cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A call for a new paradigm of island biogeography

MacArthur and Wilson's equilibrium theory of island biogeography quickly became the paradigm of the field in the 1960s and has strongly influenced this and other disciplines of ecology and conservation biology for the past three decades. Recently, however, a growing number of ecologists have begun to question whether the theory remains a useful paradigm for modern ecology. We now have a much better appreciation for the complexity of nature and we study patterns that span a very broad range in spatial, temporal and ecological scales. At such scales, assumptions that communities are in equilibrium, that species, islands and intervening landscapes or seascapes are equivalent or homogeneous with respect to factors influencing immigration and extinction, and that in situ speciation can be overlooked become very tenuous. With this in mind, this and other papers of this special feature discuss the principal, conceptual shortcomings of the equilibrium theory and offer some modifications or alternatives to the theory that we hope will eventually lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the forces structuring insular communities.
A Reading “Din in the Head”: Evidence of Involuntary Mental Rehearsal in Second Language Readers

The phenomenon of involuntary mental rehearsal of language, or the “Din in the head,” has been considered by researchers as an indicator of second language (L2) acquisition among acquirers. Previous studies have noted that the Din occurs primarily among beginning and intermediate L2 students after the reception of oral input that is comprehensible, but not after reading. It has been argued that this lack of a reported Din is due to the fact that such students typically do very little reading, and that acquirers who did read would experience a “reading Din.” This study provides evidence for an 12 Din after reading from a survey of two classes of intermediate Spanish students: a “Reading Only” group (TV = 20), whose only source ofL2 input was reading; and a “Reading and Conversation” group (TV = 15), who received both printed and oral input. Both groups reported a Din after L2 reading. The findings lend support to claims made by Krashen concerning the importance of comprehensible input in L2 acquisition. Implications for the use of reading in beginning and intermediate 12 classrooms are discussed.
Chromosome aberrations in 50 patients with idiopathic mental retardation and in 50 control subjects

Analysis of coded, randomized chromosome preparations from 50 mentally retardedpatients with three or more anomalies and from 50 normal control subjects revealed chromosomal abnormalities among 8 patients. Seven of these have changes in chromosome structure; the other is triplo-X. In 3 patients the structural abnormality is probably unrelated to the physical and mental defects. One control subject has mosaicism involving sex chromosomes.
Intensive induction chemotherapy of extensive small cell bronchogenic carcinoma in protected environment--prophylactic antibiotic units. A preliminary report.

Abstract Twenty-two patients with disseminated small cell bronchogenic carcinoma and two patients with limited disease received 3 courses of intensive chemotherapy with ECHO (E = Epipodophyllotoxin VP-16-213, C = Cyclophosphamide, H = Hydroxydaunorubicin, O = Oncovin) in protected environment prophylactic antibiotic (PEPA) units. Maintenance therapy consisted of 3 additional courses of ECHO and 6 of PRIME (PR = Procarbazine, I = Ifosfamide, ME = Methotrexate). All patients received prophylactic brain irradiation. At the time of this evaluation, there were 5 patients who were too early (they had not completed 2 courses of ECHO chemotherapy) and 2 early deaths. All 15 evaluable patients with disseminated disease responded with either complete (53%) or partial (47% ) remission. This included 6 of 6 evaluable patients with signs of superior vena cava compression who achieved complete (5) or partial (1) remissions. Complete remissions were common in patients who had fewer organs involved; 7 of 9 (78%) patients with ≤2 metastatic sites vs. 3 of 8 (38%) patients with ≥3 metastatic sites. With a median followup of 7 months at this writing there have been 3 relapses and 3 deaths (2 early deaths and 1 death secondary to a cerebrovascular accident). There were 1 possible and 1 probable treatment related deaths in 2 nonambulatory patients who died within 1 and 4 weeks from onset of therapy. This approach has resulted in a high complete remission rate in this unfavorable group of patients with small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. Myelosuppression is severe and opportunistic infections are seen more commonly than with lower doses of chemotherapy. The longterm effects of this program are still unknown.
Availability of biotin incorporated in electrospun PLA fibers for streptavidin binding

Abstract Distribution of biotin at a depth of 3–10 nm from the surface of electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) fibers has been assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and compared to the distribution predicted by bulk calculations. Biotin concentration in the outer 3–10 nm of the fibers is greater than the predicted if biotin was distributed uniformly within the fiber. Availability of biotin for streptavidin binding at the surface of the fibers has been determined via a competitive colorimetric assay. Availability of biotin at the fiber surface was also determined to be greater than predicted by calculations assuming uniform biotin distribution. Additionally, the segregation of biotin to the exterior of the fiber increases disproportionately with increasing overall biotin concentration in the fibers. Confocal microscopy has been used to confirm capture of streptavidin, primary antibodies and fluorescence labeled secondary antibodies on PLA/biotin fibers.
Polarized-neutron-reflectivity confirmation of 90° magnetic structure in Fe/Cr(001) superlattices

