cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Irrigation Scheduling Based on Wireless Sensors Output and Soil-Water Characteristic Curve in Two Soils

Data-driven irrigation planning can optimize crop yield and reduce adverse impacts on surface and ground water quality. We evaluated an irrigation scheduling strategy based on soil matric potentials recorded by wireless Watermark (WM) sensors installed in sandy loam and clay loam soils and soil-water characteristic curve data. Five wireless WM nodes (IRROmesh) were installed at each location, where each node consisted of three WM sensors that were installed at 15, 30, and 60 cm depths in the crop rows. Soil moisture contents, at field capacity and permanent wilting points, were determined from soil-water characteristic curves and were approximately 23% and 11% for a sandy loam, and 35% and 17% for a clay loam, respectively. The field capacity level which occurs shortly after an irrigation event was considered the upper point of soil moisture content, and the lower point was the maximum soil water depletion level at 50% of plant available water capacity in the root zone, depending on crop type, root depth, growth stage and soil type. The lower thresholds of soil moisture content to trigger an irrigation event were 17% and 26% in the sandy loam and clay loam soils, respectively. The corresponding soil water potential readings from the WM sensors to initiate irrigation events were approximately 60 kPa and 105 kPa for sandy loam, and clay loam soils, respectively. Watermark sensors can be successfully used for irrigation scheduling by simply setting two levels of moisture content using soil-water characteristic curve data. Further, the wireless system can help farmers and irrigators monitor real-time moisture content in the soil root zone of their crops and determine irrigation scheduling remotely without time consuming, manual data logging and frequent visits to the field.
Power Searching the Internet: The Librarian’s Quick Guide: by Nicole Hennig, Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2019, $35.00, 103 pp., ISBN: 9781440866975.

Librarians pride themselves on their ability to efficiently navigate Internet resources, though many advanced search features and tools are not employed to optimal effect. Power Searching the Inter...
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan shield: implications for immune recognition

Here we have generated 3D structures of glycoforms of the spike (S) glycoprotein from SARS-CoV-2, based on reported 3D structures and glycomics data for the protein produced in HEK293 cells. We also analyze structures for glycoforms representing those present in the nascent glycoproteins (prior to enzymatic modifications in the Golgi), as well as those that are commonly observed on antigens present in other viruses. These models were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to determine the extent to which glycan microheterogeneity impacts the antigenicity of the S glycoprotein. Lastly, we have identified peptides in the S glycoprotein that are likely to be presented in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complexes, and discuss the role of S protein glycosylation in potentially modulating the adaptive immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus or to a related vaccine. The 3D structures show that the protein surface is extensively shielded from antibody recognition by glycans, with the exception of the ACE2 receptor binding domain, and also that the degree of shielding is largely insensitive to the specific glycoform. Despite the relatively modest contribution of the glycans to the total molecular weight (17% for the HEK293 glycoform) the level of surface shielding is disproportionately high at 42%.
Multifocal primary mucinous carcinoma of the eyelids: Implications for management.

Primary mucinous carcinoma (PMC) is a rare adnexal neoplasm derived from sweat glands.1 To our knowledge, there has been a single case of ipsilateral and 2 cases of bilateral multifocal PMC of the eyelids reported in the literature.2, 3, 4 In both bilateral cases, the second malignant lesion was discovered following excision of the original carcinoma. We present a very rare case of multifocal PMC presenting with 3 tumors on the ipsilateral upper and lower eyelids and discuss considerations in management.
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship between Profitability Persistence and Firms' Choice of Business Model: Evidence from the U.S. Airline Industry

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the influence of a firm's business model on the relative persistence of profitability in the U.S. airline industry. The strategic management literature describes a firm's business model as reflecting how that firm chooses to compete in the marketplace. Given this linkage between business model, competition, and the marketplace, we conjecture that the persistence of profit margin and asset turnover ratios will be influenced by firms' choices of business model. Further, we hypothesize that this choice of business model influences the relative persistence of the individual revenue and expense components of current profit margin and asset turnover ratios for future profitability ratios. We test these conjectures by (1) partitioning our sample firms according to business model (network carriers versus low-cost carriers), and (2) decomposing sample firms' profit margin and asset turnover ratios into components relating to pricing policy, input cost control, and productivity. We fin...
Visual deficits and cognitive assessment of multiple sclerosis: confounder, correlate, or both?

