cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of groundwater pumping on streamflow restoration following upstream dam removal

We compared streamflow in basins under the combined impacts of an upland dam and groundwater pumping withdrawals, by examining streamflow in the presence and absence of each impact. As a qualitative analysis, inter-watershed streamflow comparisons were performed for several rivers flowing into the east side of the Central Valley, CA. Results suggest that, in the absence of upland dams supporting large reservoirs, some reaches of these rivers might develop ephemeral streamflow in late summer. As a quantitative analysis, we conducted a series of streamflow/groundwater simulations (using MODFLOW-2000 plus the streamflow routing package, SFR1) for a representative hypothetical watershed, with an upland dam and groundwater pumping in the downstream basin, under humid, semi-arid, and arid conditions. As a result of including the impact of groundwater pumping, post-dam removal simulated streamflow was significantly less than natural streamflow. The model predicts extensive ephemeral conditions in the basin during September for both the arid and semi-arid cases. The model predicts continued perennial conditions in the humid case, but spatially weighted, average streamflow of only 71% of natural September streamflow, as a result of continued pumping after dam removal. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary omega-6 fatty acid lowering increases bioavailability of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in human plasma lipid pools

Abstract Background Dietary linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) lowering in rats reduces n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) plasma concentrations and increases n-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) concentrations. Objective To evaluate the extent to which 12 weeks of dietary n-6 PUFA lowering, with or without increased dietary n-3 PUFAs, alters unesterified and esterified plasma n-6 and n-3 PUFA concentrations in subjects with chronic headache. Design Secondary analysis of a randomized trial. Subjects with chronic headache were randomized for 12 weeks to (1) average n-3, low n-6 (L6) diet; or (2) high n-3, low n-6 LA (H3–L6) diet. Esterified and unesterified plasma fatty acids were quantified at baseline (0 weeks) and after 12 weeks on a diet. Results Compared to baseline, the L6 diet reduced esterified plasma LA and increased esterified n-3 PUFA concentrations (nmol/ml), but did not significantly change plasma arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) concentration. In addition, unesterified EPA concentration was increased significantly among unesterified fatty acids. The H3–L6 diet decreased esterified LA and AA concentrations, and produced more marked increases in esterified and unesterified n-3 PUFA concentrations. Conclusion Dietary n-6 PUFA lowering for 12 weeks significantly reduces LA and increases n-3 PUFA concentrations in plasma, without altering plasma AA concentration. A concurrent increase in dietary n-3 PUFAs for 12 weeks further increases n-3 PUFA plasma concentrations and reduces AA.
Effects of ethylene dibromide on reproduction in male and female rats.

Abstract The effects of ethylene dibromide (EDB) on reproduction were studied in both sexes of rats. Males inhaled average daily concentrations of 19, 39, and 89 ppm of EDB 7hr/day, 5 days/week, for 10 weeks. Mortality and morbidity occurred in the group exposed to the high concentration. In addition, males in this group had reduced testicular weights, reduced serum testosterone concentrations, and failed to impregnate any females during a 2-week mating period. Atrophy of the testes, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles was observed in these males. The reproductive performance of males exposed to 19 or 39 ppm of EDB was not impaired. Females inhaled average daily concentrations of 20, 39, or 80 ppm of EDB 7 hr/day, 7 days/week, for 3 weeks. Mortality and morbidity occurred in the group exposed to the high concentration. Females in this group did not cycle normally until several days after the termination of exposure. The reproductive performance of females exposed to 20 or 39 ppm of EDB was normal. Pregnant females in all groups produced normal litters, and histopathological examination of the ovary and uterus did not reveal lesions that would impair reproductive performance. Thus, adverse effects on reproduction were observed in both sexes of rats only at concentrations of EDB that also produced mortality and morbidity. Therefore, it was not possible to attribute the reproductive effects directly to EDB.
Comparison of behavioral properties of di- and tri-methoxyphenylisopropylamines.

Prominent among the class of hallucinogenic phenylisopropylamines is the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern; this pattern has long been recognized as being an important feature of the more potent agents within this class. The purpose of this present study was to explore the behavioral properties of a series of methoxylated phenylisopropylamines in order to determine the effect of other substitution patterns and the relative importance of individual methoxy groups. Rats, trained to discriminate the hallucinogenic agent 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methyl-phenylisopropylamine (DOM) from saline in a two-lever drug discrimination task, were challenged with a series of di- and trimethoxyphenylisopropylamines (i.e., DMA and TMA derivatives). DOM-stimulus generalization was found to occur with 2,4-DMA but not with 2,3-DMA, 2.6-DMA, or 3,5-DMA; generalization also occurred with 2,3,4-TMA, 2,3,5-TMA, 2,4,6-TMA and 3,4,5-TMA. The 2,4-dimethoxy pattern also emerges as an important feature among the more active agents.
The Below-Knee Amputation: To Amputate or Palliate?

