cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary orbital lymphoma-pseudotumor (pseudolymphoma): case reports and review of radiotherapy literature.

Five case reports of orbital pseudotumor (pseudolymphoma) and primary orbital lymphoma are presented. A review of the literature was conducted in search of differentiating clinic opathologic features suggestive of either condition as well as part of their natural histories. Radiotherapy series reporting beneficial results are summarized.
Study of Ardmore, Oklahoma, storm clouds. II. Satellite infrared remote sensing and numerical simulation

Abstract Both rawinsonde data and geosynchronous satellite imagery were used to study the life cycles of Ardmore, Oklahoma's severe convective storms. Cloud modelling with input sounding data from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and rapid-scan imagery from GOES were used to investigate storm-cloud formation, development and dissipation in terms of growth and collapse of cloud tops, as well as, the life cycle of the penetration of overshooting turrets above the tropopause. The results based on these two approaches showed: (1) storm clouds developed lo a mature stage with overshooting cloud tops that penetrated above the tropopause; (2) they collapsed at approximately 9min before the touchdown of tornadoes; and (3) at the time of storm dissipation, cloud tops collapsed at a high rate, approximately 6min before the lift-off time of the tornadoes. Cloud modelling also showed that the local tropopause height decreased during the time when overshooting cloud tops penetrated above the tropopause due to the local subside...
Noisy feedback schemes and rate-error tradeoffs from stochastic approximation

It is known that noiseless feedback does not increase the capacity of memoryless channels. However, such feedback can considerably increase the reliability or reduce the coding complexity of schemes that approach capacity. One might hope for the same to be (at least partially) true of noisy feedback. This paper develops a new class of coding schemes for additive white noise channels with feedback corrupted by additive white noise, focusing much of the results and discussion on the Gaussian case. These schemes are variants of the well-known Schalkwijk-Kailath (SK) coding scheme and are based upon simple techniques from stochastic approximation. Specifically, instead of the classic Robbins-Munro approach to stochastic approximation originally used in the SK scheme, we employ more recent techniques from Kushner. The resulting schemes enable a tradeoff between transmission rate and error performance in the presence of noisy feedback even as the number of iterations becomes large.
Impulse Propagation at the Septal and Commissural Junctions of Crayfish Lateral Giant Axons

Transmission across the septal junctions of the segmented giant axons of crayfish is accounted for quantitatively by a simple equivalent circuit. The septal membranes are passive, resistive components and transmission is ephaptic, by the electrotonic spread of the action current of the pre-septal spike. The electrotonic spread appears as a septal potential, considerably smaller than the pre-septal spike, but usually still large enough to initiate a new spike in the post-septal segments. The septal membranes do not exhibit rectification, at least over a range of ± 25 mv polarization and this accounts for their capacity for bidirectional transmission. The commissural branches, which are put forth by each lateral axon, make functional connections between the two axons. Transmission across these junctions can also be bidirectional and is probably also ephaptic. Under various conditions, the ladder-like network of cross-connections formed by the commissural junctions can give rise to circus propagation of impulses from one axon to the other. This can give rise to reverberatory activity of both axons at frequencies as high as 400/sec.
Clustering Blogs with Collective Wisdom

Blogosphere is expanding in an unprecedented speed. A better understanding of the blogosphere can greatly facilitate the development of the Social Web to serve the needs of users, service providers and advertisers. One important task in this process is clustering blog sites. Clustering blog sites presents new challenges. We propose to tap into collective wisdom in clustering blog sites, present statistical and visual results, report findings, and suggest future work extending to many real-world applications.
A Note on the Effects of Nonresponse on Surveys

B ERKSON [1] has recently illustrated by a hypothetical numerical example what might happen in a survey of the association between cigarette smoking and cancer of the lung if the rates of recruitment of the population to the survey vary according to the situation of the individual. It seems worthwhile to present his model in more generality and to explore some of its properties. Berkson proposes that the over-all population of size N accessible to the survey team (which, of course, may not be representative of the corresponding over-all group in the U. S.) is, unbeknownst to us, or at least unrecorded by the survey team, actually divided into two categories, those who are close to expiring and those who are not. Call these groups "unhealthy" and "healthy," and let the proportions of the population belonging to these groups be C and (1-C) with death rates D1 and D2. It is clear that even if correct in principle, in detail this model must be an oversimplification, since the concept of only two states of health with their associated probabilities C and (1-C) and death rates D1 and D2 is too crude. A model with some parameter of health, say h, continuous over some interval, with a probability distribution, and corresponding to each value of h a death rate D(h), presumably a monotonic function of h, would be more realistic. To consider such a model we would need to specify the distribution of h and the form of the function D(h). It seems probable that the main features of such a more complex model will emerge from our simple model. In this model, we assume that the probability of an individual being a smoker is S irrespective of whether he belongs to the unhealthy or healthy group. We now suppose that the recruitment rates of the population to the survey will be represented by the following symbols:
Low vitamin D levels are common in patients with epilepsy.