The relationship between visual impairment and cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains poorly understood. To determine associations between visual acuity and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures with cognitive performance of MS patients and healthy controls (HCs). 141 MS patients (with and without MS optic neuritis; MSON) and 50 HCs underwent neuropsychological, visual, and OCT testing. California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT-R), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) were used. Patients with test performance below − 1.5 standard deviations of the mean HCs scores were labeled as cognitive impairment. Visual ability was assessed with 100%, 2.5%, and 1.25% low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA) charts. OCT-derived peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, macular volume (MV), macular ganglion cell inner plexiform (mGCIP) thickness (as a sum of GC and IP layers), and macular inner nuclear layer (mINL) were computed. 100% and 2.5% LCLA associated with SDMT in MS and HCs (p < 0.001; and p < 0.012, respectively). In MSON patients, visually demanding tests were explained by pRNFL and macular volume for SDMT (β = 0.172, p = 0.039 and β = 0.27, p = 0.001) and MV for BVMT-R (β = 0.21, p = 0.012). In non-MSON, only mINL was predictor of CVLT-II. pRNFL and MV predicted cognitive impairment with an accuracy of 72.2% (Negelkerke R2 = 0.234). These findings were driven by associations within the progressive MS subgroup. HC’s SDMT performance was explained by mGCIP (β = 0.316, p = 0.001). Both LCLA and OCT-based measures (pRNFL and macular volume) were associated with MS cognitive performance. OCT-based measures were also significant predictors of cognitive status in MS patients. mGCIP associated with cognitive performance in HCs.
Molnupiravir: coding for catastrophe.

Molnupiravir, a wide-spectrum antiviral that is currently in phase 2/3 clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19, is proposed to inhibit viral replication by a mechanism known as ‘lethal mutagenesis’. Two recently published studies reveal the biochemical and structural bases of how molnupiravir disrupts the fidelity of SARS-CoV-2 genome replication and prevents viral propagation by fostering error accumulation in a process referred to as ‘error catastrophe’.
Murine T-Cell Receptor Genes and the Problems of Cellular Recognition and Repertoire Selection

The recent isolation of cDNA clones encoding the presumptive T-cell receptor molecules (as reviewed in references 1–4) has brought us within striking distance of elucidating the basic mechanism of T-cell recognition, that is the receptor-1igand interaction, and also should help to illuminate the role of the thymus in T-cell differentiation. The nature of the ligand itself is also being scrutinized in this volume by Schwartz, Bersofsky and others. This brief manuscript will attempt to summarize some of the things we know and don’t know about these issues and discuss some of the approaches that we have taken in trying to address them.
Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of High-Grade Ventral Hernia Repairs.

Despite improved operative techniques, open ventral hernia repair (VHR) surgery in high-risk, potentially contaminated patients remains challenging. As previously reported by our group, the use of a modified negative-pressure wound therapy system (hybrid-VAC or HVAC) in patients with grade 2 hernias is associated with lower surgical site occurrence (SSO) and surgical site infection (SSI) rates. Accordingly, the authors aim to evaluate whether the HVAC would similarly improve surgical site outcomes following VHR in patients with grade 3 hernias. A 4-year retrospective review (2011–2014) was conducted of all consecutive, modified ventral hernia working group (VHWG) grade 3 hernia repairs with HVAC closure performed by a single surgeon (FEE) at a single institution. Operative data and 90-day outcomes were evaluated. Overall outcomes (e.g., recurrence, reoperation, mortality) were reviewed for the study group. A total of 117 patients with an average age of 56.7 ± 11.9 years were classified as grade 3 hernias and underwent open VHR with subsequent HVAC closure. Fifty patients were male (42.7 %), the mean BMI was 35.2 (±9.5), and 60.7 % had a history of prior hernia repair. The average fascial defect size was 201.5 (±167.3) cm2 and the mean length of stay was 14.2 (±9.3) days. Ninety-day outcomes showed an SSO rate of 20.7 % and an SSI rate of 5.2 %. The overall hernia recurrence rate was 4.2 % (n=6) with a mean follow-up of 11 ± 7.3 months. Modified VHWG grade 3 ventral hernias are associated with significant morbidity. In our series utilizing the HVAC system after VHR, the observed rate of SSO and SSI compared favorably to reported series. Further prospective cost-effective studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Differential effects of NGF and BDNF on voltage-gated calcium currents in embryonic basal forebrain neurons

