles between kindling and our model suggests that the processes underlying changes in seizure susceptibility in these two models share mechanisms in common.
Stable isotope probing reveals the importance of Comamonas and Pseudomonadaceae in RDX degradation in samples from a Navy detonation site

This study investigated the microorganisms involved in hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) degradation from a detonation area at a Navy base. Using Illumina sequencing, microbial communities were compared between the initial sample, samples following RDX degradation, and controls not amended with RDX to determine which phylotypes increased in abundance following RDX degradation. The effect of glucose on these communities was also examined. In addition, stable isotope probing (SIP) using labeled ((13)C3, (15)N3-ring) RDX was performed. Illumina sequencing revealed that several phylotypes were more abundant following RDX degradation compared to the initial soil and the no-RDX controls. For the glucose-amended samples, this trend was strong for an unclassified Pseudomonadaceae phylotype and for Comamonas. Without glucose, Acinetobacter exhibited the greatest increase following RDX degradation compared to the initial soil and no-RDX controls. Rhodococcus, a known RDX degrader, also increased in abundance following RDX degradation. For the SIP study, unclassified Pseudomonadaceae was the most abundant phylotype in the heavy fractions in both the presence and absence of glucose. In the glucose-amended heavy fractions, the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes of Comamonas and Anaeromxyobacter were also present. Without glucose, the heavy fractions also contained the 16S rRNA genes of Azohydromonas and Rhodococcus. However, all four phylotypes were present at a much lower level compared to unclassified Pseudomonadaceae. Overall, these data indicate that unclassified Pseudomonadaceae was primarily responsible for label uptake in both treatments. This study indicates, for the first time, the importance of Comamonas for RDX removal.
Holistic Knowledge for Appropriate Professional Development in Early Childhood Education

(1996). Holistic Knowledge for Appropriate Professional Development in Early Childhood Education. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 66-81.
The ability of pollen from small lakes and ponds to sense fine-scale vegetation patterns in the Central Rocky Mountains, USA

Pollen ratios and linear discriminant analysis were used to detect fine-scale vegetation patterns in the subalpine zone of the central Rocky Mountains, USA. The vegetation of this zone is a mosaic of conifer forests and treeless parks dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) and grasses. Previous work with pollen surface samples in the region has correlated modern pollen rain to broad-scale vegetation zones (e.g. steppe, montane forest, subalpine forest, and tundra), but little effort has been made to detect fine-scale (hundreds to thousands of meters) patterns within these vegetation zones. Previous theoretical studies suggest that vegetation patterns on the scale of hundreds of meters should be recorded in the pollen deposited in small ponds. Pollen surface samples were collected from small ponds and lakes (30–350 m diameter) from subalpine vegetation in Colorado and Wyoming. An additional set of samples was collected from small ponds in a park and the surrounding forest in the Wind River Range of northwest Wyoming. Pollen percentages were not dramatically different in park and forest assemblages, but the ratio of conifer to herb and Artemisia pollen (C:H) and the linear discriminant score were successful in separating park and forest pollen assemblages.
High-performance liquid chromatography in the separation and measurement of di- and polyamines and their derivatives, and specific preparation of isomers of their monoacetyl derivatives

Abstract We present a method for separating and quantitating the di- and polyamines and many of their derivatives found in mammalian tissues by high-performance liquid chromatography using a cation-exchange resin with gradient elution. Three different solvent systems are described, each with special advantages. The nitrate anion is used in order to permit increasing the cation concentration without increasing buffering capacity or introducing halide ions, which are corrosive for stainless steel. The specific synthesis of two isomers of N-monoacetylspermidine is described.
An electron microscopic radioautographic study of collagen secretion in periodontal ligament fibroblasts of the mouse: I. Normal fibroblasts.

Analysis of electron microscopic radioautographs revealed a maximum labeling with /sup 3/H-proline of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) at 3 minutes, Golgi saccules 1 and 2 at 10 minutes, Golgi saccules type 3 at 20 minutes, and presecretory and secretory granules at 30 minutes. Labeling of the extra-cellular collagen matrix occurred at 30 minutes and increased with time. These observations suggest that pro-a-chains of collagen in periodontal ligament fibroblasts are synthesized in the RER and transported to the Golgi apparatus within 10 minutes. These chains then undergo parallel alignment in Golgi saccules type 2 and form segment-long-spacing-like crystallites in Golgi saccules type 3 between 10 and 20 minutes. The peak labeling of presecretory granules and mature secretory granules in small amounts at 30 minutes and the rapid increase in labeling of extracellular collagen matrix which begins at 30 minutes, indicates that the formation of secretory granules requires approximately 30 minutes and that a rapid system of secretory granule translocation exists in periodontal ligament fibroblasts. This evidence further supports the previously published morphologic evidence for a microtubule-dependent system of collagen secretion in periodontal ligament fibroblasts (Cho and Garant, 1981b).
Ethanol increases agonist affinity for nicotinic receptors from Torpedo.

