cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A prospective evaluation of angiography-guided coronary stent implantation with high versus very high balloon inflation pressure.

Abstract Background High inflation pressure (HP) after coronary stent deployment has become a standard approach because it has been associated with a decreased subacute stent thrombosis (SAT) rate. However, the impact of HP on long-term outcomes is still unclear. We compared the long-term results of a strategy of increasing HP (≥12 atm) until the achievement of angiographic success ( Methods and Results We conducted a parallel-group, nonrandomized study to evaluate the short- and long-term results in 136 consecutive eligible patients who underwent successful single Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation in vessels ≥3 mm. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), that is, death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization (TLR), were monitored for a minimum of 6 months. No significant differences were observed between the two strategies in terms of final minimal lumen diameter (HP, 3.0 ± 0.5 vs VHP, 3.1 ± 0.5 mm) and acute gain (HP, 2.1 ± 0.7 vs VHP, 2.2 ± 0.6). The overall rate of subacute stent thrombosis was 0.7%. During a 405 ± 148-day follow-up, 21 (28.8%) patients in the VHP group and 6 (9.5%) in the HP group ( P =.005) had MACE, with a TLR rate of 27.4% versus 7.9% ( P =.009), respectively. By multivariate analysis, the use of VHP increased the odds of long-term MACE by a factor of 3.48 ( P =.009). Among patients undergoing TLR, those treated with VHP had a greater lumen loss (HP, 1.83 ± 0.57 vs VHP, 2.15 ± 0.36 mm, P =.02) and a more frequent pattern of diffuse restenosis (71% vs 16%, P =.06). Conclusions In our study, the two strategies had similar acute and short-term results, but VHP was associated with a poorer long-term outcome. These data provide a rationale for a less aggressive strategy for stent deployment by optimizing rather than attempting to maximize inflation pressure and stent expansion. (Am Heart J 2000;140:804-12.)
Aortic Arteriosclerosis in the Dog After Localized Aortic X-lrradiation

Localized segments of the abdominal aortas of 18 dogs were irradiated with 50-kv. x-rays in doses ranging from 1,500 to 5,500 r (at the ventral surface of the aorta), and were examined histologically at intervals ranging from 2 to 48 weeks after irradiation. Arteriosclerosis developed at the irradiated sites and was significantly more severe than that which occurred in nonirradiated control sites in the abdominal aorta. There was evidence that severity of arteriosclerosis increased with time following irradiation of the aorta. There was less pronounced arteriosclerosis after 3,000 to 5,500 r than after 1,500 to 2,500 r. It appeared that the larger doses of x-rays inhibited the full development of the late lesions, although presumably causing more initial primary damage. X-irradiation appeared to be followed by the development of arteriosclerotic lesions similar to those that occur naturally in old dogs. It is proposed that irradiation may selectively cause injury of the internal elastic membrane, and that this degenerative phenomenon is followed by the development of intimal fibrosis and plaque formation.
Opponent processes in human emotions? An experimental investigation of hedonic contrast and affective interactions

Three hypotheses of opponent process theory (e.g., Solomon, 1980) were examined: (1) Following the removal of emotionally charged stimuli, an emotional response “opposite” in hedonic tone to the initial affective response will occur; (2) this response occurs as a reaction to the initial affective response (and is not the result of perceptual processes or reinterpretations of the situation); and (3) when opponent affective processes cooccur, they tend to cancel each other's effects. Individuals were led to associate happiness and sadness with stimuli through hypnotic inductions; other stimuli were conditioned to the emotional responses that followed the offset of these stimuli. On both physiological and self-report measures, affective afterreactions were observed following the termination of a stimulus eliciting happiness in a context where this result could not be attributed to individuals' perceptions of the likelihood of future pleasant events or to changes in the individuals' adaptation levels. In agreement with previous findings, no afterreaction following the termination of a stimulus eliciting sadness was observed. Evidence that affective processes interact was also obtained. When opponent affective processes cooccur, they appear to interact and cancel. When two nonopponent affective processes are elicited simultaneously, they appear to add or average. This result supports the assumption, common to many theories of emotion, that affective processes interact to determine individuals' observed emotional states.
The importance of industrial and socio-economic considerations for maritime management and newly developed ecosystem based management plans

Commercial maritime management activities have significant industrial and socio-economic dimensions that need to be addressed from the onset of the policy planning and policy-making process. This commentary addresses the importance of industrial and socio-economic dimensions and the need to formalize their role in newly developed ecosystem based fisheries management plans that are currently being considered in the USA. It builds upon a discussion presented in this journal by Everett (2005).
Synthesis and Testing of Catalysts for the Production of Maleic Anhydride from a Fermentation Feedstock

