cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free energy of formation of droplets with curvature dependent surface tension

Abstract It is shown that a recent evaluation by Abraham and Pound of the free energy of formation of droplets when the surface tension depends on the raduis of curvature, is incorrect. The exact expression is derived, and it is found that the dependence of the free energy of formation on surface tension is essentially cubic.
Energy stability of thermocapillary convection in a model of the float-zone crystal-growth process

Energy stability theory has been applied to a basic state of thermocapillary convection occurring in a cylindrical half-zone of finite length to determine conditions under which the flow will be stable. Because of the finite length of the zone, the basic state must be determined numerically. Instead of obtaining stability criteria by solving the related Euler-Lagrange equations, the variational problem is attacked directly by discretization of the integrals in the energy identity using finite differences. Results of the analysis are values of the Marangoni number below which axisymmetric disturbances to the basic state will decay, for various values of the other parameters governing the problem.
Evolution Despite Natural Selection? Emergence Theory and the Ever Elusive Link Between Adaptation and Adaptability

A review of Robert R.G. Reid, Biological Emergences: Evolution by Natural Experiment. 2007, MIT Press. Cambridge, MA. ISBN–10: 0-262-18257-2, 518 pages. Does adaptability evolve in concert with adaptation or independently of it, emerging as a by-product of organismal existence regardless of the fitness consequences per se? Answering this question would resolve a number of paradoxes in evolutionary biology. In genomics, it would explain the evolution of networks that combine evolvability on long evolutionary scales with robustness during development, as well as the remarkable redundancy and dispensability of gene effects in sequenced genomes. In physiology and biochemistry, it would shed light on puzzling evolutionary transitions in homeostasis—a trait that should be resistant to all changes, and address the contrast between evolutionary stasis and rapid within-generation physiological and biochemical adjustments of organisms to their environments. And in behavioral biology, it would resolve the conflicting role of behavioral plasticity as ‘‘inhibitor’’ versus ‘‘driver’’ of evolutionary change. The reason for such importance is that the link between adaptation and adaptability enables us to envision the connection between the maintenance of adaptation and evolutionary change and between the generation and maintenance of novelties—two major goals of evolutionary theory (Williams 1966; Lewontin 1983). Partially as a compensation for the deficiency of the generative processes in the neo-Darwinian evolutionary framework, and for the lack of clear links between these generative processes and the functional importance of traits, contemporary evolutionary theory overemphasizes natural selection as an active mechanism that ‘‘favors’’ a particular developmental variation while also subsequently sorting this variation. Robert G. B. Reid’s thought provoking and authoritative new book— ‘‘ Biological Emergences: Evolution by Natural Experiment’’—seeks to reestablish
Prosthesis training as a context for studying occupational forms and motoric adaptation.

OBJECTIVES Occupational therapy authors frequently emphasize the importance of the use of objects in the development of motor skill. This study investigated the use of object-produced visual input in learning control of flexion and extension of an above-elbow training prosthesis. METHOD Fifty-two male college students were randomly assigned to two training procedures: (a) two 1.5-min periods in which they used a flashlight attached to the hook of the prosthesis to connect dots on paper with light, or (b) the same time periods in which they had the opportunity to practice moving an equally weighted prosthesis, but without the light or dots. To assess motoric adaptation after training under one of the two conditions, each subject traced a continuous line through a maze with a pen attached to the hook. Deviations from the line were measured reliably. RESULTS Data analysis with a Mann-Whitney test revealed that subjects in the group that trained with added materials traced with significantly more skill than subjects in the other group (one-tailed U = 225.5, p = .02). CONCLUSION As predicted by occupational therapy theory, the object-produced visual input enhanced the learning of a motor skill relevant to rehabilitation. Although there is a need for more study across different occupations and populations, clinicians are urged to consider the possible benefits of the use of objects in the development of motor skills, as opposed to objectless exercise. Prosthetic training provides a useful context for future research addressing theoretical issues in motor learning.
A conserved region of engrailed, shared among all en-, gsc-, Nk1-, Nk2- and msh-class homeoproteins, mediates active transcriptional repression in vivo

The engrailed homeoprotein is a dominantly acting or ‘active’ transcriptional repressor both in cultured cells and in vivo. When retargeted via a homeodomain swap to the endogenous fushi tarazu gene (ftz), it actively represses it, resulting in a ftz mutant phenocopy. We have mapped functional regions of engrailed using this in vivo repression assay. In addition to a region containing an active repression domain identified in cell culture assays (K. Han and J. L. Manley (1993) EMBO J. 12, 2723–2733), we find that two evolutionarily conserved regions contribute to activity. The one of these that does not flank the HD is particularly crucial to repression activity in vivo. We find that this domain is present not only in all engrailed-class homeoproteins but also in all known members of several other classes, including goosecoid, Nk1, Nk2 and msh. Thus engrailed's active repression function in vivo is dependent on a highly conserved interaction that was established early in the evolution of the homeobox gene superfamily. We further show using rescue transgenes that the widely conserved in vivo repression domain is required for the normal function of engrailed in the embryo.
Cloning, Sequencing, and Recombinant Expression of the Porcine Inhibitor of Carbonic Anhydrase: A Novel Member of the Transferrin Family †,‡

