cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Interventional Catheter Therapy for Lesions of the Chest and Lungs

Percutaneous, nonsurgical interventions using angiographic catheter techniques and radiologic guidance were used in the management of seven cases of various lesions of the chest and lungs. Successful catheter therapy included the embolization of a large, acquired, postinflammatory vascular malformation causing massive hemoptysis and a cavernous hemangioma of the chest wall. Sixteen pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (one patient), an iatrogenic internal mammary artery-to-innominate vein fistula, and a persistent, postbiopsy bronchopleural fistula were successfully closed. Percutaneous drainage of a pyogenic lung abscess and the nonoperative retrieval of an intravascular foreign body that had embolized to the left pulmonary artery were also successfully achieved. Performed under local anesthesia with minimal morbidity, stress, and risk, interventional catheter therapy is remarkably cost-effective. Primary chest physicians are encouraged to consider this mode of therapy whenever applicable.
From April to August—Wild Bees Pollinating Crops Through the Growing Season in Virginia, USA.

Few baseline data exist regarding the role of wild, primarily native, non-Apis bees in pollinating crops through the growing season in the mid-Atlantic United States. Apis mellifera L., honey bees, generally are assumed to provide the majority of crop pollination, with the value of pollination provided by non-Apis bees estimated at between one-half and one-sixth the value of honey bees, though many non-Apis bees are known to be more effective in pollinating some crops. In this study, the first documenting wild bees visiting crop flowers through the growing season, non-Apis bees accounted for the majority of crop visitation for several economically important entomophilous crops in Virginia, such as apple, blueberry, caneberry, and cucurbit) and likely provided most of the pollination. Wild bees made up between 68% (in caneberries) and 83% (in cucurbits) of bees visiting crop flowers. Between 43 and 59 non-Apis bee species visited flowers of each crop (105 species overall). Species turnover was very high between sites, ranging from only 13% shared species in pairwise comparisons for blueberries to 30% shared species for caneberries. Native bee taxa most abundant on crops were Andrena F., mining bees, Bombus Latreille, bumble bees, and Osmia Panzer, mason bees, on apples and blueberries; Losioglossum Curtis, sweat bees, on caneberries; and Peponapis pruinosa Say, squash bees, and Bombus on cucurbits. Overall, this study highlights the substantial role of native bees in agricultural pollination in this region.
Effects of pressure on small foil strain gages: Hydrostatic specimens are used to develop a method whereby small foil strain gages could be used successfully under high pressures

This paper describes the behavior of small foil strain gages under high pressure. Effects of pressure were determined and calibration curves were established in prelininary experiments. The calibrations were then used for correcting measured strains in pressure vessels.
Supporting Elementary Science Education for English Learners: A Constructivist Evaluation Instrument

Abstract The author developed an evaluation instrument for elementary school administrators to promote constructivist teaching of elementary science for English learners. Classroom observations were conducted in 5th-grade classrooms of Hispanic and Filipino English learners in a multicultural school district in the Southern San Joaquin Valley of California. The repeated use of the instrument within the clinical supervision model resulted in increased frequency of ELD/SDAIE (English language development/specially designed academic instruction in English) methods and constructivist strategies in the elementary science classroom.
A distributed neural network architecture for hexapod robot locomotion

We present fully distributed neural network architecture for controlling the locomotion of a hexapod robot. The design of this network is directly based on work on the neuroethology of insect locomotion. Previously, we demonstrated in simulation that this controller could generate a continuous range of statically stable insect-like gaits as the activity of a single command neuron was varied and that it was robust to a variety of lesions. We now report that the controller can be utilized to direct the locomotion of an actual six-legged robot, and that it exhibits a range of gaits and degree of robustness in the real world that is quite similar to that observed in simulation.
Global Issues Networks: Desperate Times Deserve Innovative Measures

A vice president at the World Bank argues that, with a little imagination and initiative, policymaking bodies called global issues networks can transcend the limits imposed by territorial and hierarchical institutions that were never constructed to address inherently global challenges.
Male Brooding Behavior of the Water Bug Abedus herberti (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae)

Male parental behavior of Abedus herberti Hidalgo is described and its adaptive significance analyzed. Encumbered males provide for the needs of their eggs by keeping them wet, frequently exposing them to atmospheric air, and maintaining an intermittent flow of water over them by brood pumping (rocking up and down on the longitudinal body axis) while below the surface. In addition, males select microhabitats in nature which tend to promote the successful development of embryos and eclosion of nymphs. Eggs removed from the backs of males failed to hatch when covered with water or left in open air. Egg failure was attributable to inadequate gas exchange, desiccation, and nymphal entrapment in the chorion. Eggs left on the backs of healthy males were about 97% successful. Hungry brooding males were inhibited from feeding on 1st instars. Probable costs of brooding to the individual male included reduced predatory efficiency, increased exposure to predation, reduced dispersal options, and upper limits on reproductive potential in addition to direct caloric expenditures. These costs were buffered by the male's ability to abort brooding when conditions were suboptimal. Male fitness is served by brooding in that most of the eggs borne by the individual probably contain his genes. Brood pumping by Abedus herberti has no behavioral antecedent in representatives of 2 subordinate genera.
Agent-based modeling of molecular self-assembly mechanisms

Agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) is a powerful tool for studying molecular-level phenomena, due to its ability to combine discrete and continuous-time behaviors and to model heterogeneous systems as well as spatial and temporal events. Previously we applied ABMS to study heterogeneous collections of molecules. Here we use ABMS to study molecular self-assembly in DNA. Our eventual goal is to extend previous work on 2D structural modeling for epithelial cells to 3D structures, with applications to DNA computing and to the growth of carbon nanotubes.
Some observations of the psychodynamic processes of two Negroes with leukodermia

Under the psychological influence of social interaction between Negroes and whites in America, skin color within the Negro population carries value based on how closely it approximates white skin.12. “The unattainable wish to be white, the interiorization of white preference norms, provides the necessary initial conditions for the manifestation of some of the most characteristic symptoms of Negro psychiatric disorder.”23 The stimulus for preparing this paper arose from the observation of two male Negro mental patients who suffered from leukodermia and whose skins, therefore, had small “white” spots. The paper attempts to show how this latter special problem appeared in their psychodynamic processes. Their symptoms included efforts to solve the problem of skin color. The paper also suggests that, in these cases, the maladjustment of racial identity, a psychological phenomenon which undoubtedly is connected with socio-cultural factors, was projected on and condensed with the maladjustment of sexual identity, a more basic psychodynamic issue. In a culture dominated by whites, when the American Negro has difficulty dealing with bisexuality he may refer to whiteness as masculine and to blackness as feminie. However, this issue is not simple, since “dominant” whites may project certain psychological phenomena onto the minority status of the Negro. For example, the whites in America may talk about their fantasies of Negroes' superiority in “primitive” sexual relations. It is hoped that the observations reported in this paper may supplement studies on the psychological aspects of the “color problem” among American Negroes.
Effects of low-temperature stress on the metabolism of phosphatidylglycerol molecular species in Dunaliella salina.

Abstract A detailed analysis was made of individual phosphatidylglycerol (PG) molecular species isolated from microsomes and chloroplasts at various times after labeling Dunaliella salina cells with [ 14 C]palmitic, [ 14 C]oleic, or [ 14 C]lauric acid. The patterns of [ 14 C]fatty acid incorporation were in agreement with PG being formed by the “eucaryotic” type pathway in microsomes and the “procaryotic” type pathway in chloroplasts. In Dunaliella , which lacks a quantitatively significant flux of eucaryotic-type lipids from microsomes into chloroplast glycolipids, indications were found for a more subtle movement of microsomally synthesized PG into the chloroplasts. This transfer was more evident in cells stressed by exposure to 12 °C than it was at 30 °C, and may afford a mechanism for recruiting key microsomal PG molecular species toward low-temperature acclimation in chloroplasts.
Proving temporal properties of hybrid systems

A formal technique, DMOD, for modeling hybrid systems is presented. It is based on utilizing intuitions about the causality relation, and the logic of definite clauses with the SLD-resolution proof procedure. An algorithm to simulate with DMOD models is presented. Then, a general framework in which temporal properties of hybrid systems can be formulated and proved (given that those systems are modeled using DMOD) is outlined. These ideas are illustrated by proving a liveness property about a railroad crossing. >
Health and mental health policies' role in better understanding and closing African American–White American disparities in treatment access and quality of care.

Since publication of the U.S. Surgeon General's report Mental Health: Culture, Race and Ethnicity--A Supplement to Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001), several federal initiatives signal a sustained focus on addressing African American-White American disparities in mental health treatment access and quality and open the way to unprecedented disparity reduction. These initiatives include institutional commitments to (a) research by the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities; (b) disparities monitoring by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (c) new epidemiologic and service delivery information on African American populations from the National Survey of American Life sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health; as well as (d) opportunities inherent in the World Health Organization's interest in disease burden for making it possible to view African Americans' likely greater disease burden from mental illness as a legitimate source of concern. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act affords unprecedented opportunities for increasing African Americans' treatment access and quality of care nationwide. By familiarizing themselves with these initiatives, and taking advantage of possibilities they offer, those committed to reducing African American-White American disparities in mental illness, and treatment access and quality, can make inroads toward improving African Americans' mental health and facilitating their successful functioning in all spheres of community living.
Analysis of ultrasonic wave scattering for characterization of defects in solids: I. Spherical inclusions and reciprocity