Significance: A below-knee amputation (BKA) can be the most functional option for select patients with a diseased lower extremity and may offer a better quality of life than limb salvage in some patients. Recent Advances: Because of advances in prosthetic technology, some patients may have a better quality of life with a BKA than a salvaged lower extremity. Those who cannot wear a prosthesis will do better with a poorly functioning leg. Understanding which patients will not benefit from an amputation helps ensure that a maximum of patients will continue ambulating. Critical Issues: We lack a thorough understanding of which patients will be more functional with a BKA than a salvaged extremity. Some will do better with a prosthesis, whereas others will do better with a poorly functioning peg leg. This is because so many amputees never wear their prosthesis. Future Directions: A better understanding of patient selection and optimal operative technique would allow us to better council patients as to how to op...
Have Department of Energy Conservation Programs Saved Energy

This article discusses the results of 2 alternative approaches for estimating the energy- savings impact of Department of Energy (DOE) conservation programs. The first approach analyzed program-by-program estimates that indicated DOEprograms reduced U. S. energy use by more than 0.5 quadrillion BTUs or about 86 million barrels of oil. The second approach was an econometric analysis of aggregate energy use data that produced an estimate of energy savings 10 times greater than the first approach, but with a strong price effect interaction. The limitations of both approaches preclude reaching unambigu ous conclusions.
Localized Cdc42 activation, detected using a novel assay, mediates microtubule organizing center positioning in endothelial cells in response to fluid shear stress

Fluid flow regulates morphology, physiology, and pathophysiology of vascular endothelial cells (reviewed in Ref. 1). The small GTPase Cdc42 mediates polarity in several systems including migrating cells and early embryos, which involve reorientation of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) and Golgi apparatus toward the direction of movement. Here, we show that Cdc42 is activated by fluid shear stress and that activation is a consequence of integrins binding to extracellular matrix. A novel fluorescence energy transfer assay to visualize Cdc42 activation in single cells shows that Cdc42 activity is polarized in the direction of flow. Localized activation of Cdc42 as well as the activity of Par6 and protein kinase Czeta direct the reorientation of the MTOC to a position on the downstream side of the nucleus relative to the direction of flow. Thus, shear-stimulated integrin dynamics induce polarized Cdc42 activity, which induces MTOC localization through the Par6-protein kinase Czeta complex.
Evaluation of hydrous titanium oxide-supported NiMo catalysts for pyrene hydrogenation and upgrading coal-derived liquids

Abstract This study focuses on the synthesis of NiMo-based catalysts in both bulk and coated forms, using ion-exchangeable silica-doped hydrous titanium oxide (HTO:Si) supports. These catalysts were evaluated and compared against commercial NiMo-based catalysts (Amocat 1C and Shell 324) with respect to the hydrogenation of pyrene and the hydrodesulfurization/hydrodenitrogenation of coal-derived liquids. For pyrene hydrogenation, both bulk and supported (coated) NiMo/HTO:Si catalysts performed better than commercial benchmark catalysts on either a catalyst weight or an active metals basis. For both hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation of coal-derived liquids in a trickle-bed reactor, the supported and bulk forms of the NiMo/HTO:Si catalysts nearly equalled the overall performance of the commercial catalysts at 3.45, 6.89 and 10.3 MPa and were superior on a total active metals basis. Extensive catalyst characterization was performed to explain the enhanced activity of the NiMo/HTO:Si materials.
IQGAP proteins are integral components of cytoskeletal regulation.

IQGAP1 is a scaffolding protein that binds to a diverse array of signalling and structural molecules. By interacting with its target proteins, human IQGAP1 participates in multiple cellular functions, including Ca2+/calmodulin signalling, cytoskeletal architecture, CDC42 and Rac signalling, E-cadherin-mediated cell–cell adhesion and β-catenin-mediated transcription. Yeast IQGAP homologues are important regulators of cellular morphogenesis because they are required for budding and cytokinesis. Here we discuss the structure and function of IQGAP1 as a member of the family of IQGAP proteins and summarize the current knowledge about IQGAP1 and IQGAP2. Collectively, these data reveal that IQGAP1 is a fundamental regulator of cytoskeletal function.
Friction and Particle-Hole Pairs

The effect induced by dissipation on quantum phenomena has recently been considered, taking into account as a starting point a phenomenological Hamiltonian in which the environment is simulated by an appropriately chosen set of harmonic oscillators. It is found that this approach should be adequate to describe the low-energy behavior of a wide class of environments. The present investigation is concerned with an analysis of the case in which the environment is a gas (or liquid) of fermions, and the relevant low-energy excitations are particle-hole pairs. A study is conducted regarding the extent to which the quantum results obtained for harmonic oscillators are also valid in the considered situation. Linear-response theory is used to derive an effective action which describes the motion of an external particle coupled to a normal Fermi fluid.
Physostigmine improves cerebral blood flow in human focal cerebral ischemia