It is necessary to develop alternate pathways for the production of chemicals that are traditionally produced from fossil fuels to reduce our dependency on nonrenewable energy sources. In this paper, an alternate technology is presented for producing maleic anhydride from a fermentation feedstock. The process involves the catalytic oxydehydrogenation of fermentation-derived succinic anhydride to produce maleic anhydride. Various catalysts have been synthesized and tested for the oxydehydrogenation reaction. Iron phosphate based catalysts are found to be the best on the basis of high conversions and selectivities obtained. The effects of temperature, oxygen concentration, contact time, and the total time on stream on the performance of the catalyst are investigated, and an optimum set of conditions for the operation of the bench-scale reactor is presented. The bulk and surface compositions, the surface areas, and the bulk crystallographic structure of the catalysts are also reported.
The interdependence between screening methods and screening libraries

The most common methods for discovery of chemical compounds capable of manipulating biological function involves some form of screening. The success of such screens is highly dependent on the chemical materials - commonly referred to as libraries - that are assayed. Classic methods for the design of screening libraries have depended on knowledge of target structure and relevant pharmacophores for target focus, and on simple count-based measures to assess other properties. The recent proliferation of two novel screening paradigms, structure-based screening and high-content screening, prompts a profound rethink about the ideal composition of small-molecule screening libraries. We suggest that currently utilized libraries are not optimal for addressing new targets by high-throughput screening, or complex phenotypes by high-content screening.
Mode Field Diameter -- Measurement in Far Field Pattern Method and Characteristics --

Mode Field Diameter-- Measurement in Far Field Pattern Method and Characteristics --Toru Myogadani and Shigeru TanakaSumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.1, Taya -cho, Totsuka -ku, Yokohama, Japan, 244AbstractMeasurement accuracy of mode field diameter (M.F.D.) by far field pattern method andthe characteristics of M.F.D. in viewpoint of its definition are examined. It is foundthat M.F.D. by second moment definition becomes larger than that by gaussian fit defini-tion with a decrease in normalized frequency V.IntroductionMode field diameter (M.F.D.) is one of the most important parameters, which is relatedto the splice loss and bend loss. Many methods were proposed for measuring M.F.D., suchas the near field pattern method 1, the transverse offset method, etc. We developed thefar field pattern method. By using this method, we can achieve high accuracy with a rel-atively simple measurement setup. We will describe the developed measurement apparatusof M.F.D. by far field pattern method and we examine the measurement accuracy of developedmeasurement apparatus.It has been reported that M.F.D. increases with wavelength 2. Discrepancies of M.F.D.between different definitions and wavelength dependence of these discrepancies were alsoreported 2. However, we can discuss the behavior of M.F.D. more generally by using nor-malized frequency. Afterwords, we report on the normalized frequency dependence of M.F.D.of 3 typical index profiles: step, parabolic and triangular, which were derived by un-merical calculation. In addition, we will discuss the discrepancy of M.F.D. between gauss -ian fit definition and second moment definition and its dependence of normalized frequency.M.F.D. measurement set -up using far field pattern method and measurement accuracyMeasurement set -up and causes of errorFigure 1 shows the developed M.F.D. measurement set -up. Laser diode light of 1.3 umor 1.55 pm, which is modulated at 270 Hz, is launched into test fiber by V- groove splicingwith dummy fiber. The output end of the test fiber is set on the fixed stage to be locatedat the rotation center of Ge -APD sensor. The Ge -APD sensor rotates around the test fiberoutput end by computer control. To reject the influence of outside light, only 270 Hzcomponent of the signal from Ge -APD is detected by lock -in amplifier. Measured datum ateach measurement angle is transfered to computer. M.F.D. is calculated by computer afterrequired data are received. In case of conventional single mode fiber of M.F.D. of about10 ism, measurement angle of about 13
EXACT CONFIDENCE INTERVALS AND JOINT CONFIDENCE REGIONS FOR THE PARAMETERS OF THE WEIBULL DISTRIBUTIONS

The Weibull distribution is widely adopted as a lifetime distribution. One of the characteristics the Weibull distribution possesses is that its cumulative distribution function can be expressed by closed form. Parameter estimation for the Weibull distribution has been discussed by many authors. Various methods have been proposed for constructing confidence intervals and joint confidence regions for the parameters of the Weibull distribution based on censored data. This paper discusses those methods that deal with exact confidence intervals or exact joint confidence regions for the parameters. One of the applications of the joint confidence regions of the parameters is to find confidence bounds for the functions of the parameters. In this paper, confidence bounds for the mean lifetime and reliability function for the Weibull distributions are discussed. Some unresolved problems for the exact confidences and joint confidence regions are mentioned in the discussion section.
No Art Teacher Left Behind: Professional Development that Really Matters in an Age of Accountability.

