cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing stock reproductive potential in species with indeterminate fecundity: Effects of age truncation and size-dependent reproductive timing

Abstract Annual fecundity has been increasingly advanced as a preferred measure of stock reproductive potential ( SRP ), yet estimates are methodologically challenging, particularly for species with indeterminate fecundity. Inherent variability due to energetic and environmental constraints increases the uncertainty of annual fecundity estimates, and this uncertainty may have important consequences for management guidance. In this study, we assessed how size-dependent reproductive timing interacts with age truncation to impact estimates of SRP in spotted seatrout ( Cynoscion nebulosus ), using a combination of modeling techniques. Positive size dependence in spawning frequency, or the number of spawning events in a season, had a substantial impact on both the SRP and estimates of stock status relative to management targets. The loss of the oldest age classes, even under relatively low fishing pressures, resulted in a significant decline in SRP due to the disproportionately large contribution by these age classes. Not surprisingly, the effect increased with the strength of the size-dependent relationship, which also resulted in reducing the proportionality between SRP and spawning stock biomass ( SSB ). The potential for erroneously classifying the health of a stock was amplified when the population approached the management target because of the uncertainty and inherent variability in SRP . For management, characterizing all of the size-dependent relationships with SRP (batch fecundity, reproductive timing, egg/larval quality) may be more critical than obtaining precise estimates of SRP when management reference points are relative to unexploited conditions, as in spawning potential ratios ( SPRs ).
Nociceptive integration: Does it have a peripheral component?

The spinal cord dorsal horn is generally regarded as the first site where modulation and integration of nociceptive input occur. It is rare that nociceptive terminals and axons are given any greater role than being transducers and conduits. It is our hypothesis that this view of peripheral nociceptors is oversimplified and that peripheral sensory processing rivals the complexity of central spinal cord processing. The complexity of peripheral organization is supported by (1) the presence of a variety of peripheral receptors and ligands, (2) the probability that differential transport of receptors occurs within dorsal root ganglion cells, and (3) evidence that nociceptive input can be modified and integrated in the periphery before being transmitted centrally. It is hoped that unraveling the complexities of peripheral sensory processing will lead to new insights for pain therapy.
Estimating transport-shifted acid dew-point surface temperatures and conditions for the avoidance of acid mists in energy recovery operations

Abstract The availability of acid dew-point correlations (for flue gases containing the precursors of sulfuric-, nitric-, hydrochloric acids, etc.) that directly relate T w , dp to the participating species partial pressures (e.g., Banchero and Verhoff, 1975 , Verhoff and Banchero, 1974 ) without the explicit need for liquid phase thermodynamic properties has led to their popularity for preliminary design estimates of onset surface temperatures for corrosive deposits. Despite the fact that these correlations cannot be used when either or both precursor partial pressures become too small, when they are invoked within their intended domains of validity, we show here that they can be conveniently used to not only quickly estimate acid dew-point temperatures in the presence of unavoidable gas phase precursor species Soret separation effects, but also to provide preliminary estimates of the surface temperatures, T w , AMO , associated with the local onset of acid mists in the vicinity of cooled surfaces. Our present simple theoretical/numerical methods are illustrated for the most familiar case of sulfuric acid deposits. While we indicate that increased accuracy and generality will require a more fundamental approach in which condensate thermodynamic non-ideality is explicitly introduced, we show here that prudent use of these earlier engineering correlations can lead to immediately useful preliminary estimates of both transport-shifted T w , dp - and T w , AMO - values .
Near-Realistic Motion Video Games with Enforced Activity

Human activity monitoring, through the use of body-wearable sensors, allows for many exciting possibilities, from gaming, to exercise, to preventative health care, where childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. The rapidly increasing nature of this trend requires serious thought at targeting its causes and finding solutions. One major influence is video gaming and the hours of sedentary behavior associated with it. In this paper, we present our system for enforcing physical activity of humans playing video games with our body-worn sensor system as the controller. Body movements are communicated with the host computer that calculates physical activity via the metabolic equivalent of task, and runs signal processing algorithms to classify and enforce movements. A user study was conducted to validate the effectiveness and realism of the system while playing an actual video game and data was collected from these same users in order to verify the accuracy of our system. The results show a system that not only allows physical activity, but also enforces it, leading to healthier gaming and accurate motion analysis.
A comparison of Aβ amyloid pathology staging systems and correlation with clinical diagnosis