The effect of intravenous physostigmine on cerebral perfusion of patients with cortical stroke was investigated using hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) single-photon emission computed tomography. Each patient was studied twice, afteran intravenous infusion of either 1 mg of physostigmine salicylate or saline. A marked increase in HMPAO activity was observed in all regions of post-physostigmine scans when compared to the corresponding post-saline scans, except for the area of infarction and its mirror area in the contralateral hemisphere. In conclusion, physostigmine improves perfusion in the area of penumbra of patients with cortical infarction.
Design of a digital beam attenuation system for computed tomography. Part II. Performance study and initial results

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to present a performance study of the digital beam attenuator (DBA) for implementing fluence field modulated CT (FFMCT) using a simulation framework developed to model the incorporation of the DBA into an existing CT system. Additionally, initial results will be presented using a prototype DBA and the realization of the prototype will be described. To our knowledge, this study represents the first experimental use of a device capable of modulating x-ray fluence as a function of fan angle using a CT geometry. Methods: To realize FFMCT, the authors propose to use a wedge design in which one wedge is held stationary and another wedge is moved over the stationary wedge. Due to the wedge shape, the composite thickness of the two wedges changes as a function of the amount of overlap between the wedges. This design allows for the wedges to modulate the photon fluence incident onto a patient. Using a simulation environment, the effect of changing the number of wedges has on dose, scatter, detector dynamic range, and noise uniformity is explored. Experimental results are presented using a prototype DBA having ten Fe wedges and a c-arm CT system geometry. The experimental DBA results are compared to non-DBA scans using scatter and detector dynamic range as metrics. Both flat field and bowtie filtered CT acquisitions were simulated for comparison with the DBA. Results: Numerical results suggest that substantial gains in noise uniformity and scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) can be obtained using only seven wedges. After seven wedges, the decrease in noise ununiformity and SPR falls off at a lower rate. Simulations comparing CT acquisitions between flat field, bowtie enabled, and DBA CT acquisitions suggest DBA-FFMCT can reduce dose relative to flat field CT by ≈3 times. A bowtie filter under the same imaging conditions was shown to only allow a dose reduction of 1.65 times. Experimentally, a 10 wedge DBA prototype result showed a SPR reduction of ≈4 times relative to flat field CT. The dynamic range for the DBA prototype was 3.7 compared to 84.2 for the flat field scan. Conclusions: Based on the results presented in this paper and the companion paper[T. Szczykutowicz and C. Mistretta, “Design of a digital beam attenuation system for computed tomography. Part I. System design and simulation framework,” Med. Phys.40, 021905 (Year: 2013)]10.1118/1.4773879, FFMCT implemented via the DBA device seems feasible and should result in both a dose reduction and an improvement in image quality as judged by noise uniformity and scatter reduction. In addition, the dynamic range reduction achievable using the DBA may allow photon counting imaging to become a clinical reality. This study may allow for yet another step to be taken in the field of patient specific dose modulation.
Weather, land satellite sale

President Ronald Reagan announced on March 8 plans to sell to private industry the nation's land and meteorological remote-sensing satellites, including the responsibility for any future ocean-observing systems. According to the plan, the private firm successful in its bid to buy the five satellites would sell back to the government the data received by the satellites. The Reagan administration says the sale will save money and will put activities appropriate for commercial ventures into the commercial sector. Response to the announcement from scientists and congressmen has been anything but dulcet; one senator, in fact, charges that the Commerce Department and the corporation most likely to purchase the satellites are engaged in a ‘sweetheart deal.’
Population viscosity and the evolution of altruism

The term population viscosity refers to limited dispersal, which increases the genetic relatedness of neighbors. This effect both supports the evolution of altruism by focusing the altruists' gifts on relatives of the altruist, and also limits the extent to which altruism may emerge by exposing clusters of altruists to stiffer local competition. Previous analyses have emphasized the way in which these two effects can cancel, limiting the viability of altruism. These papers were based on models in which total population density was held fixed. We present here a class of models in which population density is permitted to fluctuate, so that patches of altruists are supported at a higher density than patches of non-altruists. Under these conditions, population viscosity can support the selection of both weak and strong altruism.
The application of mean field theory to image motion estimation