Polarized-neutron reflectivity together with magnetization and magnetotransport measurements on a (001)-oriented [Fe(14 \AA{})/Cr(74 \AA{})${]}_{20}$ superlattice confirms the existence of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} alignment of adjacent Fe layers due to biquadratic interlayer coupling. Each Fe layer is in a single domain state and the magnetic structure is coherent throughout the layered stack. The biquadratic coupling, however, is suppressed below the Cr N\'eel temperature (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$=187 K) as the Fe layers uncouple. But by field cooling through ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$ it is possible to retain a metastable biquadratic arrangement. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Confucianism as a World Religion: Contested Histories and Contemporary Realities, by Anna Sun, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2013, xix +244 pp. ISBN 978 0 691 15557 9, US$35.00 (cloth); ISBN:978 1 400 84608 5 (e-book)

Anna Sun's volume tackles contemporary and historical questions concerning labeling Confucianism a religion. Drawing on both fieldwork in China and archival research, she addresses missionary debat...
The risk of having additional obstructive lesions in neonatal coarctation of the aorta

Infants with coarctation of the aorta may have obstructions at other sites within the left heart which are not always apparent on the initial echocardiogram. The magnitude of the risk of having the additional obstructions is not well described, with few reliable quantitative criterions for identifying patients at the highest risk. We determined the frequency of additional, late appearing, stenotic lesions within the left heart, and the predictive morphologic features on the initial cross-sectional echocardiogram. We identified all patients with coarctation of the aorta diagnosed by 3 months of age, excluding those with complex cardiac disease or definite additional stenotic lesions at presentation, leaving 101 patients for study. At follow-up, 31 stenotic lesions were diagnosed in 23 patients, 15 of whom had at least 1 intervention. Mitral stenosis was diagnosed in 11 patients, aortic stenosis in 10, subaortic stenosis in 8, and supravalvar aortic stenosis in 2. The probability for freedom from obstructive lesions was 81% at 1 year, 74% at 3 years, and 70% at 5 years. Echocardiographic predictors of mitral stenosis included smaller mitral valvar annuluses, presence of a mean transmitral gradient between 2.5 and 5.0 mmHg, and elongation of the area of intervalvar fibrous continuity. Predictors of aortic stenosis were smaller mitral valvar annuluses, an initial aortic valvar gradient between 15 and 20 mmHg, and obliteration of the commissure between the right and non-coronary leaflets of the aortic valve. Predictors of subaortic stenosis were smaller mitral valvar annuluses and elongation of the area of intervalvar fibrous continuity. Patients with Z-scores for the diameter of the mitral valve of less than -1 were at the highest risk for manifesting obstructive lesions at any level. Associated stenoses in the left heart are common in the setting of aortic coarctation. When Doppler data is equivocal, features of the cross-sectional echocardiogram can identify the sub-group of infants at increased risk.
Quantifying Feeding Behavior of Ribbed Mussels (Geukensia demissa) in Two Urban Sites (Long Island Sound, USA) with Different Seston Characteristics

The Atlantic ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa, is found in salt marshes along the North American Atlantic Coast. As a first step to study the possibility of future cultivation and harvest of ribbed mussels for nutrient removal from eutrophic urban environments, the feeding behavior of ribbed mussels in situ was studied from July to October 2011. Two locations approximately 80 km apart were used as study sites: Milford Harbor (Connecticut; 41°12′42.46″N, 73°3′7.75″W) and Hunts Point (Bronx, New York; 40°48′5.99″N, 73°52′17.76″W). Total particulate matter was higher at Hunts Point than at Milford Harbor, but the organic content was higher at Milford than at Hunts Point. The relatively low quantity of organic content in Hunts Point seston resulted in a much higher production of pseudofeces by mussels. Mussel clearance and absorption rates were higher at Milford Harbor than at Hunts Point. Nevertheless, mussels at both sites had the same absorption efficiency, suggesting that mussels are able to adapt to conditions at both locations. Ribbed mussels decreased clearance rate when the seston quantity was high at both sites. At Hunts Point, ribbed mussels increased the gut transit time of ingested particles when the amount of inorganic particulates in the water increased. This study does not quantify nutrient removal capacity of G. demissa; however, the environmental tolerance demonstrated here, and current lack of commercial harvest, suggests that this species may be a good candidate for nutrient bioextraction in highly impacted urban environments.
The lifetime of the first excited state of 13C

Abstract The mean lifetime of the first excited state of 13C has been determined by the nuclear resonant scattering of bremsstrahlung to be 1.5 ± 0.2 fs. This result is in disagreement with a previous Doppler broadening measurement, and in approximate agreement with Morpurgo's prediction for mirror E1 transitions.
Occurrence of Antibiotic-Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Clonal Group A in Wastewater Effluents

Isolates of Escherichia coli belonging to clonal group A (CGA), a recently described disseminated cause of drug-resistant urinary tract infections in humans, were present in four of seven sewage effluents collected from geographically dispersed areas of the United States. All 15 CGA isolates (1% of the 1,484 isolates analyzed) exhibited resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ), accounting for 19.5% of the 77 TMP-SMZ-resistant isolates. Antimicrobial resistance patterns, virulence traits, O:H serotypes, and phylogenetic groupings were compared for CGA and selected non-CGA isolates. The CGA isolates exhibited a wider diversity of resistance profiles and somatic antigens than that found in most previous characterizations of this clonal group. This is the first report of recovery from outside a human host of E. coli CGA isolates with virulence factor and antibiotic resistance profiles typical of CGA isolates from a human source. The occurrence of "human-type" CGA in wastewater effluents demonstrates a potential mode for the dissemination of this clonal group in the environment, with possible secondary transmission to new human or animal hosts.
Effects of body fat distribution on body size estimation accuracy among obese women.