A number of studies have begun to describe the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) and the closely related brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the function of basal forebrain neurons. Little is known, however, about the effects of neurotrophins on membrane calcium conductances, which may play a role in growth factor signal transduction as well as regulation of neuronal excitability. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we investigated the effects of both NGF and BDNF on voltage-gated Ca(2+)-channel currents in cultured embryonic basal forebrain neurons. Exposure for 4-6 d to NGF significantly increased both the L-type and N-type components of the whole-cell current. Conversely, similar exposure to BDNF had no effect on Ca(2+)-channel currents. Consequently, one of the important effects of NGF may be to enhance calcium entry via voltage-dependent channels.
Mitochondrial Ribosome Profiling Reveals Rapid and Dynamic Translation Regulation During Yeast Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Regulation of mitochondrial gene expression is essential to prevent accumulation of harmful intermediates at respiratory chain reaction centers that cause aging phenotypes and disease. Translation in mitochondria is carried out by dedicated ribosomes (mitoribosomes) that are distinct from cytoplasmic ribosomes. The mitochondrial translational response to environmental and developmental changes is currently unexplored because tools have not been developed for quantitative, time-resolved studies in vivo. Genomic approaches have typically overlooked the mitochondrial genome either through experimental design or through biased bioinformatics approaches. We have developed mitoribosome profiling, an approach to determine quantitative, genome-wide measures of mitochondrial translation at codon resolution. Applying mitoribosome profiling to study gene expression during mitochondrial biogenesis in S. cerevisiae, we find that translation occurs in the mitochondria even under conditions in which the translation prod...
Balance Control in Older Adults: Training Effects on Balance Control and the Integration of Balance Control into Walking

Abstract In this chapter, we review changes in balance control abilities in older adults and the effects of various exercise training programs designed to improve these abilities. To optimize training effects, the systems approach emphasizes the identification of subsystems that contribute to the deterioration of balance control abilities, followed by the implementation of training programs targeted at the remediation of the deterioration of specific subsystems. Training studies using this approach have reported significant improvement in the balance control abilities of older adults. By targeting the body subsystems to be trained, this approach is cost-effective. Examples of sensory balance training during standing are reviewed. While sensory training during standing has shown effects on older adults' standing balance, it is not clear whether these effects transfer to other dynamic balance tasks such as those required during walking. Thus, the incorporation of dynamic balance tasks into a systems approach is suggested. The multifactorial approach to improve balance abilities of older adults often includes exercises targeted at several sub-systems at the same time. Results from studies using this approach have not consistently revealed a positive training effect. A training protocol targeted at a population with similar types of balance impairments is suggested.
Thyroid hormone-induced gene expression program for amphibian tail resorption

The changes in gene expression leading to tail resorption that are initiated by thyroid hormone (TH) were studied in Xenopus laevis. Four of the less than 10 genes that are down-regulated during this period have been isolated; their mRNAs decay with identical kinetics. Twenty of the approximately 35 genes that are up-regulated in the first 48 h have been isolated. The up-regulated genes fall into two kinetic patterns. After a lag of several hours, the direct response genes (including thyroid hormone receptor beta) increase their mRNA level steadily for 24-48 h. The delayed genes respond mainly in the second 24 h after TH addition. The importance of these genes for tail resorption is supported by the fact that they are all regulated developmentally during normal metamorphosis in tail and respond to hormone induction when the tail becomes competent to respond to TH. The relatively simple gene expression program leading to tail resorption is contrasted with the complex and multiple periods of gene expression during limb development. The gene expression screen defines the tail resorption program and has isolated the majority of TH-regulated genes.
Can quantitative sensory testing move us closer to mechanism-based pain management?

Objective This review summarizes the scientific literature relating to the use of quantitative sensory testing (QST) for mechanism-based pain management.
Parallel processing for the steady state solutions of large-scale non-linear models of power systems

Parallel algorithms are presented for solving large-scale systems of algebraic polynomial equations. The algorithms are based on the so-called probability-one homotopy method and they guarantee finding all the roots. The algorithms are used to obtain all steady-state solutions of the load flow for a three-bus power system. A special probability-one homotopy method is tailored for the load flow to reduce the computational complexity while guaranteeing that all solutions are found. Numerical implementation of the procedures will exploit inherent parallelism in the techniques, providing efficient execution on massively parallel distributed-memory multiprocessors. >
Financial Engineering, Corporate Governance, and the Collapse of Enron

Enron plummeted from the 7th largest US firm and six-time winner of Fortune's most innovative firm award to bankruptcy in less than one year. However, management used financial engineering and related-party transactions to disguise Enron's financial condition for over three years. These transactions, board approved, sanctioned by the external auditor, and partially disclosed in SEC filings, put the firm on an economic precipice of which few were aware. Although extreme, Enron's collapse and corporate governance failure has implications for all publicly held firms. We document the existence of potential conflicts of interest throughout Enron's governance structure, conflicts that contributed to the firm's bankruptcy.
Verifiable parse table composition for deterministic parsing

One obstacle to the implementation of modular extensions to programming languages lies in the problem of parsing extended languages. Specifically, the parse tables at the heart of traditional LALR(1) parsers are so monolithic and tightly constructed that, in the general case, it is impossible to extend them without regenerating them from the source grammar. Current extensible frameworks employ a variety of solutions, ranging from a full regeneration to using pluggable binary modules for each different extension. But recompilation is time-consuming, while the pluggable modules in many cases cannot support the addition of more than one extension, or use backtracking or non-deterministic parsing techniques. We present here a middle-ground approach that allows an extension, if it meets certain restrictions, to be compiled into a parse table fragment. The host language parse table and fragments from multiple extensions can then always be efficiently composed to produce a conflict-free parse table for the extended language. This allows for the distribution of deterministic parsers for extensible languages in a pre-compiled format, eliminating the need for the “source code” grammar to be distributed. In practice, we have found these restrictions to be reasonable and admit many useful language extensions.
Population of variable platyfish (Xiphophorus variatus) established in Waller Creek, Travis County, Texas