Previously, Markov random field (MRF) model-based techniques have been proposed for image motion estimation. Since motion estimation is usually an ill-posed problem, various constraints are needed to obtain a unique and stable solution. The main advantage of the MRF approach is its capacity to incorporate such constraints, for instance, motion continuity within an object and motion discontinuity at the boundaries between objects. In the MRF approach, motion estimation is often formulated as an optimization problem, and two frequently used optimization methods are simulated annealing (SA) and iterative-conditional mode (ICM). Although the SA is theoretically optimal in the sense of finding the global optimum, it usually takes many iterations to converge. The ICM, on the other hand, converges quickly, but its results are often unsatisfactory due to its "hard decision" nature. Previously, the authors have applied the mean field theory to image segmentation and image restoration problems. It provides results nearly as good as SA but with much faster convergence. The present paper shows how the mean field theory can be applied to MRF model-based motion estimation. This approach is demonstrated on both synthetic and real-world images, where it produced good motion estimates. >
Statistical Learning of Origin-Specific Statically Optimal Individualized Treatment Rules

Consider a longitudinal observational or controlled study in which one collects chronological data over time on a random sample of subjects. The time-dependent process one observes on each subject contains time-dependent covariates, time-dependent treatment actions, and an outcome process or single final outcome of interest. A statically optimal individualized treatment rule (as introduced in van der Laan et. al. (2005), Petersen et. al. (2007)) is a treatment rule which at any point in time conditions on a user-supplied subset of the past, computes the future static treatment regimen that maximizes a (conditional) mean future outcome of interest, and applies the first treatment action of the latter regimen. In particular, Petersen et. al. (2007) clarified that, in order to be statically optimal, an individualized treatment rule should not depend on the observed treatment mechanism. Petersen et. al. (2007) further developed estimators of statically optimal individualized treatment rules based on a past capturing all confounding of past treatment history on outcome. In practice, however, one typically wishes to find individualized treatment rules responding to a user-supplied subset of the complete observed history, which may not be sufficient to capture all confounding. The current article provides an important advance on Petersen et. al. (2007) by developing locally efficient double robust estimators of statically optimal individualized treatment rules responding to such a user-supplied subset of the past. However, failure to capture all confounding comes at a price; the static optimality of the resulting rules becomes origin-specific. We explain origin-specific static optimality, and discuss the practical importance of the proposed methodology. We further present the results of a data analysis in which we estimate a statically optimal rule for switching antiretroviral therapy among patients infected with resistant HIV virus.
A floating sleeve antenna yields localized hepatic microwave ablation

We report a novel coaxial antenna for hepatic microwave ablation. This device uses a floating sleeve, that is, a metal conductor electrically isolated from the outer connector of the antenna coaxial body, to achieve a highly localized specific absorption rate pattern that is independent of insertion depth. This floating sleeve coaxial dipole antenna has low power reflection in the 2.4-GHz IMS band. Ex vivo experiments confirm our numerical simulation results.
Effect of animal orientation on acoustic estimates of zooplankton properties

It is well known that the behavior of zooplankton and, in particular, their orientation distribution dramatically affects the level of backscattered acoustic energy. As a result, interpretation of acoustic survey data in the ocean is subject to error. In order to quantify these effects, laboratory data from two important classes of animals were collected. The data involved broad-band (350-650 kHz) acoustic signals insonifying individual animals whose orientation was varied over the range 0/spl deg/-360/spl deg/ in 1/spl deg/ increments. The animals were from two major anatomical groups: fluid-like (decapod shrimp; Palaemonetes vulgaris) and elastic-shelled (periwinkles; Littorina littorea). The data were analyzed both in the time domain (with pulse compression processing) and the frequency domain. Averages of the laboratory data over different orientation distributions illustrate the variability in average target strength that can be expected in the ocean environment. The average target strength of the shrimp varied by 3 dB when averaged over orientation distributions centered around broadside and end-on incidence. In addition, size estimates from pulse compression processing of the broad-band echoes were made for various orientation distributions for both the shrimp and periwinkles. These results show the necessity of animal orientation information for the proper interpretation of acoustic backscatter data.
Solution-transfer compaction of quartzites: Progress toward a rate law

Data on dissolution, diffusion, and growth in the quartz-water system show that diffusion through grain-boundary films is rate limiting for solution transfer and too slow to permit significant compaction in geologic time, but that rates are more reasonable if the rough texture of natural grain boundaries is considered. On the basis of scanning electron microscope observations, a model is proposed that uses a hierarchical plumbing system in which grain boundaries consist of islands capped by grain-boundary films, separated by microcapillaries, and connected to intergranular porosity. A rate law based on such a model has an inverse grain-size dependence up to a critical grain size that is large (>>10 cm) under typical compaction conditions.
Some Further Remarks on Catchments, Nonproducers, and Tribute Flow in the Valley of Mexico

assume was that the bulk of agricultural activity took place in the immediate vicinity of each settlement (Steponaitis 1981:334-335). This assumption was based on ethnographic analogy and common sense. Indeed, the very same assumption has been made by virtually every Mesoamerican archeologist who has written about Formative village subsistence (e.g., Flannery 1976; Rossman 1976; Brumfiel 1976). In making this assumption, I did not intend to deny that Formative villagers went farther afield to hunt, fish, collect wild plants, and gather forest and mineral resources. Such activities are
Diverting Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation From Juvenile Detention Development of the InterCSECt Screening Protocol

