cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytological aspects of fertilization in the lamellibranch, Mytilus edulis. II. Development of the male pronucleus and the association of the maternally and paternally derived chromosomes.

The events of fertilization involving the modifications of the incorporated spermatozoon and the association of the paternally and maternally derived pronuclei have been studied by techniques of light and electron microscopy in the lamellibranch, Mytilus edulis. At the site of gamete plasma membrane fusion a small fertilization cone is produced. As the spermatozoon moves through the fertilization cone, its nuclear envelope degenerates. The degeneration of the nuclear envelope is followed by the dispersion of the sperm chromatin and the formation of the pronuclear envelope. The sperm aster, produced during the formation of the male pronucleus, consists of fasicles of microtubules and endoplasmic reticulum which radiate from a centrosphere region containing two centrioles. When the pronuclei complete their migration toward each other they are structurally similar and contain a fibro-granular nucleoplasm. Eventually, the pronuclei become closely apposed, their proximal surfaces flatten, and produce an array of interdigitating nucleoplasmic projections. Concomitantly, the chromatin condenses and forms large reticular aggregations. Association of the parentally derived chromosomes is effected when the two pronuclear envelopes are dismantled. Microtubules that comprise a portion of the mitotic spindle become associated with the chromosomes as they move together in preparation for the first cleavage division. Hence, like many vertebrates, but unlike sea urchins, no zygotic nucleus is produced.
Modulation of Neuroscretory Granule Mobilization and Neuropeptide Release by Ryanodine Receptors in Neurohypophysial Terminals

The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are contained in large dense core vesicles (LDCV) and are released at the neurohypophysis (NH). The mobilization and translocation of vesicles to exocytotic release sites is modulated by cytosolic Ca2+. Intracellular structures and organelles able to store and release Ca2+ are significant contributors of cytosolic Ca2+. The presence of ryanodine receptors (RyR) in LDCV of NH terminals, coupled with the demonstration that pharmacological activation of these receptors can induce spontaneous focal Ca2+ transients, make them ideal modulators of cytosolic levels of Ca2+, and therefore, vesicle mobilization and subsequent neuropeptide (NP) release.To test this hypothesis, the association of LDCV in an area within 0.45 μm of the plasma membrane was assessed using immunolabeling of Neurophysin I (OT) and II (AVP) along with high stringency deconvolution techniques in isolated NH terminals. We found that the total amount of membrane associated NP-immunoreactivity varies significantly between terminal type; significantly higher in OT than in AVP terminals. This membrane associated distribution pattern can be enhanced by exposure to agonist concentrations (1-5 μM) of ryanodine in OT terminals only. RyR antagonists, 8-Br-cADPR or higher concentrations (>10 μM) of ryanodine had the opposite effect; significantly reducing the amount of OT associated with the membrane area.Additionally, Ca2+-evoked NP release from permeabilized terminals was increased by agonist concentrations of ryanodine and conversely, decreased by antagonist concentrations of this drug. Agonist concentrations of ryanodine were also able to increase the asynchronous phase of low frequency electrically stimulated capacitance increases from isolated NH terminals. Thus, the ryanodine-sensitive mobilization of secretory granules seems to have a functional role in modulating secretion of neuropeptides from NH terminals. [Supported by UMass Grant P60037094900000 (SOM) and NIH Grant NS29470 (JRL)]
OFDM vs. OOK with MLSD for IM/DD systems

We compare the performance of direct-detection OFDM techniques using optimized power allocations to the performance of OOK with MLSD in amplified direct-detection systems using single-mode fiber.
A quantitative comparison of the hominoid thalamus: II. Limbic nuclei anterior principalis and lateralis dorsalis

Structures in the limbic system are commonly thought to be similar in form and function in all mammalian brains. In the study reported here, two thalamic limbic nuclei, N. anterior principles and N. lateralis dorsalis, were compared among a group of extant of extant hominoids. The nuclear volumes, neuronal densities, number of neurons per nucleus, and volumes of neuronal perikarya were measured. Humans have much larger nuclei but the nuclei constitute a similar proportion of the whole thalamus as found in the other hominoids. Whereas the human limbic nuclei were observed to have a decrease in the densities of nerve cells compared with those of the other hominoids, this difference is less than that found in most other thalamic nuclei. Consequently the estimated number of neurons is much higher for humans. The total number of neurons best separates the human limbic nuclei from those of the other hominoids. This preliminary study suggests that during hominid evolution neurons were preferentially added to the limbic nuclei of the thalamus.
An Open Framework for Highly Concurrent Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) real-time simulation is becoming a significant tool in prototyping complex, highly available systems. The HIL approach permits testing of hardware prototypes of components that would be extremely costly or difficult to test in the deployed environment. In power system simulation, key issues are the ability to wrap the systems of equations (such as Partial Differential Equations) describing the deployed environment into real-time software models, provide low synchronization overhead between the hardware and software, and reduce reliance on proprietary platforms. This paper introduces an open source HIL simulation framework that can be ported to any standard Unix-like system on any shared-memory multiprocessor computer, requires minimal operating system scheduler controls, enables an asynchronous user interface, and allows for an arbitrary number of secondary control components. The framework is implemented in a soft real-time HIL simulation of a power transmission network with physical Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices. Performance results are given that demonstrate a low synchronization overhead of the framework.
Human fungal pathogen Candida albicans in the postgenomic era: an overview

Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen and is responsible for candidiasis. Owing to the improvement in healthcare, the number of immunocompromised patients in hospitals has increased worldwide and these individuals are susceptible to infections caused by many pathogenic microbes, among which C. albicans is one of the major players. Currently, the complete genome sequence of this pathogen is available and the size of this was estimated to be of 16 Mb. Annotation of C. albicans genome revealed that there are 6114 open reading frames (ORFs), of which 774 are specific to C. albicans. This poses a challenge as well as an opportunity to the Candida community to understand the functions of the unknown genes, especially those specific to C. albicans. Efforts have been made by the Candida community to systematically delete the ORFs and assign the functions. This will, in turn, help in understanding the biology of C. albicans and its interactions with animals as well as humans, and better drugs can be developed to treat Candida infections. In this article, we review updates on the Candida biology in the context of the availability of the genome sequence, its functional analysis and anti-Candida therapy. Finally, in the light of present trends in Candida research and current challenges, various opportunities are identified and suggestions are made.
Patients perception of self-administrated medication in the treatment of hereditary angioedema.

Abstract Background Early therapy of hereditary angioedema (HAE) decreases morbidity, improves outcomes, decreases absenteeism, and possibly decreases mortality. This can be accomplished best with self-therapy. Previously, the authors examined barriers to self-therapy from the perspective of the nurse and the physician, but data are lacking on what patients perceive as major barriers to self-administered therapy for HAE. Objective To identify those barriers in a prospective fashion by patient interview. Methods After approval from the institutional review board, a telephone survey was performed of patients with HAE from a database of patients who were recently seen in the clinic. The survey focused on anxiety, depression, stress, concerns regarding method of administration, the ability to inject themselves, and what they perceived as barriers to providing self-care. Results Ninety-two patients were contacted and 59 agreed to participate. With 69% of those patients currently undergoing self-administered treatment, the results showed minimal depression and anxiety, a high satisfaction with treatment, and significant compliance with treatment. Most of those not yet on self-administered therapy wanted to start despite being satisfied with the care received in the emergency department. They also believed care at home would be optimal. The main concern of the 2 groups was not being able to treat themselves in the event of an HAE attack. Conclusion From these data, it is obvious that most patients are willing to self-treat. This suggests that physicians should encourage self-treatment of HAE to improve outcomes and quality of life of patients with HAE.
Controllability and stability of matrix difference systems

This work deals with a discrete-time control system having the form of X(n+1) = AX(n)B. We study the effects of the matrix B. We find the general solution X(n) by solving the difference equation. Then we tackle the two important issues of controllability and stability. We found out that with the A matrix having eigenvalues outside the unit disk, we may select matrix B such that the final solution is stable and more importantly asymptotically stable. Proven theorems along with examples are presented.
Optimization of neural network structure and learning parameters using genetic algorithms

Neural network models of semiconductor manufacturing processes offer advantages in accuracy and generalization over traditional methods. However, model development is complicated by the fact that backpropagation neural networks contain several adjustable parameters whose optimal values are initially unknown. These include learning rate, momentum, training tolerance, and the number of hidden layer neurons. This paper investigates the use of genetic algorithms (GAs) to determine the optimal neural network parameters for modeling plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of silicon dioxide films. To find an optimal parameter set for the PECVD models, a performance matrix is defined and used in the GA objective function. This index accounts for both prediction error as well as training error, with a higher emphasis on reducing prediction error. Results of the genetic search are compared with a similar search using the simplex algorithm. The GA search performed approximately 10% better in reducing training error and 66% better in reducing prediction error.
Addict attitudes toward methadone maintenance: a preliminary report.