Body fat distribution is a reliable predictor of the health risks of obesity. Abdominal obesity (AO) has been associated with various health complications whereas gluteal-femoral obesity (GFO) appears to be less hazardous. Body size overestimation, a type of body image disturbance, is found in a subset of obese persons. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined body size estimation accuracy as a function of body fat distribution. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, retrospective review of clinical records. SUBJECTS: 101 obese women (Mean age=39.4) joining a weight loss program. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects provided body size estimates using a live video distortion procedure and were grouped into tertiles (AO; Mixed type obesity (MTO); GFO) on the basis of their waist-to-hip ratios. RESULTS: GFO women had significantly lower body size estimates and felt thinner than did AO or MTO women. In addition, more AO women (20.6% vs GFO: 8.8%) overestimated their body size by more than 15% whereas more GFO women (29.4% vs AO: 5.9%) underestimated their body size by more than 15%. CONCLUSION: Body fat distribution appears to be a mediator in body size estimation accuracy. These findings are discussed in terms of possible differences in perceptual and societal experiences among the groups.
Activation of a TiO2 Electrode Using Gold Particles for Efficient Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence from a Ruthenium Complex in Aqueous Solution

We report efficient electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) generation from a ruthenium complex, Ru(bpy)32+, at TiO2 electrodes activated by gold nanoparticles made by electrodeposition and photoreduction methods. TiO2 electrodes made by anodizing a Ti microwire or using a solution-processing technique are used to generate ECL after being coated with gold. The improved stability and efficiency of ECL at gold particle-modified TiO2 are attributed to the large surface area of gold particles and efficient mass transfer of Ru(bpy)32+ and tripropylamine near the nanostructured gold surface. Stable ECL rings are produced at each of the individual gold particles and compared with their local photoluminescence profile. Future applications of the TiO2/gold substrate include single particle spectroelectrochemistry and ultrasensitive electrochemical ECL sensors.
Embodied minds or mindful bodies? A question of fundamental, inherently inter-related aspects of animation

This article spells out the key concept that embraces all aspects of life and thereby constitutes a key to understanding how all aspects are inherently interrelated. That key concept – animation – is spelled out concretely in terms of evolutionary biology and phenomenology. It begins with Darwin's classic statement that ‘mind is function of body’ and shows how a phenomenological analysis of movement supports Darwin's claim. It furthermore shows how common understandings of movement distort its dynamic realities, how in normal, everyday life a dynamic congruency obtains between emotions and movement, and thus, how ‘an absence of the body below the neck’ in scientific research on emotions deflects attention from the synergies of meaningful movement that anchor human life. In the end it shows clearly that minds are not embodied; bodies are mindful.
Test of Zero-point Energy Emission from Gases Flowing Through Casimir Cavities

Abstract A recently issued patent [1] describes a method by which vacuum energy is extracted from gas flowing through a Casimir cavity. According to stochastic electrodynamics, the electronic orbitals in atoms are supported by the ambient zero-point (ZP) field. When the gas atoms are pumped into a Casimir cavity, where long-wavelength ZP field modes are excluded, the electrons spin down into lower energy orbitals and release energy in the process. This energy is collected in a local absorber. When the electrons exit the Casimir cavity they are re-energized to their original orbitals by the ambient ZP fields. The process is repeated to produce continuous power. In this way, the device functions like a heat pump for ZP energy, extracting it globally from the electromagnetic quantum vacuum and collecting it in a local absorber. This energy can be used for heating, or converted to electric power. We carried out a series of experiments to test whether energy is, in fact, radiated from Casimir cavities when the appropriate gas flows through them. The Casimir cavity devices we tested were nanopore polycarbonate membranes with submicron pores having a density of 3x10 8 pores/cm 2 . Gas was pumped through the membranes in a stainless steel vacuum system, and emitted energy was measured using a broadband pyroelectric detector and lock-in amplifier. Emission in the infrared was clearly observed. We analyzed the emission from different gases and cavities to determine its origin. None of the conventional thermodynamic models we applied to our data fully explain it, leaving open the possibility that it is due to Casimir-cavity-induced emission from ZP fields.
Perception and awareness after brain damage

Dissociations between perception and awareness of perception are of interest for what they can tell us about the neural correlates of awareness. Recent research in this field has focussed on perception-awareness dissociations in the syndromes of blindsight, covert recognition in two kinds of visual agnosia, and visual neglect.
Electrical Potential Differences across Onion Epidermis

