cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An algorithm for quantifying and characterizing misleading trajectories in ecological processes

A fundamental problem in ecology is understanding how to scale discoveries: from patterns we observe in the lab or the plot to the field or the region or bridging between short term observations to long term trends. At the core of these issues is the concept of trajectory- that is, when can we have reasonable assurance that we know where a system is going? In this paper, we describe a non-random resampling method to directly address the temporal aspects of scaling ecological observations by leveraging existing data. Findings from long-term research sites have been hugely influential in ecology because of their unprecedented longitudinal perspective, yet short-term studies more consistent with typical grant cycles and graduate programs are still the norm. We directly address bridging the gap between the short-term and the long-term by developing an automated, systematic resampling approach: in short, we repeatedly 9sample9 moving windows of data from existing long-term time series, and analyze these sampled data as if they represented the entire dataset. We then compile typical statistics used to describe the relationship in the sampled data, through repeated samplings, and then use these derived data to gain insights to the questions: 1) how often are the trends observed in short-term data misleading, and 2) can we use characteristics of these trends to predict our likelihood of being misled? We develop a systematic resampling approach, the 9bad-breakup9 algorithm, and illustrate its utility with a case study of firefly observations produced at the Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Ecological Research Site (KBS LTER). Through a variety of visualizations, summary statistics, and downstream analyses, we provide a standardized approach to evaluating the trajectory of a system, the amount of observation required to find a meaningful trajectory in similar systems, and a means of evaluating our confidence in our conclusions.
ADPriboDB 2.0: an updated database of ADP-ribosylated proteins.

ADP-ribosylation is a protein modification responsible for biological processes such as DNA repair, RNA regulation, cell cycle and biomolecular condensate formation. Dysregulation of ADP-ribosylation is implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration and viral infection. We developed ADPriboDB (adpribodb.leunglab.org) to facilitate studies in uncovering insights into the mechanisms and biological significance of ADP-ribosylation. ADPriboDB 2.0 serves as a one-stop repository comprising 48 346 entries and 9097 ADP-ribosylated proteins, of which 6708 were newly identified since the original database release. In this updated version, we provide information regarding the sites of ADP-ribosylation in 32 946 entries. The wealth of information allows us to interrogate existing databases or newly available data. For example, we found that ADP-ribosylated substrates are significantly associated with the recently identified human protein interaction networks associated with SARS-CoV-2, which encodes a conserved protein domain called macrodomain that binds and removes ADP-ribosylation. In addition, we create a new interactive tool to visualize the local context of ADP-ribosylation, such as structural and functional features as well as other post-translational modifications (e.g. phosphorylation, methylation and ubiquitination). This information provides opportunities to explore the biology of ADP-ribosylation and generate new hypotheses for experimental testing.
Semi-Fast Byzantine-tolerant Shared Register without Reliable Broadcast

Shared register emulations on top of message-passing systems provide an illusion of a simpler shared memory system which can make the task of a system designer easier. Numerous shared register applications have a considerably high read-to-write ratio. Thus, having algorithms that make reads more efficient than writes is a fair trade-off.Typically, such algorithms for reads and writes are asymmetric and sacrifice the stringent consistency condition atomicity, as it is impossible to have fast reads for multi-writer atomicity. Safety is a consistency condition that has has gathered interest from both the systems and theory community as it is weaker than atomicity yet provides strong enough guarantees like "strong consistency" or read-my-write consistency. One requirement that is assumed by many researchers is that of the reliable broadcast (RB) primitive, which ensures the "all or none" property during a broadcast. One drawback is that such a primitive takes 1.5 rounds to complete and requires server-to-server communication.This paper implements an efficient multi-writer multi-reader safe register without using a reliable broadcast primitive. Moreover, we provide fast reads or one-shot reads – our read operations can be completed in one round of client-to-server communication. Of course, this comes with the price of requiring more servers when compared to prior solutions assuming reliable broadcast. However, we show that this increased number of servers is indeed necessary as we prove a tight bound on the number of servers required to implement Byzantine-fault tolerant safe registers in a system without reliable broadcast.We extend our results to data stored using erasure coding as well. We present an emulation of single-writer multi-reader safe register based on MDS codes. The usage of MDS codes reduces storage and communication costs. On the negative side, we also show that to use MDS codes and at the same time achieve one-shot reads, we need even more servers.
History and Status of Prolonged Grief Disorder as a Psychiatric Diagnosis.