In the past several years it has become obvious that methadone maintenance is a popular, if not necessary, treatment approach to the problem of heroin addiction. Indeed, many addicts unable to function on a drug-abstinent basis are required, encouraged, or voluntarily request methadone maintenance as a relatively long-term situation. Proponents of this treatment modality point to a reduction in crimes committed, a significant decrease in heroin use, and a rise in steady employment among methadone clients as evidence of its success (Dole, Nyswander, and Warner, 1968; Dole, Robinson, Orraca, Towns, Searcy, and Caine, 1969; Dole, 1971). On the other hand, Brown and his colleagues (1972) sampled staff and client attitudes toward methadone maintenance using the Adjective Check List (Gough and Heilbrun, 1965) and noted that addict-clients may not share the enthusiasm for methadone exhibited by program administrators. Specifically, ratings of client psychological effectiveness and general maturity were found to ...
An experiment in remedial reading

Any attempt by public school teachers to do a piece of research and experimentation without shirking routine duties or getting help from outside sources seems noteworthy. Such efforts are necessary, however, for, unless laboratory methods are undertaken by those in actual contact with children, much of the value of new principles and techniques developed by the aid of foundation funds will be lost. Considered from this standpoint, the project in remedial reading undertaken by the faculties of Fair Street and Pryor Street Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, is unusual. That the initial steps have proved successful is established by the extreme interest taken in the work by both children and patrons. Much good has resulted in awakening the children to a consciousness of their ability to correct their own errors and in proving to the teachers that, under ordinary working conditions, they have developed greater skill in directing learning processes. A comparison of teacher load in the two schools on May 17, 1935, showed Fair Street School with an average of twenty-seven pupils per teacher, exclusive of kindergarten and ungraded classes, while Pryor Street School had an average of thirty-three. At the latter school, double classes, high and low sections of the grade in one room, added to the complexity of the situation, making it almost impossible for another division to be made on the basis of reading ability. It was decided, however, that the teachers of this school would take up the study and undertake as much remedial reading as possible. Faculty meetings were used to bring to light what other people had done and to share the information derived from various books and magazines on methods of teaching reading. The one that proved most helpful was Children Who Cannot Read, by Monroe.' This book was studied intensively and reports were made on all topics discussed by the author. Every teacher who gave a report had prepared it; few words were wasted and the meetings were very interesting, since they had a definite objective in view. Members of the administrative department of the Atlanta Public School System who came expressed approval and always made helpful comments. The various
Point and 5-year period prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia: The Cache county study

Background Neuropsychiatric symptoms are nearly universal in dementia, yet little is known about their longitudinal course in the community. Objective To estimate point and 5-year period prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in an incident sample of 408 dementia participants from the Cache County Study. Methods The Neuropsychiatric Inventory assessed symptoms at baseline and at 1.5 years, 3.0 years, 4.1 years, and 5.3 years. Point prevalence, period prevalence and mean symptom severity at each time point were estimated. Results Point prevalence for delusions was 18% at baseline and 34–38% during the last three visits; hallucinations, 10% at baseline and 19–24% subsequently; agitation/aggression fluctuated between 13% and 24%; depression 29% at baseline and 41–47% subsequently; apathy increased from 20% at baseline to 51% at 5.3 years; elation never rose above 1%; anxiety 14% at baseline and 24–32% subsequently; disinhibition fluctuated between 2% and 15%; irritability between 17% and 27%; aberrant motor behavior gradually increased from 7% at baseline to 29% at 5.3 years. Point prevalence for any symptom was 56% at baseline and 76–87% subsequently. Five-year period prevalence was greatest for depression (77%), apathy (71%), and anxiety (62%); lowest for elation (6%), and disinhibition (31%). Ninety-seven percent experienced at least one symptom. Symptom severity was consistently highest for apathy. Conclusions Participants were most likely to develop depression, apathy, or anxiety, and least likely to develop elation or disinhibition. Give converging evidence that syndromal definitions may more accurately capture neuropsychiatric co-morbidity in dementia, future efforts to validate such syndromes are warranted. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical application and cost analysis of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of mass lesions in sarcoidosis.

Background Sarcoidosis is a prevalent disease of unknown cause characterized by granulomatous inflammation that often creates deep and/or superficial mass lesions. Tissue samples are considered the “gold standard” in diagnosis; however, it is a medically treated disease. We analyzed the utility and relative cost-effectiveness of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the clinical investigation of patients with both suspected and unsuspected sarcoidosis. Methods All FNAB cases with sarcoidosis either as the cytologic diagnosis or mentioned as part of the differential diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed for clinical history, follow-up, cytologic features, and surgical pathology findings. Comparative analysis of cost of FNAB and excisional biopsy were also made. Results Thirty-two FNABs in 28 patients included 17 women and 11 men. Anatomic sites included lymph node (n = 17), lung (n = 5), salivary gland (n = 8), and liver (n = 2). Sarcoidosis had already been diagnosed or was a clinical consideration prior to FNAB in 14 cases. Chest radiograph showed abnormal findings in 19 cases. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was measured in seven patients and was elevated in four. All aspirates showed granulomatous inflammation; in 22 patients, special stains or cultures for microorganisms were negative. Simultaneous or subsequent excisional biopsies confirmed the FNAB findings in 17 patients. Institutional ratios of excisional biopsy to FNAB in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis ranged from 4 to 19:1. The cost of FNAB was only 12.5 to 50% that of tissue biopsy. Conclusions FNAB appears to be underutilized in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. When used in conjunction with radiologic and laboratory data, FNAB may be a reliable and cost-effective method of diagnosis, especially in patients with an established diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Study of Adolescents Who Provide Tobacco to Other Adolescents in a Racial/Ethnic Diverse Population