The presence of ethanol increases the apparent affinity with which acetylcholine and carbamylcholine elicit 86Rb+ flux from Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-rich vesicles at 4°C. Affinity increased exponentially with ethanol concentration, reaching nearly 200-fold by 3.0 M ethanol without sign of saturation. At submaximal agonist concentrations 50–100 mM ethanol enhanced flux by 15–35%, but the maximu magonist-induced flux was unaffected in quenched-flow assays. The effect was independent of the agonist and of the time over which flux was measured (5 ms to 10 s), indicating that ethanol acts before agonist-induced desensitization occurs. Ethanol also caused an increase in the apparent affinity with which acetylcholine caused fast desensitization. This affinity increase was equal to that for flux-response curves, but the maximum fast desensitization rate was increased 50% at 0.5 M ethanol. This was the most pronounced of ethanol's actions and has not been reported before. Prolonged preincubation with 1.0 M ethanol alone reduced agonist-induced flux activity by only 25%. The rate of agonist-induced slow desensitization was also increased, but neither of these effects was as marked as those on fast desensitization and cation flux.
Anterior urethral valves and diverticula in children: a result of ruptured Cowper's duct cyst?

The experience from Boston in anterior urethral valves and diverticula over a 40-year period is described. Other articles describe experience with both ignoring and treating VUR, and ballooning of the foreskin and physiological phimosis. OBJECTIVE To review a series of children with anterior urethral valves and diverticula, to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimal management of this entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nine cases (all boys; 1963 to 2003) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS Seven of nine boys had bulbar diverticula. Continuity between Cowper's duct and the diverticulum was noted endoscopically in two and confirmed radiographically in one. Initially, open surgery was curative but more recently endoscopic management has been the procedure of choice. CONCLUSION This series indicates that the distal lip of a ruptured syringocele may function as a flap-valve, leading to anterior urethral obstruction. Advances in imaging and endoscopic instruments have altered the mode of presentation and management of this entity.
The Right to Privacy and the Right to Die

Western ethics and law have been slow to come to conclusions about the right to choose the time and manner of one's death. However, policies, practices, and legal precedents have evolved quickly in the last quarter of the twentieth century, from the forgoing of respirators to the use of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, to the forgoing of all medical technologies (including hydration and nutrition), and now, in one U.S. state, to legalized physician-assisted suicide. The sweep of history—from the Quinlan case in New Jersey to legislation in Oregon that allows physician-assisted suicide—has been as rapid as it has been revolutionary.
Magnetic resonance imaging used to assess patients with trigeminal neuralgia

To assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of trigeminal neuralgia, 51 patients were studied by magnetic resonance imaging after a trigeminal protocol. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results were correlated. Seventeen (33%) nonvascular abnormalities and 27 (53%) vascular contacts or compressions of the trigeminal nerve were demonstrated. Of the patients younger than of 29 and 39 years of age, 100% and 45%, respectively, had a tumor or multiple sclerosis compared with 20% and 18% of those older than 40 and 60 years of age, respectively. One third of the patients with pain in more than one branch of the trigeminal nerve had tumors. On the basis of this study, magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in discovering underlying pathoses associated with trigeminal neuralgia if patients have failed to respond to an initial conservative treatment. The patients most likely to exhibit significant magnetic imaging resonance findings are young and with pain in more than one trigeminal branch.
Production of Ions by Repetitive Breakdown of a Vacuum Gap

Zinc ion pulses with varying amplitudes up to 1 mA have been extracted from a vacuum discharge. Repetitive operation of the pulsed discharge at 5300 Hz was maintained for 24 min. Breakdown of the 0.4 mm vacuum gap was accomplished by ramp-charging a 270 pF capacitor connected across the gap until breakdown occurred, the capacitor then being discharged through the gap. Stable operation was maintained by feedback control of the electrode spacing. The anode was eroded at 10 mg/C by the discharge, with 65 percent of the anode material being deposited on the cathode in the form of a fiber.
Workplace Discrimination Outcomes and Their Predictive Factors for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Because employment is a significant predictor of the quality of life of people with disabilities (Rumrill, Roessler, & Fitzgerald, 2004; Viermo & Krause, 1998), discrimination in the workplace that...
Program fosters advances in shallow-water acoustics in southeastern Asia

