cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast photo-induced melting of the trimer superstructure in TaTe 2

We report the first ultrafast study of TaTe 2 , utilizing MeV-scale ultrafast electron diffraction to reveal rapid photo-induced melting of its low-temperature trimer super-structure. Density-functional calculations indicate intra-trimer charge transfer as a trigger of this transformation.
A restructuring of microbiome niche space is associated with Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor therapy in the cystic fibrosis lung.

Abstract Background Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ETI) therapy is showing promising efficacy for treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and is becoming more widely available since recent FDA approval. However, little is known about how these drugs will affect lung infections, which are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people with CF (pwCF). Methods We analyzed sputum microbiome and metabolome data from pwCF (n=24) before and after ETI therapy using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Results The sputum microbiome diversity, particularly its evenness, was increased (p=0.036) and the microbiome profiles were different between individuals before and after therapy (PERMANOVA F=1.92, p=0.044). Despite these changes, the microbiomes remained more similar within an individual than across the sampled population. No specific microbial taxa differed in relative abundance before and after therapy, but the collective log-ratio of classic CF pathogens to anaerobes significantly decreased (p=0.013). The sputum metabolome also showed changes associated with ETI (PERMANOVA F=4.22, p=0.002) and was characterized by greater variation across subjects while on treatment. Changes in the metabolome were driven by a decrease in peptides, amino acids, and metabolites from the kynurenine pathway, which were associated with a decrease in CF pathogens. Metabolism of the three small molecules that make up ETI was extensive, including previously uncharacterized structural modifications. Conclusions ETI therapy is associated with a changing microbiome and metabolome in airway mucus. This effect was stronger on sputum biochemistry, which may reflect changing niche space for microbial residency in lung mucus as the drug's effects take hold. Funding This project was funded by a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Grant R01AI145925
Mini-Laparoscopic Systems

One of the driving forces behind the development of laparoscopy has always been to decrease the morbidity of a laparotomy incision. The evolution from open surgery to laparoscopy was the initial and most dramatic step in this progression. Mini-laparoscopy, whereby the size of each laparoscopic instrument was decreased to the limits of useful instrumentation, was thought to be the next natural evolution in accomplishing this goal. By developing the smallest tools possible to safely and effectively perform surgery, and if each access point creates pain and potential complications, one might limit the trauma inherent to a given operation by miniaturizing each access point.
Time-domain Reflectometry (TDR) in Geotechnics: A Review

Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) is an electromagnetic geophysical technique used in the geosciences to measure water content of unfrozen and frozen soils and concentrations of inorganic solutes. In geotechnical and geological engineering, TDR is used for the same purposes, and also to measure frost depths, water levels, and displacements in soil and rock. Nevertheless, geo-engineers use TDR far less frequently than geo-scientists, primarily because they are unfamiliar with the technology. One purpose of this paper is to explain in practical terms how TDR is used in geo-engineering in each of the aforementioned applications. These descriptions reference the important publications in the literature. Another purpose is to share some of the authors' practical experience using TDR in the field.
Bist for minx 4000 and spartan series fpgas: a case study

We discuss the development of Built-In SelfTest (BIST) configurations that test all of the programmable logic and interconnect resources in the core of Xilinx 4000E, 4000XL/XLA and Spartan series Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). While there has been prior work in BIST for these FPGAs, the fast-carry logic has not been addressed and only a small portion of the total interconnect resources has been targeted. The programmable logic is completely tested in two test sessions of 12 BIST configurations each, but the programmable interconnect resources requires as many as 206 BIST configurations. Therefore, we also discuss architectural features that affect the testability of the FPGA and, in turn, the number of BIST configurations needed by comparing the BIST configurations developed for these Xilinx FPGAs with those previously developed for other FPGAs.1
The Unmet Challenge: Getting to the Top

You've come a long way but... Wishing these sentiments were not as accurate in 1990 as they are, I continue to direct effort toward responding to the second challenge facing women in educational administration-entry into more top-level management positions in school districts and higher education. Positions identified quietly with money, power, and politics continue to be accessed rarely by more than a handful of the many competent women in the field. I have asked myself if the effort of workshops and mentor networks geared to help us in "meaningful" ways was making a difference. Speculation about how to help has led to this article. Major strides have been made in obtaining elementary school principalships and staff positions. However, the absence of women in top positions remains conspicuous. What are the factors that work against women gaining access to these posts? Are they external, organizational, internal, or situational? What subtle messages or differences exist in the minds of aspirants and other administrators and policy makers that inhibit opportunities for women? Are women choosing not to compete, given the limited number of role models and the perceived reality? Have women principals found their roles so fulfilling that the central office provides little interest? Or, have women simply given up? These and other questions prompted the development of a career aspiration survey of building-level administrators in Nevada. This discussion focuses on the concept of encouragement and its importance in the process of applying for a top level position.
Genetic aspects of amyloidosis.