Current neuropathological Alzheimer’s disease (AD) criteria from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association (NIA-AA) incorporate two staging systems for Aβ pathology, namely the Thal Aβ phase (TAP) and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) methods. The goal of this study was to compare and contrast results obtained with these two different staging systems for Aβ pathology since this is critical for future correlations of Aβ amyloid imaging data with Aβ neuropathology data based on immunohistochemical detection of Aβ deposits. A total of 123 cases, divided into 82 training and 41 validation cases, with a diagnosis of either unremarkable adult brain (normal) or AD and CERAD scores ranging from none to frequent were included. There was no clear and consistent relationship between CERAD and the TAP Aβ scores with the exception of scores for the highest plaque burdens (i.e., CERAD C3 and TAP A3) in the cases studied here. However, we developed an algorithm that relates CERAD scores to TAP scores with high agreement (94 % in training and 98 % in the validation set). In addition, TAP scores were a better predictor of dementia (sensitivity of 94 % specificity 87.7 %) than CERAD scores (sensitivity of 57 % specificity 100 %). Yet, further research is needed to define strategies to relate CERAD and TAP Aβ plaque scores to compare their utility and for determining the clinical associations of these different amyloid staging systems with aging and AD.
A (nearly) machine independent software system for micro and mini computers

UCSD PASCAL is a complete interactive software system for small computers, yet it offers many features normally found only on medium and large scale machines. It is designed to operate, with minimal adaptation, on most micro or mini computers based on 8-bit bytes and/or 16-bit words. Supported versions are available for use on machines based on the Digital Equipment LSI-11 or other PDP-11 processors, and on the 8080 and Z80 microprocessors. Having first been sent to users in August, 1977, the system is now in use on approximately 60 mainframes using these processors, and the list of users has started to grow rapidly.
Charged global monopoles

A model containing a global SO(3) scalar isovector coupled to a local U(1) complex scalar field is investigated. It is argued that there exists a parameter range for which the complex scalar is coaxed out of its vacuum state in the core of a global monopole and gives rise to a charged global monopole. The estimated maximum charge for a quantum mechanically stable configuration has the potential for being quite large, and the Abelian Coulombic force can rival the strength of the Goldstone force within a finite range outside the core of the monopole. The possibility is explored that a global antimonopole and a global monopole with like charges can form a meson'' bound state. It is found, however, that owing to pair creation of light charged particles the monopoles will lose charge (unless there exists a parameter fine tuning), thus causing the mesons to decay, if they form at all.
Role of medical screening in the prevention of occupational disease

Some occupational medical screening programs are designed to detect adverse health effects of workplace hazards and to complement environmental control programs. Often, programs are developed using the approach of clinical practice, and procedures are not adequately standardized. The logic that guides this decision making is not well developed, thus limiting the ability of occupational health practitioners to make defensible decisions regarding the management of individual workers at risk. Although the programs are, in theory, constructed to benefit the worker, little thought has been given to standardization of data collection and to using the medical information that is obtained. Currently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is developing recommendations to present to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to be used in the development of a "generic approach" to screening. These recommendations will include guidelines for threshold exposure levels for screening, rosters of screenable health effects to be targeted, algorithms linking exposure and effects, criteria for test result evaluation, plans for courses of action after testing, and procedures to ensure confidentiality. NIOSH's comprehensive approach to developing occupational screening programs should benefit employees, employers, the scientific community, and the community at large.
Corrosion of Steel in Cracked Concrete

Abstract Corrosion of steel in concrete is studied typically in uncracked concrete. In the field, however, concrete often has cracks that extend to the reinforcing steel. Electrochemical corrosion ...
Test scheduling and control for VLSI built-in self-test

The test scheduling problem for equal length and unequal length tests for VLSI circuits using built-in self-test (BIST) has been modeled. A hierarchical model for VLSI circuit testing is introduced. The test resource sharing model from C. Kime and K. Saluja (1982) is employed to exploit the potential parallelism. Based on this model, very efficient suboptimum algorithms are proposed for defining test schedules for both the equal length test and unequal length test cases. For the unequal length test case, three different scheduling disciplines are defined, and scheduling algorithms are given for two of the three cases. Data on algorithm performance are presented. The issue of the control of the test schedule is also addressed, and a number of structures are proposed for implementation of control. >
The picard group of a reduced G-Algebra

A reduced G-algebra is a reduced graded algebra over a field K which is finitely generated by forms of various degrees. For A a reduced G-algebra and B its seminormalization we give the calculation Pic(A)=BA if characteristic k=0 and a similar calculation if B/A has finite dimension as a k-vector space. In the course of this computation we describe and characterize projective A-modules of rank 1. The key is the observation that Pic(A) is a W(k)-module where W(k) is the ring of Witt vectors over k.
Feasibility of a Low-Cost Instrumented Trocar for Universal Surgical Procedure Analyses