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a diagnostic entity now included in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) and soon to appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual...
Local and systemic in vivo responses to osseointegrative titanium nanotube surfaces

Orthopedic implants requiring osseointegration are often surface modified; however, implants may shed these coatings and generate wear debris leading to complications. Titanium nanotubes (TiNT), a new surface treatment, may promote osseointegration. In this study, in vitro (rat marrow-derived bone marrow cell attachment and morphology) and in vivo (rat model of intramedullary fixation) experiments characterized local and systemic responses of two TiNT surface morphologies, aligned and trabecular, via animal and remote organ weight, metal ion, hematologic, and nondecalcified histologic analyses. In vitro experiments showed total adherent cells on trabecular and aligned TiNT surfaces were greater than control at 30 min and 4 h, and cells were smaller in diameter and more eccentric. Control animals gained more weight, on average; however, no animals met the institutional trigger for weight loss. No hematologic parameters (complete blood count with differential) were significantly different for TiNT groups vs. control. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) showed greater aluminum levels in the lungs of the trabecular TiNT group than in those of the controls. Histologic analysis demonstrated no inflammatory infiltrate, cytotoxic, or necrotic conditions in proximity of K-wires. There were significantly fewer eosinophils/basophils and neutrophils in the distal region of trabecular TiNT-implanted femora; and, in the midshaft of aligned TiNT-implanted femora, there were significantly fewer foreign body giant/multinucleated cells and neutrophils, indicating a decreased immune response in aligned TiNT-implanted femora compared to controls.
L’arc de cercle, or the Movement of Modernism (1620–2020)

Timpano reviews the visual manifestation of the arc de cercle—a specific movement in hysterical attacks coined by Jean-Martin Charcot in the 1870s—in order to better comprehend how and why hysteria was not the invention of nineteenth-century French medicine, but rather, a theatrically expressive “attitude” identifiable throughout the visual and performing arts from the Early Modern period to the present era. His research demonstrates that any distinction between “dramatic swooning” and “hysterical arcs” was largely an arbitrary division for artists and theater directors working from the Baroque era to the contemporary scene. Instead, the codification of the arc de cercle by modern medicine in the late nineteenth century was, in truth, a rather late attempt to explain a long-standing tradition of hysterical expressions that had already found power and meaning in the realm of the arts.
Imperative inference and practical rationality

Some arguments include imperative clauses. For example: ‘Buy me a drink; you can’t buy me that drink unless you go to the bar; so, go to the bar!’ How should we build a logic that predicts which of these arguments are good? Because imperatives aren’t truth apt and so don’t stand in relations of truth preservation, this technical question gives rise to a foundational one: What would be the subject matter of this logic? I argue that declaratives are used to produce beliefs, imperatives are used to produce intentions, and beliefs and intentions are subject to rational requirements. An argument will strike us as valid when anyone whose mental state satisfies the premises is rationally required to satisfy the conclusion. For example, the above argument reflects the principle that it is irrational not to intend what one takes to be the necessary means to one’s intended ends. I argue that all intuitively good patterns of imperative inference can be explained using off-the-shelf formulations of our rational requirements. I then develop a formal-semantic theory embodying this view that predicts a range of data, including free-choice effects and Ross’s paradox. The resulting theory shows one way that our aspirations to rational agency can be discerned in the patterns of our speech, and is a case study in how the philosophy of language and the philosophy of action can be mutually illuminating.
V-band side-fed printed quasi-parabolic reflector antenna with beam-steering

A design of printed V-band quasi-parabolic reflector antenna is discussed. A novel planar feeding method is proposed for this antenna which later is used to achieve beam-steering capability. The radiation performance of the designed antenna is studied using full-wave simulations based on finite-element method.
How to Find a Precambrian Paleosol

Precambrian paleosols have been discovered in unprecedented numbers in recent years and it is likely that many remain unrecognized for what they are. This essay attempts to aid the search by outlining diagnostic versus common but not necessarily distinctive features of Precambrian paleosols. Three general classes of criteria can be used to recognize Precambrian paleosols: biological traces, soil horizons, and soil structures.
Impact of Caring Teachers and Character Values Instruction on Student Achievement in Inner-City Middle Schools

Many symptoms of character degeneration in inner-city schools have been indicated by the high incidence of fights, bullying, suspensions, youth gangs, generalized display of disrespect, and low achievement levels. In response to such symptoms, a school-based character education program was implemented in Houston ISD in 2006–2008. The program sought to improve student achievement by enhancing: (1) teacher levels of caring and fairness; and (2) student levels of caring and honesty. Through a carefully matched-pairs method, based on socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender and baseline reading scores, two cohorts of 6th grade students from the two intervention schools and a comparable non-participating school were monitored over a two-year period. The assessment of program effects indicated that the two program schools achieved higher and statistically significant Teacher Caring levels (effect sizes: 0.10–0.54), and Teacher Fairness levels (effects sizes: 0.74–1.00). The program students also achieved statistically significant gains: (1) in Caring levels (effect sizes: 0.41–0.64), and Honesty levels (effect sizes: 0.59–0.72); and (2) in reading and math (effect sizes: 0.20–0.45), with percentile values from 8 percentile units (58th in Reading) to 17 percentile units (67th in math) higher than that of the comparison group.
Slow dynamics model of compressed air energy storage and battery storage technologies for automatic generation control