The amyloidoses are diseases characterized by the extracellular accumulation of insoluble protein fibrils. From the initial pathologic description by Virchow in the mid-19th century until the early 1970s, the idea of a single amyloid substance was dominant, and the systemic amyloid syndromes were classified on clinical grounds, i.e., the anatomic distribution of amyloid deposition and the associated clinical findings. The most widely accepted nosology acknowledged only three basic types of systemic amyloidosis, “secondary,” “familial,” and “primary” (in addition to rare forms of amyloidosis localized to a single organ). Thus, deposits of amyloid material in the kidney, liver, and spleen in association with chronic inflammatory processes such as tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis were termed “secondary amyloidosis.” Familial amyloidosis was recognized by its distinctive clinical manifestations and the positive family history. All other types of amyloidosis, except that associated with the neoplasm multiple myeloma, were termed “primary,” in the sense of “idiopathic”; this category included unrecognized inherited forms, “secondary” amyloidosis without an identified cause, and localized amyloidoses. The failure of many instances of amyloid deposition to fit neatly into the prescribed clinical and histologic categories should have suggested that the notion of a unique amyloid substance was conceptually inadequate.
The Maize Ncs2 Abnormal Growth Mutant Has a Chimeric Nad4-Nad7 Mitochondrial Gene and Is Associated with Reduced Complex I Function

The molecular basis of the maternally inherited, heteroplasmic NCS2 mutant of maize was investigated. Analysis of the NCS2 mtDNA showed that it closely resembles the progenitor cmsT mitochondrial genome, except that the mutant genome contains a fused nad4-nad7 gene and is deleted for the small fourth exon of nad4. The rearrangement has occurred at a 16-bp repeat present in the third intron of the nad4 gene and in the second intron of the nad7 gene. Transcripts containing exon 4 of the nad4 gene are greatly reduced in mtRNA preparations from heteroplasmic NCS2 plants; larger transcripts are associated with the first three nad4 exons. Identical 5' ends of the nad4 transcripts have been mapped 396 and 247 bp upstream of the start codon in mtRNAs from both NCS2 and related non-NCS plants. The putative transcription termination signal of nad4 is deleted in mutant DNA, resulting in the production of the unique longer transcripts. The complex transcript pattern associated with nad7 is also altered in the mutant. Both nad4 and nad7 encode subunits of complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain. Oxygen uptake experiments show that the functioning of complex I is specifically reduced in mitochondria isolated from NCS2 mutant plants.
An Iterative Process for Developing and Evaluating a Computer-Based Prostate Cancer Decision Aid for African American Men.

Background. The disproportionate burden of prostate cancer (PrCA) among African American (AA) men amplifies the need for informed decisions about PrCA screening. To create a computer-based decision...
Barriers to Implementation of Climate Adaptation Frameworks by State Departments of Transportation

Disruptive events caused by weather extremes are imposing significant and rising costs on transportation agencies. In response, federal and state transportation agencies and other organizations are exploring adaptation measures to reduce the adverse consequences of these events. Several existing adaptation frameworks are synthesized here into a simplified, core adaptation framework, and the study seeks to delineate the current barriers to the widespread implementation of adaptation programs by state departments of transportation in the United States. From interviews with transportation practitioners and a review of the results from FHWA pilot projects, it is found that uncertainty about future climate conditions, the need for additional vulnerability-modeling tools, conceptual uncertainty about evaluating asset criticality, and limited funding all inhibit implementation of adaptation measures.
Analysis of doubly excited state resonances below the Li(5p) threshold in Li - photodetachment

Larger scale eigenchannel R-matrix calculations than those of Pan et al. [Phys. Rev. A 53, 840 (1996)] confirm the prediction of a 2-meV-wide resonance feature at a photon energy of 5.421 eV in the $\mathrm{Li}\mathrm{}(3s)$ partial cross section resulting from photodetachment of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{\ensuremath{-}}.$ This resonance was neither clearly observed nor identified in measurements of Ljungblad et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 3751 (1996)]. We identify this resonance as a ${}_{N}{\ensuremath{\upsilon}{}}_{n}^{A}{=}_{5}{1{}}_{6}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state [having angular symmetry ${(K,T)}^{A}{=(2,0)}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ or ${(n}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}{,n}_{\ensuremath{\mu}},m)=(1,7,0)].$ This state, which is forbidden by propensity rules in ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ photodetachment, is predicted to be prominent also in the $\mathrm{Li}(4l)$ partial cross sections, for $lg~1.$ Besides the ${}_{5}{1{}}_{6}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state, the $\mathrm{Li}(3s)$ partial cross section in the energy region 20--60 meV below the $\mathrm{Li}(5p)$ threshold is dominated by two other doubly excited states, which have been observed in ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ photodetachment. Our calculations are in excellent agreement with the measurements of Ljungblad et al. in the energy region from the $\mathrm{Li}(5p)$ threshold to 20 meV below.
Investigation of the freezing blowby phenomenon in heat pipes