The current path to become a surgeon follows the Halstedjan model of apprentice-style training, in which a resident remains under the shadow of a senior surgeon [1,2]. The resident starts by observing the surgeon and then gradually moves on to assist him. Though the process provides immediate mentor feedback through one-on-one interaction, it fails to carry out a systematic and consistent evaluation. All of the assessment is based on a senior surgeon’s subjective appraisal. Moreover, the requirement of performing a real procedure under the supervision of an experienced surgeon puts extra financial pressure on the medical school curriculum [2]. The advent and advancement of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have made mastering such skills even more difficult, particularly psychomotor. Due to the increased complexity in required surgical skills and due to a need for a more consistent and systematic evaluation, there has been an increasing demand for an objective assessment of surgical skill. Studies in the past have examined motion analyses of surgeon’s hands and tool with a structured checklist to conclude that the motion analyses can serve as one of the measures for objectively assessing surgical skill [3]. A considerable amount of work has been done in the past to develop systems for tracking minimally invasive surgical tools. However, there does not exist a system that can be easily deployed to all three environments, i.e., virtual reality, physical benchtop, and operating room (OR). Most of these systems are only applicable to either virtual reality or physical benchtop training environment. There is only one system, Waseda bioinstrumentation 3, that can be applied in the OR. However, even that system is not validated yet and has an intrusive setup. Moreover, these systems can be very expensive with the average price ranging from $20,000 to $30,000. Hence, there is a strong need for a low-cost, noninvasive means to quantitatively discriminate surgical skill in a manner universally applicable to all environments and various surgical modalities like robotic, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries. This work presents the feasibility of such a system. Notably, we evaluate the feasibility of jerk cost as a low-cost alternative to skill evaluation. We hypothesize it can discriminate skill without expensive position tracking. 2 Methods
Using simplified watershed hydrology to define spatially explicit ‘zones of influence’

Riparian areas represent dynamic spatial gradients characterized by a varying degree of terrestrial–aquatic interaction. Many studies have considered riparian zones to be discrete watershed sub-portions (e.g., 100-m riparian buffers), whereas I introduce ‘zones of influence’ that are subsets of the riparian zone. The purpose of this study is to introduce the concept of hydrologically defined influence zones using a simple hydrologic model to delimit land-cover. I describe a method for identifying zones of influence using watershed hydrologic patterns to delimit zones along a near-stream continuum between a downstream point (e.g., sample reach) and the watershed boundary. Using hydrologic modeling equations and GIS, travel time was calculated for every 30 × 30-m cell in 10 watersheds providing spatially explicit estimates of watershed hydrology and enabling us to calculate the travel time required for rainfall in any watershed cell to reach the watershed terminus. Shorter-duration travel times (i.e., 30–60 min) described smaller areas than longer-duration travel times (i.e., 210–300 min). This method is an alternative method to delimit near stream areas when quantifying watershed influence.
Comparative enterprise and economic systems

An interesting tale hangs on the topic of this paper. When Werner Sombart published the third part of his Modern Capitalism,’ he intermingled economic history and theory with economic systems, but failed to indicate clearly the role of each. In his subsequent, more systematic work, he distinguished economic systems from economic orders. While the orders contained the historical characteristics of particular economic systems, the systems tried to give an analysis of the interactions between economic aspirations, organizations and technology.’ Yet this of similar distinctions heid no appeal for the economic theorists of his day. Frank Knight found Sombart an exceedingly bad theorist, partly because he rejected Say’s Law, and an economic historian of l&s than average qualifications. In Knight’s judgment, only the w6ik of Max Weber was acceptable “as comparative history in a broad sense.“3 When Fred Nussbaum prepared a coddensed version of Sombart’s work on capitalism, he translated it into a straight Ht3lory of the Economic Zmtitutior6 of Moderti Europe,” eliminating most of the systemiccontributions of Sort$a.rt. As a result of this mainly negative reception, a translatjon of Som-
Impact of Nonmeasurable Borders and Variation in Cross-Section Counts on Intravascular Ultrasound Measurement of Atherosclerotic Plaque Volume

The inability to measure borders and variation in the number of 1-mm cross sections acquired from an identical length of vessel in serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) pullbacks represents potential errors in calculating volumes by IVUS. In a clinical IVUS trial, the percentage of nonmeasurable lumen and external elastic membrane borders, and the percent variation in the number of 1-mm cross sections acquired from an identical vessel length at 2 separate time points, were determined. A statistical model that simulated the effect of varying the percentage of the total number of cross sections in a pullback (i.e., sample fraction) was developed using SAS software. Mean and maximum errors for calculation of atheroma volume for each sample fraction were determined. The mean percentage of nonmeasurable lumen and external elastic membrane borders in an individual patient was 8.4 ± 8.4% and 17.4 ± 18.4%, respectively. Mean variation in the number of 1-mm cross sections acquired in serial studies was 5.6 ± 6.2%. A decrease in sample fraction from 95% to 50% was associated with a linear increase in the mean and maximum errors in atheroma volume, from 2.0 ± 0.9% and 5.9 ± 3.0%, to 7.1 ± 2.8% and 23.4 ± 10.3%, respectively. Thus, nonmeasurable borders and variation in the number of 1-mm cross sections acquired from an identical length of vessel in serial studies are real considerations in clinical IVUS trials. However, given the reported incidence of these considerations in this clinical trial, our statistical model suggests that the impact of each of these considerations on atheroma volume calculation is small.
Generating, integrating, and activating thesauri for concept-based document retrieval