Abstract The variable platyfish (Xiphophorus variatus), native to Gulf Coast drainages of northern Mexico, is a popular aquarium fish with a long history of introduction globally. We document the first Texas occurrence of this species, and its persistence in highly urban Waller Creek in the city of Austin since at least 2004. The population appears to be limited to Waller Creek, having not yet been found in neighboring creeks where similar habitat exists. We observed individuals in situ and in the lab surviving in 7°C water, well below published thermal minima, and report its persistence through one of the coldest winters in Austin's recorded history. Its persistence may be due to a combination of its cold tolerance and the presence of thermal refuges. In the lab we found that individuals purchased in a local pet store and individuals from Waller Creek had the same cold tolerance.
Astressin Analogues (Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Antagonists) with Extended Duration of Action in the Rat |

In earlier reports we identified specific point substitutions (DPhe12,Nle21,38), cyclization strategies [in particular, introduction of lactam rings such as that of cyclo(Glu30,Lys33)], and deletions (residues 1-7) in the CRF molecule that led to agonists. We also noted that further deletions (residues 8-14) produced antagonists such as astressin ?cyclo(30-33)[DPhe12,Nle21,38, Glu30, Lys33]hCRF(12-41)? (1). We hypothesized that the lactam ring promoted conformational stability to yield analogues with increased potency both in vitro and in vivo as compared to that of their linear counterparts. Additionally, we reported that cyclo(30-33)[DPhe12,Nle21,38, Glu30,DHis32,Lys33]hCRF(12-41) (3) and dicyclo(26-36,30-33)[Ac-Asp9,DPhe12,Nle21,38, Cys26, Glu30,Lys33, Cys36]hCRF(9-41) were ca. twice and 1/100 as potent as astressin, respectively, suggesting a putative turn that encompasses residues 30-33 (previous paper: Koerber et al. J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41). To increase the potency of 1 and/or 3 in vivo, we extended their chain length by one (5-8), two (9, 10), and three (11, 12) residues at the N-terminus and acetylated (6, 8, 10, 12). Of the compounds tested for duration of action (1, 3-6, 8), we found 6 and 8 to be slightly longer-acting than astressin or [DHis32]astressin, while their potencies in vitro were not significantly different from that of 3. Additionally, we introduced CalphaMe-leucine residues in lieu of leucine at positions 14, 15, 19, 27, and 37 in [DHis32]astressin. The analogue [CalphaMe-Leu27,DHis32]astressin (16) was more potent (although not statistically in all cases) than the other four analogues in vitro. While acetylation of the N-terminus of 16 (i.e., 18) or of [CalphaMe-Leu27]astressin (i.e., 19) did not have a significant effect on in vitro potency, elongation of the N-terminus by one or three residues in addition to acetylation resulted in cyclo(30-33)[DPhe12,Nle21,CalphaMe-Leu27,Glu3 0,DHis32,Lys33, Nle38]Ac-hCRF(11-41) (21), cyclo(30-33)[DPhe12,Nle21,CalphaMe-Leu27, Glu30,Lys33,Nle38]Ac-hCRF(9-41) (22), and cyclo(30-33)[DPhe12, Nle21, CalphaMe-Leu27,Glu30,DHis32,Lys33,Nle38 ]Ac-hCRF(9-41) (23) that were longer-acting than 6 and 8 (ca. 2 h inhibition of ACTH secretion at 25 micrograms/adrenalectomized rat). Analogues 22 and 23 were also more potent than astressin at reversing intracisternal CRF- and abdominal surgery-induced delay of gastric emptying in conscious rats.
Relationship Between the Physicochemical Nature of Human Interferon, the Cell Induced, and the Inducing Agent

To determine the basis for differences in interferons previously noted by others, we prepared five types of human interferon, namely interferon induced in muscle skin fibroblasts using complexed polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (IC) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and interferon induced in leukocytes using IC, NDV, and phytohemagglutinin. We determined the molecular weight, isoelectric point, inactivation rate at 56°C and structural activity relationships for each interferon. Significant differences between these interferons were found, many of which seem related to the cell induced rather than the inducer. We believe these findings have important pharmacological implications for the use of interferon in man.
Autoproteolytic Activation of Bacterial Toxins

