cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is informed consent broken

For as long as the federal regulations governing human subjects research have existed, the practice of informed consent has been attacked as culturally biased, legalistic, ritualistic and unevenly enforced. Its focus on meeting the regulatory requirements is seen as undermining a truly ethical process that produces informed and voluntary participation in medical research. Recent changes in the clinical translational research enterprise, with large scale genomic and other data sharing made possible by advanced bioinformatic technologies, may further challenge this goal. Study participants are asked to consent to future studies with unspecified aims, broad data sharing policies and ongoing uncertainties regarding confidentiality protections and the potential benefit of incidental genomic research findings. Because more research is conducted under these new conditions, the very nature of the researcher-subject relationship is shifting and will require new governance mechanisms to promote the original goals of informed consent.
User acceptance of virtual worlds: the Hedonic framework

Research on information technology (IT) adoption focuses almost entirely on productivity-oriented IT such as word processing. Little attention has been directed at investigating adoption of entertainment-oriented IT such as virtual worlds. Contending that it is important to better understand adoption of this technology, we develop a theoretical framework that recognizes the potential of imaginal and emotional responses in explaining user acceptance of virtual worlds. With its basis in the hedonic theory, the research framework may benefit the developers and sponsors of virtual worlds as they strive to build and sustain a customer base. The paper also outlines an example to illustrate one way to approach a consideration of the imaginal and emotional variables.
A Performance Study of 16-bit Microcomputer-Implemented FFT Algorithms

An FFT algorithm operating on a 16-bit microcomputer can calculate a 256-point transform as much as 10 times faster than a similar algorithm on an eight-bit microcomputer.
A bi-polar signal recorded in the western tropical Pacific: Northern and Southern Hemisphere climate records from the Pacific warm pool during the last Ice Age

Abstract Western tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures and Pacific Deep Water temperatures during Marine Isotope Stage 3 have been reconstructed from the δ18O and Mg/Ca of planktonic and benthic foraminifera from Marion Dufresne core MD98-2181. This 36 m marine core was collected at 6.3°N from a water depth of 2114 m. With sediment accumulation rates of up to 80 cm/ky, it provides a decadally resolved history of ocean variability during the Last Glacial period. Surface temperatures and salinities at this site varied in close association with millennial-scale atmospheric temperature swings at high northern latitudes as reflected in the GISP2 ice core. At times of colder atmospheric temperatures over Greenland, the western Pacific was more saline and summer season SSTs were ∼2 °C colder. These millennial-scale changes within the tropics are attributed to a southward displacement of the summer season ITCZ in response to steeper meridional temperature gradients within the Pacific. The benthic δ18O record from MD98-2181 documents upper Pacific Deep Water temperature and salinity variability. Benthic δ18O variations of 0.3–0.5‰ during MIS 3 indicate deep waters within the Pacific were varying by ∼1–1.5 °C, with the possibility that some of the variability was due to changing salinity and minor glacial–eustatic changes. The observed deep-water variability correlates to changes in Antarctic surface temperatures and thus reflects changes in Southern Ocean temperatures at the site of Pacific Deep Water formation. The combined planktonic and benthic records from MD98-2181 thus provide a northern and southern hemispheric climate record of anti-phased variability during MIS 3 as has been inferred previously from ice core records. Furthermore, the deep sea temperature excursions appear to have led millennial variations in atmospheric CO2 as recorded in the EDML ice core by ∼1 kyr.
Network-assisted causal gene detection in genome-wide association studies: an improved module search algorithm

The recent success of genome-wide association (GWA) studies has greatly expanded our understanding of many complex diseases by delivering previously unknown loci and genes. A large number of GWAS datasets have already been made available, with more being generated. To explore the underlying moderate and weak signals, we recently developed a network-based dense module search (DMS) method for identification of disease candidate genes from GWAS datasets, leveraging on the joint effect of multiple genes. DMS is designed to dynamically search for the best nodes in a step-wise fashion and, thus, could overcome the limitation of pre-defined gene sets. Here, we propose an improved version of DMS, the topologically-adjusted DMS, to facilitate the analysis of complex diseases. Building on the previous version of DMS, we improved the randomization process by taking into account the topological character, aiming to adjust the bias potentially caused by high-degree nodes in the whole network. We demonstrated the topologically-adjusted DMS algorithm in a GWAS dataset for schizophrenia. We found the improved DMS strategy could effectively identify candidate genes while reducing the burden of high-degree nodes. In our evaluation, we found more candidate genes identified by the topologically-adjusted DMS algorithm have been reported in the previous association studies, suggesting this new algorithm has better performance than the unweighted DMS algorithm. Finally, our functional analysis of the top module genes revealed that they are enriched in immune-related pathways.
Engineering cortical neuron polarity with nanomagnets on a chip.