This paper, as part of a series on elastic wave scattering, presents results of measurements and calculations on scattering of ultrasonic waves by a solid spherical inclusion (tungsten carbide) embedded in titanium alloy by the diffusion bonding process. Both direct scattering and mode-converted scattering angular distributions are reported for shear and compressional incident waves. The consequences upon the signals when transmitter and receiver were interchanged are explored in a reciprocity rule.
Towards robust forest leaf area index assessment using an imaging spectroscopy simulation approach

Few studies have evaluated how per-pixel structural configurations could impact spectral response. This has an impact on how we assess especially large area/global ecosystems. In an effort to understand this impact of sub-pixel structural variation on large-footprint imaging spectroscopy, a simulation approach was used, which provides precise knowledge of target geometry and radiometry. We demonstrated the validity of the proposed simulation in terms of one such structural metric of interest, namely leaf area index (LAI). LAI is a key vegetation structural parameter, which has implications for predicting ecosystems' foliar spatial distribution, health, photosynthesis, transpiration, and energy transfer. Simulated LAI measurements were validated with field data obtained from AccuPAR measurements (R2 = 0.76) and by comparison to NDVI data obtained from simulated AVIRIS imagery (R2 = 0.92−0.65, depending on sampling interval). These data were used to propose an appropriate sampling protocol for LAI data collection, thus providing for efficient data collection, while minimizing variability of individual measurements. These efforts will support preparatory science experiments towards understanding the phenomenology of NASA's next-generation imaging spectrometer, HyspIRI.
Effect of chest cage restriction on perception of added airflow resistance

The effect of restricting chest expansion on the detection of resistive loads added to inspiration was assessed in 6 healthy male subjects. Restriction was accomplished using an adjustable chest clamping device. Load detection scores obtained with and without chest clamping were plotted against deltaR and the Weber Fraction (deltaR/Ro), where deltaR is the added load and Ro is the initial resistive load (i.e. subject's R plus minimal R of the apparatus). Results indicate that restricting chest expansion does not alter the ability of healthy subjects to detect added inspiratory resistive loads. It is concluded that perception of such loads is not dependent upon sensory information from the chest wall.
The Behavior of Forward-Looking Firms in the Very Short Run

The study develops a theory of very-short-run forward-looking behavior allowing for forward trading and storage of final good and material input. Production and storage are separable from hedging decisions and depend only upon current forward and cash prices. Comparative statics are derived regarding production, purchases, and sales. The hypotheses advanced are tested with monthly data pertaining to the U.S. soybean-processing industry. Results suggest that in short-run equilibrium futures prices of the soybean complex have had little influence on crushings or production, but they have been important determinants of inventory levels.
Assessing the influence of land-cover change and conflicting land-use authorizations on ecosystem conversion on the forest frontier of Madre de Dios, Peru

Abstract Despite the many benefits natural forests provide, they are being lost worldwide at unsustainable rates as development frontiers expand. One approach to improving the efficacy of natural forest conservation efforts is to refine local forest conservation policies based on insights from the place-based study of conservation policies and land-use and land-cover change (LULC) dynamics. To demonstrate the strength of this approach, this research explores the dynamics of LULC and conservation policies on the forest frontier of Madre de Dios, Peru. The main objectives of this research are to evaluate the efficacy of designated conservation lands in a rapidly expanding frontier landscape and to assess the effect on ecosystem conversion of granting conflicting land-use designations, such as mining concessions, inside conservation areas. Using statistical matching and a GIS-based analysis of LULC, this research shows that for the period 2006–2011, designated conservation lands on the forest frontier of Madre de Dios significantly reduced ecosystem losses compared to non-conservation lands, but the effect was highly variable across conservation designations. Also, when present, conflicting land-use authorizations inside conservation areas, specifically overlapping mining and agricultural titles, eliminated the policy additionality of designating lands for conservation. This finding demonstrates that authorizing conflicting land-use rights inside conservation areas should be avoided to ensure intended land conservation outcomes. This case study also provides examples of how local forest conservation policies can be improved through detailed and frequent analyses of LULC and conservation policies, particularly in dynamic frontier landscapes where LULC and socio-economic conditions are rapidly changing.
The Impact of Client Variability on Nurses' Occupational Strain and Injury: Cross-Level Moderation by Safety Climate

Drawing on job demands and control theory, we propose a model demonstrating how client variability and safety climate influence occupational well-being in the nursing service environment. We survey...
The constitution and phase stability of overlapping melt trails in Ag- Cu alloys produced by continuous laser melt quenching