The freezing blowby phenomenon in operating heat pipes has been previously hypothesized and experimentally induced under laboratory conditions; however, no naturally occurring 1-g experimental evidence has been presented to explain possible causes and results of this phenomenon. For this reason, an experimental investigation designed to evaluate and better define the overall characteristics of freezing blowby was conducted using a copper/water heat pipe for which freezing blowby conditions were found to occur naturally. Visual observations of the freezing blowby phenomenon were made, along with internal temperature and pressure measurements. The results from various rates of restart heat addition and channel blockage indicate that upon breakthrough, the depressurization of the evaporator results in an effective heat transport capacity in excess of the steady-state transport limit. The effective transport capacity was determined to easily exceed the capillary pumping capability of the heat pipe by an order of magnitude. The resulting transient conditions can cause a loss of liquid in the evaporator and potential dryout. Evidence is presented indicating that in order to prevent either temporary or permanent dryout, sufficient liquid inventory must be present in the evaporator wicking structure to accommodate the increased transient thermal load. 7 refs.
Use of corporate Six Sigma performance-improvement strategies to reduce incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections in a surgical ICU.

Background Corporate performance-improvement methodologies can outperform traditional ones in addressing ICU-based adverse events. My colleagues and I used Six Sigma methodology to address our catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) rate, which considerably exceeded the nationally established median over a 9-year period. We hypothesized that use of Six Sigma methodology would result in a substantial and sustainable decrease in our CR-BSI rate. Study design All patients were directly cared for by a geographically localized surgical ICU team in an academic tertiary referral center. CR-BSIs were identified by infection control staff using CDC definitions. Personnel trained in Six Sigma techniques facilitated performance-improvement efforts. Interventions included barrier precaution kits, new policies for catheter changes over guide wires, adoption of a new site-preparation antiseptic, direct attending supervision of catheter insertions, video training for housestaff, and increased frequency of dressing changes. After additional data analysis, chlorhexidine-silver catheters were used selectively in high-risk patients. The impact of interventions was assessed by monitoring the number of catheters placed between CR-BSIs. Results Before the intervention period, 27 catheters were placed, on average, between individual CR-BSIs, a CR-BSI rate of 11 per 1,000 catheter days. After all operations were implemented, 175 catheters were placed between line infections, and average CR-BSI rate of 1.7/1,000 catheter days, a 650% improvement (p Conclusions This represents the first successful application of Six Sigma corporate performance-improvement method impacting purely clinical outcomes. CR-BSI reduction was highly substantial and sustained after other traditional strategies had failed.
Measuring symptom occurrence and symptom distress: development of the symptom experience index.

Title. Measuring symptom occurrence and symptom distress: development of the symptom experience index Aim. This paper is a report of a study to assess reliability and construct validity of revised and refined version of the Adapted Symptom Distress Scale: the Symptom Experience Index (SEI). Background. The development of the SEI, a 41-item Likert Scale assessing 20 symptoms, was based on self-regulation theory and an integrative conceptual analysis of symptom assessment and management. The model emphasizes the difference between the occurrence of a symptom (or multiple symptoms) and the distress (emotional) response to the occurrence of a symptom. It is the distress from symptom occurrence that promotes a person to take action and use known coping strategies to prevent the symptom occurrence or alleviate the distress from the symptom. Method. A contrast-group and test-retest approach was used to assess construct validity and reliability with a convenience sample of 158 patients at United States of America in 2003–2004. Results. The SEI demonstrated reasonable internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0·91 for symptom experience, 0·85 for symptom occurrence and 0·84 for symptom distress. Test-retest reliability was supported by high intra-class correlation coefficients (symptom experience r = 0·93; symptom occurrence r = 0·94; symptom distress, r = 0·92). Construct validity was supported by statistically significant differences between patients and healthy adults. Conclusion. The SEI can be used as a baseline and outcome measure to assess the impact of multiple symptoms on patients, and the effectiveness of interventions to manage these symptoms.
Enzymic determination of aldehyde permeability in luminous bacteria. II. Effect of temperature on enzymic activity and penetration.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of temperature on the rate of penetration of various aldehydes and maximum light intensity in a dark mutant of Achromobacter fischeri has been studied. These results with whole cells are compared to those obtained from similar studies using the isolated luciferase. 2. 2. The experimental energies of activation (Δ H + ) for the isolated system become greater as the aldehyde chain length increases. However, the free energy of activation (Δ F + ) decreases, indicating a large positive change in the entropy of activation (Δ S + ) with longer aliphatic aldehydes. 3. 3. The effect of temperature on the rate of penetration is greater for the longer chain aldehydes than for the shorter ones; however, except for dodecanal and tetradecanal, the Δ H + values are quite low. 4. 4. The results from the temperature studies support the earlier conclusion that molecular size and steric problems related to the structure of the cell membrane are of prime importance in the permeability process.
Hellenistic Mysteries and Christian Sacraments