Teacher professional development is a chief concern of states, districts, and schools in the wake of high-stakes accountability measures such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The goals and practices of professional development are often disconnected, and this misalignment affects art teachers in unique ways. Art teachers are often “left behind,” without the opportunity for content-specific professional development experiences. This article presents the thesis that effective professional development must be content-specific and continuous and bear out authentic connections among purpose, content, and evaluation. Both NCLB and the National Art Education Association (NAEA) have established goals and standards for quality professional development for art teachers. This article synthesizes these standards and describes current gaps in practice. Finally, the article presents a model of art teacher professional development that meets at the nexus of artist, teacher, and community and addresses these gaps in pract...
A COMPUTERIZED WORD-BASED DATA SYSTEM FOR A VETERINARY RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Computer programs were developed to record and retrieve the diagnostic findings of a veterinary radiology department. The concluding statements of reports are abstracted into a data file. Records may be retrieved by the computer after selecting any of the following: owner's name, patient number, date, species, breed, sex, age, state of residence, imaging type and diagnosis (word or statement). Also, information retrieved from the hospital financial records (procedures performed) and medical record databases may be combined with imaging report information to provide a powerful tool for clinical research and teaching.
Metamorphic conditions in the Ashe Metamorphic Suite, North Carolina Blue Ridge

Taconian metamorphism of mafic rocks in the Ashe Metamorphic Suite can be characterized by reference to an isograd corresponding to the reaction bio + epi = hbl + gar, which separates rocks into two zones of low-variance assemblages. Temperatures and pressures estimated from mineral exchange geothermometers and a barometer suggest that this reaction occurred at approximately 600-650 °C and 7.5 kbar. Phase equilibria between biotite and hornblende, as well as the sharpness of the mapped isograd, indicate that the reaction is discontinuous. Inferred differences in metamorphic grade between Ashe amphibolites and mafic dikes in the underlying basement suggest that these units are in faulted contact. Isograd patterns in pelitic rocks suggest an elongated domal uplift that developed after metamorphism and thrusting, the core of which is exposed in the adjacent Grandfather Mountain window.
Students' Early Impressions of Instructors: Understanding the Role of Relational Skills and Messages

Research suggests that initial impressions are important and set the tone for future interactions; however, little is known about which teacher communication behaviors create positive initial judgments by students. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among a set of teacher relational communication behaviors and students' early judgments about the future outcomes of the course. Specifically, students reported perceptions of their instructors' use of power, confirmation, nonverbal immediacy, and communication skills in the beginning of a semester and their predictions about future interactions with that instructor. Results indicated that teachers' use of coercive and legitimate power were negatively related to students' predicted outcome value (POV) judgments, whereas the use of reward, referent, and expert power, along with confirmation and communication skills, were positively correlated with students' POV judgments. Hierarchical regression further revealed unique relational message...
Outcome Measures for Research and Clinical Practice

This editorial provides a brief discussion of the importance of the selection and utilization of outcome measures in research and clinical practice.
Preservation of protein dynamics in dihydrofolate reductase evolution.

The hydride transfer reaction catalyzed by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a model for examining how protein dynamics contribute to enzymatic function. The relationship between functional motions and enzyme evolution has attracted significant attention. Recent studies on N23PP Escherichia coli DHFR (ecDHFR) mutant, designed to resemble parts of the human enzyme, indicated a reduced single turnover rate. NMR relaxation dispersion experiments with that enzyme showed rigidification of millisecond Met-20 loop motions (Bhabha, G., Lee, J., Ekiert, D. C., Gam, J., Wilson, I. A., Dyson, H. J., Benkovic, S. J., and Wright, P. E. (2011) Science 332, 234–238). A more recent study of this mutant, however, indicated that fast motions along the reaction coordinate are actually more dispersed than for wild-type ecDHFR (WT). Furthermore, a double mutant (N23PP/G51PEKN) that better mimics the human enzyme seems to restore both the single turnover rates and narrow distribution of fast dynamics (Liu, C. T., Hanoian, P., French, T. H., Hammes-Schiffer, S., and Benkovic, S. J. (2013) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 110, 10159–11064). Here, we measured intrinsic kinetic isotope effects for both N23PP and N23PP/G51PEKN double mutant DHFRs over a temperature range. The findings indicate that although the C-H→C transfer and dynamics along the reaction coordinate are impaired in the altered N23PP mutant, both seem to be restored in the N23PP/G51PEKN double mutant. This indicates that the evolution of G51PEKN, although remote from the Met-20 loop, alleviated the loop rigidification that would have been caused by N23PP, enabling WT-like H-tunneling. The correlation between the calculated dynamics, the nature of C-H→C transfer, and a phylogenetic analysis of DHFR sequences are consistent with evolutionary preservation of the protein dynamics to enable H-tunneling from well reorganized active sites.
Use of a surgical sponge facilitates rib resection in flank incisions

Dissection of the rib in a flank incision is often tedious and difficult. Entry into the pleural space and subcostal nerve injury are two frequent complications. In an effort to reduce the frequency of these complications and to facilitate the ease of rib dissection and resection, we describe a technique that uses a moistened surgical sponge to dissect free the posterior surface of the rib.
Aspirin prevents the nonenzymatic glycosylation and carbamylation of the human eye lens crystallins in vitro.