This study examined the sources of tobacco and the adolescent provision of tobacco to other adolescents in an ethnically/racially diverse, large heterogeneous urban, adolescent population in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A stratified multistage purposive sampling procedure was used to select an ethnically/racially diverse sample, which consisted of 569 students in grades 8-10 in five public and nonpublic funded schools. A logistical regression analysis was used to examine potential predictor variables of adolescent provision of tobacco to other adolescents. Social sources of tobacco were more common than commercial. Gas stations/convenience stores, grocery stores, recreational/sports centers, and pharmacies were the most reported commercial sources. Among adolescent smokers, 46% of smokers gave tobacco to another adolescent. Tobacco was sold (32.2%) and given as a gift (67.8%). Positive correlates of adolescent provision included family availability, best friends and father smoked, purchased cigarettes in the last 30 days, and ownership of tobacco brand merchandise.
Equity REITs and the January Effect

Traditionally, the potential benefits of a particular investment strategy are explored using relatively simple risk and return ratios. In fact, a more complete look at the relative performance of the entire return distribution may be offered through the use of stochastic dominance. In this “academic presentation” the authors use stochastic dominance to provide further evidence of the benefits of equity REITs and the existence of a “January effect.”
A printed circuit board inspection system using artificial neural network

The network is trained to distinguish between correct and faulty PCB assembly boards. The setup consists of a video camera, a robot, and a machine vision system along with an IBM PC. The backpropagation algorithm is used to train the network.
Host conservatism or host specialization? Patterns of fungal diversification are influenced by host plant specificity in Ophiognomonia (Gnomoniaceae: Diaporthales)

In this study evolutionary host plant patterns at ranks from order to species were analysed using spatial evolutionary and ecological vicariance analysis (SEEVA), based on a multigene phylogeny of 45 ascomycete fungal species. The objective was to understand speciation events and host associations in Ophiognomonia (Gnomoniaceae). Species of this genus are perithecial fungi that occur as endophytes, pathogens, and latent saprobes on plants in the families of Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Malvaceae, Platanaceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, and Sapindaceae. A second objective was to determine whether speciation events are influenced by host conservatism, host specialization, or host switching at different taxonomic host ranks. Host differences between sister clades were interpreted using the divergence index (D) from the SEEVA analysis, ranging from 0 for no divergence to 1 for maximum possible divergence. Several fungal subclades showed clear patterns of host order/family conservatism (D = 1.00) for hosts in Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, and Rosaceae. Clear trends of host specialization at host genus and species ranks (D = 1.00) were suggested within these host families. Independent host jumps were observed for two species at the family rank and three at the order rank. As a result of this study, host specificity and specialization is hypothesized as a mechanism that can strongly contribute to speciation patterns in fungal pathogens. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111, 1–16.
Development and characterization of simple sequence repeats for flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida L.)

Abundant, codominant simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers can be used for constructing genetic linkage maps and in marker-assisted breeding programs. Enrichment methods for SSR motifs were optimized with the ultimate aim of developing numerous loci in flowering dogwood (C. florida L.) genome. Small insert libraries using four motifs (GT, CT, TGG, and AAC) were constructed with C. florida ‘Cherokee Brave’ deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Colony polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 2,208 selected clones with three primers we reported previously indicated that 47% or 1,034 of the clones harbored one of the four targeted SSR motifs. Sequencing the putative positive clones confirmed that nearly 99% (1,021 of 1,034) of them contained the desired motifs. Of the 871 unique SSR loci, 617 were dinucleotide repeats (70.8%), and 254 were trinucleotide or longer repeats (29.2%). In total, 379 SSR loci had perfect structure, 237 had interrupted, and 255 had compound structure. Primer pairs were designed from 351 unique sequences. The ability of the 351 SSR primer pairs to amplify specific loci was evaluated with genomic DNA of ‘Appalachian Spring’ and ‘Cherokee Brave’. Of these primers, 311 successfully amplified product(s) with ‘Cherokee Brave’ DNA, 21 produced weak or faint products, and 19 did not amplify any products. Additionally, 218 of the 311 primers pairs revealed polymorphisms between the two cultivars, and 20 out of 218 primers detected an average of 13.7 alleles from 38 selected Cornus species and hybrids. These SSR loci constitute a valuable resource of ideal markers for both genetic linkage mapping and gene tagging of flowering dogwood.
Late Miocene—Pliocene (Magnetic Epoch 9—Gilbert Magnetic Epoch) calcium-carbonate stratigraphy of the equatorial Pacific Ocean: Summary