Coatings consisting of overlapping trails melted with a scanning CW CO2 laser have been produced on Ag-Cu alloys with the following compositions: Cu 17 at. pct Ag; Cu 37 at. pct Ag; Cu 61.7 at. pct Ag; Cu 71.8 at. pct Ag; and Cu 82 at. pct Ag. The laser beam was scanned at a velocity of 34 cm s1 and with an intensity of 3.6 MW cm-2. Selected trails were examined by X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy in the as-irradiated condition and after annealing for various periods of time in the temperature range 100 to 450 ° C. Time-temperature-transformation diagrams based on the annealing studies are presented. Significant amounts of the metastable extended solid solution (γ) were observed in the Ag-rich alloy trails. The silver rich terminal solid solution (α) was also detected, formed probably by solid state precipitation. An α’ phase with lattice parameter lying between that ofy and α was also observed in the Cu 61.7 at. pct Ag alloy. A metastable equilibrium diagram has been constructed and is employed to interpret these observations. The most striking microstructural feature of the trails are bands marking sequential positions of the melt-solid interface. We propose that these bands are evidence for planar, oscillating - steady-state, interface motion. The observation of a periodic cellular breakdown of the planar interface in the Cu 61.7 at. pct Ag alloy is attributed to a diffusional instability previously predicted by Baker and Cahn.
Causal Complexity and the Study of Politics

Theories that posit complex causation, or multiple causal paths, pervade the study of politics but have yet to find accurate statistical expression. To remedy this situation I derive new econometric procedures, Boolean probit and logit, based on the logic of complexity. The solution provides an answer to a puzzle in the rational deterrence literature: the divergence between theory and case-study findings, on the one hand, and the findings of quantitative studies, on the other, on the issue of the role of capabilities and willingness in the initiation of disputes. It also makes the case that different methodological traditions, rather than settling into “separate but equal” status, can instead inform and enrich one another.
The happiness agenda: happiness, science and society

What on earth do we mean by “happiness”? Daniel Gilbert , is trying to nail it by charting the ups and downs of 5000 lives worldwide
Properties of Molecular Gas in Massive Low Surface Brightness Galaxies, Including New 12 CO Observations of Three Malin 1 ``Cousins''

To date, the only low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies that have been detected in CO are the massive LSB (MLSB) galaxies. In 2003, O'Neil, Schinnerer, & Hofner hypothesized that it is the prominent bulge component in MLSB galaxies, not present in less massive LSB galaxies, that gives rise to the detectable quantities of CO gas. To test this hypothesis, we have used the IRAM 30 m telescope to obtain three new, deep CO J(1-0) and J(2-1) observations of MLSB galaxies. Two of the three galaxies observed were detected in CO—one in the J(1-0) line and the other in both the J(1-0) and J(2-1) lines—bringing the total number of MLSB galaxies with CO detections to five, out of a total of nine MLSB galaxies observed at CO to date. The third object had no detection to 2 mK at CO J(1-0). Comparing all MLSB galaxy CO results with surveys of high surface brightness galaxies, we find that the MLSB galaxies' M and M/M values fall within the ranges typically found for high surface brightness objects, albeit at the low end of the distribution, with the two MLSB galaxies detected at CO in this survey having the highest M/M values yet measured for any LSB system, by factors of 2-3.
A map of 5-methylcytosine residues in Trypanosoma brucei tRNA revealed by sodium bisulfite sequencing.

In protozoan parasites, there is little information on the presence of covalent RNA modifications which comprise the epitranscriptome. Therefore, we determined if T. brucei tRNAAsp(GUC), tRNAGly(GCC), tRNAVal(AAC), and tRNATyr(GUA) contain 5-methylcytosines via RNA bisulfite sequencing. Most tRNAs examined have at least one 5-methylcytosine at the variable region-TψC junction. Only tRNAGly(GCC) displayed methylation of C40 in the anticodon stem, and there was partial methylation at this site. There is no evidence for methylation of C38 in the anticodon loop in the tRNAs analyzed. Analysis of tRNATyr(GUA) demonstrates that both unspliced and spliced molecules contain C48 methylation, indicating tRNA cytosine methylation can precede tRNA splicing. Overall, our data indicate that T. brucei tRNAs contain 5-methylcytosine residues in some, but potentially not all standard eukaryotic positions. The levels of cytosine methylation of different T. brucei tRNAs vary, suggesting the presence of a mechanism for methylation control.
Severe pulmonary hypersensitivity associated with passive transfusion of a neutrophil-specific antibody.

Abstract A life-threatening pulmonary hypersensitivity reaction accompanied by profound leucopenia and transient hypocomplementaemia developed in a 73-year-old man after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A neutrophil-specific antibody, anti-NA2), was demonstrated by granulocyte immunofluorescence and microagglutination in one of the transfused donor units. In addition, activated complement component C5a was generated in vitro by incubation of the patient's serum with the aortic graft material. This severe clinical reaction may have resulted from the interaction of the transfused anti-NA2 antibody with complement activation induced by the aortic graft material.
Detection and tracking of Near-Earth Objects using a cognitive hierarchical data-association model