A blackboard-based document management system that uses a neural network spreading-activation algorithm which lets users traverse multiple thesauri is discussed. Guided by heuristics, the algorithm activates related terms in the thesauri and converges of the most pertinent concepts. The system provides two control modes: a browsing module and an activation module that determine the sequence of operations. With the browsing module, users have full control over which knowledge sources to browse and what terms to select. The system's query formation; the retrieving, ranking and selection of documents; and thesaurus activation are described. >
Evolution in the management of inverted papilloma

In the late 1990s, I completed my Triological thesis, which focused on the treatment of inverted papilloma of the nose and sinuses. In this large-scale review, over 1700 cases were examined in the literature to evaluate demographic and histopathologic patterns in this uncommon neoplasm, as well as to identify trends in its diagnosis and management. With the rapid establishment of endoscopic sinus surgery as the operative treatment of choice for chronic sinus disease, it was clear from my review that inverted papillomas were being treated on an increasingly frequent basis with endoscopic techniques. Interestingly, emerging data from recent publications demonstrated that use of these endoscopic procedures led to recurrence rates similar to those obtained by older, well-established surgical methods. When I submitted the manuscript based on my thesis for consideration of publication, one editorial comment was returned that will continue to resonate loudly in my ears: "If these findings are published in our literature it will be dangerous." There was obviously a clear concern among members of our specialty that endoscopic sinus surgery had no role in the management of inverted papilloma!
Design and Evaluation of a Single Passage Test Model to Obtain Turbine Airfoil Film Cooling Effectiveness Data

A single passage test model has been designed to simulate the mainstream aerodynamics between two adjacent turbine airfoils and to measure the film cooling effectiveness from coolant injection on the pressure and suction sides of the airfoils. Film cooling tests were run on the model using a gas concentration/mass transfer technique with a foreign gas as the coolant to match density ratio. Aspects of the design and test are discussed including the use of a two-dimensional inviscid flow analysis to design boundary layer bleeds upstream of the pressure- and suction-side airfoil surfaces. Results of two- and three-dimensional viscous flow analyses that were used to evaluate various design features including inlet bellmouth, boundary layer bleeds, adjustable tailboards and model backpressure are presented. Aerodynamic and film cooling effectiveness test measurements made with the model will show that the model flow field can be controlled to match results from a previous thermal cascade test.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Exploring the interrelationships between the design and evaluation of interactive systems

While much research has focused on the design of interactive systems and much research has focused on the evaluation of interactive systems, less work has addressed both the design and evaluation of interactive systems together. While having evaluation inform design and having design inform evaluation is a goal that few would disagree with, how this might be done has not been extensively addressed. The evaluation community (often labeled the usability community) focuses primarily on the evaluation of designed artifacts while the design community focuses primarily on the design of artifacts that will be evaluated later. Design and evaluation both share the common goal of usability but each takes a different path in trying to achieve it. Our goal is to further explore the relationships between design and evaluation in an attempt to understand how they can be brought together meaningfully.
Peeling the yeast protein network

A set of highly connected proteins (or hubs) plays an important role for the integrity of the protein interaction network of Saccharomyces cerevisae by connecting the network's intrinsic modules [1, 2]. The importance of the hubs' central placement is further confirmed by their propensity to be lethal. However, although highly emphasized, little is known about the topological coherence among the hubs. Applying a core decomposition method which allows us to identify the inherent layer structure of the protein interaction network, we find that the probability of nodes both being essential and evolutionary conserved successively increases toward the innermost cores. While connectivity alone is often not a sufficient criterion to assess a protein's functional, evolutionary and topological relevance, we classify nodes as globally and locally central depending on their appearance in the inner or outer cores. The observation that globally central proteins participate in a substantial number of protein complexes which display an elevated degree of evolutionary conservation allows us to hypothesize that globally central proteins serve as the evolutionary backbone of the proteome. Even though protein interaction data are extensively flawed, we find that our results are very robust against inaccurately determined protein interactions.
Probes of large-scale structure in the Corona Borealis region.

The present redshift survey of the Corona Borealis region encompasses redshifts, magnitudes and positions for 83 galaxies covering a 16.4 sq deg region; a complementary survey covers 39.2 sq deg, is complete to m(B)0 of 15.5, and encompasses 37 galaxies. The combined survey furnishes further support for the 'bubble-like' geometry revealed by the shallower CfA survey. The redshift distribution obtained is noted to be very similar to that in the neighboring Bootes region. The structure of voids and surfaces in the galaxy distribution is insensitive to luminosity for M(B)0 of less than about -17.4.
Feminist Humor: Who Appreciates It and Why?.