Intra- and extracellular signaling play critical roles in cell polarity, ultimately leading to the development of functional cell–cell connections, tissues, and organs. In the brain, pathologically oriented neurons are often the cause for disordered circuits, severely impacting motor function, perception, and memory. Aside from control through gene expression and signaling pathways, it is known that nervous system development can be manipulated by mechanical stimuli (e.g., outgrowth of axons through externally applied forces). The inverse is true as well: intracellular molecular signals can be converted into forces to yield axonal outgrowth. The complete role played by mechanical signals in mediating single-cell polarity, however, remains currently unclear. Here we employ highly parallelized nanomagnets on a chip to exert local mechanical stimuli on cortical neurons, independently of the amount of superparamagnetic nanoparticles taken up by the cells. The chip-based approach was utilized to quantify the e...
The ‘squeak lure’ and predator mobbing in wild birds

Abstract Spaced repetition of the squeaking sound commonly used by ornithologists to lure birds resulted in a rapid decline in responsiveness. This decline is attributed to habituation in the absence of reinforcement normally obtained by participation in the mobbing of a predator.
Extraction timing and economic incentives for geothermal reservoir management

Abstract This article considers the best extraction program for a hot water geothermal reservoir with emphasis on the optimal time to begin extraction. Using a production function relating the rate of extraction to the quality of produced energy, an operational model is presented that gives the best time to begin production, the optimal pumping rate and the best planning horizon. Also investigated is the effect of economic parameters and incentives on these decision variables. This paper studies some means by which regulatory agencies can influence the timing and rate of exploitation of geothermal energy by manipulating economic incentives, and provides information for both public and private decision making in the management of this resource.
The role of letter recognition in word recognition.

In a paradigm that avoids methodological problems of earlier studies, evidence was gathered addressed to the question of whether we read letter by letter. If word recognition involves letter recognition, then the difficulty of recognizing a word should vary with the difficulty of recognizing its letters. This was tested by assessing letter difficulty in two letter discrimination tasks and in a letter naming task, and then comparing 15 adult subjects’ visual recognition latency to 72 easy-letter words and to 72 difficult-letter words. Word frequency and word length were also manipulated. Results indicated no effect for letter difficulty, although recognition latency reliably decreased with word frequency and monotonically increased with word length (21 msec/letter), suggesting that we do not read letter by letter, but that whatever plays a role in word recognition is smaller than the word and correlated with word length in letters.
Different sensitivities of the sugar receptor of the lateral styloconic sensillum in fourth- and sixth-instar larvae of the spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana

Female fourth- and sixth-instar larvae, Choristoneura fumiferana, were tested individually for the response of the sugar cell on the lateral styloconic sensillum to 25 mM/1 concentrations of 12 carbohydrates. The spruce budworm showed an age-related change in responsiveness of the sugar cell. The order of stimulating effectiveness for fourth-instars was melibiose > sucrose > raffinose.These storage di- and trisaccharides are present in the host plant at the beginning of budbreak. Sixth-instars responded to sucrose > fructose > m-inositol. These findings are in accordance with those of a previous behavioural study on feeding preferences of sixth-instars. The response for both melibiose and raffinose does not change from fourth- to sixth-instars; however, it does for sucrose, fructose and m- inositol.
CPR instruction: Modular versus lecture course

A randomized prospective study was done to examine long-term cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) cognitive and motor skills retention and to compare the "self-taught" modular course with the standard lecture course. Both cognitive and motor skills were tested at one-, two- and four-year intervals after the initial course. Approximately half the students in both the modular and standard lecture courses also took a refresher course after one year. While there was no significant difference (P > .05) in retention based on the method of teaching (modular vs lecture course), students who took the refresher course after one year performed significantly better (P
Syntheses, Spectra, and Structures of (Diphosphine)platinum(II) Carbonate Complexes.

A variety of (diphosphine)platinum(II) carbonate complexes, (LL)Pt(CO{sub 3}), are readily prepared from the corresponding (diphosphine)platinum dichlorides by treatment with silver carbonate in dichoromethane solution provided that water is presented. This reaction also permits facile preparation of analogous {sup 13}C-labeled complexes. The carbonate ligands in these complexes have been characterized by IR and {sup 13}C NMR spectroscopy. Alternative preparative routes involve conversion of the precursor dichlorides to the corresponding dialkoxides or diphenoxides, followed by treatment with water and carbon dioxide. Various reaction intermediates have been spectroscopically observed in the latter syntheses. Two crystalline modifications of (Ph{sub 2}PCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}PPh{sub 2})Pt(CO{sub 3}), one with and one without a dichloromethane of solvation, have been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for PtP{sub 2}O{sub 3}C{sub 28}H{sub 26}: P2{sub 1}/C, z=4, t=200 k, A = 10.362(8) {Angstrom}, b = 14.743(6) {Angstrom}, c = 19.183(10) {Angstrom}, {beta} = 122.69(6){degrees}. Crystal data for PtP{sub 2}O{sub 3}C{sub 28}H{sub 26}{center_dot}CH{sub 2}Cl{sub 2}:P2{sub 1}/c,Z = 4, T {approximately} 298 K, a = 11.744(2) {Angstrom}, b = 15.526(3) {Angstrom}, c = 15.866(3) {Angstrom}, {beta}=101.58(1){degrees}.
A new process for the production of clinical dextran by mixed-culture fermentation of Lipomyces starkeyi and Leuconostoc mesenteroides