Two impressive field programs were recently completed in the South and East China Seas as part of the Asian Seas International Acoustics Experiment (ASIAEX). Under the direction of the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR), scientists from several countries joined together to collect unique and high-quality acoustical, oceanographic, and geophysical data at the same place and time, enabling underwater acoustic fluctuations to be understood and modeled at the space and time scales of interest. A comprehensive field effort such as this one is required to decipher the cause and effect between environmental and acoustic variability which exist on a wide range of time and space scales. Groundwork for the two largest experiments of ASIAEX was laid with preliminary survey and studies of spring in 2000. In 2000 in the East China Sea (ECS), a 21-day cruise on the R/V Revelle allowed extensive geophysical surveys of the upper sea floor using chirp sonars and a low-frequency air gun, as well as allowing some sampling of the physical oceanography. In the same year in the South China Sea (SCS), a SeaSoar survey aboard the R/V Ocean Researcher 1 delineated the major meso-scale features of the northeastern SCS, while a limited moored array obtained a first look at the dramatic non-linear internal waves. These pilot field studies proved indispensable when designing the two main field programs that were executed in spring 2001.
Metabolic effects of increased caloric intake in man.

Abstract In order to determine if increased caloric intake could be responsible for the insulin resistance and elevated plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels commonly associated with obesity, hypercaloric diets were fed for 3 wk to eight normal subjects, and the metabolic consequences of this diet were assessed before significant weight gain had occurred. One wk of increased caloric intake led to statistically significant increases in fasting plasma insulin (22%), glucose (5%), and triglyceride (30%) levels, as well as an increased insulin response (20%) to oral glucose. Since the average weight gain during this period was only 1.6 kg, the observed changes appear to be secondary to increased caloric consumption, not obesity. Most of these changes returned toward baseline values during the succeeding 2 wk of increased caloric intake, but statistically significant elevations of fasting plasma glucose (10%), insulin (8%), and cholesterol (15%) levels were still seen at the end of the hypercaloric dietary period. On the other hand, insulin resistance, as estimated by direct measurement of insulin responsiveness, did not change as a result of 3 wk of increased caloric intake. These results indicate that acute increases in caloric intake can lead to elevated plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. These changes occurred before significant weight gain had taken place, and raised the possibility that at least some of the abnormalities of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism attributed to obesity may be due to increased caloric intake. However, this conclusion would not seem to apply to the insulin resistance associated with obesity, as 3 wk of increased caloric intake did not produce any change in the responsiveness of these subjects to insulin's action.
The relationship between HL-A antigens and lymphocyte response in ragweed allergy

The association between clinical ragweed hypersensitivity and HL-A haplotype inheritance has been confirmed. The lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin was greater in symptomatic individuals than in their asymptomatic relatives.
Dynamically consistent closure equations for hydrodynamic models of pinched beams

Abstract The closure of hydrodynamical models for pinched beams is discussed within adiabatic assumptions mathematically analogous to that of Chew, Goldberger and Low. A simplified drift-kinetic equation is derived which could be used for closure. In addition, some plasma regimes allow more simple closure in terms of adiabatic equations of state.
Gender influences on burn outcomes in the elderly

BACKGROUND: Women, aged 65 and older, now comprise a larger number of injuries requiring hospitalization than do young men. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences in outcome and disposition of elderly (>65 years) burn patients. METHODS: We compared demographic, etiologic, and outcome differences between male and female patients 65 years of age and older admitted for acute burn treatment during a five-year period. RESULTS: Elderly patients comprised 8.5% of burn admissions. Women, who accounted for 33% of burns occurring in this group, tended to have smaller (12.0% versus 17.2% total body surface area (TBSA); p = 0.20) and less severe (3.6% versus 9.7% 3rd TBSA; p Language: en
Some voluntary C-bends may be Mauthner neuron initiated