Increasing variable generation penetration and the consequent increase in short-term variability makes energy storage technologies look attractive, especially in the ancillary market for providing frequency regulation services. This paper presents slow dynamics model for compressed air energy storage and battery storage technologies that can be used in automatic generation control studies to assess the system frequency response and quantify the benefits from storage technologies in providing regulation service. The paper also represents the slow dynamics model of the power system integrated with storage technologies in a complete state space form. The storage technologies have been integrated to the IEEE 24 bus system with single area, and a comparative study of various solution strategies including transmission enhancement and combustion turbine have been performed in terms of generation cycling and frequency response performance metrics.
A novel gammaretroviral shuttle vector insertional mutagenesis screen identifies SHARPIN as a breast cancer metastasis gene and prognostic biomarker

// Victor M. Bii 1 , Dustin T. Rae 1 and Grant D. Trobridge 1,2 1 Washington State University College of Pharmacy, WSU Spokane, Spokane, WA, USA 2 School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA Correspondence to: Grant D. Trobridge, email: // Keywords : insertional mutagenesis screen, breast cancer, gammaretroviral vector (γRV), metastasis, prognostic biomarker, Chromosome Section Received : October 02, 2015 Accepted : October 14, 2015 Published : October 25, 2015 Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of malignancy among U.S. women. Metastasis results in a poor prognosis and increased mortality, but the molecular mechanisms by which metastatic tumors occur are not well understood. Identifying the genes that drive the metastatic process could provide targets for improved therapy and biomarkers to improve BC patient outcomes. Using a forward mutagenesis screen, BC cells mutagenized with a replication-incompetent gammaretroviral vector (γRV) were xenotransplanted into the mammary fat pad of immunodeficient mice. In this approach the vector provirus dysregulates nearby genes, providing a selective advantage to transduced cells to form metastases. Metastatic tumors were analyzed for proviral integration sites to identify nearby candidate metastasis genes. The γRV has a transgene cassette that allows for rescue in bacteria and rapid identification of vector integration sites. Using this approach, we identified the previously described metastasis gene WWTR1 (TAZ), and three other novel candidate metastasis genes including SHARPIN. SHARPIN was independently validated in vivo as a BC metastasis gene. Analysis of patient data showed that SHARPIN expression predicts metastasis-free survival after adjuvant therapy. Our approach has broad potential to identify genes involved in oncogenic processes for BC and other cancers. We show here it can identify both known (WWTR1) and novel (SHARPIN) BC metastasis genes.
PfRH5: A Novel Reticulocyte-Binding Family Homolog of Plasmodium falciparum that Binds to the Erythrocyte, and an Investigation of Its Receptor

Multiple interactions between parasite ligands and their receptors on the human erythrocyte are a condition of successful Plasmodium falciparum invasion. The identification and characterization of these receptors presents a major challenge in the effort to understand the mechanism of invasion and to develop the means to prevent it. We describe here a novel member of the reticulocyte-binding family homolog (RH) of P. falciparum, PfRH5, and show that it binds to a previously unrecognized receptor on the RBC. PfRH5 is expressed as a 63 kDa protein and localized at the apical end of the invasive merozoite. We have expressed a fragment of PfRH5 which contains the RBC-binding domain and exhibits the same pattern of interactions with the RBC as the parent protein. Attachment is inhibited if the target cells are exposed to high concentrations of trypsin, but not to lower concentrations or to chymotrypsin or neuraminidase. We have determined the affinity, copy number and apparent molecular mass of the receptor protein. Thus, we have shown that PfRH5 is a novel erythrocyte-binding ligand and the identification and partial characterization of the new RBC receptor may indicate the existence of an unrecognized P. falciparum invasion pathway
Evaluation of Large Carbon Composite Cones Using Thermal Transducer

A series of nondestructive tests utilizing a new thermal detector, known as a thermal transducer, has been conducted on a group of large carbon-carbon test cones. A description of the operating principles and special fixtures required to use the thermal transducer is provided. Results of thermal and other standard NDT methods are compared and recommendations regarding the capabilities of the thermal transducer are made.
Studies of the Effect of Heat Treatment on Hardness and Creep Behavior of a Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel

In this study, heat treatment was carried out on modified 9Cr-1Mo steel specimens to determine the microstructural evolution for various normalizing temperature/time and tempering temperature/time combinations. Normalization was carried out in the temperature range of 1020–1100°C and time range of 2–8 hours, while tempering was performed in the temperature range of 690–790°C and time range of 2–20 hours. Optical microscopy was then used to visualize and chronicle the microstructural characteristics at varying levels of heat treatment. Vickers micro-hardness measurements were performed on each sample to obtain hardness values as a function of normalizing and tempering temperature/time. Creep tests have also been performed on as-received and welded specimens of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel, in the temperature range of 500–700°C and stress range of 50–200 MPa. Microstructural analysis was carried out on the specimens before and after creep deformation using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructural evolution during the heat treatment and creep tests provided useful information to understand and characterize the creep deformation mechanisms of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Positional effects and strand preference of RNA interference against hepatitis C virus target sequences

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and negative-strand RNA sequences contribute cis-acting functions essential to viral RNA replication. Although efficient suppression of HCV replicon RNA in cell culture has been demonstrated with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed against various sequences in the 5' UTR and coding regions, data regarding siRNA targeting of the 3' UTR have been lacking. Furthermore, it has not been definitively shown whether the active constructs, identified to date, exert their effect exclusively via suppression of the replicon positive strand, negative strand or some combination of both strands. In the present study, we assayed inhibitory activity of various siRNAs targeting the 3' UTR by transient transfection in a subgenomic replicon cell culture model. A survey of 13 candidate target sites in the 3'-UTR X sequence indicated a uniformly low activity of siRNA constructs against the steady-state level of replicon. In contrast, the majority of these same siRNAs exhibited high activity against HCV X sequences of either polarity when these targets were presented in the context of a mammalian polymerase II mRNA transcript. Transfection of siRNAs directed against other regions of the replicon revealed differences in the magnitude of inhibitory effects against positive-strand and negative-strand target sites. Strand preference of siRNA activity was further demonstrated through the introduction of base-pair-destabilizing mutations that promote strand-specific targeting. The results suggest that the HCV positive-strand 5' UTR and coding region are efficiently and directly targeted by siRNA, whereas the 3' UTR and the entire negative strand are relatively resistant to RNA interference.
LNG Technology Advances and Challenges

This paper outlines the development and implementation of technologies that have led to a significant growth in the worldwide LNG business and offers a look at technology directions that may hold promise to help continue future growth. Among the key technical enablers has been the evolution in the size of LNG trains over the past twenty-five years, resulting in significant unit cost reduction. Similar to liquefaction facilities, LNG ships have also been increasing in size to achieve similar reductions in unit cost of LNG transported. Lessons learned in the design, execution, and implementation of large LNG trains and ships, as well as the overall changes of LNG liquefaction trains over the past twenty-five years, have been key to the evolving design of the LNG value chain.
Fatal malfunction of Edwards low-profile mitral valves.

Three of nine patients in whom the Edwards low-profile valve was placed in the mitral position have shown serious valve malfunction. Two of these expired despite emergency valve replacement. The third valve was replaced semielectively, with a good outcome. The valve malfunction has resulted from pannus formation on the uncovered metal struts, with severe limitation of motion and cocking of the valve disc. It is felt that careful serial evaluation of signs, symptoms, and valve cinefluorography is mandatory in patients with this valve. Should one or more of these parameters indicate valve malfunction, especially if serial observations indicate progressive worsening, valve replacement with another type of prosthesis should be very seriously considered. Serial cinefluorographic observation of the disc motion is indicated even in a setting of clinical well being.
The spread and development of Rhododendron ponticum L. on dunes at Winterton, Norfolk, in comparison with invasion by Hippophaë rhamnoides L. at Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire

Abstract A survey was made in 1972 , of the status of Rhododendron pronticum L. at Winterton, Norfolk, and aerial photographs were used to assess its spread in recent years. The ecological implications of the continuing presence of this invsive alien shrub on the dunes are discussed. Comparisons with the highly successfull dune shrub Hippophae rhamnoides L. help put into perspective the present and likely future role of Rhododendron at Winterton. The implications of controls are discussed together with methods by which this may be achieved.
Molecular evidence and functional expression of multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) in rabbit corneal epithelial cells.