R. J. PUMPHREY, in a careful investigation,1 has found constant electrical potential differences across epidermis stripped from the bulb scales of onions when this membrane separated unlike solutions of electrolytes. We, on the other hand, had previously observed under similar conditions potential differences which changed with time.2 Pumphrey offers the suggestion that the fall in potential difference in our experiments was due to diffusion of salt from the KCl bridges used to connect the calomel half-cells with the solutions bathing the membrane.
Note on a bronze-bourbon red mosaic

A mosaic occurred in theF 2 generation of a cross of a Bronze male on a Bourbon Red female. This bird was bronze on the head, neck, shoulders, tail and part of the rump with some patches of bronze feathers surrounded by red on the wings. The rest of the bird was covered with feathers typical of the Bourbon Red variety which thus formed a continuous band around the middle of the body. The difference in the plumage colour of the two varieties was found to depend upon a single pair of autosomal genes, the ratio in theF 2 generation being approximately 1 Bronze to 2F 1 pattern to 1 Bourbon Red. The hybrids resembled the Bronze variety more than the Bourbon Red, particularly in down pattern and adult plumage, but were readily distinguished from both parental varieties. The possible mechanisms that may account for this case are discussed.
Understanding the time dependence of atomic level populations in evolving plasmas

Abstract The time dependence of atomic level populations in evolving plasmas is studied using an eigenfunction expansion of the non-LTE rate equations. The work aims to develop understanding without the need for, and as an aid to, numerical solutions. The discussion is mostly limited to linear systems, especially those for optically thin plasmas, but the implicitly non-linear case of non-LTE radiative transfer is briefly discussed. Eigenvalue spectra for typical atomic systems are examined using results compiled by Hearon. Diagonal dominance and sign symmetry of rate matrices show that just one eigenvalue is zero (corresponding to the equilibrium state), that the remaining eigenvalues have negative real parts, and that oscillations, if any, are necessarily damped. Gershgorin's theorems are used to show that many eigenvalues are determined by the radiative lifetimes of certain levels, because of diagonal dominance. With other properties, this demonstrates the existence of both “slow” and “fast” time-scales, where the “slow” evolution is controlled by properties of meta-stable levels. It is shown that, when collisions are present, Rydberg states contribute only “fast” eigenvalues. This justifies use of the quasi-static approximation, in which atoms containing just meta-stable levels can suffice to determine the atomic evolution on time-scales long compared with typical radiative lifetimes. Analytic solutions for two- and three-level atoms are used to examine the basis of earlier intuitive ideas, such as the “ionizing plasma” approximation. The power and limitations of Gershgorin's theorems are examined through examples taken from the solar atmosphere. The methods should help in the planning and interpretation of both experimental and numerical experiments in which atomic evolution is important. While the examples are astrophysical, the methods and results are applicable to plasmas in general.
A Reliability-Based Energy Approach for Design Optimization of Blast Resistant Composites

In the last three decades, significant efforts have been conducted for developing blast-resistant composites. Some of these efforts were focused on enhancing the stiffness and the strength of the composite materials. Here, an energy approach aiming at maximizing energy absorption in composite layers is used. The optimization is based on combining two materials A and B. While material A is strong, material B is ductile, thus a mechanism of energy reflection and absorption is developed within the composite layers. In this study, a simplified dynamic model is first developed to simulate the elastoplastic behavior of a composite plate subject to blast load. For an uncertain blast event, the probability of failure of each layer is evaluated using Monte Carlo method. By assigning a relatively high probability of failure (low target reliability index) of the energy absorbing layer and a relatively low probability of failure (high target reliability index) to the strong layer, the thickness of the composite layers is optimized. A case study for the design of a two layer composite plate made of Aluminum and Titanium subjected to an uncertain blast event is simulated and presented. A finite element model of the optimal Titanium and Aluminum composite plate is developed using explicit blast simulation to confirm the efficiency of the proposed design approach.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Effect of High-Molecular-Weight Glutenin Subunit Allelic Composition on Wheat Flour Tortilla Quality

ABSTRACT Wheat cultivars possessing quality attributes needed to produce optimum quality tortillas have not been identified. This study investigated the effect of variations in high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits encoded at the Glu-1 loci (Glu-A1, Glu-B1, and Glu-D1) on dough properties and tortilla quality. Flour protein profiles, dough texture, and tortilla physical quality attributes were evaluated. Deletion at Glu-D1 resulted in reduced insoluble polymeric protein content of flour, reduced dough compression force, and large dough extensibility. These properties produced very large tortillas (181 mm diameter) compared with a control made with commercial tortilla wheat flour (161 mm). Presence of a 7 + 9 allelic pair at Glu-B1 increased dough strength (largest compression force, reduced extensibility, and small-diameter tortillas). Deletion at Glu-A1 produced large tortillas (173 mm) but with unacceptable flexibility during storage (score <3.0 at day 16). In general, presence of 2* at Glu-A1, in com...
Pulsed-field-gradient measurements of time-dependent gas diffusion