Summary Purpose Vitamin D is important for bone health, and vitamin D deficiency may contribute to other disorders (e.g., autoimmune, infections, cancer, degenerative, diabetic, and vascular). Enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs have been particularly implicated for osteoporosis risk given their effects on vitamin D. We examined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adult epilepsy patients. Methods We conducted an observational study of consecutive epilepsy patients treated by two clinicians at the Emory University Epilepsy Center from 2008 to 2011 in order to determine the frequency of low vitamin D levels and possible differential antiepileptic drug risks. Vitamin D 25-OH levels were categorized as low ( Results Vitamin D levels were obtained on 596 patients with epilepsy. Mean age was 41 years (SD=14; range=18-81); 56% were women. Race/ethnicity was 55% Caucasian, 34% Black, 2% Asian, and 7% Unknown. The mean vitamin D level was 22.5 (SD=11.9; range= F =6.48, p =.002) and frequencies of vitamin D categories ( p =.002, Chi square test) differed across the antiepileptic drug groups. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 54% of enzyme-inducing and 37% of non-enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs groups. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with epilepsy on antiepileptic drugs. Monitoring of vitamin D should be considered as part of the routine management of patients with epilepsy.
“It Takes One To Help One”: Effects of Similar Others on the Well-being of Caregivers

It is commonly assumed that bringing together caregivers with other persons who have been through the caregiving experience is highly beneficial. However, research has not established the degree to which such "experientially similar" others benefit caregivers. We analyzed data from a study of 254 individuals caring for relatives with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder and 2,659 members of their social networks. The presence of experientially similar individuals in the caregivers' social networks was strongly associated with lower levels of depression, especially for persons in more stressful caregiving situations. We discuss possible explanations for this effect, and suggest implications of the findings for future research and practice.
Probing the mechanism of cellulosome attachment to the Clostridium thermocellum cell surface: computer simulation of the Type II Cohesin-Dockerin complex and its variants

The recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass to hydrolysis is the bottleneck in cellulosic ethanol production. Efficient degradation of biomass by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum is carried out by the multicomponent cellulosome complex. The bacterial cell-surface attachment of the cellulosome is mediated by high-affinity protein-protein interactions between the Type II cohesin domain borne by the cell envelope protein and the Type II dockerin domain, together with neighboring X-module present at the C-terminus of the scaffolding protein (Type II coh-Xdoc). Here, the Type II coh-Xdoc interaction is probed using molecular dynamics simulations, free-energy calculations and essential dynamics analyses on both the wild type and various mutants of the C. thermocellum Type II coh-Xdoc in aqueous solution. The simulations identify the hot spots, i.e. the amino acid residues that may lead to a dramatic decrease in binding affinity upon mutation and also probe the effects of mutations on the mode of binding. The results suggest that bulky and hydrophobic residues at the protein interface, which make specific contacts with their counterparts, may play essential roles in retaining a rigid cohesin-dockerin interface. Moreover, dynamical cross-correlation analysis indicates that the X-module has a dramatic effect on the cohesin-dockerin interaction and is required for the dynamical integrity of the interface.
Factors associated with incident human immunodeficiency virus-dementia.

Background Antecedents to human immunodeficiency virus–dementia (HIV-D) are poorly understood. Objective To identify risk factors for HIV-D. Methods Subjects who are positive for HIV who have CD4 + counts either below 200/µL or below 300/µL with evidence of cognitive impairment were enrolled in this study. Neurologic, cognitive, functional, and laboratory assessments were done semiannually for up to 30 months. Human immunodeficiency virus–dementia was diagnosed using American Academy of Neurology criteria for probable HIV-1–associated dementia complex. Results One hundred forty-six nondemented patients were enrolled, 45 of whom subsequently met criteria for incident HIV-D. In univariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, the following variables were significantly associated with time to develop dementia: cognitive: abnormal scores on Timed Gait, Verbal Fluency, Grooved Pegboard, and Digit Symbol tests; attention-memory, psychomotor, and executive function domain scores; and the diagnosis of minor cognitive/motor disorder; neurologic and medical: increased abnormalities on the neurologic examination, extrapyramidal signs, history of HIV-related medical symptoms; functional: higher reported role or physical function difficulties. Depression was also a strong risk factor, along with sex, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and β 2 -microglobulin levels. In a multivariate model that used cognitive domain scores, covariates with significant hazard ratios included depression, executive dysfunction, and the presence of minor cognitive/motor disorder. Conclusion Cognitive deficits, minor cognitive/motor disorder, and depression may be early manifestations of HIV-D.
Marketing academicians’ perceptions of ethical research and publishing behavior