Abstract Multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) is a major family of efflux transporters involved in drug efflux leading to drug resistance. The objective of this study was to explore physical barriers for ocular drug absorption and to verify if the role of efflux transporters. MRP-2 is a major homologue of MRP family and found to express on the apical side of cell membrane. Cultured Rabbit Corneal Epithelial Cells (rCEC) were selected as an in vitro model for corneal epithelium. [14C]-erythromycin which is a proven substrate for MRP-2 was selected as a model drug for functional expression studies. MK-571, a known specific and potent inhibitor for MRP-2 was added to inhibit MRP mediated efflux. Membrane fraction of rCEC was used for western blot analysis. Polarized transport of [14C]-erythromycin was observed in rCEC and transport from B → A was significantly high than from A → B. Permeability's increased significantly from A → B in the presence of MK-571 and ketoconozole. Uptake of [14C]-erythromycin in the presence of MK-571 was significantly higher than control in rCEC. RT-PCR analysis indicated a unique and distinct band at ∼498 bp corresponding to MRP-2 in rCEC and MDCK11-MRP-2 cells. Immunoprecipitation followed by Western Blot analysis indicated a specific band at ∼190 kDa in membrane fraction of rCEC and MDCK11-MRP-2 cells. For the first time we have demonstrated high expression of MRP-2 in rabbit corneal epithelium and its functional activity causing drug efflux. RT-PCR, immunoprecipitation followed by Western blot analysis further confirms the result.
On global solutions for non-linear Hamiltonian evolution equations

It is shown that partial differential equations of Hamiltonian type admit global solutions in time if (a) the initial data is near equilibrium (or the coupling constant is small) (b) the linear terms have positive energy and (c) the non-linear terms are smooth functions in the topology of the linearized energy norm. The non-linear terms need not have positive energy. The result is applied to non-linear wave equations in which the interaction energy is not necessarily positive.
Part 1--factors associated with school nurse ratios: an analysis of state data

Despite the recognized importance of school nurses, the ratios of nurse to pupil are insufficient in many states across the country. The purpose of this study was to describe school nurse-to-pupil ratios by state and to statistically identify factors that may influence these ratios. Funding per pupil unit in general and support services and laws mandating school nurse ratios were some of the factors found to be associated with school ratios. Although the study has significant limitations, this is the first study of its kind to examine factors associated with ratios using secondary databases that are state-specific. Data such as this provide a context for studying those factors potentially influencing ratios. Further studies are needed to explore the numerous potential determinants described in the literature. Once key factors are identified, school nurses can effectively focus their efforts to lower school nurse-pupil ratios.
Single- versus double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: effects of femoral tunnel separation.

Background: Double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions are performed to more closely replicate the anatomy of the native posterior cruciate ligament and to better restore normal knee biomechanics and kinematics than a single graft. The femoral tunnel for the anterolateral graft is normally located near the anterior margin of the posterior cruciate ligament footprint. However, there is considerable variability with regard to placement of the posteromedial tunnel within the footprint margins.Hypothesis: A double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction will better replicate normal knee biomechanics and kinematics than a single anterolateral graft, and the separation distance between femoral tunnels will significantly affect the recorded measurements.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: The posterior cruciate ligament’s femoral origin was mechanically isolated using a cylindrical coring cutter, and a cap of bone containing the ligament fibers was attached to a load cell ...
Notes from the Blackout

The 2010 Blackout protest at UC Berkeley affords a moment of reflection on what, if anything, Black life means in the world today.
The Acute International Crisis

Accounts of the acute crises of international politics occupy a substantial place in the diplomatic history of the past hundred years. These compounded events have been interpreted as manifestations of international rivalries among the Great Powers. Intermittently, they have drawn intense public attention and have generated heavy anxieties over the possibility that they may lead into general warfare. After the fact, they have become subjects of historical reconstruction, with students and commentators attempting to describe “what really happened.” Thus, both scholarly and popular interest has persisted in the “inside stories” of the several crises belonging to three historical periods: from 1870 to World War I, the interwar period, and the era since World War II.There is, consequently, a large descriptive literature of the crises, mainly connected with the diplomacy of opposing coalitions and of interstate conflicts during these three periods. The depth and quality of this literature vary greatly, most often according to the recency of the events and the amount of available and relevant historical documentation. The Moroccan crisis of 1905 and the circumstances of the Anschluss of 1936 are, quite naturally, better known and more firmly established factually than the inner details of the Suez crisis of 1956. However, the accumulated knowledge of the series of crises of the post-World War II period, uncertain and impressionistic as it still is, has a great deal to do with our understanding of current international affairs. Take away the facts and meanings commonly associated with the crises of Berlin, Korea, Indochina, Suez, Quemoy, the Congo, and Laos and, obviously, the usual estimates of the scope, intensity, and workings of the Cold War will greatly change. Despite this fact, acute crises have not often been made the focus either of theorizing or of intensive analytic research. Students of international relations have not found it important or necessary to consider these events as if they constituted a significant class of phenomena in the international field. The reasons for passing over the acute international crisis as a focus of explanation are worth consideration.
Heuristics in systematics