Identifying victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the juvenile justice system is a challenging complexity requiring concerted organizational commitment. Using a three-tiered, trauma-informed screening process, a 3½-month pilot intervention was implemented in Clark County Juvenile Court (Washington) to identify victims in an effort to connect them to community youth advocates and sexual assault resources. A total of 535 boys and girls ages 9 to 19 were screened during intake; 47 of these youth reported risk factors associated with commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and were subsequently referred to community advocates. Six youth (all girls) were confirmed CSEC victims and were successfully diverted from juvenile detention. Study results suggest that despite the lack of reliable data surrounding the prevalence of CSEC, juvenile justice agencies need to become educated on the risk factors to triage victims to services.
Recruitment activities for a nationwide, population-based, group-randomized trial: the VA MI-Plus study

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) oversees the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. The feasibility of a large-scale, nationwide, group-randomized implementation trial of VHA outpatient practices has not been reported. We describe the recruitment and enrollment of such a trial testing a clinician-directed, Internet-delivered intervention for improving the care of postmyocardial infarction patients with multiple comorbidities. With a recruitment goal of 200 eligible community-based outpatient clinics, parent VHA facilities (medical centers) were recruited because they oversee their affiliated clinics and the research conducted there. Eligible facilities had at least four VHA-owned and -operated primary care clinics, an affiliated Institutional Review Board (IRB), and no ongoing, potentially overlapping, quality-improvement study. Between December 2003 and December 2005, in two consecutive phases, we used initial and then intensified recruitment strategies. Overall, 48 of 66 (73%) eligible facilities were recruited. Of the 219 clinics and 957 clinicians associated with the 48 facilities, 168 (78%) clinics and 401 (42%) clinicians participated. The median time from initial facility contact to clinic enrollment was 222 days, which decreased by over one-third from the first to the second recruitment phase (medians: 323 and 195 days, respectively; p < .001), when more structured recruitment with physician recruiters was implemented and a dedicated IRB manager was added to the coordinating center staff. Large group-randomized trials benefit from having dedicated physician investigators and IRB personnel involved in recruitment. A large-scale, nationally representative, group-randomized trial of community-based clinics is feasible within the VHA or a similar national healthcare system.
Assaying individual differences in cognition with molecular genetics: theory and application

A theoretical framework is outlined for assaying individual differences in human performance, based on identifying normal variations in neurotransmitter genes linked to brain networks involved in different aspects of cognitive function. The approach is exemplified by experiments showing that different variants of genes can be associated with individual differences in basic cognitive functions, such as selective attention, working memory and vigilance. A genetic association with performance on a more complex task is also described, specifically decision-making in simulated command and control. Molecular genetics provides an unprecedented opportunity for the examination within the same framework of both the neural underpinnings of human performance and of individual variation in cognitive functions. This will pave the way for further theoretical progress in understanding the basis of individual differences in cognition and in human factors applications to selection, training and interface design.
Adaptive gains through repeated gene loss: parallel evolution of cyanogenesis polymorphisms in the genus Trifolium (Fabaceae).

Variation incyanogenesis (hydrogen cyanidereleasefollowingtissuedamage) was first noted in populations of white clover more than a century ago, and subsequent decades of research have established this system as a classic example of an adaptive chemical defence polymorphism. Here, we document polymorphisms for cyanogenic components in several relatives of white clover, and we determine the molecular basis of this trans-specific adaptive variation. One hundred and thirty-nine plants, representing 13 of the 14 species within Trifolium section Trifoliastrum, plus additional species across the genus, were assayed for cyanogenic components (cyanogenic glucosides and their hydrolysing enzyme, linamarase) and for the presence of underlying cyanogenesis genes (CYP79D15 and Li, respectively). One or both cyanogenic components were detected in seven species, all within section Trifoliastrum; polymorphisms for the presence/absence (PA) of components were detected in six species. In a pattern that parallels our previous findings for white clover, all observed biochemical polymorphisms correspond to gene PA poly- morphisms at CYP79D15 and Li. Relationships of DNA sequence haplotypes at the cyanogenesis loci and flanking genomic regions suggest independent evolution of gene deletions within species. This study thus provides evidence for the parallel evolution of adaptive biochemical polymorphisms through recurrent gene deletions in multiple species.
Integral Abutment-Backfill Behavior on Sand Soil-Pushover Analysis Approach