Many universities have increased the emphasis on faculty research and publication productivity as a means of enhancing their reputation. Such emphasis contributes to the increased competition for available journal space, heightened pressures on the efficiency of the editorial system, and increases the temptation to lower ethical research and publication standards. A survey of 328 marketing academicians about their perceptions of ethical and unethical research and publication practices for academicians, editors, and review board members revealed wide variation among respondents’ perceptions of what constitutes ethical academic conduct. In particular, the respondent’s level of publication experience was found to be significantly related to his/her assessment of the ethicality of research practices. The authors suggest that a recognized code of ethics for the marketing academic community would be valuable in maintaining professional standards, increase justice in the academic reward system, and further the growth of knowledge in our discipline.
Analytic and Computational Comparison of Poroelastic and Elastic Biomechanical Models for Soft Ocular Tissues

Current investigations into the cause of glaucoma reveal the importance and influence of biomechanical properties and response in ocular tissue [1–4]. Finite element models (FEMs) supported by experimental data are essential in quantifying stress, strain and displacement values at vulnerable locations in the eye; (e.g., the optic nerve head (ONH, lamina cribrosa (LC), etc); associated with normal and elevated intraocular pressures (IOP). In order to create such FEMs, our analysis shows the importance of extending elastic to poroelastic (PE) material models in FEMs used to describe ocular structures. The current study investigates the quantitative differences between elastic and PE representations of material behavior and compares the accuracy of analytical results with computational results from a PE FEM. Such differences may be important when investigating the pathophysiology and diagnosis of ocular diseases.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Clinical Utility of CA125 Levels in Predicting Laparoscopically Confirmed Salpingitis in Patients With Clinically Diagnosed Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the utility ofserum CA125 determinations in diagnosing acute salpingitis. Methods: CA125 levels were determined for 34 women with the clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Acute salpingitis was confirmed laparoscopically in 28 women (82.3%). Results: Twenty patients (71.4%) with laparoscopically confirmed acute salpingitis had CA125 levels greater than 7.5 units, compared with no patients (0/6) with laparoscopically normal tubes (P 0.002). The degree ofelevation ofCA125 levels correlated with the severity oftubal inflammation noted at laparoscopy. All patients with levels above 16 units had laparoscopically severe salpingitis. Conclusions: We conclude that while CA125 levels above 7.5 units may modestly improve the ability of the clinical diagnosis of PID to accurately reflect visually confirmed acute salpingitis, limitations of the test make its clinical utility questionable. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 6:182-185, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Practical Aspects of Bacterial Skin Infections in Children

Bacterial skin infections are a common reason for children to be examined by a pediatrician. Streptococci and staphylococci are responsible for the great majority of the infections. Because of the variety of lesions produced by these bacteria, there is support for dividing impetigo into "traditional" crusted and bullous forms. Two important forms of cellulitis--facial and periorbital--have potential for serious systemic consequences. The bacterial etiology and treatment of cellulitis, animal bites, and puncture wounds of the foot require special attention for successful outcome.
Transport of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) across the Scotia Sea. Part I: Circulation and particle tracking simulations

The Harvard Ocean Prediction System (HOPS) is configured to simulate the circulation of the Scotia Sea and environs. This is part of a study designed to test the hypothesis that Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) populations at South Georgia in the eastern Scotia Sea are sustained by import of individuals from upstream regions, such as the western Antarctic Peninsula. Comparison of the simulated circulation fields obtained from HOPS with observations showed good agreement. The surface circulation, particularly through the Drake Passage and across the Scotia Sea, matches observations, with its northeastward flow characterized by three high-speed fronts. Also, the Weddell Sea and the Brazil Current, and their associated transports match observations. In addition, mesoscale variability, an important component of the flow in this region, is found in the simulated circulation and the model is overall well suited to model krill transport. Drifter simulations conducted with HOPS showed that krill spawned in areas coinciding with known krill spawning sites along the west Antarctic Peninsula continental shelf can be entrained into the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current Front (SACCF). They are transported across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia in 10 months or less. Drifters originating on the continental shelf of the Weddell Sea can reach South Georgia as well; however, transport from this region averages about 20 months. Additional simulations show that such transport is sensitive to changes in wind stress and the location of the SACCF. The results of this study show that krill populations along the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea are possible source populations that can provide krill to the South Georgia population. However, successful transport of krill to South Georgia is shown to depend on a multitude of factors, such as the location of the spawning area and timing of spawning, and variations in the location of the SACCF. Therefore, this study provides insight into which environmental factors control the successful transport of krill across the Scotia Sea and with it a better understanding of krill distribution in the region.
Potential Effects of Chlorpyrifos on Fetal Growth Outcomes: Implications for Risk Assessment