The plasma from many vertebrates contains a component that specifically binds and inhibits carbonic anhydrase II with nanomolar affinity. Amino-terminal sequencing of pICA, the previously identified 79-kDa carbonic anhydrase inhibitor isolated from porcine plasma (Roush, E. D., & Fierke, C. A. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 12536-12542), and sequencing of four proteolytic fragments of pICA revealed that each of the partial sequences has 40-80% sequence identity with members of the transferrin protein family. We describe here the isolation of a full-length cDNA clone of pICA from a Igt11 porcine liver cDNA library. Heterologous expression of this cDNA clone in a Pichia pastoris expression system led to the secretion into the medium of 5 mg/L of a 79-kDa protein that specifically reacts with anti-pICA antibodies and binds tightly to a carbonic anhydrase-Sepharose affinity column. Pairwise sequential alignment of pICA with various transferrins reveals an amino acid identity as high as 64% and predicts that 16 transferrin disulfide bonds are conserved. However, despite these structural similarities, the properties of pICA are distinct from the properties of transferrin. pICA exhibits a significantly decreased affinity for iron that can be attributed to the loss of one of the eight amino acids that coordinate iron in the transferrins as well as both of the arginine residues responsible for anion binding. In addition, the antigenic determinants of pICA and the transferrins are not identical. These data imply that pICA, along with saxiphilin, is a member of a diverse superfamily of transferrin-like proteins with functions other than iron binding.
Creation of the Web-Based University of Chicago Monogenic Diabetes Registry: Using Technology to Facilitate Longitudinal Study of Rare Subtypes of Diabetes:

Background: Monogenic diabetes is a group of disorders caused by mutations in any one of a number of genes. Although a monogenic diagnosis—estimated to represent as much as 2% of all diabetes patients—can have a transformational impact on treatment, the majority of monogenic cases remain unidentified and little is known about their natural history. We thus created the first United States Monogenic Diabetes Registry ( http://www.kovlerdiabetescenter.org/ registry/) for individuals with either neonatal diabetes diagnosed before 1 year of age or with a phenotype suggestive of maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Methods: Inclusion criteria and consent documents are viewable on our Web site, which allows secure collection of contact information to facilitate telephone consent and enrollment. Relevant medical, family, and historical data are collected longitudinally from a variety of sources and stored in our Web-accessible secure database. Results: We have enrolled well over 700 subjects in the registry so far, with steady recruitment of those diagnosed under 1 year of age and increasing enrollment of those diagnosed later in life. Initially, participants were mostly self-referred but are increasingly being referred by their physicians. Comprehensive survey and medical records data are collected at enrollment, with ongoing collection of longitudinal data. Associated private Facebook and email discussion groups that we established have already fostered active participation. Conclusions: Our early success with the Monogenic Diabetes Registry demonstrates the effectiveness of low-cost Web-based tools, including surveys, the Research Electronic Data Capture database program, and discussion groups, for efficient enrollment and support of rare patients, and collection and maintenance of their data.
Stimulus control by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in wild-type and CYP2D6-humanized mice

In previous studies we have observed that, in comparison with wild type mice, Tg-CYP2D6 mice have increased serum levels of bufotenine [5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine] following the administration of 5-MeO-DMT. Furthermore, following the injection of 5-MeO-DMT, harmaline was observed to increase serum levels of bufotenine and 5-MeO-DMT in both wild-type and Tg-CYP2D6 mice. In the present investigation, 5-MeO-DMT-induced stimulus control was established in wild-type and Tg-CYP2D6 mice. The two groups did not differ in their rate of acquisition of stimulus control. When tested with bufotenine, no 5-MeO-DMT-appropriate responding was observed. In contrast, the more lipid soluble analog of bufotenine, acetylbufotenine, was followed by an intermediate level of responding. The combination of harmaline with 5-MeO-DMT yielded a statistically significant increase in 5-MeO-DMT-appropriate responding in Tg-CYP2D6 mice; a comparable increase occurred in wild-type mice. In addition, it was noted that harmaline alone was followed by a significant degree of 5-MeO-DMT-appropriate responding in Tg-CYP2D6 mice. It is concluded that wild-type and Tg-CYPD2D6 mice do not differ in terms of acquisition of stimulus control by 5-MeO-DMT or in their response to bufotenine and acetylbufotenine. In both groups of mice, harmaline was found to enhance the stimulus effects of 5-MeO-DMT.
Dependability analysis for large systems: A hierarchical modeling approach