Pulsed-field-gradient NMR techniques are demonstrated for measurements of time-dependent gas diffusion. The standard PGSE technique and variants, applied to a free gas mixture of thermally polarized xenon and O2, are found to provide a reproducible measure of the xenon diffusion coefficient (5.71 x 10(-6) m2 s-1 for 1 atm of pure xenon), in excellent agreement with previous, non-NMR measurements. The utility of pulsed-field-gradient NMR techniques is demonstrated by the first measurement of time-dependent (i.e., restricted) gas diffusion inside a porous medium (a random pack of glass beads), with results that agree well with theory. Two modified NMR pulse sequences derived from the PGSE technique (named the Pulsed Gradient Echo, or PGE, and the Pulsed Gradient Multiple Spin Echo, or PGMSE) are also applied to measurements of time dependent diffusion of laser polarized xenon gas, with results in good agreement with previous measurements on thermally polarized gas. The PGMSE technique is found to be superior to the PGE method, and to standard PGSE techniques and variants, for efficiently measuring laser polarized noble gas diffusion over a wide range of diffusion times. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
What is an expert

Abstract Research into professional practice is starting to explore the possibilities for making practical knowledge, or the ‘knowing how' more explicit. This would make practical knowledge accessible for codification, criticism and dissemination. An important part of this process is to be able to define what makes an ‘expert' therapeutic radiographer. This review article debates the relationship of experience and knowledge to expertise as well as evaluating the various models of expertise. The literature integrates primary data obtained from asking two therapeutic radiographers for their definitions of an ‘expert' therapeutic radiographer.
The potential effects of the implanted memory paradigm on child subjects

The purpose of this article is to examine the appropriate use of the implanted memory paradigm with children. In this paradigm, participants are asked repeatedly about fictitious events that never transpired. The responses of children in these investigations demonstrate clearly that they can be led to unintentionally create false memories. This article addresses whether memory research should continue to encourage children to create memories for events that never happened. The literature in other areas of psychology suggests that deception may lessen respect for authority, affect a child's self-esteem, and create stress. We propose that the use of the implanted memory paradigm be suspended indefinitely or until appropriate research demonstrates that the paradigm does not affect children negatively. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Feathermoss seedbeds facilitate black spruce seedling recruitment in the forest-tundra ecotone (Labrador, Canada)

As climate warms, conifers are expected to expand their ranges into alpine tundra where ecological factors such as seedbed availability, and post-dispersal seed and seedling predation may control local recruitment. Seedbed composition may influence microhabitat, nutrients, physical structure, and predation level and, therefore, affect the success of conifer recruitment, thereby providing the template for future expansion. In the boreal forest, seedbed–seedling competition dominates such that seedbed removal increases black spruce recruitment. In the harsher climate of the Mealy Mountains boreal forest–tundra ecotone (Labrador, Canada) the Stress gradient hypothesis (SGH) predicts that facilitation may dominate seedbed–seedling interactions. This study investigated potential mechanisms of seedbed facilitation (temperature, water, nutrients, physical protection) in three conifer seedbeds (Pleurozium schreberi, Cladonia spp., bare soil) and examined whether seed predation and/or seedling herbivory varied among seedbeds over three years. Seed emergence was low overall (< 10% on all treatments), but highest on Pleurozium (6.3%), followed by bare ground (4.6%) and Cladonia (0.3%). Facilitation was observed between Pleurozium and black spruce as seedling height increase (31%) and survival (55%) were highest; herbivory, seed predation and overwinter mortality were lowest compared to both Cladonia and bare ground seedbeds. Unlike in the closed canopy boreal forest, seedlings recruited poorly on bare soil as seedling height increase and survival were 20.5% and 26%. Temperature and water availability were similar across seedbeds, while nutrient availability was higher on Pleurozium. The physical structure of Pleurozium likely protects first to third-year seedlings from temperature extremes and predators. As climate warms and seed availability increases, Pleurozium may facilitate black spruce recruitment and treeline expansion.
An Anniversary for Cancer Chemotherapy

EXPERIENCES WITH CHEMOTHERAPY FOR CANCER HAVE led to an enrichment in knowledge of the molecular basis for neoplastic disease; in turn, advances in molecular genetics have opened new approaches to cancer chemotherapy. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first report of a trial of cancer chemotherapy, an event closely related to the development of chemical poisons for use in warfare. Clinical investigators were able to derive some good for mankind from the agony and pain resulting from chemical agents created primarily to destroy humans.
Is programming knowledge related to age? An exploration of stack overflow

Becoming an expert at programming is thought to take an estimated 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. But what happens after that? Do programming experts continue to develop, do they plateau, or is there a decline at some point? A diversity of opinion exists on this matter, but many seem to think that aging brings a decline in adoption and absorption of new programming knowledge. We develop several research questions on this theme, and draw on data from StackOverflow (SO) to address these questions. The goal of this research is to support career planning and staff development for programmers by identifying age-related trends in SO data. We observe that programmer reputation scores increase relative to age well into the 50's, that programmers in their 30's tend to focus on fewer areas relative to those younger or older in age, and that there is not a strong correlation between age and scores in specific knowledge areas.
Generalizations of a theorem of Sarkovskii on orbits of continuous real-valued functions