Current efforts aimed at detecting and identifying Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) that pose potential risks to Earth use moderate-size telescopes combined with image processing algorithms to detect the motion of these objects. The search strategies of such systems involve multiple revisits at given intervals between observations to the same area of the sky so that objects that appear to move between the observations can be identified against the static star field. The algorithm described in this paper, referred to as Dynamic Logic (DL), has been applied previously to radar signal processing to achieve a track-before-detect capability. This suggests that DL could improve the detection of extremely dim moving objects in image data as well. The concept of hierarchical dynamic logic is used to supervise image pre-processing and interpret and detect moving objects directly from star-field. The proposed method shows a promising ability to distinguish true asteroid tracks from false alarms with almost no operator interaction, making it potentially suitable for the task of automatic detection of NEOs.
Cell‐Mediated Immunity to Cytomegalovirus in Pregnant Women

: Employing the techniques of in vitro lymphocyte transformation (LTF) and complement fixation, cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and antibody to cytomegalovirus (CMV) were studied in pregnant and nonpregnant women. The LTF activity was determined by the whole blood microassay using four strains of CMV (AD-169 and its early antigen [EA], Davis, Veca, and Towne strains), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Lymphocyte transformation response to specific CMV antigens at 11–30 weeks of gestation and to nonspecific mitogen (PHA) in all pregnant and postpartum women were found to be significanty depressed compared with the nonpregnant women. The lower LTF responses to CMV antigen and PHA were found in specimens taken from pregnant women at 21–30 weeks of gestation. There were no significant differences in the mean complement-fixing (CF) antibody titers and the percentage of E-rosette-forming T lymphocytes between subjects in various stages of pregnancy. In addition, concanavalin A (Con A)-generated suppressor T cell activity was evaluated in pregnant and nonpregnant women. The suppressor effect of Con A-activated lymphocytes in pregnant women was somewhat higher than in nonpregnant women. These observations suggest that CMV-specific suppression of cellular immunity may play an important role in reactivation of CMV in pregnancy.
Neural crest-derived dental stem cells--where we are and where we are going.

Abstract Objectives There are five types of post-natal human dental stem cells that have been identified, isolated and characterized. Here, we review the information available on dental stem cells as well as their potential applications in dentistry, regenerative medicine and the development of other therapeutic approaches. Data Data pertinent to dental stem cells and their applications, published in peer-reviewed journals from 1982 to 2013 in English were reviewed. Sources Sources were retrieved from PubMed databases as well as related references that the electronic search yielded. Study Selection Manuscripts describing the origin, retrieval, characterization and application of dental stem cells were obtained and reviewed. Conclusions Dental stem cell populations present properties similar to those of mesenchymal stem cells, such as the ability to self-renew and the potential for multilineage differentiation. While they have greater capacity to give rise to odontogenic cells and regenerate dental pulp and periodontal tissue, they have the capacity to differentiate into all three germ line cells, proving that a population of pluripotent stem cells exists in the dental tissues. Clinical Significance Dental stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm tissues. Consequently they do not only have applications in dentistry, but also neurodegenerative and ischemic diseases, diabetes research, bone repair, and other applications in the field of tissue regeneration.
Wandering philosophers in Classical Greece

The wandering philosopher is best known to us as a Romantic ideal that projects one's longing for physical and mental withdrawal. Rousseau's ‘promeneur solitaire’ does not cover great distances to bring a message to the world. His wanderings, most often in the immediate surroundings, rather convey spiritual alienation. But the ‘promeneur solitaire’ is not the only kind of wandering philosopher known in Western culture. Itinerant philosophers existed already in antiquity. During the Roman empire, many sages wandered all over the Mediterranean world. They went about for the sake of intellectual and spiritual enrichment, but essentially to spread their teaching and to intervene in local quarrels as religious consultants. Wandering connoted their ambiguous status in society—both in and out—and thereby enhanced their charisma and endowed them with an aura of superior power.
Ontogeny of Allotype Synthesis and Decay of Maternal Allotype in Young Chickens

Abstract INTRODUCTION ALLOTYPES represent genetically determined differences among serum proteins of individuals within species. Allotypes were used by Dray (1962) to trace disappearance of maternally transferred or appearance of newly synthesized gamma globulins in rabbits. Allotypic systems in chicken sera were reported by Skalba (1964), David (1966), Schierman and McBride (1968), David et al. (1969), and McDermid et al. (1969). A chicken allotype (Ab1), indicated by electrophoresis as on the IgG immunologlobulin molecule (David et al., 1969), was used in this study as a genetic marker to distinguish passively transferred gamma globulins of dams from those synthesized by chicks. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chickens: Two unrelated inbred lines of chickens were used. White Leghorn C line, originated in 1932, has been maintained since by continuous full-sib mating (Pease and Dudley, 1954). Brown Leghorn line R was inbred while being selected for increased red in the plumage over a 30-year period (Blyth…
Positive predictive value of the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in an administrative database.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the positive predictive value of ICD-9-CM coding of acute myocardial infarction and cardiac procedures.
A dynamical systems perspective on vegetation theory