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used organophosphate insecticides in the United States. By December 2000, nearly all residential uses were voluntarily canceled, so that today, CPF is only used to control insect pests on a variety of crops. Periodic review of the potential effects of CPF on all developmental outcomes is necessary in the United States because the Food Quality Protection Act mandates special consideration of risk assessments for infants and children. This article reviews epidemiologic studies examining the association of potential CPF exposure with growth indices, including birth weight, birth length, and head circumference, and animal studies focusing on related somatic developmental endpoints. It differs from earlier reviews by including an additional cohort study and providing in-depth systematic evaluation of the patterns of association across different studies with respect to specificity of biomarkers for CPF, consistency, dose response, strength of association, temporality, and biological plausibility (Hill 1965), as well as consideration of the potential role of effect modification and bias. The review did not identify any strong associations exhibiting consistent exposure-response patterns that were observed in more than one of the four cohort studies evaluated. In addition, the animal data indicate that developmental effects occur at doses that produce substantial maternal toxicity and red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Based on consideration of both the epidemiologic and animal data, maternal RBC AChE inhibition is a more sensitive endpoint for risk assessment than somatic developmental effects reviewed in this article.
DataSeries: an efficient, flexible data format for structured serial data

Structured serial data is used in many scientific fields; such data sets consist of a series of records, and are typically written once, read many times, chronologically ordered, and read sequentially. In this paper we introduce DataSeries, an on-disk format, run-time library and set of tools for storing and analyzing structured serial data. We identify six key properties of a system to store and analyze this type of data, and describe how DataSeries was designed to provide these properties. We quantify the benefits of DataSeries through several experiments. In particular, we demonstrate that DataSeries exceeds the performance of common trace formats by at least a factor of two.
Prodrugs: Some thoughts and current issues

The prodrug approach to resolving formulation, delivery, and toxicity limitations on problematic drugs has had its proponents and detractors. Over the last 10 years or so, about 20% of all new small molecule NCEs have been prodrugs-a number that will surprise some. As chemists begin to explore new chemical spaces, larger and more complex molecules present greater drug delivery challenges. Prodrugs provide a means of solving these challenges, but also have their limitations. Prodrugs are becoming an integral part of the drug discovery paradigm in some large pharma companies, and a number of small biotech companies have been built around the design and application of prodrugs to improve drug candidates. Some issues facing the area of prodrug research and the commercialization of prodrugs are discussed.
Influence of a vital capacity maneuver on pulmonary gas exchange after cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of a single, vital capacity breath (vital capacity maneuver [VCM]), administered at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), on pulmonary gas exchange in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Participants: Forty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery and early tracheal extubation. Interventions: Patients were randomized to 1 of 2 groups. VCM patients received a VCM at the conclusion of CPB. Control patients received no VCM. Measurements and Main Results: Intrapulmonary shunt (QS/QT), arterial oxygenation (PaO2), and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients (P(A-a)O2) were measured after induction of anesthesia, CPB, intensive care unit (ICU) arrival, and extubation. The duration of postoperative intubation was recorded for each group. QS/QT increased significantly 30 minutes after CPB in the control group (15.7 ± 1.8% to 27.4 ± 2.6%; p = 0.01). In the VCM group, a small decrease in QS/QT occurred (16.1 ± 2.0% to 14.9 ± 2.0%). After ICU arrival and extubation, no significant difference in QS/QT existed between the 2 groups. With the exception of a higher P(A-a)O2 in the control group at induction of anesthesia, no differences in PaO2 or P(A-a)O2 were present between the 2 groups at any measurement interval. Patients who received a VCM were extubated earlier than the control group (6.5 ± 2.1 hours v 9.4 ± 4.2 hours; p = 0.01). Conclusion: The use of a VCM prevented an increase in QS/QT from occurring in the operating room. Although a VCM did not influence pulmonary gas exchange in the ICU, its application in the operating room appears to exert a beneficial effect on tracheal extubation times after cardiac surgery. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Kinase-Deficient Pak1 Mutants Inhibit Ras Transformation of Rat-1 Fibroblasts

Among the mechanisms by which the Ras oncogene induces cellular transformation, Ras activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK or ERK) cascade and a related cascade leading to activation of Jun kinase (JNK or SAPK). JNK is additionally regulated by the Ras-related G proteins Rac and Cdc42. Ras also regulates the actin cytoskeleton through an incompletely elucidated Rac-dependent mechanism. A candidate for the physiological effector for both JNK and actin regulation by Rac and Cdc42 is the serine/threonine kinase Pak (p65pak). We show here that expression of a catalytically inactive mutant Pak, Pak1(R299), inhibits Ras transformation of Rat-1 fibroblasts but not of NIH 3T3 cells. Typically, 90 to 95% fewer transformed colonies were observed in cotransfection assays with Rat-1 cells. Pak1(R299) did not inhibit transformation by the Raf oncogene, indicating that inhibition was specific for Ras. Furthermore, Rat-1 cell lines expressing Pak1(R299) were highly resistant to Ras transformation, while cells expressing wild-type Pak1 were efficiently transformed by Ras. Pak1(L83,L86,R299), a mutant that fails to bind either Rac or Cdc42, also inhibited Ras transformation. Rac and Ras activation of JNK was inhibited by Pak1(R299) but not by Pak1(L83,L86,R299). Ras activation of ERK was inhibited by both Pak1(R299) and Pak1(L83,L86,R299), while neither mutant inhibited Raf activation of ERK. These results suggest that Pak1 interacts with components essential for Ras transformation and that inhibition can be uncoupled from JNK but not ERK signaling.
TC21 causes transformation by Raf-independent signaling pathways