Predatory fish sometimes capture a prey fish first by striking it from the side, allowing the predator to consume the stunned prey head first. The rapid body flexion that the predator uses to stun its prey is similar to the "C" shaped maneuver ("C-bend") that many fish species use when performing a C-start escape response. For most species, one of the two Mauthner neurons initiates the C-start and, together with other reticulospinal neurons, their activity determines the extent of the bend and the ultimate trajectory of the fish. Reported here is initial evidence of previously undescribed behaviors where goldfish strike an object while executing voluntary C-bends that are similar to their C-start escape responses. The overlapping distributions of turn durations, turn angles, and angular velocities suggest that at least some voluntary C-bends are initiated by the Mauthner neuron. This implies that the Mauthner neuron can be activated voluntarily in the absence of predator- or feeding-associated releasing stimuli.
AN EXPLORATION OF SPEAKING PROFICIENCY MEASURES IN THE TOEFL CONTEXT

This report describes a three-year study involving the initial development and experimental administration of a variety of test formats and item types aimed at measuring the English speaking proficiency of TOEFL candidates or other non-native speakers of English on a direct basis, i.e., through the evaluation of actual speech production on the part of the examinee. Although practical constraints of the TOEFL program ruled out of consideration, for operational purposes, face-to-face testing procedures of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) type, a variety of “semi-direct” testing formats (involving test stimuli delivered by tape recording and accompanying booklet, with examinee speech tape recorded for evaluation) were developed as part of the study. These were administered to undergraduate and graduate level non-native English speaking students on a small-scale clinical basis and, following revisions, to a fairly large (N = 155) examinee group. An FSI-type interview was also administered to all study participants as an external criterion measure of speaking proficiency. Correlational and scalar analyses were used to identify subsets of item formats and individual items having satisfactory correlations with the FSI criterion interview and also meeting relevant linguistic and administrative requirements. These were grouped into a prototype “Test of Spoken English” (TSE) that was found to increase predictability of total FSI variance by approximately 8% when added to score data provided by the regular (paper-and-pencil) TOEFL. Further modifications in TSE content and follow-up administration with larger and more heterogeneous candidate groups are expected to increase this value. Two additional related studies are currently under way, involving pilot test administration at regular TOEFL sites and use-validation of the TSE as a measure of the “classroom communication” effectiveness of non-native English speaking teaching assistants in U.S. academic settings.
Robust similarity measures for mobile object trajectories

We investigate techniques for similarity analysis of spatio-temporal trajectories for mobile objects. Such data may contain a large number of outliers, which degrade the performance of Euclidean and time warping distance. Therefore, we propose the use of non-metric distance functions based on the longest common subsequence (LCSS), in conjunction with a sigmoidal matching function. Finally, we compare these new methods to various L/sub p/ norms and also to time warping distance (for real and synthetic data) and present experimental results that validate the accuracy and efficiency of our approach, especially in the presence of noise.
COMMON RIGHTS TO LAND IN ENGLAND, 1475–1839

We estimate the extent of common land in England from 1475 to 1839, treating charity land as a sample. We find common was only 27 percent of land in 1600. Thus there was little common beyond what Parliamentary acts later enclosed. More tentatively, common was only one-third of land even in 1500. Further, common land in 1600 was mainly stinted, excluding those without formal property rights. Common waste, to which the landless poor did have access, constituted a mere 4 percent of land, and was mainly land of marginal value. Private property was thus the norm in England by 1600.
EFFECTS OF WORKLOAD AND STRUCTURE ON TEAM PROCESSES AND PERFORMANCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR COMPLEX TEAM DECISION MAKING

Because the naturalistic team decision-making environment is highly complex, there is a need to investigate the performance and process effects of variables that characterize such operational environments. We investigated the effects of team structure and two components of workload (time pressure and resource demand) on team performance and communication over time. Results of the study indicated that time pressure significantly degraded performance relative to resource demand and baseline workload conditions. Although teams exposed to resource demand did not exhibit degraded performance, these teams engaged in fewer statements concerning the availability of team resources than did teams in the other two workload conditions. Results regarding performance and communication changes over time indicated that training interventions might be most effective when imposed during the initial stages of a team's development. We discuss the results in the context of implications for complex decision-making teams.
The web beyond popularity: a really simple system for web scale RSS