Abstract In 1964, Sarkovskii defined a certain linear ordering ⩽ s of the positive integers and proved that m ⩽ s n if every continuous f : R → R having an orbit of size n also has an orbit of size m . This idea is extended to get a partial (but not linear) ordering in which the pattern of the orbit is taken into account. For example if x 1 x 2 x 3 x 4 , then x 1 → x 2 → x 3 → x 4 x → 1 and x 1 → x 3 → x 2 → x 4 → x 1 are both orbits of size 4 but are considered to have distinct patterns in this paper. A combinatorial algorithm which decides the status of any two patterns with respect to the partial ordering is derived, and examples are given for patterns of small size.
Existing and Anticipated Irradiation in the Hypolimnetic Waters of Central Lake Erie

Abstract The effects of a reduction in chlorophyll a concentration upon the daily irradiation and primary production in the bottom waters of central Lake Erie are considered. These effects are discussed in terms of anticipated changes in the irradiance attenuation coefficient resulting from incremental decreases in chlorophyll a concentrations. The utilized irradiance model and methodology are presented, and the tabulated results include the anticipated percentage increases in mean daily irradiation and primary production with decreases in chlorophyll a . Overall, it was estimated that large increases in subsurface irradiation could provide sufficient additional primary production to significantly impact the oxygen status of the central basin's hypolimnion.
Stereoselective electron transfer between Cu(II) superoxide dismutase and Λ- and Δ-[Fe(pdta)]2−

Abstract The kinetics of reduction of human Cu(II), Zn(II) superoxide dismutase (SOD) by Λ-, Δ- and racemic-[Fe(pdta)] 2− have been studied as a function of pH, ionic strength and temperature. The reaction is observed to be first order with respect to both the concentration of SOD and [Fe(pdta)] 2− . At 25 °C, pH 6.0 (0.050 MES) and ionic strength 0.03 mol dm −3 , the second-order rate constants, k , k Λ , k Δ , are 13.1 ± 0.4, 16.6 ± 0.7 and 9.5 ± 0.5 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 for the racemic mixture, lambda and delta isomers, respectively. At the same temperature and ionic strength and pH 5.0 and 7.0, k for reduction of SOD by the racemic mixture is 20.0 ± 2 and 10.0 ± 0.3 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 , respectively. At an ionic strength of 0.094 mol dm −3 (25 °C and pH 6.0) k for reduction of SOD by the racemic mixture is 8.0 ± 0.2 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 . The magnitude and sense of the stereoselectivity is observed to be independent of pH and ionic strength over the ranges studied and at 25 °C, k Λ / k Δ is 1.7. The rate of reaction at pH 6.0, ionic strength 0.03 mol dm −3 was measured as a function of temperature between 5 and 50 °C yielding the activation parameters of 62.5 ± 0.5 and 71.9 ± 0.8 kJ mol −1 for Δ H ‡ and −12 ± 2 and 16 ± 3 J mol −1 K −1 for Δ S ‡ for SOD reduction by the lambda and delta isomers, respectively. These activation parameters are compensatory in that the enantiomeric preference of SOD for the lambda isomer at 25 °C results from a lower activation enthalpy which compensates for a more negative activation entropy relative to reduction by the delta isomer. At sufficiently high temperatures, the stereoselectivity is predicted to change in favor of the delta isomer due to its more positive activation entropy.
Using box office revenues in the economics classroom

Abstract This manuscript presents a semester-long classroom exercise in which students can participate in a marketplace where they buy and sell futures contracts dependent on the box office revenue of forthcoming motion pictures. Students have an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of this particularly interesting industry while also learning to gather data, use expectations, and manage a budget in a market setting.
Customer reactions to variety: Too much of a good thing?

Studying product variety is an interesting and relevant area for research. Work in this area should build on careful understanding of both customers’ reactions to it and managers’ decision making with respect to it. This requires an interdisciplinary focus, drawing on work in information processing, channels, operations management, game theory, and managerial decision making. In fact, the major advances may come more from combining knowledge from the different areas rather than boring more deeply into a single one.
The rise and fall of Chinese oil production in the 1980s

Abstract Projections of Chinese oil production have vacillated between over-optimism and inordinate pessimism during the past 15 years. In the mid-1970s, China was hailed as a potential oil giant, with prospects of producing 329 million tonnes by 1985. By the early 1980s, when oil output was stagnant, many analysts predicted that there would be no growth in production till the mid-1980s, and that the country might have to start importing oil some time in the 1980s. But after stagnating for five years during 1979–1983, Chinese oil output started to grow again in 1984, maintaining a fairly high growth rate in the ensuing three years. This article analyses the factors that led to the stagnation in output during 1979–1983 and the causes leading to the resumption of growth starting from 1984. A glimpse into the future of Chinese oil production in the 1990s is also taken.
A Criterion for Non-Darcy Flow in Porous Media