Although the Ras-related protein TC21/R-Ras2 has only 55% amino acid identity with Ras proteins, mutated forms of TC21 exhibit the same potent transforming activity as constitutively activated forms of Ras. Therefore, like Ras, TC21 may activate signaling pathways that control normal cell growth and differentiation. To address this possibility, we determined if regulators and effectors of Ras are also important for controlling TC21 activity. First, we determined that Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factors (SOS1 and RasGRF/CDC25) synergistically enhanced wild-type TC21 activity in vivo and that Ras GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs; p120-GAP and NF1-GAP) stimulated wild-type TC21 GTP hydrolysis in vitro. Thus, extracellular signals that activate Ras via SOS1 activation may cause coordinate activation of Ras and TC21. Second, we determined if Raf kinases were effectors for TC21 transformation. Unexpectedly, yeast two-hybrid binding analyses showed that although both Ras and TC21 could interact with the isolated Ras-binding domain of Raf-1, only Ras interacted with full-length Raf-1, A-Raf, or B-Raf. Consistent with this observation, we found that Ras- but not TC21-transformed NIH 3T3 cells possessed constitutively elevated Raf-1 and B-Raf kinase activity. Thus, Raf kinases are effectors for Ras, but not TC21, signaling and transformation. We conclude that common upstream signals cause activation of Ras and TC21, but activated TC21 controls cell growth via distinct Raf-independent downstream signaling pathways.
Effects of Boundary Conditions on Surface EMG Computer Simulation Based on a Multi-Layer Finite Element Model: Boundary Conditions in Surface EMG Computer Simulation

A multi-layer finite element model incorporating skin, fat, muscle, compact bone, and cancellous bone has been developed for upper arm, and the effects of boundary conditions on surface electromyographic (EMG) simulation results has been investigated. Insulating and absorbing boundary conditions have been examined through a series of computer simulations. Results show that the absorbing boundary condition setting is necessary for artificial boundaries in surface EMG simulation. Keywords-electromyography; finite element method; boundary conditions
Significance of C-terminal cysteine modifications to the biological activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor mating pheromone.

Abstract We have undertaken total synthesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor (NH2-YIIKGVFWDPAC[S-farnesyl]-COOCH3) and several Cys-12 analogs to determine the significance of S-farnesylation and carboxy-terminal methyl esterification to the biological activity of this lipopeptide mating pheromone. Replacement of either the farnesyl group or the carboxy-terminal methyl ester by a hydrogen atom resulted in marked reduction but not total loss of bioactivity as measured by a variety of assays. Moreover, both the farnesyl and methyl ester groups could be replaced by other substituents to produce biologically active analogs. The bioactivity of a-factor decreased as the number of prenyl units on the cysteine sulfur decreased from three to one, and an a-factor analog having the S-farnesyl group replaced by an S-hexadecanyl group was more active than an S-methyl a-factor analog. Thus, with two types of modifications, a-factor activity increased as the S-alkyl group became bulkier and more hydrophobic. MATa cells having deletions of the a-factor structural genes (mfal1 mfa2 mutants) were capable of mating with either sst2 or wild-type MAT alpha cells in the presence of exogenous a-factor, indicating that it is not absolutely essential for MATa cells to actively produce a-factor in order to mate. Various a-factor analogs were found to partially restore mating to these strains as well, and their relative activities in the mating restoration assay were similar to their activities in the other assays used in this study. Mating was not restored by addition of exogenous a-factor to a cross of a wild-type MAT alpha strain and a MATaste6 mutant, indicating a role of the STE6 gene product in mating in addition to its secretion of a-factor.
Short-term Costs and Benefits of Habitat Complexity for a Territorial Fish

An increase in habitat complexity is thought to decrease visibility and the territory size of visually oriented animals. Hence, the addition of physical structure has been viewed as a useful restoration technique to increase the density of territorial species, particularly in stream fishes. However, a decrease in territory size may have a negative effect on the fitness of individual organisms. We attempted to quantify some of the positive and negative effects of increasing habitat structure on the behaviour and growth rate of wild young-of-the-year (YOY) Atlantic salmon. Fish were exposed to one of two habitat treatments in mesh enclosures in Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick: a gravel substrate (low complexity) or a gravel substrate with boulders added (high complexity). Wild-caught individuals were tagged, weighed and measured before being stocked at densities of 1·m−2 for 7-d trials. While fish from high-complexity treatments benefited from lower rates of aggression, they also had lower foraging rates and smaller territories compared to those in low-complexity treatments. Specific growth rate, however, did not differ significantly between treatments. While the addition of structure to a habitat may be beneficial at the population level in terms of an increase in population density, our results suggested that individual fish may pay some short-term costs in these environments. Further research is needed to evaluate the longer term costs and benefits of adding structure to improve the habitat quality for stream salmonids.
Magnitude versus direction of change and the contribution of macroevolutionary trends to morphological disparity