Despite popular-media claims that feminists lack a sense of humor, there has been little actual research investigating feminist humor and people's reactions to it. Three experiments investigated reactions to humorous feminist slogans that subjects classified into thematic categories. Subjects in Experiment 1 were females and males, over 30 years old, who considered themselves feminists or strongly sympathetic toward feminism. Experiment 2 used female and male undergraduates, under 30 years old, with varying levels of sympathy towards feminism. Subjects in Experiment 3 were students enrolled in the 6th, 8th, and 10th grades of a summer enrichment program for academically gifted students. The females in Experiment 1 gave the highest humor ratings, while the females in the second experiment gave the lowest ratings. In Experiment 3, sex differences in humor ratings were not reliable, but ratings of the extent to which subjects agreed with the slogans were higher for females than for males. The results of the ...
Sediment and Phosphorus Transport in Irrigation Furrows

Sediment and phosphorus (P) in agricultural runoff can impair water quality in streams, lakes, and rivers. We studied the factors affecting P transfer and transport in irrigated furrows in six freshly tilled fallow fields, 110 to 180 m long with 0.007 to 0.012 m m' slopes without the interference of raindrops or sheet flow that occur during natural or simulated rain. The soil on all fields was Portneuf silt loam (coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Durinodic Xeric Haplocalcids). Flow rate, sediment concentration, and P concentrations were monitored at four, equally spaced locations in each furrow. Flow rate decreased with distance down the furrow as water infiltrated. Sediment concentration varied with distance and time with no set pattern. Total P concentrations related directly to sediment concentrations (r2 = 0.75) because typically >90% of the transported P was particulate P, emphasizing the need to control erosion to reduce P loss. Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) concentrations decreased with time at a specific furrow site but increased with distance down the furrow as contact time with soil and suspended sediment increased. The DRP concentration correlated better with sediment concentration than extractable furrow soil P concentration. However, suspended sediment concentration tended to not affect DRP concentration later in the irrigation (>2 h). These results indicate that the effects of soil P can be overshadowed by differences in flow hydraulics, suspended sediment loads, and non-equilibrium conditions.
Seasonal patterns in soil surface CO2 flux under snow cover in 50 and 300 year old subalpine forests

Soil CO2 flux can contribute as much as 60-80% of total ecosystem respiration in forests. Although considerable research has focused on quantifying this flux during the growing season, comparatively little effort has focused on non-growing season fluxes. We measured soil CO2 efflux through snow in 50 and � 300 year old subalpine forest stands near Fraser CO. Our objectives were to quantify seasonal patterns in wintertime soil CO2 flux; determine if differences in soil CO2 flux between the two forest ages during the growing season persist during winter; and to quantify the sample size necessary to discern treatment differences. Soil CO2 flux during the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 snow season averaged 0.31 and 0.35 lmols m � 2 s � 1 for the young and old forests respectively; similar to the relative difference observed during summer. There was a significant seasonal pattern of soil CO2 flux during the winter with fluxes averaging 0.22 lmols m � 2 s � 1 in December and January and increasing to an average of 0.61 lmols m � 2 s � 1 in May. Within-plot variability for measurements used in calculating flux was low. The coefficients of variation (CV) for CO2 concentration, snowpack density, and snow depth were 17, 8 and 14%, respectively, yielding a CV for flux measurements within-plot of 29%. A within plot CV of 29% requires 8 sub-samples per plot to estimate the mean flux with a standard error of ±10% of the mean. Variability in CO2 flux estimates among plots (size = 400 m 2 ) was similar to that within plot and was also low (CV = � 28%). With a CV of 28% among plots, ten plots per treatment would have a 50% probability of detecting a 25% difference in treatment means for a = 0.05.
Dependence of diatomic photofragment fluorescence polarization on triatomic predissociation lifetime

When a triatomic molecule, ABC, is dissociated by a beam of light to yield an electronically excited diatomic molecule, AB*, the degree of linear polarization of the AB* photofragment flourescence depends in general on the lifetime of the excited parent molecule, ABC*. Analytical expressions are developed for the polarization of diatomic flourescence as a function of predissociation lifetime. These calculations are carried out under the assumptions that: (a) the absorption and emission transition dipole moments can be replaced by classical hertzian dipole oscillators; (b) the AB* fragment rotates in the plane of the ABC* parent at the time of dissociation; and (c) the motion of the ABC* parent can be approximated by the classical motion of a prolate or oblate symmetric top.
Robust FSK sinusoidal frequency estimation

It a relatively short frequency shift keyed (FSK) sinusoidal burst signal is available for analysis, transient effects within the analysis window may be detrimental to linear predictive model based frequency estimation methods such as the forward-backward linear predictive technique. Signal transients are manifested as spikes within the residual vector produced from a linear predictive based approach to frequency estimation. For such cases, it is demonstrated that a robust estimator, such as an estimator generated via an L/sub 1/ normed error criterion, can produce less biased frequency estimates. Additionally, it is shown that sinusoidal frequency estimates generated via an L/sub 1/ normed solution are insensitive to initial signal phase in contrast to least squares based estimates. It is demonstrated that a robust Wigner distribution can be estimated based upon the ideas presented in this paper. >
Contrasting effects of hemiparasites on ecosystem processes: can positive litter effects offset the negative effects of parasitism?