Bock, W. 2000. Heuristics in systematics. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 41–44. Avian systematics is not only part of the science of ornithology, but serves heuristically as a foundation for many other analyses in ornithology. Systematics can be divided roughly into two major areas, namely species-level analyses and supraspecific classification. Of greatest significance is the distinction between provisional classifications and standard sequences, the latter are based on widely accepted classifications and have major useful functions such as the arrangement of taxa in handbooks, check-lists, and museum collections. The species concept is part of evolutionary theory, not systematics, and applies to contemporaneous groups of individual organisms. Clear distinctions separate the species concept, the species category, the species taxon, and the phyletic lineage—all usually designated as the “species”. The frequent practice of recognising all distinctive allopatric forms as separate species taxa results in two discrete c...
Cope's rule, the island rule and the scaling of mammalian population density

Cope's rule--the generalization that animal taxa tend to evolve toward larger body size--suggests that there are widespread net selective advantages to being large. Size-abundance relationships within bird and desert rodent guilds show that larger species usually do control more energy locally, and thus maintain larger populations than expected for their body size, implying that larger individuals are relatively better at obtaining and using local resources. But we report here results that show that this is not generally the case among mammal species. Within dietary groups containing only small species, larger species usually do better, but within those that contain the largest mammals, small species tend to control more energy. This suggests that in mammals there is an optimum body size for energy acquisition at about 1 kg. Thus, net adaptive advantages of large individuals for resource control cannot be used as a general explanation for evolutionary size increase in mammals, although other proposed explanations for Cope's rule are unaffected. Instead, these results suggest a partial explanation for another widespread ecotypic pattern, the 'island rule': that on islands, small mammal species evolve to larger size and large species to smaller size. If on an island a species' usual competitors and predators are absent, it should often tend to evolve toward the optimum body size, and the adaptive advantages of doing so would be greatest for populations starting at body-size extremes.
Homogeneities in density of various LDA energy functionals

Abstract Expanding on the work of March (Phys. Rev. A 56 (1997) 1025), partial differential equations are obtained for self-consistent atomic electron densities in the local density approximation. Local models treated include the Thomas–Fermi model, the Thomas–Fermi–Dirac model, and the Thomas–Fermi–Dirac model plus correlation. It is shown that within these models, the Thomas–Fermi kinetic energy functional can be expressed as a functional homogeneous of degree one with respect to the self-consistent-density scaling. In addition, the Dirac exchange functional and the Liu–Parr correlation functional each also can be rewritten as a functional homogeneous of degree one in the density scaling.
Olfactory ecology and the processing of complex mixtures

Natural olfactory stimuli typically are mixtures of which the identities, concentrations, and ratios of chemical constituents are important for many odor-mediated behaviors. Despite abundant behavioral examples, links between odor-evoked behavior and the processing and discrimination of complex olfactory stimuli remains an area of active study. Coupling electrophysiological and behavioral experiments, recent studies in a variety of different insect models have provided new insights into the perceptual and neural mechanisms about how natural olfactory stimuli are processed, and how plasticity and internal state of the insect may influence the odor representation. These studies show that complex stimuli are represented in unique percepts that are different from their individual constituents, and that the representation may be modulated by experience and influenced by other sensory modalities.
The Spectrum and Significance of Pleural Disease in Blastomycosis

To determine the incidence and significance of pleural disease in blastomycosis, we reviewed the chest roentgenograms and medical records of 26 consecutive patients with biopsy- or culture-proved Blastomyces dermatitidis infection. Twenty-three of the 26 (88 percent) had radiographic evidence of blastomycotic pleural disease. Pleural reaction that regressed on therapy was mild (less than 1.0 cm thickening on EPA chest film) in 12. More extensive pleural thickening (1.5 to 3.0 cm) was observed in five, while four had effusions, and two had pneumothoraces. The 15 patients with mild or no visible pleural thickening were considered to have minor pleural involvement, while the 11 patients with greater than 1.5 cm pleural reaction, effusions, or pneumothoraces were considered to have major pleural disease. The ages, incidence of serious underlying disorders, and extra-thoracic dissemination were similar in both groups. Chest pain was more frequent in those with major pleural involvement (8/11 vs 4/15, p = 0.02), and their white blood cell count (14,300 +/- 1,200 c/mm3) was significantly higher than that of those with minor pleural involvement (10,600 +/- 1400, p less than 0.05). All of the patients with minor pleural disease responded to amphotericin therapy, but four of 11 (36 percent) with major pleural disease had an unfavorable outcome (relapse = two, death = two) (p = 0.02). In these patients with blastomycosis, pleural involvement was extremely common. Major pleural disease was associated with an adverse prognosis and may be an indication for prolonged therapy.
Intensive EEG Monitoring and Psychological Studies of Patients with Pseudoepileptic Seizures