Summary When the human eye lens homogenate which was incubated with [14C]-acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and separated into α-, β-, and γ-crystallins by Sepharose 6B gel-filtration, the radiolabel was found in all the three crystallins. The significant decreases in the free ξ-amino groups of aspirin treated crystallins as compared to the untreated ones indicate the probable sites of acetylation in the crystallins: The inhibition of the binding of [14C]-glucose and [14C]-cyanate to the aspirin pre-treated crystallins suggests that prior acetylation with aspirin prevents the occurrence of the nonenzymatic glycosylation and carbamylation of the lens crystallins in vitro .
A numerical kinematic wave model for border irrigation

A numerical model is developed to solve kinematic wave equations of border irrigation. This model accommodates transient infiltration, which may be defined by any of the well known infiltration models. Test runs, performed using different incremental values of time and space, were found to give results within 5% of one another, thus showing the stability of the numerical model. The conservation of volume of water was satisfied within 1% error at different values of time and space. Three sample data sets from field experiments were used to analyze the numerical model.
Prenatal corticosteroid exposure alters early developmental seizures and behavior.

Summary In humans, corticosteroids are often administered prenatally to improve lung development in preterm neonates. Studies in exposed children as well as in children, whose mothers experienced significant stress during pregnancy indicate behavioral problems and possible increased occurrence of epileptic spasms. This study investigated whether prenatal corticosteroid exposure alters early postnatal seizure susceptibility and behaviors. On gestational day 15, pregnant rats were injected i.p. with hydrocortisone (2 × 10 mg/kg), betamethasone (2 × 0.4 mg/kg) or vehicle. On postnatal day (P)15, seizures were induced by flurothyl or kainic acid (3.5 or 5.0 mg/kg). Horizontal bar holding was determined prior to seizures and again on P17. Performance in the elevated plus maze was assessed on P20–22. Prenatal exposure to betamethasone decreased postnatal susceptibility to flurothyl-induced clonic seizures but not to kainic acid-induced seizures. Prenatal hydrocortisone decreased postnatal weight but did not affect seizure susceptibility. Hydrocortisone alone did not affect performance in behavioral tests except for improving horizontal bar holding on P17. A combination of prenatal hydrocortisone and postnatal seizures resulted in increased anxiety. Prenatal exposure to mineralocorticoid receptor blocker canrenoic acid did not attenuate, but surprisingly amplified the effects of hydrocortisone on body weight and significantly worsened horizontal bar performance. Thus, prenatal exposure to excess corticosteroids alters postnatal seizure susceptibility and behaviors. Specific effects may depend on corticosteroid species.
Trustees and staff: Building effective fundraising teams

A series of interviews with staff and trustees of not-for-profits with a record of successful fundraising offers a model for staff and trustee interaction in the fundraising process.
POINT-CHARGE ELECTROSTATICS IN DISORDERED ALLOYS

A simple analytic model of point-ion electrostatics has been previously proposed in which the magnitude of the net charge q_i on each atom in an ordered or random alloy depends linearly on the number N_i^(1) of unlike neighbors in its first coordination shell. Point charges extracted from recent large supercell (256-432 atom) local density approximation (LDA) calculations of Cu-Zn random alloys now enable an assessment of the physical validity and accuracy of the simple model. We find that this model accurately describes (i) the trends in q_i vs. N_i^(1), particularly for fcc alloys, (ii) the magnitudes of total electrostatic energies in random alloys, (iii) the relationships between constant-occupation-averaged charges and Coulomb shifts (i.e., the average over all sites occupied by either $A$ or $B$ atoms) in the random alloy, and (iv) the linear relation between the site charge q_i and the constant- charge-averaged Coulomb shift (i.e., the average over all sites with the same charge) for fcc alloys. However, for bcc alloys the fluctuations predicted by the model in the q_i vs. V_i relation exceed those found in the LDA supercell calculations. We find that (a) the fluctuations present in the model have a vanishing contribution to the electrostatic energy. (b) Generalizing the model to include a dependence of the charge on the atoms in the first three (two) shells in bcc (fcc) - rather than the first shell only - removes the fluctuations, in complete agreement with the LDA data. We also demonstrate an efficient way to extract charge transfer parameters of the generalized model from LDA calculations on small unit cells.
Vertical trading and uneven development

Abstract The phenomenon of vertical trading, in which the center exports a good involving a high degree of processing which leads to economy-wide learning and the periphery exports a good which does not generate such effects, is formalized in a simple dynamic model of trade. It is shown that the periphery can ‘lose’ from such trade relations. Conditions under which this can occur are shown to involve parameters of the learning functions, and the ‘sizes’ of the two countries.
Early middle ear effusion and school achievement at age seven years.