Non-Darcy behavior is important for describing fluid flow in porous media in situations where high velocity occurs. A criterion to identify the beginning of non-Darcy flow is needed. Two types of criteria, the Reynolds number and the Forchheimer number, have been used in the past for identifying the beginning of non-Darcy flow. Because each of these criteria has different versions of definitions, consistent results cannot be achieved. Based on a review of previous work, the Forchheimer number is revised and recommended here as a criterion for identifying non-Darcy flow in porous media. Physically, this revised Forchheimer number has the advantage of clear meaning and wide applicability. It equals the ratio of pressure drop caused by liquid–solid interactions to that by viscous resistance. It is directly related to the non-Darcy effect. Forchheimer numbers are experimentally determined for nitrogen flow in Dakota sandstone, Indiana limestone and Berea sandstone at flowrates varying four orders of magnitude. These results indicate that superficial velocity in the rocks increases non-linearly with the Forchheimer number. The critical Forchheimer number for non-Darcy flow is expressed in terms of the critical non-Darcy effect. Considering a 10% non-Darcy effect, the critical Forchheimer number would be 0.11.
Thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors in streptozotocin-induced diabetes: effects of insulin therapy in the rat

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) are potent vasoactive and proaggregatory agents whose synthesis has been shown to be elevated in diabetes mellitus. In the present study the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced uncontrolled diabetes (Severe) and insulin-treated STZ diabetes (Moderate) on TXA2/PGH2 receptor density and affinity in platelets, glomerular membranes and aortic membranes were determined using [125I]-BOP, a TXA2/PGH2 receptor agonist. The affinity and density of platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors in Control, Moderate and Severe groups and glomerular membranes were not significantly different. However, daily insulin therapy caused significant changes in both TXA2/PGH2 receptor affinity and density of aortic membranes: Kd (nM) = 0.67 +/- 0.09, (n = 5), for Control; 0.27 +/- 0.05*, (n = 6), Moderate; and 0.74 +/- 0.16, (n = 5), Severe; Bmax (fmoles/mg protein) = 38.6 +/- 3.1, Control; 20.2 +/- 4.2*, Moderate; and 37.1 +/- 4.1, Severe: (*p < 0.05 compared to Control and Severe). Contractile responses of aortic segments to the TXA2/PGH2 receptor agonist U46619 were determined. Untreated diabetes mellitus (Severe) was associated with a decreased responsiveness of aortic segments without affecting maximum contractile responses (EC50 = 24.6 +/- 5.9* nM, (n = 10); *p < 0.05) compared to Control rats (EC50 = 11.8 +/- 1.6 nM, (n = 13)). Insulin therapy reversed the decrease seen in the Severe group to a value not different from Control (EC50 = 11.4 +/- 1.2* nM, (n = 10); *p < 0.05 compared to Severe). These results suggest that insulin therapy in the diabetic state significantly influences aortic TXA2/PGH2 receptors, as well as vascular responsiveness to TXA2/PGH2 mimetics.
A new Fourier transform based CBIR scheme for mammographic mass classification: a preliminary invariance assessment

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a new content-based image retrieval (CBIR) scheme that enables to achieve higher reproducibility when it is implemented in an interactive computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system without significantly reducing lesion classification performance. This is a new Fourier transform based CBIR algorithm that determines image similarity of two regions of interest (ROI) based on the difference of average regional image pixel value distribution in two Fourier transform mapped images under comparison. A reference image database involving 227 ROIs depicting the verified soft-tissue breast lesions was used. For each testing ROI, the queried lesion center was systematically shifted from 10 to 50 pixels to simulate inter-user variation of querying suspicious lesion center when using an interactive CAD system. The lesion classification performance and reproducibility as the queried lesion center shift were assessed and compared among the three CBIR schemes based on Fourier transform, mutual information and Pearson correlation. Each CBIR scheme retrieved 10 most similar reference ROIs and computed a likelihood score of the queried ROI depicting a malignant lesion. The experimental results shown that three CBIR schemes yielded very comparable lesion classification performance as measured by the areas under ROC curves with the p-value greater than 0.498. However, the CBIR scheme using Fourier transform yielded the highest invariance to both queried lesion center shift and lesion size change. This study demonstrated the feasibility of improving robustness of the interactive CAD systems by adding a new Fourier transform based image feature to CBIR schemes.
Intracerebral hematoma expansion: making predictions (about the future).

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can be due to diverse causes and is the least treatable form of stroke. Over a decade ago, Brott and colleagues1 noted that growth of cerebral hematoma volume occurs in 38% of patients who are initially imaged using a CT scan within 3 hours of stroke onset and then imaged again within 24 hours of stroke onset. Hematoma expansion (HE) subsequently attracted interest as a potential therapeutic target. If acute ischemic strokes can be treated with “clot busters,” then perhaps acute ICH could be treated with “clot promoters.” Trials of hemostatic agents and acute blood pressure lowering have been conducted in recent years.2,3 Although each approach has succeeded in reducing HE, neither has yet shown definite benefit on patient outcome (with fully powered studies of blood pressure lowering still in progress). An important issue from the clinical and research trial standpoint is whether HE remains a reasonable therapeutic target. One possible explanation for the failure to translate reduced HE into improved outcome is inconsistent definition of clinically important …
Material flow during friction stir welding of Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract 6 mm thick Ti-6Al-4V butt joints were produced with a tracer material embedded in the joint under a variety of process conditions, namely rotational speed and traversing speed, in an attempt to relate the welding process parameters to the material flow behavior via post weld radiographic and metallographic evaluations. It was found that by embedding refractory alloy powder into the joint line, welding through it, and subsequently X-raying the joint, the material flow patterns could be examined. The tracer material was distributed over a wider area in the weld zone relative to its starting position, implying a fair amount of mixing occurred even though little vertical movement of the tracer material was observed. There was minimal effect of material flow patterns as a function of welding parameters observed using the tracer material and radiographic examination, but defect formation in the root, where there was no tracer material, examined by cross sectional metallographic evaluations were found to be dependent on the rotational speed and traversing speed conditions. Lack of penetration defects were generally associated with relatively “cold” welding conditions (low rotational speed/high traversing speeds) and voids with “hot” conditions (high rotational speed/low traversing speeds).
On characterization of distribution by conditional expectation