Popularity based search engines have served to stagnate information retrieval from the web. Developed to deal with the very real problem of degrading quality within keyword based search they have had the unintended side effect of creating "icebergs" around topics, where only a small minority of the information is above the popularity water-line. This problem is especially pronounced with emerging information--new sites are often hidden until they become popular enough to be considered above the water-line. In domains new to a user this is often helpful--they can focus on popular sites first. Unfortunately it is not the best tool for a professional seeking to keep up-to-date with a topic as it emerges and evolves.We present a tool focused on this audience--a system that addresses the very large scale information gathering, filtering and routing, and presentation problems associated with creating a useful incremental stream of information from the web as a whole. Utilizing the WebFountain platform as the primary data engine and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) as the delivery mechanism, our "Daily Deltas" (Delta) application is able to provide an informative feed of relevant content directly to a user. Individuals receive a personalized, incremental feed of pages related to their topic allowing them to track their interests independent of the overall popularity of the topic.
Effect of ligand electronic properties on precatalyst initiation and propagation in Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling polymerizations

The role of ligand-based electronic effects was investigated in the Ni-catalyzed polymerization of 4-bromo-2,5-bis(hexyloxy)phenylmagnesium chloride. The catalyst with the most electron-donating ligand outperformed the other catalysts by providing polymers with narrower molecular weight distributions. This result is attributed to both a suppression of competing reaction pathways (e.g., chain transfer and termination) as well as a relative acceleration of precatalyst initiation compared to propagation. Further studies revealed that, for all three catalysts, precatalyst initiation is slower than propagation, despite the fact that they exhibit the same rate-determining steps (i.e., reductive elimination) and have similar catalyst resting states. These results suggest that better control over the polymer molecular weight, end-functionality and sequence can be obtained with electron-rich catalysts, such as those described herein.
Modulation of fetal hemoglobin in sickle cell anemia.

A partial understanding of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease has suggested one means of treatment—increasing the distribution and concentration of fetal hemoglobin in sickle erythrocytes. Although this can be accomplished clinically with drugs like hydroxyurea, a complete understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of fetal hemoglobin regulation may suggest new and better ways of attaining this goal.
Connecting people in photo-sharing sites by photo content and user annotations

Popular photo-sharing sites have attracted millions of people and helped construct massive social networks in Cyberspace. Different from traditional social relationships, users actively interact in groups where common interests are shared on certain types of events or topics captured by photos and videos. Contributing images to an interest group would greatly promote interactions between users and expand their social networks. In this work, we intend to produce automatic recommendations of a user's images to suitable photo-sharing groups. To this end, we begin with analyzing user annotations and modeling the shared images in a group. Both visual content and annotation context are then integrated to understand the events or topics depicted in those images. Experiments on over 14000 user images demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Drop formation mass transfer

The mass transfer occurring between a liquid drop during its formation and the surrounding liquid phase was directly evaluated by a photographic technique. Slightly soluble organic drops containing no additional solute were formed in a continuous aqueous phase so that only the continuous phase resistance existed. Effects of nozzle diameter and both phase flow rates were evaluated and the possible influence of surfactant was investigated. Mass transfer coefficients were observed to decrease sharply with time early in the formation period. This, together with the parameteric study of dispersed phase feed rate, indicates the strong effect of internal drop convection for this high Schmidt number system. The measured coefficients are substantially higher than would be expected for free drops.
A New Three-Parameter Extension to the Birnbaum-Saunders Distribution

The Binrbaum-Saunders (B-S) distribution was derived in 1969 as a lifetime model for a specimen subjected to cyclic patterns of stresses and strains, and the ultimate failure of the specimen is assumed to be due to the growth of a dominant crack in the material. The derivation of this model will be revisited, and because the assumption of independence of crack extensions from cycle to cycle can be quite unrealistic, one new model will be derived by relaxing this independence assumption. Here, the sequence of crack extensions is modeled as a long memory process, and characteristics of this development introduces a new third parameter. The model is investigated in detail, and interestingly the original B-S distribution is included as a special case. Inference procedures are also discussed, and an example dataset is used for model comparison
Detection of ventricular arrhythmias in real-time with a portable analog computer.

Abstract Recent studies on the occurrence of sudden death emphasize that many patients have ventricular premature contractions as prodromes of lethal arrhyhmlas. A portable, 6 ounce analog computer has been developed to detect tachycardias (heart rate 150 to 190 beats/min), bradycardias (heart rate less than 50 beats/min) and ventricular premature contractions. When preset limits are exceeded, acoustic warnings are sounded, and the patient may transmit his electrocardiogram by telephone, without additional equipment, to a receiving device that graphically reproduces the electrocardiogram in real-time. Hospital studies in 26 ambulatory patients with a variety of arrhythmias have been completed. Tachycardias and bradycardias were detected in every instance during 30 observation periods in six patients. Reproducible warnings were triggered in 19 of the 20 patients with ventricular premature contractions of various configurations during each of 5 observation periods (100 observations). In one patient, the electrical vector of the ventricular premature contraction closely resembled the normal QRS vector and was not detected. Appropriate electrode placement is essential to avoid initial Q waves and to maximize the difference between the vector of ventricular premature contraction and that of the normal QRS complex. No false positive acoustic alarms were sounded. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to detect ventricular premature contractions readily and reproducibly in ambulatory patients. Use of this detector may permit large scale monitoring of patients with a high risk of sudden death.
A self-agency bias in preschoolers' causal inferences.