Abstract A mixed-culture fermentation system was designed for the production of size-limited dextrans. This process was simpler and more economical than traditional methods. It required the establishment of microbial consortia of Lipomyces starkeyi ATCC 74054 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides ATCC 10830. Controlling initial conditions, growth, and enzyme production by both organisms controlled the product size. In this process, both strains were grown separately and then mixed. Dextran fermentation was then allowed to proceed. At the desired time (and molecular size), the fermentation was harvested. The optimum pH and temperature for production of clinical dextran (75,000 MW) were 5.2 (±0.1) and 28 (±0.5) °C, respectively. Varying the ratio of L. mesenteroides to L. starkeyi in the inoculum did not significantly affect either the final cell ratios or dextran production.
Characterization of viscoelastic properties of polymer bar using iterative deconvolution in the time domain

A new approach to characterize the viscoelastic properties of a polymer bar using wave propagation phenomenon that is dominated by attenuation and dispersion is presented. A novel iterative deconvolution algorithm is proposed to directly extract the impulse response function (IRF) from the measured discrete strain signals in the time domain. The algorithm can identify the response of a linear time-invariant system from the measured input and output signals that are often subjected to noise and truncation. The derived IRF is the non-parametric characterization of the viscoelasticity of the polymer bar and is employed to predict strain signal at the next position and/or to retrieve strain signal at a previous position for verification. The parametric representation of the viscoelasticity is implemented on the basis of a universal linear viscoelastic (multiple Maxwell elements) model and the associated frequency response of the derived IRF. A spectrum of viscoelastic parameters was identified for the polymer bar and the results are presented. As an application example of this approach, a data reduction procedure to extract the high strain rate response of low impedance materials from strain signals obtained from a polymer split Hopkinson pressure bar is presented.
The clinical relevance of electromyopotential oversensing in current unipolar devices.

UNLABELLED Electromyopotential oversensing of unipolar pacemakers was first appreciated 20 years ago, but its prevalence in present day devices is less well defined. Thirty-four pacemaker patients, only two with symptoms suggestive of oversensing, were evaluated in unipolar settings to assess the frequency of provocation of oversensing in one or, if present, both pacing channels. The sensing threshold of each patient, whenever possible, was recorded as well. RESULTS Atrial oversensing occurred in 11/18 patients (61%), all at sensitivities in the 0.4-1.0 mV range. Ventricular oversensing was noted in 13/33 patients (39%), with all but one programmed to settings of 1.25 mV or more sensitive (i.e. 2.0 mV. CONCLUSION Electromyopotential oversensing remains a relevant issue in current day unipolar pacemakers. Most patients do not describe symptoms related to electromyopotential interference, yet such interference is frequently provoked. Oversensing is common at high sensitivities typically utilized for atrial sensing, but quite unusual at settings necessary for adequate ventricular sensing. Programming unipolar devices to unnecessarily high sensitivities should be avoided or serious consequences may result.
The dilemma of membership in Recovery, Inc., a self-help ex-mental patients' organization.

Organizational beliefs and group processes in meetings of Recovery tend to “trap” members in the organization indefinitely. Although the stated goal of the organization is to reduce “nervousness” and solve emotional problems of members, there is no recognition of successful termination of membership. Many members joined the organization years ago and still attend sporadically. The “power of positive thinking” about the success of the Recovery method discourages contact by members with other kinds of community mental health facilities, so that Recovery groups are isolated in the community. This further traps members within the organization.
Producing Geo-historical Context from Implicit Sources: A Geovisual Analytics Approach

Geo-historical context, or GHC, is a contextual setting based on the interconnectedness of phenomena, events, and place across multiple spatial and temporal scales. GHC allows for situations to be understood and reasoned with, often with aid of visual representations such as maps. This paper introduces a conceptual model of GHC that theoretically motivates a Geovisual Analytics application called the Context Discovery Application (CDA), which is also presented. The CDA is designed to aid in the production of geo-historical context by using computational processes to identify and extract potentially relevant context information from heterogeneous, implicit situation information. This information can then be explored through visual interfaces to help users explain and understand the information. A hypothetical humanitarian context analysis case study is used to show how the CDA can be applied to real world problems.
The Hubble Space Telescope: Past, Present, and Future

I present and illustrate some of the most recent HST results and the plans for future observations, including the current studies of solar system planets, the extensive imaging of the Helix Nebula, the detection of superluminally expanding light echoes around the newly discovered variable star V838 Mon, the repeated measurements of the collision of SN 1987A ejecta with its inner circumstellar ring, that show a marked increase of high energy interactions, the study of M31 halo stellar populations and the puzzle of their origin, and the plans for the ACS Ultra-Deep Field observations that will probe the Universe to an unprecedented depth.
Interface damage model for thermomechanical degradation of heterogeneous materials