This paper presents a study on the behavior of the abutment-backfill system under positive thermal variation in integral bridges built on sand. A structural model of a typical integral bridge is built, considering the nonlinear behavior of the piles and soil-bridge interaction effects. Static pushover analyses of the bridge are conducted to study the effect of various geometric, structural, and geotechnical parameters on the performance of the abutment-backfill system under positive thermal variations. The shape and intensity of the backfill pressure are found to be affected by the height of the abutment. Furthermore, the internal forces in the abutments are found to be functions of the thermal-induced longitudinal movement of the abutment, the properties of the pile, and the density of the sand around the piles. Using the pushover analysis results, design equations are formulated to determine the maximum forces in the abutments and the maximum length of integral bridges based on the strength of the abutments. Integral bridges with piles encased in loose sand and oriented to bend about their weak axis, abutment heights less than 4 m, and noncompacted backfill are recommended to limit the magnitude of the forces in the abutments.
Do Geological or Climatic Processes Drive Speciation in Dynamic Archipelagos? the Tempo and Mode of Diversification in Southeast Asian Shrews

Geological and climatic processes potentially alter speciation rates by generating and modifying barriers to dispersal. In Southeast Asia, two processes have substantially altered the distribution of land. Volcanic uplift produced many new islands during the Miocene-Pliocene and repeated sea level fluctuations during the Pleistocene resulted in intermittent land connections among islands. Each process represents a potential driver of diversification. We use a phylogenetic analysis of a group of Southeast Asian shrews (Crocidura) to examine geographic and temporal processes of diversification. In general, diversification has taken place in allopatry following the colonization of new areas. Sulawesi provides an exception, where we cannot reject within-island speciation for a clade of eight sympatric and syntopic species. We find only weak support for temporally declining diversification rates, implying that neither volcanic uplift nor sea level fluctuations had a strong effect on diversification rates. We suggest that dynamic archipelagos continually offer new opportunities for allopatric diversification, thereby sustaining high speciation rates over long periods of time, or Southeast Asian shrews represent an immature radiation on a density-dependent trajectory that has yet to fill geographic and ecological space.
Daily Changes in Hypothalamic Gene Expression of Neuropeptide Y, Galanin, Proopiomelanocortin, and Adipocyte Leptin Gene Expression and Secretion: Effects of Food Restriction

The participation of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY)-, galanin (GAL)-, and opioid-producing neurons in the restraint on food intake exerted by adipocyte leptin has recently been recognized. To further understand the interplay between the central appetite-stimulating- and peripheral appetite-inhibiting signals in the management of daily food intake, we have examined the daily patterns in expression of the hypothalamic neuropeptides and leptin receptor (R) and adipocyte leptin gene expression and secretion in freely feeding (FF) rats. These analyses were extended to determine the impact of food restriction (FR) to 4 h daily for 4 weeks. Groups of FF and FR rats were killed at 4-h intervals during a 24-h period, and hypothalamic NPY, GAL, POMC, and leptin-R gene expression and leptin gene expression were evaluated by RNase protection assays and serum leptin and corticosterone (CORT) levels were estimated by RIA. The following new findings emerged: 1) In FF rats, hypothalamic NPY messenger RNA (mRNA) levels...
A Fast Elementwise Update Algorithm for Mean-Square Aperiodic Correlation Metrics

We present a low-complexity algorithm for updating the mean-square aperiodic correlation metrics of a signature-sequence set containing arbitrary complex-valued elements. The algorithm is linear-time with respect to the common length of the sequences in the set. The approach reduces from known approaches both the computational complexity and the memory overhead by a factor related to the number of sequences in the set. A simplified algorithm is also given for the special case where each element in the sequence set has the same magnitude (assumed, for simplicity, to be unity). Several applications of the algorithm are also briefly reviewed.
The ultrastructure of the nexus. A correlated thin-section and freeze-cleave study.

A correlation is made between the appearances of the nexus ("gap junction") as revealed by thin-section and by freeze-cleave electron microscopy techniques. These methods reveal different aspects of a complex subunit assembly forming the nexus membranes. In thin sections, the nexus is formed by the very close apposition of two "unit" membranes. The electron-opaque tracer, colloidal lanthanum hydroxide, outlines an aspect of electron-lucent subunits that project into the central region of the nexus. The freeze-cleave technique demonstrates novel membrane faces that are generated from within the interior of plasma membranes by splitting them into two lamellae (Lm): Lm 1 adjacent to the cytoplasm, and Lm 2 adjacent to the extracellular space. Each of the two membranes forming the nexus can be split into these two lamellae. On the new face of Lm 1, particles approximately 50 A in diameter are closely packed in an array which is often hexagonal with a 90–100 A center-to-center spacing. The two apposed lamellae (Lm 2-Lm 2) of the nexus are constructed of sheets of subunits in a similar array. The Lm 1 particles appear to extend into the Lm 2 subunits to form macromolecular complexes. The Lm 2 subunits extend to the center of the nexus to form the contacts outlined by lanthanum in sections. It is postulated that central hydrophilic channels may extend through the subunit assembly to provide a direct route for intercellular communication.
Is Punitive Juvenile Justice Policy Declining in the United States? A Critique of Emergent Initiatives:

The authors examine emergent policies in juvenile justice that suggest a softening of the get-tough legislation of the 1990s that targeted youthful offenders. In the context of Bernard’s thesis on the cycle of juvenile justice (Bernard, 1992) this article critiques the extreme policy reactions to juvenile violence and considers the impact they had on demonization of youth and expressive justice. The discussion contrasts punitive rhetoric such as zero tolerance with programmes that incorporate restorative principles. The authors propose that a decrease in juvenile crime, dissemination of evidence-based intervention strategies, and fiscal constraints have provided opportunities to de-escalate the punitive response to youthful offenders.
Assessment of a Wind Turbine Intelligent Controller for Enhanced Energy Production and Pollution Reduction

This study assessed the enhanced energy production which is possible when variable-speed wind turbines are electronically controlled by an intelligent controller for efficiency optimization and performance improvement. The control system consists of three fuzzy-logic controllers: a controller to track the turbine generator speed with wind speed to extract maximum output power; a controller to optimize the generator airgap flux for efficiency improvement; and a controller to provide robust speed control against wind gusts and oscillatory torque. The paper describes the control system which has been developed; pertinent laboratory-based results; and an estimate of the enhanced energy production that is possible when the device is installed on a wind turbine. Additionally, the overall enhanced wind energy potential for the USA as a whole is provided if this type of controller is widely installed on turbines in the future. Enhanced pollution offsets are given as based on the increased energy production possib...
Aortic Stenosis and 3-Dimensional Echocardiography: The Saga Continues

An accurate measurement of the left ventricular outﬂowtract (LVOT) diameter is one of the variables of the equationand has the greatest potential for being the source of error inthis calculation. Additionally, the diameter of the LVOT isfactored into the equation with the assumption of a circularshape of the LVOT.
Identification and reconnection of interrupted vessels in retinal vessel segmentation

The morphology of retinal blood vessels contains valuable information for the diagnosis of retinal dysfunctions. The vessels can be segmented from color fundus images but the connectivity of the segmented vessels is not always preserved because of low contrast, imaging noise and artifacts. If a continuous vessel is interpreted as multiple disjoint vessel segments, the morphological measurements such as tortuosity may not be representative of true properties of retinal vessels. We describe an algorithm to identify the vessel segment interruptions based on connected component analysis and then reconnect them using a graph based approach. The proposed method was evaluated on a dataset of 25 vessel segmentation images resulting into a reconnection performance measure of 81.63% compared to the gold standard obtained by the manual reconnection process. Our approach has allowed the complete vessel tree to be connected, and has potential in providing improved morphological measurements.
A Cross-Layer Analysis of Session Setup Delay in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) With EV-DO Wireless Transmission

This paper analyzes the session setup delay in the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) with the CDMA2000 evolution data only rev. A (EV-DO rev. A) standard for wireless transmission. Session setup delay is particularly critical for interactive multimedia applications, such as gaming, push-to-X and voice over IP (VoIP), as it directly translates in user perception of service quality. Keeping signaling delay low, however, is a challenge in IMS due to the text-based nature of the session initiation protocol (SIP) for signaling, and, more significantly, due to the lossy and capacity constrained wireless links. To address this challenge, we analyze the session setup delay end-to-end, by taking into account key system properties across all layers, ranging from radio links to IMS signaling architecture. We present a model for cross-layer performance analysis and simulation, which includes the statistical properties of the EV-DO (rev. A) wireless channel, and also takes into consideration the properties of transport protocols (TCP, UDP) and SIP signaling (message size and compression). By means of analysis and simulations, we study the setup delay performance of a generic, multi-operator IMS communication scenario between two mobile users. We describe how session setup delay can be estimated and reduced in realistic IMS settings and we propose architecture alternatives to the basic IMS scenario. The results derived from this study show that the proposed methods can incrementally lead to a lower setup delay and less sensitivity to the radio transmission quality and frame error rate compared to the base IMS scenario
Forty-Year Trends in Tooth Loss Among American Adults With and Without Diabetes Mellitus: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis.