Dependability analysis of a large network is NP-hard due to the state space explosion. A hierarchical Boolean algebraic method was recently introduced to efficiently evaluate static terminal reliability and task-based reliability by dividing the problem into smaller, more manageable pieces. We extend this method to evaluate time-dependent reliability and availability, collectively referred to as "dependability", and to approximate MTTF. >
Barriers to Prostate Cancer Care: Affordable Care is Not Enough

Low-income, uninsured Latino men face a myriad of barriers when accessing health care to detect, diagnose, treat, and manage their prostate cancer. In this study, we utilized grounded theory techniques to analyze transcripts of semistructured interviews with 60 Latino men enrolled in a state-funded public assistance program. We developed a descriptive framework to understand barriers to health care access among these men. Findings demonstrate that societal, systemic, and individual barriers function independently and together to bar access to prostate cancer care for Latino men. Participant perceptions illustrate the individual, interpersonal, and macro-level structures that impede access, stressing the need for expanded medical coverage coupled with measures to improve quality care. The health care system needs a multifaceted approach, including alleviation of financial burdens for underserved prostate cancer patients, empowerment of patients with navigational skills, access to culturally competent providers, and consistent monitoring of access to quality health care.
The miniaturization technologies: past, present, and future

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), micro systems technologies (MST, primarily in Europe) and micromanufacturing are relatively recent phrases that have become synonymous with the design, development and manufacture of very small devices and systems. This paper overviews the history of the major technologies that are utilized in this field. After this brief historical overview of the technologies, a short description of MEMS technologies, is presented. The current status of the MEMS effort worldwide is reviewed with emphasis on the United States, Japan and in the European community with particular emphasis on Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The future for the technology along with technology transfer and management is discussed from the standpoint of market pull. Bulk and surface micromachining of silicon, X-ray micromachining using the LTCA process, and the complementary processes such as laser and focussed ion beam micromachining are reviewed. >
The invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii , reduces growth and fecundity of perennial forest herbs

Effects of invasive plant species on native plant species are frequently assumed or inferred from compar- isons, but rarely quantified experimentally. Such quanti- fication is important to assessing risks and impacts of invasives. We quantified the effects of Lonicera maackii, an exotic shrub invasive in many eastern North American forests, on survival, growth, and reproduction of three perennial herbs: Allium burdickii, Thalictrum thalic- troides, and Viola pubescens. We predicted that the spring ephemeral, A. burdickii, would be most impacted, due to early leaf expansion of L. maackii. Field experiments were carried out in two deciduous forest stands, one (Gregg's Woodlot, GW) disturbed and the other (Western Woods, WW) relatively undisturbed. In each stand, individual herbs were transplanted into a blocked design of 60 plots where L. maackii was present, absent, or removed, and monitored for 5 growing seasons. Lonicera maackii did not affect survival of transplants, but reduced growth and final size of individuals of all three species. For two of the species, A. burdickii and V. pubescens, L. maackii reduced the proportion of live plants flowering in both stands, and reduced the seed or fruit number per flowering individual in GW. For T. thalictroides the proportion flowering was not affected, but seed number per flowering plant was reduced by L. maackii in both stands. For all three species, cumulative seed production over the course of the study was reduced by L. maackii. Overall, effects on the spring ephemeral, A. burdickii, were similar to effects on the other herbs. Because mortality of these established individuals was not affected, short-term studies might conclude forest herbs are unaffected by invasive shrubs. However, the growth and reproduction impacts documen- ted here suggest that populations are impacted in the long- term.
Water-soluble inhibitor(s) of tumor respiration formed from ultraviolet-induced oxidation of linoleic and linolenic acids.

Inhibition of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma respira- tion by aqueous extracts of oxidized linoleic or linolenic acid (aqueous emulsions UV-irradiated, 90 min) was associated entirely with relatively involatile compounds which were both thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive and peroxidase-reactive. Inhibitory compounds were heat stable and migrated in thin- layer chromatography with aldehydes, "hydroperoxides," and TBA-reactive compounds. Peroxidase-catalyzed reduction of the "hydroperoxide" diminished the inhibition. At 4.7 X 10-5 M "hydroperoxide" concentration, the residues from both linoleic and linolenic acid inhibited tumor oxygen consump- tion to a similar degree. However, at this concentration of "hydroperoxide" only the dried extract from linolenic acid was able to produce inhibition (1 00%) of aerobic glucose utilization by tumor cells. No glycolytic inhibition by the dried residue of oxidized linoleic acid was observed. At least 12 compounds (approximate chain length, 7C-13C) containing a$-unsatu- rated carbonyl groups were isolated by gas-liquid chromatog- raphy (GLC) of dried extracts of oxidized linolenic acid. No single fraction inhibited tumor respiration, but the recombined mixture of all compounds caused complete respiratory in- hibition of ascites tumor cells. Less material was required to inhibit oxygen consumption before than after GLC presumably because the more highly inhibitory components of the extract (along with "hydroperoxides" and TBA-reactive compounds) were lost during GLC. Extracts from oxidized linolenic acid were found to produce in all tumor cells cytoplasmic evagina- tions which were readily detected by phase microscopy.
Survivability of multi-agent systems