This subject has been so much discussed that the reader will expect from me neither striking novelties nor a complete knowledge of what has been written about it. Nevertheless it may be worth while to try to review the situation and to submit some conclusionsx). We have perhaps reached the point where we can think of these things sine ira et studio, with no desire to explain away the rise of Christianity and with no feeling that the suggestion of Hellenistic elements
CA 125 regression: a model for epithelial ovarian cancer response.

The rate of decline of CA 125 in effectively treated epithelial ovarian cancer is described by the exponential regression curve CA 125 = EXP [i - s (days after surgery)]. In this equation i, the y-axis intercept, measures initial tumor burden whereas s, the slope of the regression curve, is determined by the extent of cytoreductive surgery and the subsequent response to chemotherapy. Departure from the regression curve uniformly results in progressive disease. In patients whose cancers had been completely removed, we calculated the mean half-life of CA 125 to be 10.4 days (range 4 to 21). In this case s = 0.0835 and characterizes the ideal regression rate. The model predicts that high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy (s = 0.0671) is more effective than low-dose cisplatin (s = 0.0380) (p
Effects of Iconicity and Semantic Relatedness on Lexical Access in American Sign Language

Iconicity is a property that pervades the lexicon of many sign languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). Iconic signs exhibit a motivated, nonarbitrary mapping between the form of the sign and its meaning. We investigated whether iconicity enhances semantic priming effects for ASL and whether iconic signs are recognized more quickly than noniconic signs are (controlling for strength of iconicity, semantic relatedness, familiarity, and imageability). Twenty deaf signers made lexical decisions to the 2nd item of a prime–target pair. Iconic target signs were preceded by prime signs that were (a) iconic and semantically related, (b) noniconic and semantically related, or (c) semantically unrelated. In addition, a set of noniconic target signs was preceded by semantically unrelated primes. Significant facilitation was observed for target signs when they were preceded by semantically related primes. However, iconicity did not increase the priming effect (e.g., the target sign PIANO was primed equally by the iconic sign GUITAR and the noniconic sign MUSIC). In addition, iconic signs were not recognized faster or more accurately than were noniconic signs. These results confirm the existence of semantic priming for sign language and suggest that iconicity does not play a robust role in online lexical processing.
A controlled-release herbicide device for multiple-year control of roots at waste burial sites

Abstract Based on the available data, a trifluralin-releasing device was developed with an effective lifetime of approximately 100 years. Herbicide released from the device in soil will prevent root penetration through the soil layer without harming the overlying vegetation. Equilibrium concentrations of trifluralin in soil can be adjusted (together with the theoretical life of the device) to suit specific needs. Based on early results of the field trials, concentrations of trifluralin sufficient to prevent root elongation were maintained in the soil, with minimal diffusion out of the immediate area.
Observational results on the influence of stability and wind-wave coupling on momentum transfer and turbulent fluctuations over ocean waves

Turbulence data obtained over ocean waves during the BOMEX experiment of 1969 are presented. Procedures in measurement and analyses are described which include adjustments for possible platform, R/V FLIP, motion. Momentum transfer is shown to have been influenced by both stability and wind-wave coupling. The wind-wave coupling influence is separated from the stability influence and is described in terms of a linear dependence of the deviation from the logarithmic profile on C/u*, where C is the phase speed corresponding to the wave spectrum peak. As observed by others, a value of C/u* near 25 is associated with minimal wind-wave coupling influence. For C/u* greater than 25, momentum transfer is decreased relative to the neutral profile prediction. Expressions are also presented for the wind-wave coupling influence on relative intensities, Σ u /u*, Σ u /u* and δw/u*. Values of the relative intensities approximate neutral overland values when the expressions are written such that the wave influence is zero near a C/u* value of 25.
Non-isothermal kinetics: a different approach

The ability to produce computer generated DTG curves for first-, second- and third-order kinetic reaction equations of given peak heights and peak temperatures has simplified the comparison between experimental and computer generated DTG curves. This has been made possible by using mathematical equations, originally developed some years ago which have been suitably modified by more recent work.
Numerical investigation of an analytic solution of a multi-dimensional Lippman-Schwinger seismic inverse problem