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to assess the trends in tooth loss among adults with and without diabetes mellitus in the United States and racial/ethnic disparities in tooth loss patterns, and to evaluate trends in tooth loss by age, birth cohorts, and survey periods. Methods Data came from 9 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1971 through 2012. The trends in the estimated tooth loss in people with and without diabetes were assessed by age groups, survey periods, and birth cohorts. The analytical sample was 37,609 dentate (ie, with at least 1 permanent tooth) adults aged 25 years or older. We applied hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified random-effects models for the trend analysis. Results The estimated number of teeth lost among non-Hispanic blacks with diabetes increased more with age than that among non-Hispanic whites with diabetes (z = 4.05, P < .001) or Mexican Americans with diabetes (z = 4.38, P < .001). During 1971–2012, there was a significant decreasing trend in the number of teeth lost among non-Hispanic whites with diabetes (slope = -0.20, P < .001) and non-Hispanic blacks with diabetes (slope = -0.37, P < .001). However, adults with diabetes had about twice the tooth loss as did those without diabetes. Conclusion Substantial differences in tooth loss between adults with and without diabetes and across racial/ethnic groups persisted over time. Appropriate dental care and tooth retention need to be further promoted among adults with diabetes.
The 2013 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Treatment Guidelines: Applicability to Patients with Diabetes

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and the management of blood cholesterol is a cornerstone of medical therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Patients with diabetes represent an important high-risk group in whom clinicians should advocate the use of statins and lifestyle modification for the reduction of ASCVD. The recent 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines on managing blood cholesterol provide an important framework for the effective implementation of this important risk reduction strategy. The guidelines identify four groups of individuals who have been shown to benefit from statin therapy and update the dosing and monitoring recommendations based on evidence from published, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with clinical hard endpoints. Primary care physicians and specialists play key roles in identifying populations at elevated ASCVD risk and providing effective care for patients, especially those with diabetes. This article will summarize the 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines on managing blood cholesterol and provide a practical management overview in order to facilitate implementation of these guidelines for patients with diabetes.
The air they breathe

Background While all living creatures share Earth's atmosphere, they have adapted respiration to unique environments with the capacity to outperform anything humanly possible. Aims To describe tissue oxygenation strategies used by different animal species. Methods Published research on the respiratory physiology of deep-diving mammals and high-flying migratory birds. Results The oxygen-binding characteristics of haemoglobin are relatively constant across broad species of animals on Earth, but available oxygen is remarkably different in different environments. Deep-diving marine mammals reach depths of 1 mile where pressures are 200 times greater than at sea level and can hold their breath for up to 1 h. They oxygenate muscles using wilful control of heart rate and blood flow collectively. They avoid nitrogen narcosis by emptying their lungs of air prior to dives. Myoglobin plays an important role in tissue oxygenation. Deep-diving mammals are the finest anaerobic athletes on the planet. In contrast, birds breathe in a manner entirely different from mammals and oxygenate their blood during both inspiration and expiration. This remarkable process results in a far more efficient method of blood oxygenation than can be achieved in mammals (including humans), making birds the finest aerobic athletes on Earth. Summary From the perspective of oxygen delivery to tissues, athletic capacity and adaptation to environmental stress, certain non-human species demonstrate superior performance. A better understanding of the how other creatures use the same air that we breathe may lead to greater respect for species diversity and animal life.
An apoptosis signaling pathway induced by the death domain of FADD selectively kills normal but not cancerous prostate epithelial cells

The adaptor protein FADD directly, or indirectly via another adaptor called TRADD, recruits caspase 8 to death receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. Consequentially, a dominant-negative mutant (FADD-DN, which consists only of the FADD death domain) that binds to receptors but cannot recruit caspase 8 has been widely used to inhibit apoptosis by various stimuli that work via death receptors. Here, we show that FADD-DN also has another cell type- and cancer-dependent activity because it induces apoptosis of normal human prostate epithelial cells but not normal prostate stromal cells or prostate cancer cells. This activity is independent of FADD-DN' ability to bind to three known interacting proteins, Fas, TRADD or RIP suggesting that it is distinct from FADD' activation in normal epithelial cells as demonstrated using a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer assay that measures caspase activity in individual living cells. However, caspase-independent pathways are also implicated in FADD-DN-induced apoptosis because caspase inhibitors were inefficient at preventing prostate cell death. Therefore, the death domain of FADD has a previously unrecognized role in cell survival that is epithelial-specific and defective in cancer cells. This FADD-dependent signaling pathway may be important in prostate carcinogenesis. Cell Death and Differentiation (2001) 8, 696–705
Hospital characteristics and the use of computer processing and abstract services: a logistic analysis

The use of computer processing and abstract services by hospitals is in a state of continuing change. Although many hospitals subscribe to abstract or turnkey systems, others are leaving shared services to set up their own in-house systems. To better understand the relationship between hospital characteristics and the use of computer processing and/or abstract services, data from the AHA 1982 Special Survey on Selected Hospital topic were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Hospital size, ownership, and region were clearly related to the use of computer processing and/or abstract services for processing discharge data. Teaching status was also related to the use of abstract services, although teaching status hospitals also reported more reliance on in-house computer processing. Hospitals located in SMSAs and belonging to chains reported a higher use of discharge abstract services, and hospitals with higher operating margins were more likely to use abstract services on an “off-line” or batch-processing basis. The significance of these findings and their implications for abstract services are discussed.