Protease domains within toxins typically act as the primary effector domain within target cells. By contrast, the primary function of the cysteine protease domain (CPD) in Multifunctional Autoprocessing RTX-like (MARTX) and Clostridium sp. glucosylating toxin families is to proteolytically cleave the toxin and release its cognate effector domains. The CPD becomes activated upon binding to the eukaryotic-specific small molecule, inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6), which is found abundantly in the eukaryotic cytosol. This property allows the CPD to spatially and temporally regulate toxin activation, making it a prime candidate for developing anti-toxin therapeutics. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to defining the regulation of toxin function by the CPD and the development of inhibitors to prevent CPD-mediated activation of bacterial toxins.
Influence of a finely dispersed second phase on recrystallization

Abstract The annealing behavior of internally oxidized alloys of silver containing magnesium, and copper containing Aluminum was studied by transmission electron microscopy. In agreement with observations on pure materials, annealing of the dispersion-hardened alloys involves the formation of subgrains from the cell structure and the subsequent growth of the subgrains into the matrix. The kinetics of both subgrain formation and growth are extremely slow in the dispersion-containing alloys, compared to pure silver and copper. This retardation could be attributed to the nature of the deformed structure, which does not contain regions of severe plastic curvature. As a result, the formation of mobile interfaces by misorientation accumulation is difficult. Particle interaction with dislocation motion during subgrain formation and direct particle interaction with the migrating subgrain boundaries during growth are discussed.
Identification and mapping of stable QTL for protein content in soybean seeds

Protein and oil are two primary traits in soybean, which affect the quality of soyfood, feed, and oil products. The objectives of this research were to identify and validate quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed protein. Crosses were made between two high-protein and two low-protein lines, R05-1415 × R05-638 designated as Population 1, and V97-1346 × R05-4256 as Population 2. A total of 242 and 214 recombinant inbred lines were developed for QTL mapping in populations 1 and 2, respectively. The F2 plants from the mapping populations were genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) and/or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Seeds from F2:3, F2:4, and F2:5 lines were evaluated for seed protein content at three locations for 3 years accounting for five environments. A total of 120 polymorphic SSR markers and 526 polymorphic SNP markers were used to construct linkage maps. One major protein QTL on chromosome 20 was identified in both populations across all five environments and accounted for 20–42 % of protein content variation. Four protein QTL were identified on chromosome 1, 5, and 14, which accounted for 10–16 % of the total variation in protein content. These identified QTL along with linked SSR/SNP markers in this study would be of great value in facilitating marker-assisted selection for seed protein content in soybean breeding programs.
STAT3 induces anti-hepatitis C viral activity in liver cells.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause a of chronic liver disease worldwide. The main therapeutic regimen is the combination of interferon α (IFN) and the nucleoside analog, Ribavirin. IFN initiates an intracellular antiviral state by the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, including a presumed role for STAT1 and STAT2. We have previously shown that the STAT3 activation occurs during IFN treatment of human hepatoma cells, suggesting that the STAT3-mediated pathway is relevant to IFN-induced antiviral activity. In this study, we investigate the role of activated STAT3 in the induction of anti-HCV activity in human hepatoma cells. We demonstrate that the STAT3 activation is involved in efficient IFN-induced anti-HCV activity. Using an inducible, cytokine-independent, STAT3 activation system, in which the entire coding region of STAT3 is fused with the ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor, we demonstrate that: activated STAT3 is tightly regulated in a stably transfected cell line by an estrogen analog, 4-HT; activated STAT3 initiates efficient anti-HCV activity in a HCV subgenomic replicon cell line; and activation of STAT3 is associated with the induction of a potential antiviral gene, 1-8U. In addition, we show that the cytokine IL-6, a potent STAT3 activator, inhibits HCV subgenomic RNA replication through STAT3 activation and ERK pathway. These results strongly suggest that STAT3 activation is capable of initiating intracellular antiviral pathways.
Teaching Old Dogma with New Tricks and Technology: Educational Paradigm Shifts in Graduate Medical Education

Teaching Old Dogma with New Tricks and Technology: Educational Paradigm Shifts in Graduate Medical Education
Commencement Bay: Resource-Use Conflicts at a Marine Superfund Site