A dynamical systems perspective is employed to develop a simple conceptual model of vegetation and environment as coupled dynamical systems. The conceptual model characterizes the influence of environment on vegetation, the effect of vegetation on the environment, and the subsequent response of vegetation to the modified environment. Vegetation and environmental dynamics are modeled as trajectories in complementary state spaces, with the trajectories jointly determined by the position of a given site in both spaces. The vegetation and environment state spaces are coupled by the physiological requirements of the component species and the modification of environment by vegetation. From a dynamical systems perspective, current vegetation theory and analyses overemphasize environmental determination of vegetation composition and neglect the effects of vegetation on environment. A dynamical systems perspective is capable of synthesizing previous concepts of vegetation; the continuum and community type concepts are possible consequences of site specific differences in vegetation metabolism and environmental plasticity.
Jupiter’s South South Temperate Zone vortices: Observations and simulations

Abstract The region in Jupiter’s atmosphere with the highest density of anticyclonic spot-like vortices is the region known as the South South Temperate Zone (SSTZ), which is located between the eastward jet at ≈−42.9° latitude and the westward jet at ≈−39.2° latitude. We present a characterization of the spots found in this region based on ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope observations from the years 1993 to 2007. Mergers have been reported between spots in this region, similar to those observed for the White Ovals in the latitudinal domain immediately equatorward (northward). We use a multilayer model to perform numerical simulations that capture the details of a well-observed merger event involving multiple interacting vortices. We find that the vertical stratification has an important effect in the outcome of the interaction between spots. In particular it can play a determining role on whether or not a cyclone embedded between two approaching anticyclones can inhibit their merging. From our simulations we conclude that the background static stability of the atmosphere in the SSTZ is better characterized by an average value of N = 0.005 s - 1 .
Soanian cores and core-tools from Toka, Northern India: Towards a new typo-technological organization

Abstract Since the initial ‘discovery’ and explanation of the Soanian industry by H. de Terra and T.T. Paterson in the 1930s, multiple interpretations have been offered by various investigators on its chronology, geographical distribution, relationship with the Acheulian, and technological progression. In most cases, the presence of explicit tool-types and the absence of Acheulian bifaces were the distinguishing features utilized to recognize the industry as well as delineate its technological development through time and space. However, in light of recent intra-regional geoarchaeological investigations and the analyses of a large surface assemblage by the author, the existing framework for Soanian typology is in need of judicious revision. In this paper, some of the methodological and interpretative problems are briefly discussed from a historical perspective and the technological organization of cores and core-based tools from Toka, a rich factory site, is described. Essentially, the Toka assemblage comprises a dynamic range of non-biface tool-types on quartzite, which possess varying patterns of core reduction techniques, edge retouch, and associated use-wear. The study also introduces a modified typological classification of specific chopper morphologies, which may be broadly applicable in global context.
Predictors of disease severity in children with asthma in Hartford, Connecticut.

Childhood asthma is a major public health problem in the United States, particularly among minority populations. The aim of our study was to examine the relationship among ethnicity, allergen sensitization, spirometric measures, and asthma severity in children with mild to severe asthma who received their medical care in Hartford, Connecticut. Four hundred thirty-eight children aged 4–18 years who were enrolled in an asthma care program (Easy Breathing©) in Hartford and who were referred for spirometry and allergy skin testing participated in this cross-sectional study. Risk factors for increased asthma severity as defined by National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines were determined using multinomial logistic regression. Of 438 children, 383 (87.4%) had mild to moderate asthma, and 292 (66.7%) had at least one positive skin test to allergens. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) was significantly decreased in children with severe vs. mild asthma (80.7 vs. 87.3, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, predictors of severe asthma included African-American ethnicity (odds ratio (OR) = 3.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–12.42), Puerto Rican ethnicity (OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.18–10.67), sensitization to cockroach allergen (OR = 4.34, 95% CI = 1.73–10.86), and decreased FEV1/FVC (OR for every 1% decrease in FEV1/FVC = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.11). In conclusion, among children with asthma in Hartford and its surrounding communities, predictors of disease severity included African-American ethnicity, Puerto Rican ethnicity, sensitization to cockroach allergen, and decreased FEV1/FVC. Our findings suggest that FEV1/FVC is a useful indicator of asthma severity in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:268–275. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Attitudes about sexual disclosure and perceptions of stigma and shame