In this paper we examine the degradation of interface transition zones in heterogeneous materials due to thermal and mechanical damage. After a brief introduction of zero-thickness interface models, we will address three topics, (a) the interaction of normal and tangential damage at the interface level of observation, (b) the interaction of thermal and mechanical damage when thermal softening is coupled with mechanical degradation, and (c) the effect of interface damage on the load resistance of heterogeneous composites such as concrete when thermal softening leads to massive degradation of their load resistance.
Differences between rates of responding emitted during simple and multiple schedules

Pigeons pecked keys for food reinforcers delivered by several variable-interval and multiple variable-interval schedules. The rates of responding emitted during the simple schedules were not systematically different from the rates emitted during the multiple schedules when the components of the multiple schedule were identical. The rates of responding emitted during the components were usually greater than the rates emitted during comparable simple schedules when the components were more favorable than the added components of the multiple schedules. Response rates during the components were not significantly lower than those during comparable simple schedules when the components were less favorable. The observation of higher rates of responding during the more favorable components conforms to a prediction of several additive theories (e.g., Rachlin, 1973) but violates a prediction of Herrnstein’s (1970) theory. However, the additive theories are brought into question by the fact that changing the location of the discriminative stimuli did not change the pattern of results.
Decentralized Turbo Bayesian Compressed Sensing with Application to UWB Systems

In many situations, there exist plenty of spatial and temporal redundancies in original signals. Based on this observation, a novel Turbo Bayesian Compressed Sensing (TBCS) algorithm is proposed to provide an efficient approach to transfer and incorporate this redundant information for joint sparse signal reconstruction. As a case study, the TBCS algorithm is applied in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems. A space-time TBCS structure is developed for exploiting and incorporating the spatial and temporal a priori information for space-time signal reconstruction. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed TBCS algorithm achieves much better performance with only a few measurements in the presence of noise, compared with the traditional Bayesian Compressed Sensing (BCS) and multitask BCS algorithms.
A solution to the discharge dilemma in aphasia: Social approaches to aphasia management

(1998). A solution to the discharge dilemma in aphasia: Social approaches to aphasia management. Aphasiology: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 231-239.
Weak oblique collisions of interfacial solitary waves

Abstract A third order perturbation solution is developed to describe the interaction between two solitary waves approaching each other at an angle close to 180 ° on the interface between two immiscible inviscid homogeneous fluids. The solution is steady in the frame of reference moving with the point of intersection of the waves. To lowest order, the solution consists simply of the superposition of the undisturbed solitary waves. Second-order collision effects include interaction terms localized near the point of intersection and a phase shift in the solitary waves. In addition to corrections to the phase shift and localized interaction terms, third order effects are found to include a wave train that is stationary in the frame of reference moving with the point of intersection of the solitary waves. The amplitudes of the wave train and localized interaction terms diminish with distance from the point of intersection, and the solitary waves recover their initial shape asymptotically long after the collision. Thus, the only long-term effect of the collision is a phase shift.
DNA replication of bacteriophage θ29: Characterization of the intermediates and location of the termini of replication

Abstract Replicative intermediates of the linear duplex of bacteriophage θ29 have been isolated and partially characterized. Replicative DNA, pulse-labeled with [ 3 H]thymidine, behaves in neutral sucrose gradient sedimentation and agarose gel electrophoresis as mature θ29 DNA but with a portion of the replicative DNA being of slightly larger size. The faster-sedimenting DNA exhibits an increased buoyant density. In alkaline sucrose gradients, the denatured strands sediment as unit length monomers or smaller fragments. No strands longer than genome length were observed. Sensitivity of the pulse-labeled DNA to S1 nuclease and behavior on benzoylated-naphthoylated DEAE-cellulose (BND-cellulose) chromatography indicate that the intermediates are characterized by extensive single-stranded regions. Intracellular DNA was fractionated on BND-cellulose into completed (double stranded) molecules and replicating (partially single stranded) molecules. Restriction enzyme analysis of the distribution of radioactivity in pulse-labeled completed molecules indicates that termini of replication (most highly labeled regions) are at both ends of the DNA. Electron microscopic analysis of replicating molecules reveals two primary types of intermediates: (1) linear branched molecules with one single-stranded arm and (2) unbranched linear molecules with a single-stranded region extending from one end. These results suggest that θ29 DNA replicates by an asymmetric displacement mechanism. Thus, synthesis is initiated at one end and proceeds in the 5′ to 3′ direction with concomitant displacement of the parental strand of the same polarity. Synthesis of the complementary strand is initiated at the 3′ end of the displaced parental strand. A role for the covalently linked terminal protein in initiation of DNA synthesis is suggested.
LUQUE ROD FIXATION IN MENINGOMYELOCELE KYPHOSIS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