Considerable research has been devoted to measuring rates of morphological evolution and identifying when rate differences or rate shifts have led to differences in morphological diversity (i.e. disparity) among clades. Although less frequently investigated, differences in the direction of change may also contribute to differences in disparity. These same components, namely magnitude (a function of rate and time) and direction of change, have also been used to describe morphological trends, although the direction of change is more frequently the focus of the latter. Increases in disparity are often considered as a diffusive process of volume-filling, whereas disparity patterns may just as frequently represent the sum total of trends among subclades. As a result, different trend dynamics across subclades can produce different patterns of morphological diversification at different taxonomic scales. For example, although a subclade undergoing a driven trend will not increase in disparity over time, it may contribute to an increase in disparity at more inclusive taxonomic levels. This is demonstrated in the present study using examples from post-Paleozoic echinoids and Cambrian trilobites.
Old soil carbon losses increase with ecosystem respiration in experimentally thawed tundra

Research utilizing C isotopes to partition ecosystem respiration sources in a subarctic warming experiment shows that old soil contributions increased with soil temperature but that carbon losses were modulated by plant responses to warming.
A biological method for determination of curare and erythroidine-alkaloids.

SummaryA biological method for qualitative and quantitative determination of curare and erythroidine is described. The method depends upon the antagonistic action of these alkaloids on the excitement and tail phenomenon in morphine-poisoned mice. The median effective dose and standard error for crystalline d-tubocurarine chloride is 2.8 ± 0.2 μg; for Strychnos Curare (Merck), 24.0 ± 2.0 μg; for dihydro-β-erythroidine bromide, 44.0 ± 3.0 μg; and for Intocostrin (Squibb), 20.0 ± 2.0 milliunits. Far higher doses of other drugs, including quarternary alkaloids, are necessary to antagonize the effect of small amounts of morphine in mice.
Shape-constrained whole-body adaptivity

The unique mobility characteristics that make novel robotic platforms potential assets to the search and rescue community can also, unfortunately, provide obstacles in transitioning them from use in the lab to effective use in the field. For example, snake-like robots have small-cross sectional areas that enable them to weave through extremely tightly-packed volumes, e.g., collapsed buildings. Unfortunately, the small size of these robot makes it difficult to incorporate traditional drive mechanisms, like tracks or wheels, and thus makes intuitively driving the robots quite difficult. This paper hypothesizes that, for snake-like robots, one way to extend their overall usefulness is to add layers of mobile autonomy based on biologically inspired behavioral design. A biologically-inspired control architecture that utilizes a novel snake-like robotic platform's ability to locally sense distributed forces along its body is introduced. Preliminary results highlighting how this architecture can be used to facilitate autonomous locomotion in tightly-packed volumes are presented.
Development of a Programmable Rotational Motion Laboratory Demonstrator

This paper presents a novel testbed capable of rotating a target to follow an arbitrary prescribed rotational trajectory, such as the tumbling motion of a satellite undergoing torque-free dynamics. This work is part of a larger research endeavor investigating technology applicable to autonomous rendezvous and docking with a tumbling satellite. This testbed provides unoccluded visibility of the target object for a large class of motions. An experimental platform with these capabilities is necessary for observing a realistically rotating target to test different sensors and motion estimation algorithms. Previous testbeds involve hardware that occludes the rotating payload or does not provide the desired flexibility of programmable motion. The platform described here uses holonomic wheels to drive a spherical target along three independent axes. The verification experiments were based on physics simulation of torque-free motion, incorporating arbitrary target mass properties and angular momenta. The hardware design and software implementation are described and verification of the resulting motion is discussed.
Surface Propensities of Atmospherically Relevant Ions in Salt Solutions Revealed by Phase-Sensitive Sum Frequency Vibrational Spectroscopy

We use phase-sensitive sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy (PS-SFVS) to study the air/water interfaces of a set of salt solutions. The spectra reveals the presence of an electric double layer fo...
A Multivariate Test Battery for Predicting Vigilance