Objectives: To determine the association between stigma and shame about having a sexually transmitted disease and adolescents’ past STD related care seeking; between stigma, shame, and perceptions about disclosure of sexual behaviours to a doctor or nurse; and whether the association of stigma, shame, and care seeking was moderated by perceptions about disclosure. Methods: A household sample of 142 sexually active African-American youths, 13‐19 years old, was questioned about STD related stigma (alpha = 0.89), STD related shame (alpha = 0.90), and perceptions about disclosure of sexual behaviours to a doctor or nurse (alpha = 0.81). Results: Among females, stigma was associated with increased anticipation of negative reactions to disclosure of sexual behaviours to a doctor or nurse (odds ratio (OR) = 0.319; 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.12 to 0.85) while shame was not. Stigma was also independently associated with STD related care seeking in the past year (OR = 0.296; 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.94) while shame was not. There was no association between stigma and shame with perceptions about disclosure or past care seeking in males. Perceived outcomes of disclosing sexual behaviours did not moderate the association of stigma, shame, and past STD related care seeking. Conclusions: Stigma about STDs may influence how female adolescents perceive reactions to disclosure of their sexual behaviour to healthcare providers. It may also be an important factor in their decision seek to STD related care. Perceptions about disclosure of sexual behaviour to a doctor or nurse do not change the relation of stigma or shame to past STD related care seeking.
Evolution of Resistance in Potamopyrgus antipodarum

Host-parasite interactions are believed to exert strong selection in natural communities. Most notably, parasites should select for increased resistance in hosts, while hosts should select for increased infectivity in parasites (Koskella & Lively, 2007; Koskella, Vergara, & Lively, 2011; Lohse, Guiterrez, & Kaltz, 2006). Under this coevolutionary process, can host populations evolve resistance to their rapidly evolving parasite populations? This experiment was designed to determine if hosts rapidly adapt to resist parasites that are themselves under selection to infect their hosts. The New Zealand freshwater snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum , is naturally infected by the trematode Microphallus . Microphallus is a castrating parasite and is thus likely to impose strong selection on its snail host (Hechinger, 2012). Snails and parasites were collected from a natural lake in summer 2013. These hosts constitute the parental generation of the experiment: they were either exposed to parasite eggs (Exposed) or not exposed (Control). Parental snails matured and reproduced over the course of a year. Their offspring were then exposed to parasites collected from the same lake in summer 2014. These parasites would have had one to a few additional generations of evolution relative to 2013 parasites. After parasite development (~3 months), the offspring were dissected to determine infection status and thereby their resistance to infection. The offspring of Control parents had a significantly higher mean infection rate (35%: less resistant) than the offspring of Exposed parents (30%: more resistant). This result indicates that increased resistance to parasitism evolved in a single host generation. Our finding provides evidence that a host population can rapidly evolve resistance to a parasite population that is itself rapidly co-evolving to infect its host. We predict that the evolution of host resistance would be far greater after multiple generations of parasite selection, and this could be the subject of future study.
Research challenges for plasma processes in the semiconductor factory of the future

Summary form only given. New semiconductor technology generations are introduced approximately every three years. Each new generation is characterized by reduced feature size and increased circuit complexity. By 1998, the semiconductor industry will introduce products with minimum feature sizes of 0.25 /spl mu/m and 7 M transistors/cm/sup 2/. Roughly every three years, the minimum feature size has decreased by 30% and transistor densities have nearly doubled. The drive to sub-0.25 /spl mu/m processing will place a premium on new manufacturing techniques and equipment to produce monolayer thin films with controllable physical and electrical properties. Plasma-based process equipment is used heavily in present technologies for deposition and etch manufacturing steps. Plasma reactors provide rapid cycle times and excellent uniformities, but produce high levels of contamination from plasma/electron bombardment and impurity condensation via gas phase nucleation As processes are extended to sub-0.25 /spl mu/m, the damage and impurities created by these plasma processes must be eliminated. The paper presents the current plasma based manufacturing approaches and the associated limitations for semiconductor integrated circuits. Novel approaches, such as neutral stream etch and plasma doping are described as elements of a broad range of research approaches in this field.
cAMP Activation of Apical Membrane Cl− Channels: Theoretical Considerations for Impedance Analysis

Abstract Transepithelial electrical impedance analysis provides a sensitive method to evaluate the conductances and capacitances of apical and basolateral plasma membranes of epithelial cells. Impedance analysis is complicated, due not only to the anatomical arrangement of the cells and their paracellular shunt pathways, but also in particular to the existence of audio frequency-dependent capacitances or dispersions. In this paper we explore implications and consequences of anatomically related Maxwell-Wagner and Cole-Cole dielectric dispersions that impose limitations, approximations, and pitfalls of impedance analysis when tissues are studied under widely ranging spontaneous rates of transport, and in particular when apical membrane sodium and chloride channels are activated by adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in A6 epithelia. We develop the thesis that capacitive relaxation processes of any origin lead not only to dependence on frequency of the impedance locus, but also to the appearance of depressed semicircles in Nyquist transepithelial impedance plots, regardless of the tightness or leakiness of the paracellular shunt pathways. Frequency dependence of capacitance precludes analysis of data in traditional ways, where capacitance is assumed constant, and is especially important when apical and/or basolateral membranes exhibit one or more dielectric dispersions.
High‐resolution computed tomography study of the cranium of a fossil anthropoid primate, Parapithecus grangeri: New insights into the evolutionary history of primate sensory systems