Hemiparasites are known to influence community structure and ecosystem functioning, but the underlying mechanisms are not well studied. Variation in the impacts of hemiparasites on diversity and production could be due to the difference in the relative strength of two interacting pathways: direct negative effects of parasitism and positive effects on N availability via litter. Strong effects of parasitism should result in substantial changes in diversity and declines in productivity. Conversely, strong litter effects should result in minor changes in diversity and increased productivity. We conducted field-based surveys to determine the association of Castillejaoccidentalis with diversity and productivity in the alpine tundra. To examine litter effects, we compared the decomposition of Castilleja litter with litter of four other abundant plant species, and examined the decomposition of those four species when mixed with Castilleja. Castilleja was associated with minor changes in diversity but almost a twofold increase in productivity and greater foliar N in co-occurring species. Our decomposition trials suggest litter effects are due to both the rapid N loss of Castilleja litter and the effects of mixing Castilleja litter with co-occurring species. Castilleja produces litter that accelerates decomposition in the alpine tundra, which could accelerate the slow N cycle and boost productivity. We speculate that these positive effects of litter outweigh the effects of parasitism in nutrient-poor systems with long-lived hemiparasites. Determining the relative importance of parasitism and litter effects of this functional group is crucial to understand the strong but variable roles hemiparasites play in affecting community structure and ecosystem processes.
Nuclear integrations of mitochondrial DNA in gorillas.

Great ape systematics, particularly at the species level and below, is currently under debate, due in part to the recent influx of molecular data. The phylogenies of previously published mitochondrial control region (or D-loop) DNA sequences in gorillas show deep splits within West African gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), and very high levels of nucleotide diversity in this subspecies. Here we demonstrate that several previously reported D-loop haplotypes from West African gorillas are in all likelihood nuclear integrations of mitochondrial DNA. Revised estimates of the amount and pattern of mitochondrial DNA diversity in gorillas are provided, revealing two reciprocally monophyletic and highly divergent groups of gorillas, concurrent with their geographic distribution. Am. J. Primatol. 63:139–147, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Superconducting Horizontal Bend Magnet for the Jefferson Lab's 11 GeV/c Super High Momentum Spectrometer

A collaboration between NSCL and Jlab has developed the reference design and coil winding for Jlab's Super High Momentum Spectrometer (SHMS) horizontal bend magnet. A warm iron ?C? type superferric dipole magnet will bend the 12 GeV/c particles horizontally by 3° to allow the SHMS to reach angles as low as 5.5°. This requires an integral field strength of up to 2.1 T.m. The major challenges are the tight geometry, high and unbalanced forces and a required low fringe field in primary beam path. A coil design based on flattened SSC Rutherford cable that provides a large current margin and commercially available fiberglass prepreg epoxy tape has been developed. A complete test coil has been wound and will be cold tested. This paper present the modified magnet design includes coil forces, coil restraint system and fringe field. In addition, coil properties, quench calculations and the full mechanical details are also presented.
Comments on: Algorithms for linear programming with linear complementarity constraints

This paper addresses the solution of linear programming problems that further incorporate complementarity restrictions involving designated pairs of complementary variables, as well as its generalization where the objective function is a nonlinear continuously differentiable function. Such problems subsume mixed linear complementary problems, absolute value programs, the linear bilevel programming problem, and the bilinear programming problem as well as more general nonconvex quadratic programs, among many others. The existing research on these problems focuses on finding strongly stationary points, or more general B-stationary points, both of which are necessary characterizations for local minima. However, computing B-stationary points is more combinatorial since it involves characterizing solutions that turn out to be Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) points for an entire family of nonlinear programs. In special nondegenerate cases (where at least one of each complementary pair is nonzero in any complementary solution) or under a special linear independence constraint qualification, B-stationary points also turn out to be strongly stationary. Among several algorithms for computing such strongly stationary or B-stationary points, the most competitive method to-date is a complementary active-set algorithm (CASET) and its advanced variants. In several studies, it has been verified that this procedure works well, even for degenerate problems, outperforming other nonlinear programming approaches such as penalty methods, non-smooth optimization techniques, interior point methods, and sequential quadratic programming algorithms. The CASET algorithm requires an initial complementary feasible solution to start with, which can always be computed by using an enumerative method.
Preorganization in biological systems: Are conformational constraints worth the energy?