The survivability of a large scale Distributed Multi-Agent Systems (DMAS) functioning in dynamic and hostile environments is a significant design and run-time challenge. Delivering the correct proportion of performance, robustness and security is vital to the survivability of a complex adaptive system such as the DMAS. Using a combination of theoretical and empirical models, this thesis builds a survivability framework while addressing themes such as scalability, decentralization and autonomy in parallel.
Asymmetric localization of numb autonomously determines sibling neuron identity in the Drosophila CNS

The central nervous system (CNS) represents an excellent model system for examining how a multitude of unique cell fates are specified. We find that asymmetric localization of the numb protein autonomously controls a binary cell fate decision in the Drosophila CNS. The simplest lineage in the Drosophila CNS is that of the MP2 precursor: it divides unequally to generate the dMP2 and vMP2 neurons. Both are interneurons but project in different directions: dMP2 projects its axon posteriorly while vMP2 projects anteriorly. During MP2 mitosis, numb is localized into dMP2 and excluded from vMP2. Loss of numb transforms dMP2 into vMP2, whereas ectopic numb produces the opposite transformation of vMP2 into dMP2. Thus, numb is asymmetrically localized in the dividing MP2 and is necessary and sufficient to autonomously specify dMP2 neuronal identity.
Shrub Seed Banks in Mixed Conifer Forests of Northern California and the Role of Fire in Regulating Abundance

Understory shrubs play important ecological roles in forests of the western US, but they can also impede early tree growth and lead to fire hazard concerns when very dense. Some of the more common genera (Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos, and Prunus) persist for long periods in the seed bank, even in areas where plants have been shaded out. To determine shrub seed density and investigate the feasibility of managing shrub abundance by regulating the size of the soil seed bank with fire, we sampled the seed bank in 24 mixed conifer forest stands throughout northern California. Twenty stands were unburned, two had recently burned in wildfires, and two (McCloud and Jennie Springs) were subjected to experimental prescribed fires with unburned controls. Seeds were extracted from duff and soil that was collected in six layers, to a depth of 10 cm in the mineral soil. Ceanothus seeds were the most abundant (mean = 246 seeds m−2), noted at all sites and at 88% of sampling locations within unburned sites. Arctostaphylos and Prunus seeds were less abundant (mean = 29 seeds m−2 and 6 seeds m−2, respectively), but still recorded at 64% and 45% of the unburned sites, respectively. The depth of seed burial varied at all unburned sites, but some seed was present even at the deepest (6 cm to 10 cm) soil layer, where seed mortality due to heat from burning is least likely. Seed density was substantially reduced, but not eliminated, by October prescribed burns at both McCloud and Jennie Springs, while seed density following July burns at Jennie Springs did not differ from the control. The abundance of buried seed indicates that restoring shrubs to forest understory should be possible even in areas where they are currently lacking. If preventing shrubs from colonizing a site is the management goal, the effectiveness of a single prescribed fire may be limited.
Genetic, abiotic and social influences on sex differentiation in cichlid fishes and the evolution of sequential hermaphroditism

Genetic and environmental factors may interact to control sex determination in fishes. Acommonpatternofinitialfemaledifferentiationandsubsequentmaletransformation before maturation in non-hermaphroditic fishes and after maturation in sequentially hermaphroditic fishes has suggested that changes in developmental timing may be responsible for the evolution of various expressions of sexual lability. Sequential hermaphroditism is rare in freshwater fishes, but investigators report degrees of sexual lability at four distinct life stages in cichlid fishes. Some cichlids undergo genetic sex determination and are not labile. Lability at the larval stage allows temperature or pH to determine sex. Social interactions apparently determine sex at the juvenile stage in the Midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus). Most reports of post-maturational sex change in cichlids are anecdotal or unsubstantiated. The common occurrence of samesex spawning suggests that many species are incapable of sex change. Sequential hermaphroditism is concluded not to be typical, except for the checkerboard cichlid (Crenicara punctulata), which regularly undergoes functional female-to-male transformation. Expression of sexual lability at four life stages in one family of fishes corroborates a role for developmental timing in the evolution of sequential hermaphroditism as well as environmentally controlled sex determination. The broad phylogenetic distribution of sexual lability in cichlids indicates that processes capable of producing sex change are generally present. The rarity of sequential hermaphroditism in cichlids and possibly other freshwater fishes is likely due to unpredictability of food and therefore potential mate distributions compared with coral reef habitats.
Intraoperative Image-based Multiview 2D/3D Registration for Image-Guided Orthopaedic Surgery: Incorporation of Fiducial-Based C-Arm Tracking and GPU-Acceleration