Calcium-carbonate accumulation patterns in the deep ocean are determined by the surface water, by dissolution in under-saturated deep water, and by postdepositional addition or removal by currents (Arrhenius, 1952; Berger, 1970; Broecker, 1971). In the eastern equatorial Pacific, downcore variations in Pleistoncene calcium-carbonate concentrations have been shown to be disolution cycles (Arrhenius, 1952, Hays and other, 1969; Saito and others, 1975) which have been correlated to the glacial-interglacial cycles of oxygen-isotope stratigraphy (Emiliani, 1955, Adelseck and Anderson, 1978). Extension of these dissolution cycles back to the Miocene-Pliocene bounday has been attemped (Kaneps, 1973b), but lack of data from Miocene samples has precluded further efforts of this type. SITE DESCRIPTIONS The CENOP project has undertaken the study of the late Miocene ocean, about 7 m.y. before the present, at a time when the Antarctic was glaciated. Based on faunal, floral, and oxygen-isotopic evidence, this was a time of relatively stable oceanographic conditions (Shackleton and Kennett, 1975; Douglas and Savin, 1973; Savin and others, 1975; Savin, 1977). The cores used in this study (Table 1) were chosen because they contain long, continuous sediment records that span this relatively stable late Miocene interval, with good preservation of calcareous and siliceous microfossils. During this interval, these core sites lay under the Pacific high-productivity belt associated with the equatorial Divergence (Arrhenius, 1952; Ewing and others, 1968), in which the carbonate compensation depth (CCD) is depressed due to the excess supply of calcium carbonate (Heath, 1969; van Andel and others, 1975). Because all three piston cores are under the same general surface and deep-water condition changes in the factors that control carbonate sedimentation and preservation should be reflected in a similar way in their sediments. However, the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) and piston cores used in this study cover a wide range of water depths, from a shallow drilled core (DSDP Site 158) to piston cores that currently lie below the CCD (RC12-66, RC12-65); thus, the carbonate preservation at different sites may vary due to differences in depth as well as corrosiveness of the bottom waters.
The Influence of Chemistry, Production and Community Composition on Leaf Litter Decomposition Under Elevated Atmospheric CO2 and Tropospheric O3 in a Northern Hardwood Ecosystem

We examined the effects of elevated CO2 and O3 and their interaction on leaf litter chemistry and decomposition in pure stands of aspen (Populus tremuloides) and mixed stands of birch (Betula papyrifera) and aspen at the Aspen Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment. A 935-day in situ incubation study was performed using litterbags filled with naturally senesced leaf litter. We found that elevated CO2 had no overall effects on litter decomposition rates, whereas elevated O3 reduced litter mass loss (−13%) in the first year. The effect of O3 on mass loss disappeared in the second year. For aspen litter but not mixed birch-aspen litter, decomposition rates were negatively correlated with initial concentrations of condensed tannins and phenolics. Most soluble components (94% of soluble sugars, 99% of condensed tannins, and 91% of soluble phenolics) and any treatment effects on their initial concentrations disappeared rapidly. However, the mean residence time (MRT) of birch-aspen litter (3.1 years) was significantly lower than that of aspen litter (4.8 years). Further, because of variation in total litterfall, total litter mass, C, lignin and N remaining in the ecosystem was highest under elevated CO2 and lowest under elevated O3 during the incubation period. Our results indicate that elevated CO2 and O3 can alter short-term litter decomposition dynamics, but longer-term effects will depend more on indirect effects mediated through changes in forest community composition. Treatment effects on soluble components are likely to influence cyclical microbial processes and carbon pulses in the ecosystem only when coupled with increased (CO2) or decreased (O3) litter inputs.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Operative Room Setup

Office-based surgery is the standard for Mohs micrographic surgery. The design and building of a Mohs micrographic surgery suite should provide an environment for comfortable and efficient care of the patient, while meeting regulatory safety standards and the ergonomic needs of the staff. This chapter will discuss physical components of a Mohs surgery suite and operative room. Key operative room equipment will be detailed and lists of essential instruments used during Mohs surgery and reconstruction are outlined in this chapter. Finally, practice details such as photography, equipment sterilization and emergency equipment are summarized.
Fetal liver hematopoietic stem cell niches associate with portal vessels

Whereas the cellular basis of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche in the bone marrow has been characterized, the nature of the fetal liver niche is not yet elucidated. We show that Nestin(+)NG2(+) pericytes associate with portal vessels, forming a niche promoting HSC expansion. Nestin(+)NG2(+) cells and HSCs scale during development with the fractal branching patterns of portal vessels, tributaries of the umbilical vein. After closure of the umbilical inlet at birth, portal vessels undergo a transition from Neuropilin-1(+)Ephrin-B2(+) artery to EphB4(+) vein phenotype, associated with a loss of periportal Nestin(+)NG2(+) cells and emigration of HSCs away from portal vessels. These data support a model in which HSCs are titrated against a periportal vascular niche with a fractal-like organization enabled by placental circulation.
Expression, Selection, Abstraction: Copyright's Golden Braid