A preliminary report is given of four cases of kyphosis in the thoracolumbar and lumbar regions in paraplegic meningomyelocele patients treated by means of segmental spinal (Luque) rod fixation. The system, incorporating fixation at multiple levels and the principle of the three-point pressure system, appears highly effective in obtaining and maintaining correction in a deformity which has previously proven refractory in a high proportion of cases.
The effects of social isolation with motor restraint on a figure placement task

Twenty-six Ss were restrained motorically before completing a figure-placement task measuring approach for human interaction. A similar group of control Ss engaged in mild motor behavior before doing the figure placements. Restrained Ss indicated more approach for interaction by placing figures closer together (p <.025). Group differences diminished over trials as the effects of the experimental treatment diminished (p <.001).
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios in freshwater chert as indicators of ancient climate and hydrologic regime

The oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of Eocene and Miocene freshwater cherts in the western United States records regional climatic variation in the Cenozoic. Here, we present isotopic mea- surements of 47 freshwater cherts of Eocene and Miocene age from the Great Basin of the western United States at two different sites and interpret them in light of regional climatic and tectonic history. The large range of 18 O of terrestrial cherts measured in this study, from 11.2‰ to 31.2‰ (SMOW: Standard Mean Ocean), is shown to be primarily the result of variations in 18 O of surface water. The following trends and patterns are recognized within this range of 18 O values. First, in Cenozoic rocks of northern Nevada, chert 18 O records the same shift observed in authigenic calcite between the Eocene and Miocene that has been attributed to regional surface uplift. The consistent covariation of proxies suggests that chert reliably records and retains a signal of ancient meteoric water isotopic composition, even though our analyses show that chert formed from warmer waters (40°C) than coexisting calcite (20°C). Second, there is a strong positive correlation between 18 O and D in Eocene age chert from Elko, Nevada and Salina, Utah that suggests large changes in lake water isotopic composition due to evaporation. Evaporative effects on lake water isotopic composition, rather than surface temperature, exert the primary control on the isotopic composition of chert, accounting for 10‰ of the 16‰ range in 18 O measured in Eocene cherts. From authigenic mineral data, we calculate a range in isotopic composition of Eocene precipitation in the north-central Great Basin of 10 to 14‰ for 18 O and 70 to 100‰ for D, which is in agreement with previous estimates for Eocene basins of the western United States. Due to its resistance to alteration and record of variations in both 18 O and D of water, chert has the potential to corroborate and constrain the cause of variations in isotope stratigraphies. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd
Second shape transition temperature: prolate noncollective to oblate noncollective

Many nuclei have a temperature interval where the rotation of a hot spherical equilibrium shape generates a prolate equilibrium shape rotating around its symmetry axis.
Hubble Space Telescope Observations of Chromospheres in Metal-Deficient Field Giants

Hubble Space Telescope high-resolution spectra of metal-deficient field giants more than double the stars in previous studies, span ~3 mag on the red giant branch, and sample an abundance range [Fe/H] = -1 to -3. These stars, in spite of their age and low metallicity, possess chromospheric fluxes of Mg II (λ2800) that are within a factor of 4 of Population I stars, and they give signs of a dependence on the metal abundance at the lowest metallicities. The Mg II k line widths depend on luminosity and correlate with metallicity. Line profile asymmetries reveal outflows that occur at lower luminosities (MV = -0.8) than detected in Ca K and Hα lines in metal-poor giants, suggesting mass outflow occurs over a larger span of the red giant branch than previously thought and confirming that the Mg II lines are good wind diagnostics. These results do not support a magnetically dominated chromosphere, but they appear more consistent with some sort of hydrodynamic or acoustic heating of the outer atmospheres.
Substance use in a school-based clinic population: Use of the randomized response technique to estimate prevalence

Students attending school-based clinics acknowledge only minimal involvement with drug or alcohol use. In order to explain this unanticipated finding, we used a statistical method called randomized response to study adolescents in one school-based clinic. The sample consisted of 133 students (57% female; 75% black, 20% Hispanic, 5% other; and 58% grades 9-10, 42% grades 11-12). Using both lifetime and 30-day prevalence rates, these students revealed more cigarette smoking and alcohol use on randomized response than they had on questionnaires completed earlier the same academic year, minimal involvement with either marijuana or cocaine use by either method, and a similar amount of sexual activity by both methods. This study demonstrates that randomized response can be a useful method to generate more truthful group responses from adolescents. Language: en
Formate oxidation by cell-free preparations fromNitrobacter agilis

Abstract 1. Particles separated from sonic extracts of Nitrobacter by centrifugation at 144000 × g are capable of oxidizing formate. 2. The particles show maximum activity at pH 7.0 in the presence of both cytochrome c and ATP. 3. The K m for the formate oxidizing particles is 1.1·10 −4 M . 4. The production of CO 2 is inhibited by cyanide, azide, 8-hydroxyquinoline, hydroxylamine and diethyldithiocarbamate. 5. Methylene blue can substitute for oxygen as electron acceptor. 6. Attempts to solubilize the enzyme were unsuccessful.
A new automated method for recording and predicting failure by slow crack growth in polyethylene