Intraoperative patient registration may significantly affect the outcome of image-guided surgery (IGS). Image-based registration approaches have several advantages over the currently dominant point-based direct contact methods and are used in some industry solutions in image-guided radiation therapy with fixed X-ray gantries. However, technical challenges including geometric calibration and computational cost have precluded their use with mobile C-arms for IGS. We propose a 2D/3D registration framework for intraoperative patient registration using a conventional mobile X-ray imager combining fiducial-based C-arm tracking and graphics processing unit (GPU)-acceleration. The two-stage framework 1) acquires X-ray images and estimates relative pose between the images using a custom-made in-image fiducial, and 2) estimates the patient pose using intensity-based 2D/3D registration. Experimental validations using a publicly available gold standard dataset, a plastic bone phantom and cadaveric specimens have been conducted. The mean target registration error (mTRE) was 0.34±0.04 mm (success rate: 100%, registration time: 14.2 s) for the phantom with two images 90° apart, and 0.99±0.41 mm (81%, 16.3 s) for the cadaveric specimen with images 58.5° apart. The experimental results showed the feasibility of the proposed registration framework as a practical alternative for IGS routines.
The human beta 2 integrin CD18 promoter consists of two inverted Ets cis elements.

Abstract To define the minimal promoter responsible for expression of CD18 in myeloid and lymphoid cells, we generated 5' and 3' deletion constructs of a segment extending 785 bp upstream and 19 bp downstream of a major transcription start site and determined their effects on driving expression of the luciferase reporter gene in transfected hematopoietic cell lines. A region extending from nucleotides (nt) -302 to +19 was sufficient for cell-restricted and phorbol ester-inducible expression. DNase I footprinting of this region revealed two adjacent protected segments extending from nt -81 to -68 (box A) and -55 to -41 (box B). When a construct of 47 nt in length containing box A and box B and lacking other 3' or 5' elements was cloned into a promoterless vector, it conferred tissue-specific and phorbol ester-inducible expression. Gel retardation revealed that the protein components of two major protein-DNA complexes that form on both box A and box B and are required for transcriptional activation are members of the Ets oncoprotein family; one is related to the GA-binding protein (GABP), and the other is related to PU.1/Spi-1. The minimal CD18 promoter, lacking TATA, CAAT, and initiator elements and consisting primarily of Ets repeats, may exemplify an emerging class of promoters with which the concerted binding of Ets factors is necessary and sufficient to mediate transcriptional activation through direct recruitment of the basal transcription machinery.
Initiating Azathioprine for Crohn's Disease

Azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine are therapeutic options for patients with moderate to severe inflammatory Crohn's disease. AZA has both a complex metabolism and potential for adverse events that can be clinically challenging. AZA has been shown to maintain remission and reduce corticosteroid use in patients with Crohn's disease. There is heterogeneous thiopurine methyltransferase metabolism among patients, which has implications for clinical dosing and risk for adverse events. Routine thiopurine methyltransferase testing before the initiation of AZA will reduce early leukopenia and is mandatory to avoid potentially life-threatening myelotoxicity. Thiopurine metabolite assays may aid in the assessment of adherence and adverse events. Patients who do not respond to AZA therapy may benefit from the addition of biologic therapy or methotrexate.
Cell Broadband Engine Debugging for Unknown Events

The complexity of today's hundreds-of-million-transistor microprocessors all but guarantees imperfect first silicon, but leaves unanswered the question of what exactly will go wrong. This article describes features added to the cell broadband engine processor to enable debugging in the presence of such unknown events.
The impact of ultraviolet light on bacterial adhesion to glass and metal oxide-coated surface

Biofouling of glass and quartz surfaces can be reduced when the surface is coated with photocatalytically active metal oxides, such as TiO2 (anatase form) or SnO2. We measured the attachment of eight strains of bacteria to these two metal oxides (TiO2 and SnO2), and to an uncoated glass (control; designated Si-m) before and after exposure to UV light at wavelengths of 254 nm (UVC) or 340 nm UV (UVA). TiO2-coated surfaces were photocatalytically active at both 254 and 340 nm as evidenced by a decrease in the water contact angle of the surface from 59 degrees +/-2 to <5 degrees. The water contact angle of the SnO2 surface was reduced only at 254 nm, while contact angle of the Si-m glass surface was not altered by light of either wavelength. Bacterial adhesion decreased by 10-50% to photocatalyzed glass surfaces. In all cases, bacteria exposed to the UV light were completely killed due to a combination of exposure to UV light and the photocatalytic activity of the glass surfaces. These results show that UV light irradiation of TiO2-coated surfaces can be an effective method of reducing bacterial adhesion.
Remittances: An Automatic Output Stabilizer?