The analytic solution of the Lippman-Schwinger seismic inverse problem in three spatial dimensions, assuming a point source and a constant-density earth model, is valid in the spatial zero frequency limit. It is expressed as a two-dimensional inverse Fourier transform followed by an inverse Laplace transform. For the case of laterally homogeneous velocity, the analytic solution is correct when applied to a forward solution of the wave equation for a single-interface velocity model. Error surfaces of the non-linear, iterative, least-squares inversions corresponding to multiple, constant-velocity, horizontal layers have an absolute minimum at or near the location of the solution parameters for zero and low frequencies. The error surface for a scattered wavefield dataset generated by 3D finite-difference modeling combined with a priori constraints, produces nearly correct solutions for a range of low frequencies. Thus, this approach has potential for applicability to field data. 24 refs., 7 figs.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROJECTS IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES: THE IMPACTS OF ACADEMIC PLANNING METHODS

This research study is an exploratory survey of needs assessment practices in public community colleges. Key findings indicate that nearly 79% of community colleges responding to the survey conducted at least one institution‐wide needs assessment project during 1976‐1979 to assist them in planning academic programs. Similarities between respondents to initial and follow‐up mailings, and between the sample and the total population of community colleges, suggest that institution‐wide needs assessment projects have been conducted in the majority of public community colleges in the United States. Presidents reported a variety of impacts for their community colleges as a result of needs assessment projects. Considerable improvements in institutional planning and management and increases in awareness of and participation in college governance processes were reported. Effects on enrollment, allocation of resources, and interinstitutional relationships were much less evident. Analyses further showed that three pr...
Quantitative measurements and modeling of cargo–motor interactions during fast transport in the living axon

The kinesins have long been known to drive microtubule-based transport of sub-cellular components, yet the mechanisms of their attachment to cargo remain a mystery. Several different cargo-receptors have been proposed based on their in vitro binding affinities to kinesin-1. Only two of these—phosphatidyl inositol, a negatively charged lipid, and the carboxyl terminus of the amyloid precursor protein (APP-C), a trans-membrane protein—have been reported to mediate motility in living systems. A major question is how these many different cargo, receptors and motors interact to produce the complex choreography of vesicular transport within living cells. Here we describe an experimental assay that identifies cargo–motor receptors by their ability to recruit active motors and drive transport of exogenous cargo towards the synapse in living axons. Cargo is engineered by derivatizing the surface of polystyrene fluorescent nanospheres (100 nm diameter) with charged residues or with synthetic peptides derived from candidate motor receptor proteins, all designed to display a terminal COOH group. After injection into the squid giant axon, particle movements are imaged by laser-scanning confocal time-lapse microscopy. In this report we compare the motility of negatively charged beads with APP-C beads in the presence of glycine-conjugated non-motile beads using new strategies to measure bead movements. The ensuing quantitative analysis of time-lapse digital sequences reveals detailed information about bead movements: instantaneous and maximum velocities, run lengths, pause frequencies and pause durations. These measurements provide parameters for a mathematical model that predicts the spatiotemporal evolution of distribution of the two different types of bead cargo in the axon. The results reveal that negatively charged beads differ from APP-C beads in velocity and dispersion, and predict that at long time points APP-C will achieve greater progress towards the presynaptic terminal. The significance of this data and accompanying model pertains to the role transport plays in neuronal function, connectivity, and survival, and has implications in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington and Parkinson’s diseases.
Parton Saturation and the Color Glass Condensate

We review recent developments in the field of parton saturation and the Color Glass Condensate. We discuss the classical gluon fields of McLerran-Venugopalan model. We explain how small- x non-linear quantum evolution corrections can be included into the total cross section for deep inelastic scattering. We proceed by reviewing saturation physics predictions for the particle production in p ( d ) A collisions and conclude by demonstrating how such predictions were confirmed by the RHIC experiments.
Improved Upper Limit to the Electric Dipole Moment of the Neutron

A neutron-beam magnetic-resonance experiment has been used to measure the electric dipole moment ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{e}$ of the neutron. Although the results for ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{e}$ differ from zero by 1.4 times the statistical error, the measurement is best interpreted as setting an upper limit on ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{e}$ of $|\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{e}}{e}|l5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}23}$ cm, where $e$ is the charge on the proton.
Spatiotemporal Trends in Lake Effect and Continental Snowfall in the Laurentian Great Lakes, 1951–1980

Abstract A new raster-based monthly snowfall climatology was derived from 1951–1980 snowfall station data for the Laurentian Great Lakes. An automated methodology was used to obtain higher spatial resolution than previously obtained. The increase in resolution was attained by using all available monthly snowfall data from over 1230 stations per year combined with a monthly lime step to produce high-resolution grids. These monthly grids were combined to produce snow-year grids. Multiyear average grids were created and compared. This technique minimizes traditional problems associated with missing data and variable length station records. The three 10-year average distribution maps presented here indicate a period of increasing snowfall. Windowing of the 30 seasonal grids revealed that increasing snowfall was attributable to an increase in lake effect snowfall and not to continental snowfall. The Great Lakes drainage basin was evaluated for trends within and between monthly and seasonal average snowfall thr...
Nine polymorphic microsatellite markers in Centaurea stoebe L. [subspecies C. s. stoebe and C. s. micranthos (S. G. Gmelin ex Gugler) Hayek] and C. diffusa Lam. (Asteraceae)