The PENT test (ASTM F1473) which measures the resistance to slow crack growth (SCG) has been modified so that the crack opening displacement (COD) can be automatically recorded through a computer. From the curve of COD rate versus time, fine details of the fracture processes can be observed and a very early stage of fracture initiation can be determined. Consequently, the time for complete failure can be predicted from the initiation time sooner than has been possible by previous techniques.
Reconciliation of evolution and nomenclature among the higher taxa of protists

Existing taxonomic schemes for the protists at the highest levels are confusing owing to insensitivity to evolutionary data, lack of stability, evolutionary misleading terminology and multiple, contradictory systems. We propose a system which circumvents these problems by recognizing the largest monophyletic groups possible, and creating a nomenclature for these by appending the suffix ‘protista’ onto an already recognizable prefix: for example, euglenoprotista, cilioprotista, chytridioprotista. This system provides a high degree of stability while also allowing for the further clustering of these groups and inclusion of their descendant groups, such as the plants, as more evolutionary data become available.
Dental abnormalities in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The purpose of this study was to define the therapy-associated dental abnormalities in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We reviewed the clinical records and panoramic radiographs of 423 survivors of ALL who were treated on one of four consecutive protocols (1975-1991). Dental abnormalities included root stunting, microdontia, hypodontia, taurodontia (enlarged pulp chambers), and over-retention of primary teeth. The frequency of these factors was determined in relation to age at initiation of treatment ( 8 years), addition of cranial irradiation, and chemotherapeutic protocol. A total of 423 patients met the study criteria. The abnormalities comprised root stunting in 24.4% (n = 103), microdontia in 18.9% (n = 80), hypodontia in 8.5% (n = 36), taurodontia in 5.9% (n = 25), and over-retention of primary dentition in 4.0% (n = 17). Patients who were 8 years and those who did not receive cranial irradiation (42 vs 32%). Survivors of childhood ALL often have dental abnormalities that may affect their quality of life. Dental evaluation at diagnosis and frequent follow-up may help to ensure appropriate preventive measures and minimize dental and periodontal disease.
Reproduction and early life history of northern squawfish, Ptychocheilus oregonensis , in Idaho's St. Joe River

Reproduction and early life history of northern squawfish,Ptychocheilus oregonensis, was investigated in Idaho's St. Joe River from 1980–1981. Spawning occurs in large aggregations which mill near the substrate to broadcast eggs and milt. Males greatly outnumber females in the aggregations. Males mature at smaller sizes and younger ages, and exhibit slower growth and greater mortality than females, although females devote more resources than males to gonadal production. Spawning was observed in June and July at temperatures of 12 to 18° C and was restricted to sites with the unique combination of a gravel-cobble substrate free of sand and a bottom velocity of 0.4 m s−1 or less. Juvenile northern squawfish schooled with other young cyprinids in sandy, zero-velocity, shallow-water margins of the river. Age 1 northern squawfish used deeper and more diverse microhabitats than juveniles. Growth of juveniles was rapid and variable during the first summer. During winter, average length did not increase and condition declined. Young northern squawfish ate a wide variety of crustaceans, aquatic insects, and terrestrial insects although individual fish tended to focus on one or two items. Diet breadth and food volume increased with age except in winter.
The effects of posthypnotic suggestion on test performance

Abstract 45 Ss preselected for hypnotizability were tested on 2 leaming tasks by E and retested on the tasks by other Es about a month later. Before being retested Ss were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment conditions: (a) a posthypnotic suggestion condition, (b) a waking suggestion condition, and (c) a hypnosis-no-suggestion condition in which Ss were merely dehypnotized without exhortative instructions. Es were blind to the experimental design; they did not know to which condition Ss were assigned. Analyses of covariance indicated that the posthypnotic suggestion group performed more rapidly and accurately on a Rational Learning Test but not on a Digit Symbol Test than the waking suggestion group. The posthypnotic suggestion group did not differ from the hypnosis-no-suggestion group, which also performed more accurately but not more rapidly than the waking suggestion group on the Rational Learning Test. There were indications that posthypnotic suggestions had interfered with performance on the Digit ...
"Siempre me critican": barriers to reproductive health in Ocotal, Nicaragua