Objective This study tested the hypothesis that children with early persistent middle ear effusion (MEE) are at risk for later deficits in academic performance. Methods We recruited 698 newborns and monitored them for MEE every 2 to 4 weeks at home until age 3 years. At age 7 years, it was possible to obtain school data for 226 children. Tests included the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills or the Stanford Achievement tests, the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests, and the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement. Results There was no significant relationship between early MEE and measures of school achievement as shown by correlations or multiple regression. Differences between extreme MEE groups were not significant. School achievement was strongly associated with ethnicity, home environment, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions Early persistent MEE does not appear to affect achievement in school at age 7 years.
Formation and characterization of CdS/ZnSiAs2 heterojunctions

A rectifying junction between MOCVD formed ZnSiAs2 and evaporated CdS has been studied. Current-voltage behavior at current densities above about 1mA/cm2 appears to be dominated by tunnelling. Capacitance measurements indicate an acceptor concentration in ZnSiAs2 of 5 × 1016cm-3, junction diffusion voltage of 1.0V and the presence of deep traps. Device series resistance could be attributed in part to compensating cross-doping. CdS/ZnSiAs2 junctions exhibit photovoltaic response, and photovoltages above 0.5V under 5 sun illumination. ZnSiAs2 electron affinity is estimated to be 3.9eV, and a tentative CdS/ZnSiAs2 band diagram is presented.
THE EFFECT OF MARKET PROXY REBALANCING POLICIES ON DETECTING ABNORMAL PERFORMANCE

In this paper, effects on the measured abnormal performance of test portfolios are compared against market proxies having the same or different rebalancing policies. Results show that the common practice of comparing buy-and-hold test portfolios with equally weighted market proxies produces lower Jensen [7] alphas and lower alpha t-values. Comparing buy-and-hold test portfolios with value-weighted market proxies produces higher portfolio betas and alphas, but lower alpha t-values. Finally, comparing buy-and-hold test portfolios with buy-and-hold market proxies produces the most powerful tests of abnormal performance.
The asymptotic behaviour of symbolic generic initial systems of generic points

Consider the ideal I⊆K[x,y,z] corresponding to points p1,…,pr of P2. We study the symbolic generic initial system {gin(I(m))}m of such an ideal and its behaviour as m gets large. In particular, we describe the limiting shape of this system explicitly when p1,…,pr are generic, assuming that the Uniform SHGH Conjecture holds for r≥9. The symbolic generic initial system and its limiting shape reflect information about the asymptotic behaviour of Hilbert functions of fat point ideals.
Abstract C54: Characterization of HGF-mediated EMT and its inhibition with novel HGF pathway inhibitors using transcriptomic analysis

The ability of cancer cells to detach from their neighbors, invade through local tissues, and establish distant metastases is a major contributor to cancer mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) describes a developmental process by which cells break cell-cell adhesions and gain motility. Interestingly, cells generated by EMT also bear stem cell properties and are more resistant to chemotherapeutics. EMT is triggered by a number of cellular signaling pathways, including via hepatocyte growth factor. Inappropriate signaling in epithelial tumors is thought to drive EMT, facilitating cancer metastasis. A common feature is the activation of a number of transcriptional programs. Here we report the results of transcriptomic studies that are designed to characterize transcriptional changes in cells undergoing EMT in response to HGF stimulation. MDCK cells, a normal epithelial cell line, were stimulated with HGF for different amounts of time under otherwise identical culture conditions. Since cell substrate composition affects the robustness of the HGF response, we performed this experiment on cells grown on different extracellular matrices in an attempt to better understand how cellular substrates provide context to HGF signaling. Triplicate samples of mRNA were generated from these cultures for transcriptomic sequencing and analysis. Each sample generated 20-40 million sequence reads that were assembled into known and de novo (novel) transcripts using Tuxedo Suite, allowing detection of differential transcript expression by cummeRbund and edgeR. Many of the differentially expressed genes correlated well to known cancer pathways. HGF signaling is widely accepted to play an important role in cancer progression and to be an important target for development of novel therapeutics. We previously identified a series of novel HGF pathway inhibitors using a phenotypic screening approach. Compounds were subjected to analysis of their structure-activity relationship, in vivo toxicity, and pharmacokinetic profiles. Compounds that block EMT without affecting proliferation were applied to MDCK cells prior to HGF stimulation and mRNA samples generated from these cultures. We report how these inhibitors alter the transcriptional response of MDCK cells to HGF stimulation, providing a molecular basis for how these inhibitors prevent EMT. Citation Format: Kevin J. Tuttle, Jason Burton, W Evan Johnson, Marc DH Hansen. Characterization of HGF-mediated EMT and its inhibition with novel HGF pathway inhibitors using transcriptomic analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C54.
Vegetation changes in Conservation Reserve Program lands in interior Alaska