EEG/closed-circuit television long-term monitoring was used as a definitive diagnostic tool to identify and characterize 25 patients with pseudoepileptic seizures and a similar group of subjects with epilepsy, confirming the value of the procedure. The groups did not differ with respect to intelligence, neuropsychological impairment, or incidence of potential etiological factors for seizures. Scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Hypochondriasis, Hysteria, and Schizophrenia Scales were significantly higher for the pseudoepileptic group than for the other subjects. As a whole, the former patients exhibited an MMPI profile pattern frequently seen in the conversion form of hysteria. A set of three rules derived from the MMPI profiles was used to classify the patients correctly in 80-90% of cases. As evaluated by the Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory, psychosocial problems of patients with pseudoepileptic seizures were more severe in certain areas, and appeared to reflect early family background problems and inappropriate management of their disorders.
Negative predictive value of the Duke criteria for infective endocarditis

Abstract With use of new Duke criteria, 405 episodes of suspected endocarditis were previously classified as “definite,” “possible,” or “rejected” endocarditis. To determine the negative predictive value of the Duke clinical criteria for the classification of suspected endocarditis, chart review and follow-up were performed for the 52 episodes in which the diagnosis of endocarditis was rejected. Three of 52 episodes were reclassified to possible endocarditis; 49 episodes in 48 patients met the criteria for rejected endocarditis. Of these 49 episodes, 31 (63%) had a firm alternate diagnosis other than endocarditis, 17 (35%) had resolution of the clinical syndrome leading to the suspicion of endocarditis with ≤4 days of antibiotics, and 1 patient had no evidence of endocarditis at surgery. Ecnocardiograms recorded in 3 patients with rejected endocarditis had evidence of oscillating valvular masses, and blood cultures were positive in 13 episodes; none of these patients had evidence of endocarditis at follow-up. Follow-up or outcome information was available in all 49 episodes. Excluding the 5 in-hospital deaths, mean duration (±SD) of follow-up was 39.9 ± 28.8 months (range 0.5 to 108.0); in living patients, mean time to final follow-up was 56.2 ± 25.2 months (range 25.0 to 108.0). One patient had possible infective endocarditis at autopsy. No patient in our series whose diagnosis of endocarditis had been rejected had proven endocarditis. Therefore, the negative predictive value of the Duke clinical criteria for endocarditis is at least 92%.
Metastable tetragonal zirconia formation and transformation in reactively sputter deposited zirconia coatings

Zirconia coatings were produced by reactive d.c. magnetron sputter deposition using a system with multiple sputter sources and a biased substrate stage. Crystal structure and phase stability of the coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tetragonal zirconia with either a random orientation or a highly (111) preferred orientation was deposited when a substrate bias was applied, whereas coatings grown with no substrate bias had the equilibrium monoclinic structure. It was revealed that bias sputtering effectively decreased crystallite size in the as-deposited coatings, which resulted in room temperature stabilization of the metastable tetragonal phase. XRD analysis of annealed coatings showed that the volume fraction and stability of the tetragonal phase was strongly dependent on substrate bias and annealing temperature.
PARENTAL ABDUCTION JUSTIFICATION AS EGO DEFENSE

Abducting parents sometimes justify their actions as a form of ego defense. This brief report discusses observations that may be helpful to practitioners involved in resolving custody and visitation disputes following parental abduction.
Fundamentals of Corrosion and Corrosion Control for Residential Subsurface Transformers

The severe and varied environment of residential sub- surface transformers (RST) requires different materials and means of corrosion protection from the pole-top transformer. The galvanic characteristics of mild steel and stainless steels are presented along with corrosion test data on mild steel and ferritic stainless steels in RST environments. Also, field test data on corrosion and cathodic protection of transformers in typical RST installations are given.
Construction of a femtosecond laser microsurgery system

Femtosecond laser microsurgery is a powerful method for studying cellular function, neural circuits, neuronal injury and neuronal regeneration because of its capability to selectively ablate sub-micron targets in vitro and in vivo with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. Here, we present a step-by-step protocol for constructing a femtosecond laser microsurgery setup for use with a widely available compound fluorescence microscope. The protocol begins with the assembly and alignment of beam-conditioning optics at the output of a femtosecond laser. Then a dichroic mount is assembled and installed to direct the laser beam into the objective lens of a standard inverted microscope. Finally, the laser is focused on the image plane of the microscope to allow simultaneous surgery and fluorescence imaging. We illustrate the use of this setup by presenting axotomy in Caenorhabditis elegans as an example. This protocol can be completed in 2 d.
Cyclization kinetics and biological evaluation of an anticancer 1,2-dialkynylimidazole.