OBJECTIVE: To identify perceived barriers to accessing reproductive health care according to the women of Ocotal, Nicaragua; describe their understanding of their reproductive rights; and document their opinions about Nicaragua's total ban on abortion. METHODS: From May to June 2014, three focus group discussions were held in Spanish with 17 women from two different neighborhoods (barrios) in the city of Ocotal, Nicaragua. A semi-structured discussion guide with open-ended questions was employed to elucidate local perspectives regarding the focus group discussions themes. RESULTS: Serious obstacles including 1) violence against women, 2) machismo, 3) criticism from others, and 4) lack of communication and education limit women's ability to make their own reproductive health decisions. Women had a pervasive lack of knowledge about reproductive rights and the international human rights documents that define them. In addition, due to religious and cultural ideologies, most women supported the country's total ban on abortion in most circumstances, with the possible exception of rape. CONCLUSIONS: Both men and women in Ocotal should be encouraged to participate in community-level programs designed to reduce the impact of the following obstacles to receiving reproductive health care: 1) violence against women and machismo; 2) insufficient, non-standardized sexual education and information about reproductive rights; and 3) poor communication within families and the community at large. Any future public health campaigns to address women's reproductive health needs in Ocotal should implement these types of programs, at the neighborhood level, to reduce stigma surrounding sexual health and activity.
Factors that influence the recruitment and retention of graduate nurses in rural health care facilities

Rural nursing is a distinct practice and rural nurses in Australia constitute the largest group in the rural health workforce. However, the rural workforce is ageing and the turnover of nurses in rural areas is high. In addition, rural health services are experiencing recruitment and retention difficulties; very little is known about the recruitment and retention of new graduates nurses in rural health areas and the potential long-term investment they could offer to rural health services. A qualitative study explored the journey of transition for new graduate nurses employed in graduate nurse transition programs in northern New South Wales. This paper presents two major themes from the study that describe the factors that influenced the new graduate nurse to seek and accept a graduate nurse position within a rural health setting and the factors that influenced their retention. Findings indicate that previous connection with area and positive experiences in a rural health care facility during undergraduate preparation were significant factors influencing the graduate nurses' decision to pursue a rural graduate nurse position. No guarantee of a permanent appointment upon completion of the graduate programs, and graduates' disappointment with graduate nurse programs, were important factors influencing their retention within rural health care facilities.
Curriculum for the Gifted and Talented at the Secondary Level.

Curriculum for the gifted and talented at the secondary level involves more than deciding whether to acceterate or enrich, to group or not, to offer an honors program or an advanced seminar, or to offer advanced placement courses. Rather, it consists of the total learning environment and encompasses the general education, specialized education, co-curricular, and education in non-school settings, together with the climate which is created in the school and classroom for pursuit of excellence. Curriculum planning begins with a clear concept of program goals and objectives. It consists of a number of decisions about content, scope, sequence, integration, articulation and balance, as well as about resource use, time, space, and organization.
The elastodynamics of moving loads, Part 1: The field of a semi-infinite line load moving on the surface of an elastic solid with constant supersonic velocity

When a semi-infinite line load moves lengthways, at supersonic velocity, on the plane surface of an elastic solid, the resulting velocity field is conical. There are two characteristic cones, one associated with dilatation effects and the other with shear effects. The propagation process is more complicated than the well-known case of conical flow in supersonic aerodynamics not only because of the presence of two cones of discontinuity but also because the presence of a free surface implies interaction between shear and dilatation effects. It is the interaction process at the free surface which is examined in detail in this paper. The results of this fundamental problem may be extended by the process of superposition to more general steadily moving loads. In particular by differentiating with respect to time, the potential of a steadily moving point load is obtained explicitly.
The Extent to Which Critical Thinking Is Subject-Specific: Further Clarification

In this response to McPeck’s reply to my paper, I briefly summarize my earlier essay, and make four major points: (a) that the vagueness of the concepts, domain, field, and subject, is a problem when subject specificity serves as a basis for prediction, though not necessarily when it serves as a slogan or a vague warning; (b) that the distinction between the subject matter of schools and the subject matter of everyday life is a viable one, though not the mutually exclusive one that McPeck seems to attribute to me; (c) that the distinction between topic and school subject serves to help avoid a tempting equivocation that starts with the premise that all thinking is about some subject; and (d) that “relatively narrow” general thinking abilities can be very broad in the range of their application, and that many, though perhaps obvious at times to some, are not trivial, because numerous people seem not to employ them in important situations.An underlying concern is McPeck’s apparent assumption that showing so...
Characterization of Photoluminescent (Y1–xEux)2O3 Thin Films Prepared by Metallorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition

The purpose of this study was to identify and correlate the microstructural and luminescence properties of europium-doped Y 2 O 3 (Y 1-x Eu x ) 2 O 3 thin films deposited by metallorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), as a function of deposition time and temperature. The influence of deposition parameters on the crystallite size and microstructural morphology were examined, as well as the influence of these parameters on the photoluminescence emission spectra. (Y 1-x -Eu x ) 2 O 3 thin films were deposited onto (111) silicon and (001) sapphire substrates by MOCVD. The films were grown by reacting yttrium and europium tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate) precursors with an oxygen atmosphere at low pressures (5 torr (1.7 x 10 3 Pa)) and low substrate temperatures (500°-700°C). The films deposited at 500°C were smooth and composed of nanocrystalline regions of cubic Y 2 O 3 , grown in a textured [100] or [110] orientation to the substrate surface. Films deposited at 600°C developed, with increasing deposition time, from a flat, nanocrystalline morphology into a platelike growth morphology with [111] orientation. Monoclinic (Y 1-x -Eu x ) 2 O 3 was observed in the photoluminescence emission spectra for all deposition temperatures. The increase in photoluminescence emission intensity with increasing postdeposition annealing temperature was attributed to the surface/grain boundary area-reduction effect.
Signatures of Magnetic Stress Prior to Three Solar Flares Observed by RHESSI