Remittance flows appear to be falling worldwide for the first time in decades as a result of the ongoing financial turmoil. It is suspected that the drop in remittance income into developing and emerging markets will have a destabilizing effect on these economies. The paper estimates the impact of remittances on output stability for countries that are dependent on these income flows. Using a sample of 70 countries, including 16 advanced economies and 54 developing countries, we find robust evidence that remittances have a negative effect on output growth volatility of recipient countries. This result supports the notion that remittance flows are a stabilizing influence on output. Thus, the fall in remittances precipitated by the ongoing global financial crisis could potentially increase output variability in recipient countries. This would present a hard challenge for governments in those countries already suffering from the crisis: they must resort to an already stressed and limited set of policy instruments, such as fiscal policy, to counter the resulting adverse economic and social impacts of lower remittances.
Fecundity, Reproductive Ecology, and Influence of Precipitation on Clutch Size in the Western Slimy Salamander (Plethodon Albagula)

We investigated the reproductive ecology of the western slimy salamander (Plethodon albagula) in an abandoned mine shaft in the Ouachita National Forest of south-central Arkansas. The mine habitat provided an opportunity to observe nesting behavior, quantify reproductive output, and evaluate the influence of precipitation on fecundity for a population of P. albagula that utilize this particular mine shaft to brood and defend egg clutches. We collected reproductive data on 372 clutches between 1982 and 2004. There was no relationship between the number of eggs per egg clutch versus egg size; snout–vent length, body mass, and tail length were not correlated with clutch size. Thirteen females were found to exhibit nest site fidelity, and 10 females exhibited nest securing. Neither nest site fidelity nor nest securing was found to influence reproductive output by females. The amount of precipitation one year prior to oviposition was correlated with the average number of eggs per clutch. It appears, therefore,...
SAGRAD: A Program for Neural Network Training with Simulated Annealing and the Conjugate Gradient Method.

SAGRAD (Simulated Annealing GRADient), a Fortran 77 program for computing neural networks for classification using batch learning, is discussed. Neural network training in SAGRAD is based on a combination of simulated annealing and Moller’s scaled conjugate gradient algorithm, the latter a variation of the traditional conjugate gradient method, better suited for the nonquadratic nature of neural networks. Different aspects of the implementation of the training process in SAGRAD are discussed, such as the efficient computation of gradients and multiplication of vectors by Hessian matrices that are required by Moller’s algorithm; the (re)initialization of weights with simulated annealing required to (re)start Moller’s algorithm the first time and each time thereafter that it shows insufficient progress in reaching a possibly local minimum; and the use of simulated annealing when Moller’s algorithm, after possibly making considerable progress, becomes stuck at a local minimum or flat area of weight space. Outlines of the scaled conjugate gradient algorithm, the simulated annealing procedure and the training process used in SAGRAD are presented together with results from running SAGRAD on two examples of training data.
Sex Selective Abortion and the Nature of Rights

Sex selective abortions pose an acute puzzle for those who endorse a womanﾒs right to choose. This essay examines the relationship between a prohibition on sex selective abortions and a right to choose. By way of the case of sex selective abortions, I make explicit a crucial hitherto unnoticed feature of the nature of rights. I argue that once we demarcate an area or interest off limits to state regulation, the reason, intent, or motivation of acting within it is irrelevant. This is, in part, the nature and appeal of rights. The law may limit how, when, and in what manner we may exercise a right but it may not dictate why we may exercise it. This presents the unique problem for prohibiting sex selective abortions precisely because such a prohibition looks to why a woman procures an abortion. The best solution to addressing the problem of such abortions may be to prevent woman from learning the sex of the fetus.
“Female Sports as Non-Movement Resistance in the Middle East and North Africa”

Open social movements and intentional resistance can be dangerous activities in some parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), particularly for women. In this setting, female activism often takes place as non-movements – mundane, collective actions taken by individuals rather than cohesive groups. Non-movements for women in this region consist of commonplace activities such as working, attending college, or participating in sports. This article examines how athletic participation serves as a form of resistance for women in the MENA. To augment and expand upon the concept of non-movements, we consider five non-movement resistance strategies used by women in many parts of the MENA to counter barriers to female sports participation. These strategies address cultural and religious concerns over the role of women in the MENA region by merging athletics with longstanding religious customs and cultural traditions. In doing so, these strategies reduce the potential for criticism and enable greater opportunities for female athletic participation. Ultimately, these strategies may engender opportunities for women beyond the realm of sports.
REACTION AND COMBUSTION INDICATORS IN MSW LANDFILLS

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills may contain aluminum from residential and commercial solid waste, industrial waste, and aluminum production wastes. Some aluminum-bearing waste, particularly aluminum production wastes, may react exothermically with liquid within a landfill and cause uncontrolled temperature increases, significant changes in gas composition and pressure, nuisance odors, changes in leachate composition and quantity, consumption of the surrounding waste, and damage to engineered components. This paper discusses techniques for determining whether an exothermic aluminum waste reaction and/or combustion exists in an MSW landfill facility and provides recommendations for the safe disposal of aluminum production waste.
PERFORMANCE INVESTIGATION OF SMALL GAS TURBINE ENGINES TOPPED WITH WAVE ROTORS