1,2-Dialkynylimidazoles have been reported to undergo thermal cyclization/rearrangement to diradical and carbene intermediates. Optimization of the synthesis of the 1,2-dialkynylimidazole 3 has provided sufficient material for kinetic and biological studies. The 1,2-dialkynylimidazole 3 is cytotoxic against a wide range of cancer cells and induces apoptosis in A549 cells. Experimentally-determined kinetics of the thermolysis of 3 (Ea = 30.0 kcal mol−1) are in excellent agreement with DFT calculations of the cyclization/rearrangement to diradical and cyclopentapyrazine carbene intermediates (Ea = 29.7 kcal mol−1). Commensurate with the relatively high barrier for cyclization of 3, no evidence for cleavage of supercoiled DNA under physiological conditions was found; however, under aqueous conditions at 70 °C 3 formed a covalent adduct with a model peptide. These studies indicate that if cyclization of 3 is involved in its anticancer activity, the cyclization must be facilitated, perhaps through initial protein binding, which could lead to covalent protein modification.
The Restless Multi-Armed Bandit Formulation of the Cognitive Compressive Sensing Problem

In this paper we introduce the Cognitive Compressive Sensing (CCS) problem, modeling a Cognitive Receiver (CR) that optimizes the $K$ projections of a $N>K$ dimensional vector dynamically, by optimizing the objective of correctly detecting the maximum number of idle entries, while updating each time its Bayesian beliefs on the future vector realizations. We formulate and study the CCS as a Restless Multi-Armed Bandit problem, generalizing the popular Cognitive Spectrum Sensing model, in which the CR can sense $K$ out of the $N$ sub-channels and propose a novel adaptive Finite Rate of Innovation (FRI) sampling method based on the CCS approach. While in general the optimum policy remains elusive, we provide sufficient conditions in which in the limit for large $K$ and $N$ the greedy policy is optimum. Numerical results corroborate our theoretical findings.
An analytical study of sound transmission through unbounded panels of functionally gradedmaterials

The problem of sound transmission and reflection from unbounded panels of functionally graded materials is studied using an analytical approach. By means of matrix manipulation and Fourier component analysis, the three-dimensional (3-D) governing equations of elastodynamics are converted into a system of ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients in the frequency and wavenumber domain. Integration of the ordinary differential equation system across the panel thickness leads to a closed-form solution for the transfer matrix. Analytical expressions are then obtained for sound reflection and transmission coefficients for panels of functionally graded materials. The present model is used to predict sound transmission losses for various panel examples. The results compare well with published data from other methods, thereby validating the accuracy of the formulation developed in this study.
A computer-automated statistical process control method with timely response

Abstract A wide variety of metrology instruments can now interface with computers to acquire and process data on parts as they are produced. In addition to accept/reject actions, the instrument can provide information for statistical analysis. For Statistical Process Control (SPC), a variable in every part can be measured at production line speeds and the data can be used to generate points for control charts. The process control computer can then analyze the control chart (held in its memory and updated in real-time) to identify out-of-control conditions.
Glutathione Peroxidase-3 Deficiency Promotes Platelet-Dependent Thrombosis In Vivo

Background—Glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPx-3) is a selenocysteine-containing plasma protein that scavenges reactive oxygen species in the extracellular compartment. A deficiency of this enzyme has been associated with platelet-dependent thrombosis, and a promoter haplotype with reduced function has been associated with stroke risk. Methods and Results—We recently developed a genetic mouse model to assess platelet function and thrombosis in the setting of GPx-3 deficiency. The GPx-3(−/−) mice showed an attenuated bleeding time and an enhanced aggregation response to the agonist ADP compared with wild-type mice. GPx-3(−/−) mice displayed increased plasma levels of soluble P-selectin and decreased plasma cyclic cGMP compared with wild-type mice. ADP infusion-induced platelet aggregation in the pulmonary vasculature produced a more robust platelet activation response in the GPx-3(−/−) than wild-type mice; histological sections from the pulmonary vasculature of GPx-3(−/−) compared with wild-type mice showed incr...
Unidirectional light propagation at exceptional points

Unique opportunities arise from exceptional points that coalesce states of an open system in synthetic photonic media, where delicately balanced complex dielectric functions produce unprecedented optical properties.
THE LETHAL EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON SIX SPECIES OF PROTOZOANS

Abstract. The lethal response of six strains of protozoa to both ionizing radiation and u.v. light has been established. Values have been determined by observation of isolated animals and death was considered to be failure of irradiated individuals to produce unlimited progeny regardless of the actual time of death following irradiation. The strains were selected to give a large variety of size. Lethal doses of u.v. radiation have been determined in the same units used for ionizing radiation (the rad). The results reported here have been supplimented by values from the literature and plotted in the form of a graph of LD-50 value versus individual organism size.