We examine the hard X-ray (HXR) footpoint sources of three flares, as observed by RHESSI, in combination with the topology given by the extrapolation of line-of-sight magnetograms into the corona. Assuming the HXR footpoint sources are chromospheric consequences of magnetic reconnection that takes place on separators, we further assume a relationship between the buildup of energy in stressed coronal magnetic fields and the measurement of the change in separator flux per unit length. We find that the value of this quantity is larger for the separators that connect the HXR footpoint sources than the quantity for the separators that do not. Therefore, we conclude that we are able to understand the location of HXR sources observed in flares in terms of a physical and mathematical model of the topology of the active region.
Antiviral, metabolic, and pharmacokinetic properties of the isomeric dideoxynucleoside 4(S)-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)tetrahydro-2(S)-furanmethanol.

4(S)-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)tetrahydro-2(S)-furanmethanol(IsoddA)isthemostantivirallyactivemember of a novel class of optically active isomeric dideoxynucleosides in which the base has been transposed from the natural 1*position to the 2*position and the absolute configuration is (S,S). IsoddA was active against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) (strain IIIB), HIV-2 (strain ZY), and HIV-1 clinical isolates. Combinations of the compound with zidovudine (3*-azido-3*-deoxythymidine), 2*,3*-dideoxyinosine, or 5-fluoro-2*deoxy-3*-thiacytidine showed synergistic inhibition of HIV. A moderate reduction of activity was observed with clinical isolates resistant to zidovudine. An IsoddA-resistant virus (eightfold-increased 50% inhibitory concentration) was selected in vitro by repeated passage of HIV-1 (HXB2) in the presence of increasing concentrations of IsoddA. The reverse transcriptase-coding region of the mutant virus contained a single base change resulting in a change at codon 184 from Met to Val. IsoddA was also active against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro; however, it lacked substantial selective activity in an in vivo HBV model. IsoddA was inefficiently phosphorylated in CEM cells; however, the half-life of the triphosphate was 9.4 h, and IsoddATP was a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, with aKiof 16 nM. The cytotoxicity 50% inhibitory concentrations of IsoddA were greater than 100 mM for CEM, MOLT-4, IM9, and the HepG2-derived HBV-infected 2.2.15 (subcloneP5A)celllinesbutwere12and11 mMforhumangranulocyte-macrophage(CFU-GM)anderythroid (BFU-E) progenitor cells, respectively. When given orally to rats and mice, the compound was very well absorbed and rapidly eliminated. However, there was no detectable brain penetration by IsoddA in rats. Catabolic metabolites were not detected, and this is consistent with the observed resistance of the compound to metabolic degradation by adenosine deaminase.
Epithelial-mesenchymal Interactions in Fibrosis and Repair. Transforming Growth factor-β Activation by Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a central role in driving tissue fibrosis. TGF-β is secreted in a latent form, held latent by noncovalent association of the active cytokine with a peptide derived from cleavage of the N-terminal domain of the same gene product, and needs to be activated extracellularly to exert any of its diverse biological effects. We have shown that two of the three mammalian isoforms of TGF-β, TGF-β1 and TGF-β3, depend on interactions with cell surface integrins for activation. We found that the integrin αvβ6 is highly induced on injured alveolar epithelial cells, potently induces TGF-β activation, and is critical for the development of pulmonary fibrosis and acute lung injury. However, although TGF-β drives fibrosis in virtually every anatomic site, αvβ6-mediated TGF-β activation is much more restricted. For example, αvβ6 is not induced on injured hepatocytes and plays little or no role in cirrhosis induced by repetitive hepatocyte injury. Fibroblasts are highly contractile cells that express multiple integrins closely related to αvβ6, which share the promiscuous αv subunit, so we reasoned that perhaps one or more of these αv integrins on fibroblasts might substitute for αvβ6 and activate the TGF-β required to drive liver fibrosis. Indeed, deletion of the αv subunit from activated fibroblasts protected mice from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Importantly, these same mice were protected from bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and renal fibrosis caused by unilateral ureteral obstruction, despite the presence of epithelial αvβ6 in these mice. These results suggest that the generation and maintenance of sufficient quantities of active TGF-β to cause tissue fibrosis in multiple organs probably depends on at least two sources-TGF-β activation by injured epithelial cells that drives fibroblast expansion and activation and an amplification step that involves TGF-β activation by an αv integrin on activated fibroblasts. These results suggest that intervening at either of these steps could be useful for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.