Copyright protects the original expression of authors, but by definition protects neither abstract ideas nor functional elements. Yet digital media seems to transform creative subject matter either into its most elementary, functional sub-units, or into its most incorporeal abstract concepts. Thus, from a reductionist viewpoint, it now seems that nothing can be protected by copyright, but from a holistic viewpoint, it now seems that everything can. This conundrum is not unique to copyright; it is well known in studies of pattern recognition, cognitive psychology, and artificial intelligence. Thus, understanding and resolving this copyright dilemma requires us to address some of the most intractable issues in science and philosophy, and to draw upon expertise of disciplines across the range of human knowledge.
Institutional Price Pressure: Evidence From NASDAQ - NYSE Listings

The abnormal return behavior of firms that change their listing from the NASDAQ to the NYSE is found to be in the main a function of institutional ownership changes rather than changes in outstanding shareholder ownership as suggested in previous work. Institutional price pressure rather than changes in overall shareholder ownership is found to explain the pre- and the post- listing abnormal returns of sample firms.
Composition and Diversity of Intertidal Microphytobenthos and Phytoplankton in Chesapeake Bay

Microphytobenthic communities have long been recognized as significant components of aquatic systems and often treated as singular functional elements of benthic habitats. Recent evidence suggests that these communities are phylogenetically diverse, with varying physiological characteristics. Considering their capabilities of nutrient regulation, sediment stabilization, and position in aquatic food webs, characterization of microphytobenthic structure is an important aspect in understanding these communities. This study represents a 2-year survey of taxonomic composition of microphytobenthic communities associated with Chesapeake Bay, with comparisons made to adjacent phytoplankton communities. A total of 142 algal taxa were identified (124 phytoplankton; 95 benthos). Microphytobenthos were dominated by diatoms and cyanobacteria. Seasonal average benthic microalgal biomass ranged from 60 to 229 μg C/cm3. Within the phytoplankton, diatoms dominated the biomass in all but one season. Phytoplankton biomass was significantly lower than the benthos (p < 0.0001), and seasonally ranged from 0.44 to 2.20 μg C/ml. Composition differed between habitats, with phytoplankton more diverse than microphytobenthos. Both communities exhibited seasonal patterns, though plankton was most influenced by salinity, whereas benthic algal populations were driven by sediment grain size. These results provide evidence for microphytobenthos as complex, diverse communities significantly different than neighboring phytoplankton populations.
Modeling of the Interior Electric Field in Photovoltaic Cells

With the emergence of photovoltaic technologies, there is a strong technological demand for high-performance photovoltaic devices. One of the most promising device concepts developed at SDSU is organic-based photovoltaic cells. The performance of the PV cells is controlled by charge generation and charge separation, and charge transportation processes. Extraordinary control over the properties of the organic photovoltaic materials will be needed in order for this research to succeed. Therefore, the interior electric field and the macro electric properties of the system are the foundation behind these facts and are critical properties on their performance. In this paper, the fundamentals of the interior electric field for these photovoltaic cells have been reviewed. Computer modeling by using finite element analysis combined with Monte Carlo method for these photovoltaic materials has been conducted for better understanding the performance of the cells. By creating multiple possible molecular distributions of a cell, many important issues such as the current flow and energy lost to the rising temperature have been compared.
Factors affecting the distribution of an endemic and a widespread species of brine fly (Diptera: Ephydridae) in a northern California thermal saline spring.

Two species of brine fly (Diptera: Ephydridae), Paracoenia calida Mathis, which is endemic, and Ephydra goedeni Wirth, which is known from hot springs in several U.S. states, occur in high densities in the thermal (source temp. = 54°C), saline (22 parts per thousand [ppt] salinity) waters of Wilbur Hot Springs, Colusa County, Calif. Both populations are multicohort and multivoltine (based on the year-round presence of all life stages), yet their spatial distributions within the Wilbur Hot Springs thermal effluent are highly segregated. These result from species-specific differences in life history traits and larval physiological tolerances. For example, by ovipositing near the hot spring source, having larval metabolic rates that are independent of high temperatures, and using atmospheric oxygen for larval respiration, P. calida inhabits all but the hottest portions of the Wilbur Hot Springs effluent. In contrast, E. goedeni adults oviposit in cooler, more oxygen-rich pools than those occupied by P. calida . Larvae of E. goedeni are most abundant in these cooler (yet decidedly thermal) waters, perhaps because their metabolic rates increase at high temperatures and they use dissolved oxygen for respiration. However, unlike those of P. calida , larvae of E. goedeni can tolerate water salinities that differ from those at Wilbur Hot Springs. A comparison of physiological traits indicates that P. calida is more highly adapted for existence in thermal saline waters than E. goedeni ; specialization for life under such severe and rare habitat conditions may account for the endemic distribution of P. calida .
Simulations of Stretching a Strong, Flexible Polyelectrolyte