It has proved difficult to predict individual differences in vigilance from standard psychometric tests. We report a study that explored the utility of a multivariate battery in predicting vigilance on a task requiring monitoring of a tactical display. A two-phase design was employed. Participants performed a short vigilance task (SVT) prior to the longer criterion monitoring task. We investigated the predictive ability of cognitive ability, personality, performance on the SVT, and stress responses to the SVT. Four versions of the criterion task were used, to test generalization of predictive validity. Key predictors of vigilance were found to include ability, SVT performance, and subjective task engagement and coping. Multiple regression analyses suggested that together these predictors explained about 30% of the variance in vigilance (with some differences for prediction of different task versions). Results are discussed in relation to the resource theory of vigilance, and the practical issues arising f...
Jewish-Gentile Continuity in Paul: Torah and/or Faith? (Romans 9:1–5) *

Judging from his relatively few surviving letters, Paul—whether as Jew or Christian—was a person with both outer and inner conflicts. We know much less than we would like about these external confrontations and inner struggles, but time and again his letters show evidence of his wrestling with one or another serious ambivalence. Actually, it is not often a present struggle that is portrayed or revealed, for Paul writes with a remarkable maturity and with the confidence of one who has moved well beyond the tossing and turning of a continuing inner struggle. Yet at times, most notably in Romans 9–11, Paul's simple statement of a mature judgment still evokes, in the very restating of his conclusions, the intensity of the original ambivalence and conflict. A further indication that Paul was this kind of person is found, if only incidentally, in his dialectical mode of thinking: if he mentions “death,” at once he thinks of “life”; if he refers to “flesh,” immediately “spirit” crosses his mind, or if he speaks of “slaves” or “slavery,” then “sons” or “freedom” is instantly present.
Suicidality Among Chronically Homeless People with Alcohol Problems Attenuates Following Exposure to Housing First.

This study is the first to document suicidality among chronically homeless people with alcohol problems (N = 134) and examine its trajectory following exposure to immediate, permanent, low-barrier housing (i.e., Housing First). Suicidal ideation, intent, plans, and prior attempts were assessed at baseline and during a 2-year follow-up. Baseline suicidal ideation was over four times higher than in the general population. Two-year, within-subjects, longitudinal analyses indicated severity of suicidal ideation decreased by 43% from baseline to follow-up. Significant decreases were also found for intent and clinical significance of ideation. No participants died by suicide during the 2-year follow-up.
A New Species of Cintractia on Fuirena (Cyperaceae)

A smut parasitizing Fuirena simplex (Cyperaceae) is described, and is given the name Cintractia fuirenae sp. nov.
Iron Chelation Therapy in CAPD: A New and Effective Treatment of Iron Overload Disease in Esrd Patients:

A patient with end-stage renal disease on CAPD, and with massive iron overload is reported. This patient had evidence of myocardial and hepatic damage probably as a result of iron overload. Treatme...
Diseases of the Colon in Children

Constipation, rectal bleeding and rectal prolapse in children are often overtreated. Prompt and proper management of imperforate anus plays a large role in the eventual outcome. The importance of detecting anomalies of the urinary tract is stressed, together with adequate postoperative care to prevent fecal impactions.Hirschsprung's disease may masquerade as intestinal obstruction in the newborn period. Rectal biopsy establishes the diagnosis by demonstrating the absence of ganglion cells in Auerbach's plexus in the distal segment of the colon. Colostomy is indicated, with closure of the stoma and reconstruction of the colon when the child is one year of age.
Design and Implementation of Large Die-forging Water Press Control System

In view of backward situations of some large die-forging water press control system,a new control system of 10000 ton multi-ram die-forging water press based on S7-300 PLC was designed and developed.The hardware configuration and composition structure of the control sysem was introduced,and the system principle was analyzed.The work principles and flow chart of software modules of rotation angle of the dispensing equipment control system based on Fuzzy-PID combined algorithm,automatic production and network communication diagnosis were mainly explained.According to the actual debugging and production situation,the results indicate the control precision of rotation angle of the dispensing equipment can be ±1.5°.The system can run well and can meet the demands of all kinds of technology parameter in the production.
Research on whole genome feature of Enterovirus 71 isolates in Ningbo

Objective:To study the whole genome characterization of EV71 strain isolated from clinical specimens of HFMD patients in Ningbo.Methods: Stools specimens were collected from clinically diagnosed cases with HFMD in Ningbo,fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR was carried out for typing,identified EV71 was performed for viral isolation and whole genome amplification and sequencing.Results: The full length of 2010NB65 strain(not including Poly A tail)was 7406 bp.Compared to reference strain EV71,no insertion or deletion was included in the coding region.The comparisons of different regions of nucleotide and amimo acid sequences showed that the 2010NB65 strain shared the highest similarity with the Zhejiang strain,Beijing strain and Fuyang strain,but shared the lower similarities with the nucleotide of type A and CoxA16 respectively.The phylogenetic analysis based on VP1 and complete genome revealed that 2010NB65 strains clusterd within the C4a evolution branch of C4 subgenotype.P2 and P3 regions of 2010NB65 strain shared the similar evolution paths with CoxA16.Conclusion: EV71 isolated from HEMD patients in Ningbo belonged to C4a evolution branch of C4 subgenotype.The whole genome sequence had provided whole molecular biology background and reference value for prevention and control of EV71 viral diseases.
Random transposon mutagenesis of Verrucomicrobium spinosum DSM 4136 T