Abstract Over 14 million hectares of erosion prone cropland in the United States has been converted into grasslands through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, however, studies of the effects of CRP enrollment on plant communities and subsequent plant succession are largely lacking. In Delta Junction, Alaska plant communities in CRP fields are transitioning from grasslands to shrub dominated plant communities, which are resulting in compliance problems with program regulations that state “fields must be maintained in a condition that permits easy conversion to cropland”. To determine plant succession and how previous land management and soils might influence the transition, we measured plant populations in 20 CRP fields throughout Delta Junction using modified-Whittaker plots. These data were combined with data on current management practices, previous farming history, soils, soil properties, diversity indices, and time since land was cleared and analyzed with nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination to determine factors that influence plant succession. Time in the CRP was the only factor consistently influencing plant succession. As time in the CRP increased, the planted introduced grasses brome grass (Bromus inermis) and red fescue (Festuca rubra) and the native pteridophyte (Equisetum arvense) decreased, whereas a native grass (Calamigrostis canadensis), five native forb, two native shrub, and three native tree species increased. Plant diversity increased at a rate of more than 2 species per 1000 m2 per year. Regression analyses of plant species and plant groups using time in the CRP as the dependent variable resulted in the identification of outlier CRP fields with significantly more or less than expected covers of vegetation. All fields with these outliers had reasonable explanations for the differences in cover that were unrelated to the overall rate of plant succession. Current management practices will result in incompliant fields and different management practices that result in woody vegetation control is key to maintaining CRP fields in compliance.
Relation of calcification to torn leaflets of spontaneously degenerated porcine bioprosthetic valves.

Abstract The gross appearance of 54 spontaneously degenerated porcine bioprosthetic valves was evaluated to determine the relation of calcium deposition to cusp disruption. Tears or perforations were shown in 89% (48) of the degenerated valves. The most common site of tears or perforations was near the commissural attachment (60% of all tears). Grossly visible deposits of calcium salts that ruptured to the surface of the cusps or caused changes in the topography were observed in 70% (38) of the 54 valves. Calcification was adjacent to tears or perforations in 56% (27) of the 48 valves with torn cusps. Among the valves that showed calcification, the deposits of calcium salts were adjacent to tears or perforations in 71% (27 of 38). The location of deposits of calcium did not relate to the age or sex of the patient or to the position of the valve, but valves with calcium were inserted longer than valves with no calcium (87 ± 4 versus 58 ± 7 months; p
Specific tetramethylammonium recognition drives general anion positioning in tandem sites of a deep cavitand

A new cavitand bearing four 2-benzylbenzimidazole moieties binds tetramethylammonium, surrounding it in a synthetic binding site with a single opening that comprises a second binding site. Ion pairing couples the binding sites, driving general anion positioning in this second site, which is defined by geometry rather than specific anion-recognition motifs.
Optimizing randomized trial designs to distinguish which subpopulations benefit from treatment

It is a challenge to evaluate experimental treatments where it is suspected that the treatment effect may only be strong for certain subpopulations, such as those having a high initial severity of disease, or those having a particular gene variant. Standard randomized controlled trials can have low power in such situations. They also are not optimized to distinguish which subpopulations benefit from a treatment. With the goal of overcoming these limitations, we consider randomized trial designs in which the criteria for patient enrollment may be changed, in a preplanned manner, based on interim analyses. Since such designs allow data-dependent changes to the population enrolled, care must be taken to ensure strong control of the familywise Type I error rate. Our main contribution is a general method for constructing randomized trial designs that allow changes to the population enrolled based on interim data using a prespecified decision rule, for which the asymptotic, familywise Type I error rate is strongly controlled at a specified level α. As a demonstration of our method, we prove new, sharp results for a simple, two-stage enrichment design. We then compare this design to fixed designs, focusing on each design’s ability to determine the overall and subpopulation-specific treatment effects.
SVC adaptive layer switching algorithms over the WiMAX network for Taiwan High Speed Rail

For the sake of satisfying the requirement of different receivers and adapting the network condition, a new video coding scheme appears and is called Scalable Video Coding (SVC). Different from traditional coding scheme i.e. H.264, encoding once by using SVC encoder can generate one bitstream with different resolutions as well as frame rate, and the bitstream can be corresponded with the requirement of different receivers. In this paper, we propose two adaptive SVC layer switching algorithms for dedicated Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network of Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). The adaptive layer switching algorithms are based on network condition to adjust to delivering video data. For the first algorithm, we record the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) trace at the high speed moving environment of THSR in advance, and measure the available network bandwidth with RSSI trace. Then, Streaming Server can deliver the corresponding SVC layer data by measured network bandwidth. As to the second algorithm, Streaming Server estimates network available bandwidth from static information such as packet loss rate sent by Streaming Client. Streaming Server can select and deliver SVC layer data which are adapted to estimated network bandwidth. Our streaming system is an adaptive streaming system because video layer switching adapts to different network conditions.
Chemistry of Cirsium and Carduus: a role in ecological risk assessment for biological control of weeds?