We present simulations of the stretching of a single strongly charged, flexible polyelectrolyte chain. Over a range of salt concentrations and valences, our results quantitatively match recent single-molecule measurements of the elastic response of single-stranded DNA. Of particular interest is a heretofore unexplained high-force regime of logarithmic elasticity seen in experiments with monovalent salts. We investigate this by calculating the force-dependent structure factor of the charged chain. We find distinct structures at long and short length scales and show that the compliance of the short-scale crumpled structure underlies the logarithmic elasticity regime. This is corroborated by results in divalent salts, in which stronger electrostatics leads to more short-scale crumpling and a corresponding increase in the high-force compliance. Thus, we show that the high-force elasticity of a charged chain is a signature of a structural regime that exists in flexible polyelectrolytes, but not neutral polymers.
Development of the Integrated Urban Water Management Tool

The challenges of addressing the needs of aging water and wastewater infrastructure require new management approaches. Benefits including water savings, cost savings, and reduced wastewater production may be realized through the adoption of new integrated water management concepts such as treated wastewater effluent and/or graywater reuse, rainfall harvesting, and other similar techniques. Determining which water management practices are best suited to a particular urban area can be a difficult task as costs, climate, and population characteristics vary across regions. Consequently, WERF researchers have developed a tool. The Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) tool has been developed by the Urban Water Center at Colorado State University to aid urban planners and utility managers in the assessment of which water management practices may prove most beneficial to their communities. These practices include: indoor conservation, irrigation conservation, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) reuse for irrigation, graywater reuse for toilet flushing and irrigation, and stormwater capture reuse for irrigation. The model is native to the Windows operating environment and includes a graphical user interface through which the user can easily add information about their region and assess the potential benefits of the included water management practices. IUWM was applied to five cities in different climatological regions of the United States with some simplifying assumptions and results are included in the report. The example applications serve as both an example of how IUWM may be used and demonstrates its capabilities. The results of the study reveal that hydrologic conditions impact the effectiveness of selected water management practices. This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series . ISBN: 9781780400136 (eBook)
Renal lesions in tuberous sclerosis

AbstractThe renal lesion classically associated with tuberous sclerosis is angiomyolipoma. Renal cysts are less frequent, occurring alone or in conjunction with angiomyolipomas. We reviewed the records of 274 patients with tuberous sclerosis registered at our clinic. Of 95 patients evaluated for renal lesions 51 (54 per cent) had positive findings: 45 had angiomyolipomas, 17 had renal cysts and 11 had both lesions. These lesions usually are multiple and bilateral, and are diagnosed most effectively with computerized tomography or ultrasound. Surgery (10 kidneys) was done for life-threatening hemorrhage or suspected malignant lesions. (J. Urol., 138: 477–481, 1987)
Older Adults and the Adoption of Healthcare Technology: Opportunities and Challenges

The population is aging at an unprecedented rate in both developed and developing countries. The number of people aged 65 and over worldwide was 506 million in 2008 and is projected to be around 1.3 million by 2040 (Kinsella & He, 2009). In the USA alone by 2030 there will be about 72 million people aged 65 and over who will represent 19.3 % of the population. A critically important feature of population aging is the growth in the number of people aged 80 and older who represent the oldest old (Fig. 3.1). Worldwide the 80+ population is expected to increase by 233 %. In the USA people age 80+ will number about 6.6 million by 2020 and will represent 35 % of the older population by 2040.
Advancing the Strategic Messages Affecting Robot Trust Effect: The Dynamic of User- and Robot-Generated Content on Human–Robot Trust and Interaction Outcomes

Abstract Human–robot interaction (HRI) will soon transform and shift the communication landscape such that people exchange messages with robots. However, successful HRI requires people to trust robots, and, in turn, the trust affects the interaction. Although prior research has examined the determinants of human–robot trust (HRT) during HRI, no research has examined the messages that people received before interacting with robots and their effect on HRT. We conceptualize these messages as SMART (Strategic Messages Affecting Robot Trust). Moreover, we posit that SMART can ultimately affect actual HRI outcomes (i.e., robot evaluations, robot credibility, participant mood) by affording the persuasive influences from user-generated content (UGC) on participatory Web sites. In Study 1, participants were assigned to one of two conditions (UGC/control) in an original experiment of HRT. Compared with the control (descriptive information only), results showed that UGC moderated the correlation between HRT and inte...
Increasing Precision in Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer

Genomic testing of tumors can enable improved matching of individual patients or groups with treatments, but it can also identify situations where a specific intervention is not effective. In the recently reported results of the Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (TAILORx), investigators showed how one assay — the 21-gene recurrence score — could select a cohort of patients who had a 99% chance of 5-year survival without distant metastasis in whom currently available cytotoxic adjuvant chemotherapy could not be justified.1 A similar result was also seen in the West German Study Group PlanB trial.2 As we consider the practical . . .
Genetic algorithm with integrated computing budget allocation for stochastic problems

Stochastic problems are of great interest in many applications, and genetic algorithms GAs have been widely used to solve these kinds of problems. Normally, a large number of samples are needed to evaluate the stochastic function such that the sample mean closely approximates the actual mean in order to rank and select accurately in the GA; however, this method is computationally expensive. Some researchers have integrated different computing budget allocation schemes into the evaluation procedure of the GA to reduce the total computing cost. Herein, a GA is proposed in which computing budget allocation techniques are integrated directly into the selection operator rather than being used during fitness evaluation. This allows fitness evaluations to be allocated towards specific individuals for whom the algorithm requires more information, and this selection-integrated method is shown to be more accurate for the same computing budget than the existing evaluation-integrated methods on several test problems. Different computing budget allocation methods are studied on both traditional test functions and benchmark functions from a recent conference competition, and it is shown that the existing evaluation-integrated algorithm may require up to 225% of the samples required by the proposed selection-integrated GA to achieve results with the same accuracy.
Radius Correction Technique for Doppler Radar Noncontact Periodic Displacement Measurement

Noncontact physiological monitoring using Doppler radar has been studied extensively. Most commonly, continuous-wave (CW) quadrature Doppler radar is used to measure cardiopulmonary rates. Accurate displacement measurement can provide physiological waveform recovery, which may enable tidal volume and pulse pressure estimation. In this paper, we propose a calibration technique that enables high-accuracy millimeter-order periodic displacement measurements using CW quadrature Doppler radar. Theoretical analysis of center estimation error and its propagation effect are presented. Simulations are performed to show how noise and limited arc length affect error and affect the accuracy of center estimation, as well as improvements after calibration. A high-precision linear stage was employed to create periodic motion for evaluating the performance of calibration technique. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed calibration technique enables displacement measurement with accuracy within tens of micrometers.
Passages from India: Indian anti‐colonial activism in exile, 1905–20

As one of the first anti-colonial movements of the twentieth century, the Indian struggle for independence has attracted a vast and rich historiography. Much of this has been focused within the boundaries of India. This article adds a transnational dimension by examining Indian anti-colonial activism in exile. The experience of political exile, both voluntary and involuntary, provides insight into the international dimensions of radical politics. This article tells the story of some of these exiled revolutionaries, looking at radical Indian nationalists in London (1905–10); the emergence of the Ghadar movement in the United States (from 1914); and the early career of anti-colonial revolutionary M. N. Roy (1917–19). It gauges the impact of global events including the First World War and the Bolshevik revolution on the thoughts, ideas, movements, collaborations and confrontations of these actors.
Assassination as a terrorist tactic: a global analysis

AbstractThis study investigates what social, political, and economic conditions are associated with terrorist assassinations, and whether these conditions differ for suicide attacks. A series of negative binomial regressions are conducted across four two-year periods: 1995–1996, 2000–2001, 2005–2006 and 2010–2011. The dependent variables represent the count of total terrorist assassinations and suicide attacks taking place in countries worldwide. Independent variables measuring country-level conditions from various sources are used. Both assassinations and suicide attacks were found to be associated with some similar indicators. Certain indicators were uniquely associated with either assassinations or suicide attacks. Across most periods, countries that respect physical integrity rights experienced fewer assassinations and suicide attacks. During one period, politically stable countries experienced fewer assassinations and suicide attacks, while countries with a higher GDP per capita encountered more assa...
The effect of observation units in cancer care on hospital admissions.

e17633 Background: Reducing unnecessary hospital admissions has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and maximize limited resources. ‘Observation care’ provides an alternative t...
Microbiology: Diversity breeds tolerance.

A gene has been identified that underpins the capacity of mycobacterial cells to divide to produce physiologically different daughter cells. This finding has implications for drug treatment of tuberculosis. See Letter p.153 Here the authors report the discovery of a new protein (LamA) that functions as part of the 'divisome' in mycobacteria. The authors report that LamA functions as an inhibitor of cell wall synthesis at the nascent cell pole, contributing to asymmetry in polar growth. Asymmetric growth and division increases population heterogeneity, which has been linked to antibiotic tolerance and persistent infection. Here they show that removal of LamA leads to a more uniform cell population that is more effectively killed by antibiotics. Thus, LamA represents a much-needed new target for the development of anti-tuberculosis therapies.