We show that, under mild conditions on h(1), E(h(X)∣X>y) charactarizes the distribution function of K, and exhibit a method of obtainig the distribution whenever E(h(X)∣X>y) is known, in the continuos and in the discrete case The results of Shenbhag (1970) aad Hamdan (1972) follow immediately.
The deadly misreading of mythic texts: Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles

Thomas Hardy’sTess of the d’Urbervilles is a novel much misread when it is taken, as it is, as a realistic narrative. But misreading of this kind is what Hardy is writing about. Both the characters and the story reenact, in modern dress, the classical myth of Persephone, but there are few in the modern world, Hardy appears to be suggesting, literal-minded as we are, capable of reading mythically. Each of the characters in the novel misapprehends both his/her own identity and the meaning of the events, and does so each time with deadly consequences. But Hardy is not only illustrating in the errors of his characters the misconceptions of his age, he is making a substantive point about the act of reading itself. Reading is interpretation and whether we see a fallen woman or a mythological deity hinges on our interpretive premises. And our readings also have consequences. To read the story of Tess as a myth is to celebrate her fertility—both her physical fertility as well as her more mystical power to bring a spiritual rebirth. To see her as a fallen woman is to drive her to her death as a sinful social outcast.
SU-E-T-561: Small Target Dose Calculation Accuracy for Multiple-Target Single-Isocenter VMAT

Purpose: To evaluate accuracy of dose calculation for multiple small targets treated simultaneously using single‐isocenter VMAT. Methods: 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and two 20 mm diameter targets were contoured on a plane in a 15×20×20 cm3 phantom. Radiosurgery plans using coplanar and non‐coplanar arcs were developed using a 6 MV beam with a 5 mm MLC (6X‐STD) and a 10 MV flattening filter free beam with a 2.5 mm MLC (10FFF‐HD). A uniformity goal was applied to one of the 20 mm targets to create a volume suitable for measurement using an ionization chamber. Dose was calculated on a 1×1×1 mm3 grid using the analytic anisotropic algorithm (AAA). Plans were delivered to a water‐equivalent phantom and the dose measured using an ionization chamber and radiographic film. Results: For the 6X‐STD plans, the chamber measurements were 1.7% less than calculation for both plans. For the remaining targets, the film doses ranged from 1.2% to 4.2% lower than calculation for the targets larger than 3 mm, whereas doses were 8.9% and 7.0% lower than calculation for the 3 mm target for the coplanar and non‐coplanar plans, respectively. For the 10FFF‐HD plans, the chamber measurements were 2.6% and 1.5% higher than calculation for the coplanar and non‐coplanar plans, respectively. The film doses for the remaining targets ranged from 1.1% lower to 3.1% higher than calculation, with the largest differences noted for the 5 mm target. Conclusion: With renormalization, the present results suggest dose accuracy within 3% for targets at least 3 mm in diameter for the 10FFF‐HD beam and for targets of at least 5 mm diameter for the 6X‐MLC beam. Work is ongoing to identify the source of the larger differences observed for the 3 mm target and the 6X‐STD beam. Author has research support from Varian Medical Systems.
Gender Dynamics and Role Adjustment During the Transition to Parenthood: Current Perspectives

This review of recent literature addresses the issues of marital change across the transition to parenthood, the process of redefining gender roles, the division of labor in the family, striving for equally shared parenting, and the struggle to maintain egalitarianism after the birth of a child. Furthermore, this article also provides practice-related implications for practitioners, an inclusive term that includes family life educators, couple and family counselors and therapists, social workers, family service agency personnel, home health aides, and others working with couples and families.
Absence of Evidence for MHC–Dependent Mate Selection within HapMap Populations

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of immunity genes has been reported to influence mate choice in vertebrates, and a recent study presented genetic evidence for this effect in humans. Specifically, greater dissimilarity at the MHC locus was reported for European-American mates (parents in HapMap Phase 2 trios) than for non-mates. Here we show that the results depend on a few extreme data points, are not robust to conservative changes in the analysis procedure, and cannot be reproduced in an equivalent but independent set of European-American mates. Although some evidence suggests an avoidance of extreme MHC similarity between mates, rather than a preference for dissimilarity, limited sample sizes preclude a rigorous investigation. In summary, fine-scale molecular-genetic data do not conclusively support the hypothesis that mate selection in humans is influenced by the MHC locus.