Prediction of host plant range and ecological impact of exotic phytophagous insects, such as insects for classical biological control of weeds, represents a major challenge. Recently, the flowerhead weevil ( Rhinocyllus conicus Frol.), introduced from Europe into North America to control exotic thistles (Carduus spp.), has become invasive. It feeds heavily on some, but not all species of native North American thistles (Cirsium spp.). We hypothesized that such non-target use among native plants could be better predicted by knowledge of characteristic chemical profiles of secondary compounds to supplement the results of host specificity testing. To evaluate this hypothesis, we reviewed the literature on the chemistry of Cirsium and Carduus thistles. We asked what compounds are known to be present, what is known about their biological activity, and whether such information on chemical profiles would have better predicted realized host range and ecological effects of R. conicus in North America. We found an extensive, but incomplete literature on the chemistry of true thistles. Two main patterns emerged. First, consistent chemical similarities and interesting differences occur among species of thistles. Second, variation occurs in biologically active groups of characteristic compounds, specifically flavonoids, sterols, alkaloids and pheno lic acids, that are known to influence host plant acceptance, selection, and feeding by phy tophagous insects. Surprisingly, sesquiterpene lactones, which are characteristic in closely related Asteraceae, have not been extensively reported for Cirsium or Carduus. The minimal evidence on sesquiterpene lactones may reflect extraction methods vs. true absence. In summary, our review suggests further research on thistle chemistry in insect feeding is warranted. Also, since the exotic Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is an invasive thistle of current concern in North America, such research on mechanisms underlying host range expansion by exotic insects would be useful.
Delay guarantee versus throughput in broadcast fading channels

We consider a single-antenna broadcast fading channel with n backlogged users. Assuming the transmission is packet-based, we define the delay as the minimum number of channel uses that guarantees all n users successfully receive m packets. A delay optimal strategy such as round-robin achieves the delay of mn. For the optimal throughput strategy (i.e. transmitting to the user with the best channel condition at each channel use), we derive the mean and variance of the delay for any m and n. For large n, it is proved that the expected delay in receiving the first packet in all users scales like n log n as opposed to n for the round-robin scheduling.
Microstructure of Ruthenium Dioxide Films Grown on α–Al2O3 (0001), α–Al2O3 (1102), and SrTiO3 (100) Using Reactive Sputtering

A quantitative study was made of the composition and microstructure of RuO2 films deposited on three different substrates using reactive sputtering. Most of the films had a composition within 2.5 wt. % of the correct stoichiometry; the only exceptions were films grown on Al2O3 (0001) at 150 °C, which had an oxygen-to-ruthenium ratio of 1:2.24. The excess oxygen was attributed to a thin oxygen-rich layer that encapsulated the grains. Hydrogen concentrations for the films deposited on Al2O3 (0001) were 14, 6, 6, and <0.5 at. % for room, 150, 300, and 450 °C growth temperatures respectively. The films deposited at room temperature were amorphous on Al2O3 (0001) and SrTiO3 (100), but weakly crystalline on Al2O3 ( $$1\overline 1 02$$ ). Highly oriented RuO2 (100) films were produced on Al2O3 (0001) at deposition temperatures ⩾150 °C. The in-plane alignment was [010]RuO2//〈 $$\overline 2 110$$ 〉Al2O3 and a threefold mosaic microstructure was observed. The grain boundaries in these films were discontinuous until the substrate temperature was raised to 450 °C, where coherent grain boundaries were formed. The films grown on Al2O3 ( $$1\overline 1 02$$ ) at 450 °C exhibited the epitaxial relationship: RuO2(101)//Al2O3 ( $$1\overline 1 02$$ ). The in-plane alignment was RuO2〈101〉//Al2O3〈 $$\overline 1 110$$ 〉, and the lattice parameters were the same as found in bulk RuO2. Transmission electron microscopy indicated a large degree of imperfection in the region between coalescing grains. The RuO2 films grown on SrTiO3 (100) at room temperature were amorphous. The film grown at 450 °C showed a preferential orientation with RuO2 (100)//SrTiO3 (100), but without in-plane orientation.
An Institutional Approach to the Examination of Food Safety

Food safety is an inherently complex agribusiness problem. Food safety is a result of the collective efforts of various members of the food supply chain in which each member’s production, handling, processing and retailing practices jointly determine the safety of the consumed product. Although agency explanations have been offered as one potential solution to this research challenge, food safety also operates within a greater institutional setting. A theoretical framework that draws on an institutional approach is developed in which two sets of propositions are offered to explain the coordination and economic organization of food safety. Such a framework offers four contributions / implications to organizational economic and food safety research.
Effects of boron on growth and physiology in mallard ducklings