It is generally assumed that preorganizing a flexible ligand in the three-dimensional shape it adopts when bound to a macromolecular receptor will provide a derivative having an increased binding affinity, primarily because the rigidified molecule is expected to benefit from a lesser entropic penalty during complexation. We now provide the first experimental evidence that demonstrates this common belief is not universally true. Indeed, we find that ligand preorganization may be accompanied by an unfavorable entropy of binding, even when the constrained ligand exhibits a higher binding affinity than its flexible control. Thus, the effects that ligand preorganization have upon energetics and structure in protein-ligand interactions must be reevaluated.
Challenges of organizational learning: perpetuation of discrimination against employees with disabilities.

This article examines why organizations struggle with learning how to prevent discrimination against their employees with disabilities. To explore this issue, qualitative archival data were collected and analyzed from 53 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuits filed against 44 organizations. Theoretical analysis of the qualitative data suggests that several organizationally based learning theories explain the difficulty organizations have with creating a disability-friendly work environment. These barriers to learning are embedded in complex defense mechanisms and discriminatory organizational routines. Furthermore, organizations have difficulties engaging in higher-order and vicarious learning. We conclude the article with examples of successful learning practices as they relate to barriers identified in the qualitative analysis. Copyright # 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Female mice lacking p47phox have altered adipose tissue gene expression and are protected against high fat-induced obesity

The current study was designed to determine if the NADPH-oxidase NOX2 plays a role in development of obesity after high fat feeding. Wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking the essential cytosolic NOX...
3. Contraceptive Use Among Emerging Adult College Women: Results From a National Survey

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. August 2013. Major: Nursing. Advisor: Renee Sieving, PhD, RN, FSAHM. 1 computer file (PDF); xvi, 146 pages, appendix p. 146.
Uncompleted emergency department care: patients who leave against medical advice.

Objectives: To compare the patient characteristics, clinical conditions, and short-term recidivism rates of emergency department (ED) patients who leave against medical advice (AMA) with those who leave with- out being seen (LWBS) or complete their ED care. Results: Patients who left AMA were significantly more likely to be uninsured or covered by Medicaid com- pared with those admitted or discharged (p < 0.001). The AMA visit rates were highest for nausea and vom- iting (9.7%), abdominal pain (7.9%), and nonspecific chest pain (7.6%). During the 30-day follow-up period, patients who left AMA had significantly higher emergent hospitalization and ED discharge visit rates com- pared with each of the other study groups (p < 0.001). Insurance status, male gender, and higher acuity level were also associated with a significantly higher emergent hospitalization rate. Conclusions: Patients who leave AMA may do so prematurely, as evidenced by higher emergent hospital- ization rates compared with those who LWBS or complete their care. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2007; 14:870-876 a 2007 by the Society for Academic Emergency
Control of mechanical systems with classical nonholonomic constraints

A theoretical framework for the control of mechanical systems with m>or=1 classical nonholonomic constraints is established. In particular, the authors emphasize certain control properties for mechanical systems with nonholonomic constraints that have no counterpart in systems with holonomic constraints are emphasized. Conditions for smooth stabilization, of an m-dimensional equilibrium manifold are presented, and it is demonstrated that smooth stabilization of a single equilibrium solution is not possible. The development is illustrated using two physical examples: the control of a knife edge moving on a plane surface and the control of a wheel rolling without slipping on a plane surface. The physical significance of the theoretical results is described for these examples. >
Concurrent validity of the MAE visual naming test

Deficient confrontation naming has been observed in a number of neurological illnesses, as well as in aphasia and normal aging. The Visual Naming Test (VNT) of the Multilingual Aphasia Examination (MAE) is a standardized measure of confrontation naming. One hundred patients, consecutively referred for neuropsychological evaluation, were administered the VNT, Boston Naming Test (BNT), and WAIS-R. Concurrent validity of the two confrontation naming measures was demonstrated by their high intertest agreement. Performance on the VNT was found to be related to a unique ability separate from general intellectual functioning. Suggestions regarding the clinical use of the VNT are discussed.
The Impact Of Cultural Differences On The Effectiveness Of Advertisements On The Internet: A Comparison Among The United States, China, And Germany

Hall and Hall (1990) classify German culture as a low-context culture, American culture as a medium/low-context culture, and Chinese culture as a high-context culture. A low-context culture is one where the words contain most of the information needed and there is little need to rely on the context of the events/message to help interpreting the meaning of the message/events. In contrast, a high-context culture is one where the context of the message is as important as or even more important than the words. This paper focuses on selected cultural differences among Germany, United States, and China, and the impact of these differences on the various aspects of consumer behavior. Specifically, it is focusing on the impact of cultural context on the effectiveness of the different styles of advertising.
Gate Sizing Under Uncertainty