Preschoolers' causal learning from intentional actions – causal interventions – is subject to a self-agency bias. We propose that this bias is evidence-based; it is responsive to causal uncertainty. In the current studies, two causes (one child-controlled, one experimenter-controlled) were associated with one or two effects, first independently, then simultaneously. When initial independent effects were probabilistic, and thus subsequent simultaneous actions were causally ambiguous, children showed a self-agency bias. Children showed no bias when initial effects were deterministic. Further controls establish that children's self-agency bias is not a wholesale preference but rather is influenced by uncertainty in causal evidence. These results demonstrate that children's own experience of action influences their causal learning, and suggest possible benefits in uncertain and ambiguous everyday learning contexts.
Potential Impacts of Coyotes and Snowmobiles on Lynx Conservation in the Intermountain West

Researchers and managers have hypothesized that coyote (Canis latrans) incursions into deep snow areas, facilitated by packed trails created by snowmobiles, may negatively impact lynx (Lynx canadensis) populations through interference or exploitation competition. In response to this hypothesis, federal agencies have limited snowmobile use within potential lynx habitat. We used aerial track counts and ground tracking to compare coyote activity in deep snow areas with and without snowmobile trails on the Uinta Mountain Range of northeastern Utah, USA, and 3 comparable sites in the Intermountain West to test this hypothesis. Our analysis suggests that snowmobile trail presence is a good predictor of coyote activity in deep snow areas. Over 90% of coyote tracks observed in our study areas associated with a snowmobile trail were within 350 m of the trail. Snow depth and prey density estimates influenced whether a coyote returned to a snowmobile trail. Our results suggest that restrictions placed on snowmobiles in lynx conservation areas by land management agencies because of the potential impacts of coyotes may be appropriate.
Police Use of Excessive Force in Minority Communities: A Test of the Minority Threat, Place, and Community Accountability Hypotheses

We extend existing research on police use of coercive mechanisms of social control against racial/ethnic minority populations by testing three structural hypotheses regarding excessive force. The minority threat hypothesis maintains that the greater the proportion of minority residents in a city, the greater the use of coercive crime control mechanisms. The place hypothesis argues that spatially segregated minority populations are the primary targets of coercive control. The community accountability hypothesis maintains that organizational characteristics of police departments promote the use of excessive force against minorities. Combining data from several sources for cities with populations of 100,000 or more, we include the key variables of these theoretical models in analyses of sustained excessive force complaints. Findings provide support for the minority threat hypothesis but indicate that place effects are contingent on the existence of a very high degree of racial/ethnic segregation. They offer little support for the community accountability hypothesis.
Deep Level Defect Studies in Mocvd-Grown InxGa1−sAs1−yNy Films Lattice-Matched to GaAs

Deep level defects in MOCVD-grown, unintentionally doped p-type InGaAsN films lattice matched to GaAs were investigated using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements. As-grown p-InGaAsN showed broad DLTS spectra suggesting that there exists a broad distribution of defect states within the band-gap. Moreover, the trap densities exceeded 1015 cm−3. Cross sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements showed no evidence for threading dislocations within the TEM resolution limit of 107 cm−2. A set of samples was annealed after growth for 1800 seconds at 650 °C to investigate the thermal stability of the traps. The DLTS spectra of the annealed samples simplified considerably, revealing three distinct hole trap levels with energy levels of 0.10 eV, 0.23 eV, and 0.48 eV above the valence band edge with trap concentrations of 3.5 × 1014 cm−3, 3.8 × 1014 cm−3, and 8.2 × 1014 cm−3, respectively. Comparison of as-grown and annealed DLTS spectra showed that post-growth annealing effectively reduced the total trap concentration by an order of magnitude across the bandgap. However, the concentration of a trap with an energy level of 0.48 eV was not affected by annealing indicating a higher thermal stability for this trap as compared with the overall distribution of shallow and deep traps.