Centaurea stoebe (subspecies C. s. stoebe and C. s. micranthos[S. G. Gmelin ex Gugler) Hayek] and Centaurea diffusa are Eurasian plant species that have invaded much of North America. We isolated seven microsatellite loci from C. stoebe and two loci from C. diffusa. All loci described here amplify in both species and have between six and 25 alleles each. These markers will be useful in examining population structure and addressing questions regarding these invasions.
General expressions for dielectrophoretic force and electrorotational torque derived using the Maxwell stress tensor method

Abstract We explore the application of the Maxwell stress tensor (MST) method to dielectrophoresis (DEP) and electrorotation (ROT) studies. By integrating the Maxwell stress tensor over the surface of a dielectric particle, we derive the general expressions for DEP force and ROT torque generated by electrical fields of arbitrary configuration. This is the first time that such complete expressions are derived from first principles using the MST formalism. The results are compared and shown to be in agreement with those obtained from the effective moment approach. The origin of DEP forces in a harmonic field is discussed in terms of field magnitude and phase distributions.
Molecular characterization of bacteria from permafrost of the Taylor Valley, Antarctica

While bacterial communities from McMurdo Dry Valley soils have been studied using molecular techniques, data from permafrost are particularly scarce given the logistical difficulties of sampling. This study examined the molecular diversity and culturability of bacteria in permafrost from the Taylor Valley (TV), Antarctica. A 16S rRNA gene clone library was constructed to assess bacterial diversity, while a clone library of the RNA polymerase beta subunit ( rpoB ) gene was constructed to examine amino acid composition of an essential protein-coding gene. The 16S rRNA gene clone library was dominated by Acidobacteria from Gp6 and Gemmatimonadetes . The rpoB gene clone library (created with primers designed in this study) was also dominated by Acidobacteria . The ability of sequence analyses to garner additional information about organisms represented by TV sequences was explored. Specifically, optimum growth temperature was estimated from the stem GC content of the 16S rRNA gene, while potential cold adaptations within translated rpoB sequences were assessed. These analyses were benchmarked using known psychrophiles and mesophiles. Bioinformatic analyses suggested that many TV sequences could represent organisms capable of activity at low temperatures. Plate counts confirmed that c . 103 cells per gram permafrost remained viable and were culturable, while laboratory respiration assays demonstrated that microbial activity occurred at −5 °C and peaked at 15 °C.
Clinical characteristics and inheritance of idiopathic epilepsy in Vizslas.

Medical record, seizure survey, and telephone interview information was obtained for 29 Vizslas with idiopathic epilepsy (IE), 74 unaffected siblings, and 41 parents to determine the common clinical characteristics and most likely mode of inheritance. IE was diagnosed on the basis of the age of seizure onset, laboratory results, and neurologic examination findings. Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was required for the inclusion of dogs with an age of seizure onset of 5 years. Simple segregation analysis was performed with an ascertainment correction and chi-square analysis. IE appeared to be familial in these pedigrees, with 79% of affected Vizslas exhibiting partial onset seizures. Partial seizure signs included a combination of limb tremors, staring, pupillary dilatation, or salivation without loss of consciousness in > 50% of the dogs with partial signs. The estimated segregation frequency of P = .22 (95% CI, P = .08 to .36) was consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance; however, polygenic inheritance could not be excluded as a possibility. Simulated linkage with FASTSLINK estimated that the average logarithm of odds (LOD) score would be 3.23 with a 10-centimorgan (cM) whole-genome scan for these families, indicating that these families would be useful for a whole-genome scan to potentially find the chromosomal segment(s) containing the epilepsy gene or genes. We conclude that IE in Vizslas appears to be primarily a partial onset seizure disorder that may be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Estradiol-Induced Changes in Progesterone Secretion by Rabbit Corpora Lutea Are Associated with Quantitative Ultrastructural Changes in Luteal Cells*

In this study, we examined changes in luteal cell structure that accompany estradiol-altered progesterone production by the rabbit corpus luteum. To stimulate progesterone production, polydimethylsiloxane (Silastic) capsules containing 17β-estradiol were inserted sc into superovulated New Zealand White rabbits. Luteal progesterone production, assessed by measurement of progesterone in peripheral serum, was high after the estradiol-filled capsules were inserted, declined within 24 h after the capsules were removed, and increased within 32 h after reinsertion of the capsules. Stereological analyses at the light microscopic level revealed that the number of luteal cells and the volume of an average luteal cell did not differ significantly between estradiol-stimulated and estradiol-deprived rabbits over the time period employed. In contrast, stereological analyses at the electron microscopic level demonstrated that the surface areas of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and inner mitochondrial membrane declined wit...
A new in vivo method for repeatedly studying gastric acid secretion and other secretory parameters in awake guinea pig.