High concentrations of boron (B) have been associated with irrigation drainwater and aquatic plants consumed by waterfowl. Day-old mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings received an untreated diet (controls) or diets containing 100, 400 or 1,600 ppm B as boric acid. Survival, growth and food consumption were measured for 10 weeks. At termination, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical assays and histological examination. The highest dietary concentration of B caused 10% mortality, decreased overall growth and the rate of growth (sexes combined), whereas lower concentrations of B altered growth only in females. Food consumption was lower during the first 3 weeks in the 1,600-ppm group and during the second week in all B-treated groups compared to controls. Hematocrit and hemoglobin were lower and plasma calcium concentration higher in the 1,600-ppm group compared to controls. Plasma triglyceride concentration was elevated in all B-treated groups. Brain B concentration increased to 25 times that of controls in the 1,600-ppm group. Brain ATP decreased with increasing dietary B. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity and total ATPase activity (in males) were elevated and protein concentration lowered in the 1,600-ppm group. Boron accumulated less in the liver than in the brain but resulted in an initial elevation of hepatic glutathione. These findings, in combination with altered duckling behavior, suggest that concentrations of B occurring in aquatic plants could adversely affect normal duckling development.
Prenatal antipsychotic exposure and neuromotor performance during infancy

Context Despite the expanding clinical utility of antipsychotics beyond psychotic disorders to include depressive, bipolar, and anxiety disorders, reproductive safety data regarding the neurodevelopmental sequelae of fetal antipsychotic exposure are scarce. Objective To examine whether intrauterine antipsychotic exposure is associated with deficits in neuromotor performance and habituation in 6-month-old infants. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective controlled study was conducted from December 1999 through June 2008 at the Infant Development Laboratory of the Emory Psychological Center examining maternal-infant dyads (N = 309) at 6 months postpartum with pregnancy exposure to antipsychotics (n = 22), antidepressants (n = 202), or no psychotropic agents (n = 85). Examiners masked to maternal-infant exposure status administered a standardized neuromotor examination (Infant Neurological International Battery [INFANIB]) that tests posture, tone, reflexes, and motor skills and a visual habituation paradigm using a neutral female face. Main Outcome Measures The INFANIB composite score; number of trials required to achieve a 50% decrease in infant fixation during a visual habituation task; and mean time looking at the stimulus across 10 trials. Results Infants prenatally exposed to antipsychotics (mean = 64.71) showed significantly lower INFANIB scores than those with antidepressant (mean = 68.57) or no psychotropic (mean = 71.19) exposure, after controlling for significant covariates (F 2,281 = 4.51; P = .01; partial η 2 = 0.033). The INFANIB scores were also significantly associated with maternal psychiatric history, including depression, psychosis, and overall severity/chronicity (P ’s 245 = 0.16; P Conclusions Among 6-month-old infants, a history of intrauterine antipsychotic exposure, compared with antidepressant or no psychotropic exposure, was associated with significantly lower scores on a standard test of neuromotor performance, highlighting the need for further scrutiny of the reproductive safety and neurodevelopmental sequelae of fetal antipsychotic exposure. Disentangling medication effects from maternal illness effects, which also contributed, remains a critical challenge.
Force on spindle microtubule minus ends moves chromosomes

The spindle is a dynamic self-assembling machine that coordinates mitosis. The spindle’s function depends on its ability to organize microtubules into poles and maintain pole structure despite mechanical challenges and component turnover. Although we know that dynein and NuMA mediate pole formation, our understanding of the forces dynamically maintaining poles is limited: we do not know where and how quickly they act or their strength and structural impact. Using laser ablation to cut spindle microtubules, we identify a force that rapidly and robustly pulls severed microtubules and chromosomes poleward, overpowering opposing forces and repairing spindle architecture. Molecular imaging and biophysical analysis suggest that transport is powered by dynein pulling on minus ends of severed microtubules. NuMA and dynein/dynactin are specifically enriched at new minus ends within seconds, reanchoring minus ends to the spindle and delivering them to poles. This force on minus ends represents a newly uncovered chromosome transport mechanism that is independent of plus end forces at kinetochores and is well suited to robustly maintain spindle mechanical integrity.
Streamline regularization for large discontinuous motion of sea ice

Non-rigid motion has to sometimes contend with the presence of discontinuous structures when it is estimated under a non-topology preserving deformation. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that estimates large scale non-rigid motion in the presence of these discontinuous structures. We have developed a streamline regularization framework that uses particle streamlines to compute a plausible flow at discontinuities, thereby enabling us to predict the motion more accurately. To quantitatively validate the accuracy of our results, we applied the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, which shows an improvement in estimation accuracy using our proposed scheme.
The Management of Peri‐implant Breakdown Around Functioning Osseointegrated Dental Implants

Peri-implant tissue breakdown can be the result of microbial action as well as of biomechanical and occlusal overload. The long-term goal of the treatment of peri-implant breakdown is to arrest the progression of the disease and to achieve a maintainable site for the patient. Peri-implant bony defects around functioning implants can be treated with either non-surgical or surgical (resective or regenerative) techniques. Bone regeneration is possible in selected peri-implant bony defects of functioning implants if appropriate surgical techniques are utilized and the etiologic cause is eradicated. J Periodontol 1993; 64:1176–1183.