We present a gate sizing approach to efficiently utilize gate switching activity (SA) and gate input vector control leakage (IVC) uncertainty factors in the objective function in order enable more efficient power and speed yield trade-offs. Our algorithm conducts iterative gate freezing and unlocking with cut-based search for the most beneficial gate sizes under delay constraints. In an iterative flow, we interchangeably conduct gate sizing and IVC refinement to adapt to new circuit configurations. We evaluate our approach on benchmarks in 45 nm technology and demonstrate up to 62 % (29 % avg.) energy savings compared to a traditional objective function that does not consider SA and IVC. We further adapt our approach to optimize yield objectives by addressing processing variation (PV). Significant improvements were achieved under identical timing yield targets of up to 84 % max (55 % avg.) and 74 % max (25 % avg.) mean-power savings for selected ISCAS-85 and ITC-99 benchmarks, respectively.
Abstract 92: Sirtuin 2 mediated-deacetylation regulates cellular iron homeostasis

Background: Sirtuins (SIRTs) are NAD+-dependent deacetylases, which regulate energy metabolism and response to oxidative stress in the heart. Iron is essential for these processes but is toxic when present in excess. However, whether SIRTs are involved in maintaining cellular iron homeostasis is not known. SIRT2 is among the least characterized SIRTs and is mainly present in the cytoplasm. We hypothesized that SIRT2 is required for cellular iron homeostasis. Methods and Results: Iron content was significantly lower in SIRT2-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to SIRT2+/+ MEFs (non-heme iron: 0.073 vs. 0.060 nmol/μg protein, p=0.02), andlevels of ferroportin-1 (FPN1), the major cellular iron exporter, was significantly increased in SIRT2-/- MEFs. Similarly, silencing SIRT2 in HepG2 cells decreased cellular iron levels and increased FPN1 expression, indicating that enhanced FPN1 with SIRT2 downregulation drove iron export and caused a reduction in cellular iron levels. Furthermore, iron export as...
Extent and role of multisegmental coupling in the Lamprey spinal locomotor pattern generator.

Timing of oscillatory activity along the longitudinal body axis is critical for locomotion in the lamprey and other elongated animals. In the lamprey spinal locomotor central pattern generator (CPG...
The effects of estrogens on the bone marrow of adult female dogs.

followed by a corresponding shift to the right. These injections also produced a slight liver damage. Although the time required to produce death varied with each animal, a daily dose of �.o mg. of estrogen ultimately killed the dog. Except for the work of Arnold and his co-workers, little attention has been given changes in the bone marrow as a result of estrogen injections. Accordingly, this experiment was performed to describe the changes produced by estrogens in the bone marrow of adult female dogs. METHODS Adult female dogs of 8-u kilograms body weight were used in this study. Each dog was trained to stay on the dog board and blood was removed from femoral vessels without anesthesia. Erythrocyte and white cell counts were made with U. S. certified pipets and the improved Neubauer counting chamber. Smears were made with the two-coverglass technic and differential counts were made on 2.00 cells. Hemoglobin determinations were made with a Hellige hemometer. Bone marrows were studied in the following manner. The whole femur was re. .
Association of clinical diagnostic tests and dry eye surveys: the NEI-VFQ-25 and the OSDI.

In 1995, the Report of the National Eye Institute/Industry Workshop for Clinical Trials in Dry Eyes defined dry eye as a disorder of the tear film characterized by damage to the interpalpebral ocular surface and symptoms of ocular discomfort. 1 Since then several existing and new surveys have been used to characterize dry eye symptoms: McMonnies’ Dry Eye Questionnaire, 2 The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire3 (NEI- VFQ), The Dry Eye Questionnaire4, Salisbury Eye Evaluation Dry Eye Questionnaire and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
Cholecystokinin octapeptide decreases food intake in white-crowned sparrows

White-crowned sparrows maintained on short days (9:15-h light-dark cycle) were peripherally injected with 1.0, 4.0, and 16 micrograms/kg ip of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). Meal size over the subsequent 30 min was significantly depressed in a dose-dependent fashion. Water intake was not affected. The anorexic effect caused by 4.0 micrograms/kg was attenuated by 100 micrograms/kg of the type-A CCK receptor antagonist MK-329 but not by 300 micrograms/kg of the type-B CCK receptor antagonist L 365,260, suggesting that CCK-induced suppression of food intake in this species is mediated by a CCK-A receptor. Administration of both CCK-A and CCK-B receptor antagonists alone resulted in no change in meal size. These experiments suggest that white-crowned sparrows, when weight stable, respond to CCK-8 in a manner comparable with several mammalian species.