A new model for measuring gastric secretory parameters in awake guinea pigs is described. A chronic cannula was surgically implanted in the stomach of each guinea pig. The rates of gastric secretion and changes in intragastric volume were measured using a dye dilution technique. In contrast to previous techniques in small laboratory animals, there was no collection of gastric juice via drainage, no oral intubation for aspiration was involved, no special or sophisticated equipment was used, no anesthesia was employed, and there was no stress associated with acute surgery. This method offers a valuable advantage by combining the chronic gastric cannula with a dye dilution technique in that the same animal can be used several times and finally, several gastric secretory parameters can be measured simultaneously. The animals were used from 3 weeks to 10 months after surgery and as many as 15 studies were performed on the same guinea pig. Samples were collected at 10-min intervals and analyzed for acid and dye concentration from which the onset and kinetics of gastric secretion were followed. Basal gastric secretion (11.8 ± 1.6 μeq/kg/min; all mean ± 1 SEM) was increased within 20 min after subcutaneous infusion of histamine (30 μg/kg/hr) and peaked by 40–60 min at a mean acid output rate of 41 ± 3 μeq/kg/min. Histamine also increased the intragastric volume from 6.3 to 13.4 ml as it increased fluid output from 1.6 ± 0.1 ml/10 min to 3.4 ± 0.2 ml/10 min. The increase in acid output caused by histamine was inhibited by the H2-antagonists cimetidine (3 μmole/kg) and ranitidine at 0.5 μmole/kg. Omeprazole (1.2 μmole/kg), an HK-ATPase inhibitor, almost abolished acid output under both basal and histamine-stimulated conditions. Thus, the present method is simple and suitable to study the physiology and pharmacology of gastric secretion in the guinea pig with a particular emphasis on the action of histamine. Furthermore, because of the species involved, there is also a significant economical advantage and the guinea pig can also be used as a potential model for studying experimental ulcer.
Lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose To investigate the anatomic results of lens-sparing vitrectomy for tractional stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Design Retrospective, noncomparative consecutive case series. Participants Thirty-seven eyes (24 patients) with tractional stage 4 ROP. Intervention Lens-sparing vitrectomy. Main outcome measure Anatomic status of the retina. Results Twenty-five eyes had stage 4A ROP, and 12 eyes had stage 4B ROP. With a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 6–27), 32 of 37 eyes (86%) had complete reattachment of the retina. Among eyes with 4A ROP, 21 of 25 eyes (84%) had complete retinal reattachment. Among eyes with 4B ROP, 11 of 12 eyes (92%) had complete retinal reattachment. At last follow-up, 29 of 37 eyes (78%) were able to fix and follow. Conclusions These results indicate that lens-sparing vitrectomy is effective for achieving retinal reattachment in tractional stage 4 ROP. This article contains additional online-only material available at http://www.ophsource.com/periodicals/ophtha .
The Nomothetic‐Idiographic Debate in Family Therapy

This essay introduces the terms "nomothetic" and "idiographic" to characterize the current debate about whether the field of family therapy should accumulate and apply knowledge about patterns of adjustment that hold across different families, or whether the field should consider each family as utterly unique, and should tailor interventions solely on the basis of these unique qualities. Embedded in this debate are the arguments for and against quantitative research, disagreements about the value of clinical prediction and interobserver reliability, as well as the issue of whether therapists can rightfully claim to possess "expert knowledge." The essay begins with the personal-professional anecdote that stimulated me to explore this debate in greater depth. It continues with a brief discussion of the historical context of this debate, particularly noting the parallels between the methodological issues in personality research and those facing family therapy. The nomothetic-idiographic debate in family therapy theory, research, and practice is then described. The essay ends with the suggestion that family therapy view nomothetic and idiographic thinking as complementary, and that the field strive to develop an integrated, "idiothetic" approach to family therapy research and practice.
The effect of Acremonium coenophialum on the growth and nematode infestation of tall fescue

The presence of the endophytic fungusAcremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones et Gams in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) induces toxicity when this grass is grazed by cattle; however, there is evidence that removing the endophyte reduces the stand vigor and longevity of fescue. A field trial was conducted to determine the effects of water supply and the presence of the endophytic fungus on plant growth, drought tolerance, and soil nematode populations in ‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue. The design included two factors, level of endophyte infection (0 and 75%) and irrigation regime (none, low, and high). Where water deficits occurred, herbage yield and leaf area were lower, and percentage dead tissue and canopy minus air temperature were greater in endophyte-free compared with endophyte-infected fescue. Soil populations ofPratylenchus scribneri andTylenchorhynchus acutus were substantially higher in the noninfected than in the endophyte-infected plots. The endophyte apparently confers drought tolerance to Kentucky 31 tall fescue, and this effect may be at least partially mediated through enhanced resistance to soil-borne nematodes.
Zonal-mean global teleconnection from 15 to 110 km derived from SABER and WACCM