Commencement Bay is located at the southern end of the main basin of Puget Sound, a mostly pristine inland sea located in northwestern Washington. Considerable industrial development and modifications of the bay have occurred since the late 1800's. As a result, parts of the bay have become contaminated with numerous heavy metals, synthetic organic compounds, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Many measures of adverse biological effects have accompanied the identification of contaminant "hotspots."Resource-use conflicts have arisen as a result of either actual or perceived consequences of the pollution situation in the bay. These include continued use of the bay for disposal of municipal and industrial wastes; maintenance and extension of navigation channels; expansion of port facilities; maintenance of the health and productivity of marine biota; and utilization (edibility) of seafood. Recent (1980) "Superfund" legislation has made available funds for cleaning up hazardous waste sites throughout the country. Commencement Bay is among the top 10 priority sites designated thus far by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for this remedial action, the only marine site so ranked. Remedial action for the "site" will be very difficult. It includes deep water dump sites, highly contaminated shallow waterways and tideflats, landfills, and contaminated groundwater. Additional complications will arise due to a poor understanding of the sources of contaminants; their distribution and dynamics; and the relationships, if any, between contaminants and biological disorders in the site.
Dissipation assisted entanglement in cavity QED

I present a cavity QED system in which dissipation prepares entangled states of atoms and cavity fields; beamsplitters are used to share the entanglement
Young children's numerical competence

Abstract In their analysis of numerical competence, Creeno, Riley, and Gelman 1984 distinguish between conceptual, procedural, and utilization competence. Principled knowledge about a domain, for example, counting, serves as the basis of conceptual competence. Conceptual competence does not provide recipes for procedures but does set constraints on the class of procedures that procedural competence can generate. The ability to assess a task correctly (utilization competence) influences performance because it, too, sets constraints on procedure generation. These distinctions allow one to classify the source of erroneous or variable performances on different number tasks. Our hypothesis that early counting behavior is guided by counting principles, despite the child's limited skill, is tested in four experiments with children ranging in age from 3 to 5 years old. The experiments focus on knowledge of the order-irrelevance and cardinal count principles; children either discriminate between erroneous and correct counting efforts of a puppet, assess the effect of counting the same array in different orders, or solve a counting task that has a constraint. The results of these studies allow us to reinterpret evidence others cite against the principle-first hypothesis, and conclude that much development takes place in the name of procedural and utilization competence.
The effects of temperature upon NiO formation and oxygen removal on Ni(110)

Abstract Oxygen chemisorption and NiO nucleation and growth on Ni(110) have been studied with low energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy. Changes in the Auger peak energies and shapes were shown to occur only upon NiO formation. The effects of step-changes in temperature upon NiO nucleation and growth were studied and it was shown that temperature steps or annealing during the chemisorption regime did not significantly affect either chemisorption or NiO formation. During NiO growth, temperature steps to a higher temperature caused reduced growth rates, while steps to lower temperature caused increased growth rates. The reaction rate constant from the island growth model was calculated and shown to agree with literature data. The values obtained from temperature step measurements agreed within a factor of two with those obtained for reactions without temperature steps. Therefore, no systematic temperature effect upon the NiO nuclei density was observed for Ni(110). The activation energy for growth of NiO was found to be 5.5 kcal/mole. Dissolution of oxygen into bulk nickel was also studied and it was shown that bulk diffusion of oxygen in nickel was not rate controlling. Rather, surface phase transitions were observed which allowed incorporation of oxygen over the temperature range of 150°C to greater than 800°C, depending on the quantity of oxygen already incorporated.
Processes and resources of the Bering Sea shelf (PROBES): The development and accomplishments of the project

Abstract PROBES was designed as an interdisciplinary study to track the events in the pelagic ecosystem of the Bering Sea shelf that lead to high production in upper trophic levels. The success of the project was in the development of a strong, testable hypothesis that relied on the events in the early life history of the Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) to elucidate crucial ecosystem processes. The project spanned 10 years from early conceptual stages and meetings to its final cruises and reports. Over all the field years 2727 stations were logged in the Bearing Sea which involved 20 principal investigators plus 147 others as associates, students and technicians. Results are available in a series of publications and data reports.
Bell's theorem and an explicit stochastic local hidden-variable model

Motivated by a paper by Barut and Meystre, Bohm's EPR gedanken experiment performed with classical and spin-s particles is considered, and the applicability of Bell's theorem to these cases is discussed. The classical model presented by Barut and Meystre is modified to become a stochastic local hidden-variable model reproducing the results of an EPR experiment of the type performed by Aspect et al.
Teacher knowledge and discourse control: Quantitative evidence from novice biology teachers' classrooms

This article describes the effects of science teacher subject-matter knowledge on classroom discourse at the level of individual utterances. It details one of three parallel analyses conducted in a year-long study of language in the classrooms of four new biology teachers. The conceptual framework of the study predicts that when teaching unfamiliar subject matter, teachers use a variety of discourse strategies to constrain student talk to a narrowly circumscribed topic domain. This article includes the results of an utterance-by-utterance analysis of teacher and student talk in a 30-lesson sample of science instruction. Data are broken down by classroom activity (e.g., lecture, laboratory, group work) for several measures, including mean duration of utterances, domination of the speaking floor by the teacher, frequency of teacher questioning, cognitive level of teacher questions, and student verbal participation. When teaching unfamiliar topics, the four teachers in this study tended to talk more often and for longer periods of time, ask questions frequently, and rely heavily on low cognitive level questions. The rate of student questions to the teacher varied with classroom activity. In common classroom communicative settings, student questions were less common when the teacher was teaching unfamiliar subject matter. The implications of these findings include a suggestion that teacher knowledge may be an important unconsidered variable in research on the cognitive level of questions and teacher wait-time.
Trust in Sources of Technical Information