A performance analysis is performed for a small turbojet engine topped with various wave rotor cycles. Five different advantageous implementation cases for a four-port wave rotor into the given baseline engine are studied. The compressor and turbine pressure ratios, and the turbine inlet temperatures vary in the thermodynamic calculations according to the anticipated design objectives of the five considered cases. Advantages and disadvantages are outlined. Comparison between the theoretic performance results of wave-rotor-topped engines and the baseline engine shows a significant performance enhancement for almost all the cases studied. The highest gain is obtained for the case in which the topped engine operates with the same turbine pressure ratio, inlet temperature and the same physical compressor like that of the baseline engine. A general design map is generated showing the design space and optima for the baseline and topped engines.
A Study of the Home Market Effect in Sino-Germany Bilateral Trade

This paper examines the presence of the home market effect in Sino-Germany bilateral trade by utilizing the gravity model framework proposed by Schumacher( 2003) to evaluate longitudinal UN trade data from 1993 to 2012. The empirical results demonstrate that the home market effect has become one of the key determinants of the Sino-Germany bilateral trade pattern. Out of ten single-digit Standard International Trade Classification( SITC) categories,the local market effect was observed in five product categories. Out of the thirty-five two-digit SITC subcategories,the same effect was present in 16 instances. Given the prevalence of the home market effect,Chinese government should pay attention to the maturation of the domestic consumption market,improve the social security system,and to promote the development of international trade.
Reaction infiltration instabilities in experiments on partially molten mantle rocks

To investigate channelization of a reactive melt in mantle rocks, we imposed a gradient in fluid pressure across a partially molten rock composed of olivine and clinopyroxene, sandwiched between a source of alkali basalt melt and a sink of porous alumina. We performed experiments at a confining pressure of 300 MPa and pore pressures of 0.1–300 MPa, resulting in fluid pressure gradients of 0–88 MPa/mm at temperatures of 1200–1250 °C. When the gradient in fluid pressure is zero, only a planar reaction layer composed of olivine + melt develops, in agreement with previous experiments. However, if the gradient in fluid pressure is greater than zero, in addition to the planar reaction layer, finger-like melt-rich channels that contain olivine + melt develop and propagate into the rock, significantly past the interface between the melt reservoir and the partially molten rock. Channelization of the melt results in a significant increase in permeability and hence in the flux of melt through the partially molten rock.
Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Other Dementias in the Lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Older Adults and Their Caregivers Needs and Competencies

Cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias are important health concerns for older adults. As a marginalized and growing segment of the older adult population, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults face distinct risk factors related to cognitive impairment and dementias, including social isolation, discrimination, barriers to health care access, limited availability of and support for caregivers, and higher rates of certain chronic illnesses. We examine cognitive impairment and dementias among LGBT older adults, describe their unique risk factors, and outline key competencies for health care and human service providers to ensure culturally relevant care for LGBT older adults experiencing cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, or other dementias, as well as their caregivers, families, and communities. Implications include developing an awareness of the context of LGBT older adults' lives and relationships, the importance of early detection and support, and the development of policies and practices that promote community-level advocacy and education.
Modeling advanced bipolar devices for high performance applications

A bipolar modeling methodology is described which uses a series of 2-D process and device simulation programs and a circuit model generation program each linked together in order to generate equivalent circuit models for numerical circuit simulation. The programs have been used to study process windows and device sensitivities, optimize process and device technology, and generate models for circuit design for IBMs advanced bipolar technology development. The methodology is described using examples of a Si-SiGe n-p-n HBT (heterojunction bipolar transistor) and an integrated VPNP structure. Efforts under development for future bipolar device modeling requirements are briefly described. >
Emergencies in Patients with Bone Marrow Transplant

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) is the transplant of multipotent stem cells derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood. The transplant may be autologous or allogenic. The severe immunosuppression predisposes patients to many possible life-threatening complications. Although the majority of the complications are treated medically, these patients can become quite ill and develop a need for prompt surgical intervention. Perioperative mortality can be as high as 45 % (Am J Surg 185:481–484, 2003). This chapter reviews the surgical issues for patients undergoing HCT.
Chemical ordering in substituted fluorite oxides: a computational investigation of Ho 2 Zr 2 O 7 and RE 2 Th 2 O 7 (RE=Ho, Y, Gd, Nd, La)