[1] We derive the correlation patterns over the global latitudes and from the stratosphere to lower thermosphere (broadly referred to as teleconnection) using temperature data measured by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) from 2002 to 2010, and using 54 years of simulations of temperatures and winds by the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). We also analyze the possible mechanisms of teleconnection by investigating the correlations between the temperature and residual circulation. The correlation patterns show that teleconnection exists globally over the equatorial, mid- and high-latitudes, and temperature anomalies correspond well to the anomalies of the residual circulations through adiabatic heating/cooling. A main new finding of this study is that the teleconnection extends well into the lower thermosphere, the thermospheric anomalies are consistent with the corresponding changes of the winter-to-summer lower-thermospheric branch of the residual circulation, and the winter stratosphere perturbations influence the thermosphere globally. Using a reference point chosen in the northern winter stratosphere, we find that the teleconnection structures for time periods with and without Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs) display similar patterns in SABER, and teleconnection patterns in WACCM are nearly identical for days with major SSWs, minor SSWs and without SSWs. WACCM results show strong inter-annual and intra-annual altitude variations of the teleconnection patterns in the southern polar region but stable altitudes of correlation regions in the equatorial and northern latitudes. The altitude variations are likely responsible for the weak correlations poleward of 60°S when multiyear or multimonth data are used.
Automated Extraction of Radiation Dose Information for CT Examinations

Exposure to radiation as a result of medical imaging is currently in the spotlight, receiving attention from Congress as well as the lay press. Although scanner manufacturers are moving toward including effective dose information in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine headers of imaging studies, there is a vast repository of retrospective CT data at every imaging center that stores dose information in an image-based dose sheet. As such, it is difficult for imaging centers to participate in the ACR's Dose Index Registry. The authors have designed an automated extraction system to query their PACS archive and parse CT examinations to extract the dose information stored in each dose sheet. First, an open-source optical character recognition program processes each dose sheet and converts the information to American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) text. Each text file is parsed, and radiation dose information is extracted and stored in a database which can be queried using an existing pathology and radiology enterprise search tool. Using this automated extraction pipeline, it is possible to perform dose analysis on the >800,000 CT examinations in the PACS archive and generate dose reports for all of these patients. It is also possible to more effectively educate technologists, radiologists, and referring physicians about exposure to radiation from CT by generating report cards for interpreted and performed studies. The automated extraction pipeline enables compliance with the ACR's reporting guidelines and greater awareness of radiation dose to patients, thus resulting in improved patient care and management.
Predation on mammals by the grey-cheeked mangabey Lophocebus albigena

Behavioral observations were made on a habituated group of grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) in the Dja Reserve, Cameroon, using 5-min scan sampling periods at 15-min intervals. On two occasions male mangabeys captured and fed on mammalian prey, a squirrel and a bushbaby. Although grey-cheeked mangabeys have been studied at several sites, these are the first observations of carnivory by them.
PREDICTORS OF BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS AFTER EARLY NEWBORN DISCHARGE. † 631

Early hospital discharge of healthy newborns is now standard practice despite scant research being available about subsequent patient-centered outcomes such as breastfeeding (BF). This study's aims were to describe BF following early discharge and to identify predictors and interventions to improve outcomes.
Factors influencing survival in patients undergoing palliative bypass for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify factors predictive of early mortality following palliative bypass in patients with previously unsuspected advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma to provide a basis for the selection of appropriate therapies.
Relative strengths of NH..O and CH..O hydrogen bonds between polypeptide chain segments.

Correlated ab initio calculations are used to compare the energetics when the CH and NH groups of the model dipeptide CHONHCH2CONH2 are each allowed to form a H-bond with the proton acceptor O of a peptide group. When the dipeptide is in its C7 conformation, the NH··O H-bond energy is found to be 7.4 kcal/mol, as compared to only 2.8 kcal/mol for the CH··O interaction. On the other hand, the situation reverses, and the CH··O H-bond becomes stronger than NH··O, when the dipeptide adopts a C5 structure. This reversal is important as C5 is nearly equal in stability to C7 for the dipeptide, and is representative of the commonly observed β-sheet structure in a protein. Immersing the dipeptide−peptide pair in a model solvent weakens both sorts of H-bonds, and in a fairly uniform manner. Consequently, the trends observed in the in vacuo situation retain their validity in either aqueous solution or the protein interior. Likewise, the desolvation penalty, suffered by removing a H-bonded complex from water and plac...