Abstract The level of trust that the general public has in competing sources of technical information is an important concern for policymakers and those involved in information dissemination programs. Survey data collected for five studies over a 12-year period indicate consistency in trust levels for sources of technical information. Specific environmental issues do not appear to change how the public perceives information providers. Thus, highly regarded providers become even more important in fulfilling the information needs of the general public.
Children's Understanding of False Beliefs that Result from Developmental Misconceptions.

Abstract Most studies of false belief have focused on beliefs about specific and arbitrary facts. The purpose of this research was to extend the study of false belief to false beliefs that result from the general misconceptions that characterize young children's understanding of the world. Three experiments, employing diverse methods, examined preschool children's ability to attribute false beliefs with respect to a variety of cognitive-developmental acquisitions: Level 2 perspective taking, appearance/reality, line of sight, and biological principles of growth and innate potential. Children showed some but incomplete mastery with respect to each of these new forms of false belief, and the level of performance was in most instances comparable to that found with standard measures. Despite this equivalence in overall difficulty, new and standard forms of false belief were not correlated in any of the three experiments.
QT interval: how to measure it and what is "normal".

Abnormally long and short QT intervals have been shown to be associated with an increased risk for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. In recent years, various methods for QT-interval measurement have been developed, including individual-based corrections for repolarization duration, quantitative assessment of repolarization morphology, correction for repolarization dynamicity, and analysis of repolarization variability. However, these methods require computer-processed digital-signal analysis of electronically stored ECG data and have been used most frequently in the assessment of repolarization changes in drug trials. In the present review, we will focus on methods for clinically relevant visual and manual assessment of QT-interval duration from a 12-lead ECG, which can be utilized in day-today practice for the diagnosis of long QT syndrome (LQTS) and other repolarization disorders.
A nineteenth century view of the optic commissure.

Historically, ophthalmologists and anatomists have been intrigued by the optic nerve and its decussation. Isaac Newton was the first to describe and suggest the significance of the chiasmal crossing, while W.H. Wollaston defined the importance of hemiretinal differentiation in 1824. However, at that time, the vertical meridian separating nasal from temporal retina was believed to be located at the optic papillae. This theory was disproved in 1870 by two Philadelphia ophthalmologists, who demonstrated and documented the vertical meridian at the macula during their examination of an injured Civil War soldier.
Emotional variability and sustained arousal during exposure.

Abstract Background and objectives In traditional exposure therapy for phobias and anxiety disorders, reduction of fear responding is used as an index of learning. However, recent evidence in animal models suggests that sustained arousal and enhanced fear responding throughout exposure may actually predict better long-term outcomes ( Rescorla, 2000 ). Methods The effects of sustained arousal during exposure were investigated in a clinical analog sample of 59 participants fearful of public speaking. Participants completed exposure with or without the presence of additional excitatory stimuli which were intended to enhance arousal and fear responding throughout exposure. Results Group assignment (exposure versus exposure with additional excitatory stimuli) did not significantly predict outcome at 1-week follow-up testing, as measured physiologically, subjectively, and behaviorally. A set of regression analyses investigating whether any exposure process measures predicted outcome indicated that sustained arousal throughout exposure as well as variability in subjective fear responding throughout exposure (e.g., Kircanski et al., 2011 ) predicted lower levels of fear at follow-up testing ( p p Limitations The excitatory stimuli used failed to produce the intended effects. However, some participants did maintain elevated arousal throughout exposure and this predicted better outcomes at 1-week follow-up testing. Conclusions Sustained arousal throughout exposure as well as variability in subjective fear responding during exposure may be better predictors of long-term outcomes than habituation of fear across exposure.
Experienced scuba divers in Australia and the United States suffer considerable injury and morbidity.