Extant anthropoids have large brains, small olfactory bulbs, and high-acuity vision compared with other primates. The relative timing of the evolution of these characteristics may have important implications for brain evolution. Here computed tomography is used to examine the cranium of a fossil anthropoid, Parapithecus grangeri. It is found that P. grangeri had a relatively small brain compared with living primates. In addition, it had an olfactory bulb in the middle of the range for living primates. Methods for relating optic foramen area and other cranial measurements to acuity are discussed. Multiple regression is used to estimate retinal ganglion cell number in P. grangeri. Given currently available comparative data, P. grangeri seems to have had retinal ganglion cell counts intermediate for living primates, overlapping with the upper end of the range for strepsirrhines and possibly with the lower end for anthropoids.
Religious harassment in the workplace: An examination of observer intervention

Summary Religious harassment claims in the United States have risen sharply over the past decade. However, victims of religious harassment may not always report harassment, and true rates may be higher. Hence, actions taken by third parties present (observers) are important in combating harassment in the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to extend a previous model of observer intervention and related research by testing it empirically in the context of religious harassment and identify factors that influence observers' decision to intervene (intervention), when they intervene (level of immediacy), and how much they intervene (level of involvement). Across two studies, we find evidence that verbal harassment, ambiguity of intent, relationship to target/harasser, recurrence belief, religious commitment, pro-social orientation, and the interactive effect of shared religion and religious commitment predict intervention. Furthermore, individuals show higher levels of involvement and immediacy in intervention when costs are low and emotional reactions are high. Implications of these findings for engaging observers in combatting harassment are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain imaging in schizophrenia.

Neuroimaging provides an unprecedented means by which to study psychiatric disorders. Structural imaging methods, i.e. computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have revealed subtle differences in the brains of schizophrenic patients that appear to be present before symptom onset. Radionuclide functional methods such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have led to hypotheses about dysfunction in specific neuronal networks in schizophrenia. New advances in MRI allow functional data to be obtained noninvasively in a single individual using conventional MRI scanners. This chapter discusses the parallels between the historical technical developments in neuroimaging and the deepening understanding of the etiology and manifestations of schizophrenia.
Digital menu boards as influencer for healthy eating

This paper reports on research designed to examine the role of embedded videos in digital menu boards and it's influence on consumer decision-making. The study's results showed that the embedded videos caught the attention of decision makers and healthy food images have an effect on choice; however, these variables do not interact. The results for the main effects show that technology can aid decision-making during the information search and purchase/choice stages.
Predictors of limb loss despite a patent endovascular-treated arterial segment.

Objective The goal of this study was to assess the frequency and predictors of major amputation with patent endovascular-treated arterial segments (PETAS) in patients with critical limb ischemia. Methods The study included 358 consecutive patients (412 limbs) who underwent endovascular (236 limbs) or open (176 limbs) revascularizations for critical limb ischemia from June 2001 through May 2007. Patients with limb loss despite PETAS were compared with the rest of the endovascular-treated group (EV-other, n=212) and with those who underwent amputations with patent bypasses (APB). Results The EV group underwent 30 amputations (24 in PETAS, 6 in EV-other), and 37 occurred in the open group (14 in APB, 23 in open-other). Amputations occurring despite a patent revascularized segment constituted 38% of limb loss in open and 80% in EV-treated patients ( P = .001). Limb loss occurred earlier in the PETAS group (58% vs 30% ≤3 months). Primary indications for limb loss in the PETAS group were extensive tissue loss or limb dysfunction after radical debridement of infection or gangrene (37%), recurrent infection (42%), and failure to reverse ischemia (21%). There were more patients with diabetes in PETAS group (96%) than in the APB group (64%, P = .018). Diabetes, dialysis-dependence, lower albumin level, gangrene, and infrapopliteal interventions were more likely in the PETAS group than in the EV-other group. Multivariate analysis showed diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 3.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-8.13, P = .018), gangrene (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.43-7.75; P = .005), and infrapopliteal interventions (OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.38-6.94; P = .006), predicted limb loss with patent open or EV-treated segments, whereas dialysis-dependence, peroneal artery-only runoff, albumin level Conclusions Amputation despite PETAS is the most common means of limb loss in patients undergoing endovascular revascularization for limb salvage. It is likely the result of aggressive attempts at limb salvage and usually occurs ≤3 months after the intervention. Patients with diabetes and gangrene undergoing infrapopliteal interventions are at a significantly high risk. Adjuncts to reduce tissue loss, preserve limb function, and prevent recurrent infection are needed to prevent limb loss despite PETAS, especially in diabetic patients.