The Verrucomicrobia are a bacterial group of growing interest due to their environmental ubiquity as free-living and host-associated microbes. They also exhibit an unusual compartmentalized cell plan, shared with members of neighboring phyla that include the Planctomycete bacteria. However, Verrucomicrobia are currently difficult to study, due to a lack of available genetic tools that would permit robust testing of hypotheses formulated from ecological and genomic data. To our knowledge, there are no published studies describing the transformation of exogenous DNA into any members of the Verrucomicrobia (or the neighboring phylum containing Planctomycetes). Here, we present a procedure for the transformation of DNA into Verrucomicrobium spinosum DSM 4136(T) via electroporation and the first description of a random transposon mutant library in this organism. We anticipate that this approach could be applied successfully to other Verrucomicrobia, providing opportunities to test the role of predicted gene function in ecological interactions and identify genes associated with the distinctive Planctomycete-Verrucomicrobial cell plan.
Using Dashboard Technology and Clinical Decision Support Systems to Improve Heart Team Efficiency and Accuracy: Review of the Literature.

Aim This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of evidence for the use of clinical dashboards and clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in multidisciplinary teams. Methods A literature search was performed for the dates 2004-2014 on CINAHL, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. A citation search and a hand search of relevant papers were also conducted. Results (One hundred and twelve full text papers were retrieved of which 22 were included in the review.) There was considerable heterogeneity in setting, users, and indicators utilized. Information on usability and human-computer interaction was thoroughly reviewed. There was evidence that dashboards were associated with improved care processes when end-user input was incorporated and information was concurrent, pertinent and intuitive. Conclusion There is some evidence that implementing clinical dashboards and/or CDSS that provide immediate access to current patient information for clinicians can improve processes and patient outcomes.
Interface mediated mechanisms of plastic strain recovery in a AgCu alloy

Abstract Through the combination of transmission electron microscopy analysis of the deformed microstructure and molecular dynamics computer simulations of the deformation processes, the mechanisms of plastic strain recovery in bulk AgCu eutectic with either incoherent twin or cube-on-cube interfaces between the Ag and Cu layers and a bilayer thickness of 500 nm have been revealed. The character of the incoherent twin interfaces changed uniquely after dynamic compressive loading for samples that exhibited plastic strain recovery and was found to drive the recovery, which is due to dislocation retraction and rearrangement of the interfaces. The magnitude of the recovery decreased with increasing strain as dislocation tangles and dislocation cell structures formed. No change in the orientation relationship was found at cube-on-cube interfaces and these exhibited a lesser amount of plastic strain recovery in the simulations and none experimentally in samples with larger layer thicknesses with predominantly cube-on-cube interfaces. Molecular dynamics computer simulations verified the importance of the change in the incoherent twin interface structure as the driving force for dislocation annihilation at the interfaces and the plastic strain recovery.
Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients: An Integrative Treatment Approach

Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients balances empirical evidence with theology to give clinicians a deep understanding of not just the "why" but also the "how" of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian clients. Chapters include a detailed exploration of the overlap between ACT and the Christian faith, case studies, and techniques that are explicitly designed to be accessible to non-Christian as well as Christian (including evangelical Christian) counselors and therapists. Chapters present the established research on mindfulness and ACT, including a nuanced, non-dichotomous view of complex issues such as medication, and lay a firm theological foundation through the use of engaging biblical stories and metaphors.
Diet and nutrition role in prostate health

Abstract This chapter will provide a general background on the anatomy of the prostate, primary pathologic conditions affecting the prostate, and risk factors and treatments of each condition. However, the chief focus will be on the epidemiological evidence concerning the role of different food, herbs, and supplements in maintaining the health of the prostate health and treating prostate diseases.
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Solutions for the Abdominal Organs

Decades of research in the field of organ transplantation have made it one of the most viable current options to treat many forms of end-stage organ failure. Despite over 100,000 transplants being performed annually, the supply has not been able to keep up with increasing world demand. Furthermore, the need for long-term immunosuppression increases the susceptibility of transplant recipients to secondary infections, neoplasms, and sequelae. Achievements in the fields of bioengineering and regenerative medicine have come up with more tolerable and effective methods to improve the longevity, functionality, and biocompatibility of transplants. Stripping donor organs of their native cells and reseeding with those of the recipient can form transplantable organs devoid of the need for immunosuppressants. In this chapter, the current state of bioengineering and regenerative medicine will be discussed with respect to each abdominal organ.
Review of world city network

Peter Taylor and Ben Derudder’s World City Network is a synthesis and exposition of rigorous and influential academic research about world cities and interlocking networks in the contemporary globa...