Objective Scuba diving–specific injuries have been well described. However, the injury experiences of individual divers over long diving careers have rarely been investigated. Our objective was to study the acute and chronic injuries of experienced, recreational scuba divers. Methods This was an international, cross-sectional, descriptive postal survey of experienced, recreational scuba divers belonging to diving clubs in Australia and the United States. Results Seven hundred nine divers were enrolled (346 Australian divers and 363 US divers). Most participants were experienced (mean number of dives, 262) male divers (488; 68.8%) aged 31 to 50 years (425; 59.9%). Mild barotrauma was common. Ear, sinus, and tooth "squeeze" had been experienced on ≥1 occasion by 369 (52.1%), 245 (34.6%), and 66 (9.2%) divers, respectively. Tympanic membrane (TM) rupture, round/oval window rupture, and subcutaneous emphysema had been experienced by 38 (5.4%), 8 (1.1%), and 5 (0.7%) divers, respectively. No diver reported pneumothorax or arterial gas embolism (AGE); however, 31 divers (4.4%) had suffered decompression sickness (DCS). A wide range of other injuries were reported. Sixteen divers (2.3%) reported permanent disabilities, which largely consisted of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorder. Conclusions The majority of experienced divers who responded to the survey had suffered diving-related injuries, mainly barotrauma. Further research and diver education are needed to better document injury rates and minimize serious diving-related injuries and permanent disabilities.
The first Hobby-Eberly Telescope planet: A companion to HD 37605

We report the first detection of a planetary-mass companion to a star using the High Resolution Spectrograph (HRS) of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET). The HET HRS now gives routine radial velocity precision of 2-3 m s-1 for high signal-to-noise ratio observations of quiescent stars. The planetary-mass companion to the metal-rich K0 V star HD 37605 has an orbital period of 54.23 days, an orbital eccentricity of 0.737, and a minimum mass of 2.84 Jupiter masses. The queue-scheduled operation of the HET enabled us to discover this relatively short period planet with a total observation time span of just two orbital periods. The ability of queue-scheduled large-aperture telescopes to respond quickly to interesting and important results demonstrates the power of this new approach in searching for extrasolar planets, as well as in other areas of research requiring rapid response time critical observations.
Public-Private Partnerships, Public Authorities, and Democratic Governance

This case explores public-private partnerships in Omaha, Nebraska, where substantial private donations were received for the construction of two city-owned facilities: a convention center/arena and a baseball stadium. The donors required creation of a new public authority to undertake the construction and operation of the projects. This article analyzes key issues related to the decision to enter into the partnerships, contract terms, risk-sharing, transparency, and accountability. It also identifies several important factors that have not been well addressed in the literature, including the role of institutions, leadership of individual actors, contractual modifications, and power and politics. The study helps to advance theory-building in this area and, as well, provides advice to public administrators and officeholders in governments considering private donations for public projects.
Thimerosal-containing vaccines: evidence versus public apprehension.

Despite convincing evidence to the contrary, many parents continue to be concerned that vaccines that contain thimerosal may cause autism and other developmental disabilities. Thimerosal is an ethy...
Use of a Modular Tapered Fluted Femoral Component in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Resection of a Previously Infected Total Hip: Minimum 5-year Follow-Up

Femoral reconstruction in the setting of two stage reimplantation can be difficult and substantial reoperation rates due to implant loosening have been reported. We retrospectively reviewed 28 male and 29 female patients who underwent a two-stage reimplantation using a modular, tapered femoral stem. The mean clinical follow-up was 62 months. The mean Harris Hip score at 5-year follow-up was 76. Two stems were revised for aseptic loosening. Reinfection occurred in 16% of patients. Stem survivorship was 87% at 5-years. Use of a modular tapered stem provided a high rate of stable femoral fixation and acceptable rate of reinfection in two stage treatment of infected THA.
Effects of androgen deprivation on prostate alpha1-adrenergic receptors

Abstract Objectives Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the most common benign tumor in men, consists of two components—static (enlargement regulated by androgens) and dynamic (smooth muscle contraction through alpha 1 -adrenergic receptors [alpha 1 -ARs]). Because medical therapy of BPH involves tissue androgen deprivation, we studied the influence of androgen deprivation and replacement on regulation of rat ventral prostate alpha 1 -ARs. Methods Prostate weight, alpha 1 -AR density, autoradiographic images, histologic features and cell-specific protein were examined before and after castration and androgen replacement. Results Castration decreases ventral prostate wet weight, a process reversed by testosterone administration. In contrast, there is an apparent increase in alpha 1 -AR density (29 ± 4 versus 65 ± 6 fmol/mg total protein, mean ± SEM) after castration, returning to baseline with testosterone replacement; alpha 1 -AR density remains constant in control liver membranes. Alpha 1 -ARs predominate in stroma throughout androgen deprivation therapy. Epithelially derived cells decrease (83% to 67%) after castration, resulting in a relative doubling in stroma (17% to 33%); the protein content of epithelial and stromal cells remains identical. Therefore, prostate-specific increases in alpha 1 -ARs appear to result from relative increases in the ratio of smooth muscle to epithelium after castration rather than from direct upregulation of alpha 1 -AR protein. Conclusions Because alpha 1 -AR density does not decrease with androgen deprivation, these studies suggest that alpha 1 -AR antagonists remain an important component in BPH therapy, even when 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are utilized.