Fluorite-structured oxides find widespread use for applications spanning nuclear energy and waste containment, energy conversion, and sensing. In such applications the host tetravalent cation is often partially substituted by trivalent cations, with an associated formation of charge-compensating oxygen vacancies. The stability and properties of such materials are known to be influenced strongly by chemical ordering of the cations and vacancies, and the nature of such ordering and associated energetics are thus of considerable interest. Here we employ density-functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the structure and energetics of cation and oxygen-vacancy ordering in Ho2Zr2O7. In a recent neutron total scattering study, solid solutions in this system were reported to feature local chemical ordering based on the fluorite-derivative weberite structure. The calculations show a preferred chemical ordering qualitatively consistent with these findings, and yield values for the ordering energy of 9.5 kJ/mol-cation. Similar DFT calculations are applied to additional RE2Th2O7 fluorite compounds, spanning a range of values for the ratio of the tetravalent and trivalent (RE) cation radii. The results demonstrate that weberite-type order becomes destabilized with increasing values of this size ratio, consistent with an increasing energetic preference for the tetravalent cations to have higher oxygen coordination.
CERVICAL CONTRIBUTION TO FUNCTIONAL SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT: TWO CASE REPORTS.

Background Subacromial impingement is a common condition among overhead athletes. The cause of subacromial impingement can be multifactorial and often involves impaired rotator cuff function. Case description The following cases outline the presentation, examination and intervention of two overhead athletes, a high school football quarterback and a collegiate swimmer, each presenting with signs and symptoms of subacromial impingement. The unique feature in each case was the manifestation of the cervical spine as the apparent source of rotator cuff weakness, which contributed to functional subacromial impingement although other overt signs of cervical or associated nerve root involvement were absent. Outcome Subsequent to this finding, the athletes demonstrated a rapid recovery of rotator cuff strength and resolution of impingement symptoms in response to cervical retraction and retraction with extension range of motion exercises along with posture correction. They both returned to unrestricted sporting activities within a week, with maintenance of strength and without reoccurrence of symptoms. Discussion The signs of functional subacromial impingement often include weakness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The cause of the weakness in the two cases appeared to be the result of stresses associated with forward head posture contributing to a possible intermittent C5 nerve root compression. The findings in the two cases would suggest the cervical spine should be considered as a potential cause of rotator cuff weakness in individuals presenting with subacromial impingement. Future research should examine the influence of cervical postures and shoulder muscle strength. Level of evidence 4.
Retinal Imaging: A New Tool for Studying Underlying Liability to Cardiovascular Disease in Schizophrenia

Despite evidence that individuals with schizophrenia are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it is unclear if individuals with schizophrenia have an underlying liability to cardiovascular diseases or if these diseases are a consequence of psychotic illness (e.g., antipsychotic medications, sedentary lifestyle). To resolve this, we must study cardiovascular disease risk factors in individuals in the early stages of illness with limited exposure to antipsychotic medications (i.e., individuals with first-episode psychosis) and in unaffected relatives of individuals with schizophrenia. Here we review evidence of cardiovascular risk in individuals with first-episode psychosis and in unaffected relatives of individuals with schizophrenia. We identify a gap in research on cardiovascular risk in these populations, namely the lack of studies that directly visualize the vasculature, and we introduce a novel technology, retinal imaging, that may be useful for directly visualizing the vasculature and clarifying pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie both schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease. We conclude with suggestions for priorities in future research using retinal imaging.
Global Effects of Contaminants in the Upper Atmosphere

Although direct injections of contaminants into the upper atmosphere may be derived from both rockets and aircraft, this paper will treat only emissions from aircraft flying in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. It must be noted that there are also “indirect” sources of upper atmospheric pollutants from upward mixing of ground level emissions. Further, each man-made pollutant also occurs naturally.
A STEMI gone viral

A 65-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease and ankylosing spondylitis presented with focal ECG changes and elevated cardiac biomarkers suggestive of an acute lateral ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Emergent coronary angiography surprisingly showed non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Further workup including a cardiac MRI, viral serologies, and an endomyocardial biopsy was consistent with focal Coxsackie viral myocarditis. The patient subsequently developed recurrent, pulseless ventricular tachycardia requiring multiple rounds of ACLS, and his left ventricular ejection fraction acutely dropped from 55% to 20%. An emergent intra-aortic balloon pump was placed, and an intravenous lidocaine infusion and high-dose corticosteroids were started for the patient’s electrical storm and myocarditis, respectively. The patient was eventually discharged in stable condition with an implantable cardiac defibrillator. No further episodes of ventricular tachycardia were noted at six-month follow-up. In patients with acute ECG changes, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease, myocarditis should be considered as a leading diagnosis given the potentially life-threatening sequelae as seen in our patient.
At Least Seven Touches: One Academic Library’s Marketing and Outreach Strategy for Graduate Professional Programs

Column description. The Marketing column features essays about a variety of creative and innovative marketing strategies used to highlight collections or promote services in all types of libraries....
Understanding the Relationship Between Motivation, Sport Involvement and Sport Event Evaluation Meanings as Factors Influencing Marathon Participation

With the level of growth in endurance running participation, it is important to develop a stronger understanding of what motivates individuals to participate in these types of events, as well as wh...