cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical trials and future prospects for lung volume reduction surgery.

Few new surgical procedures have generated as much controversy as lung volume reduc­ tion surgery (LVRS) for the palliative treatment of selected patients with end-stage emphysema. ~[ost of the controversy has centered not on the procedure, or on the results, but on the issue as to how new surgical procedures should be intro­ duced and scientifically evaluated, and how they should be funded by health care providers. There are perhaps specific reasons why this particular procedure has been the subject of so much de­ bate. Throughout the last century, numerous pro­ cedures were introduced for the treatment of end stage emphysema, most without a physiologic ra­ tionale, objective assessment, or more than tran­ sient acceptance. Perhaps the reintroduction of L VRS occurred at a time when "e'\idence-based medicine" was the watchword of the day. Perhaps unsubstantiated and unfounded predictions that "surgery for emphysema has the potential to bankrupt the medical care system in this coun­ try"l panicked the ~[edicare system and bears some responsibility. At the heart of the matter is how should new surgical procedures be introduced in a responsi­ ble fashion, one which does not stifle innovation, protects the interest of patients, and recognizes the need for managing the limited resources available for healthcare in general.
Effects of cardiac glycosides on spontaneous efferent activity in vagus and sympathetic nerves of cats

Abstract Efferent neural traffic over filaments from the cervical and thoracic vagi, and over postganglionic filaments emerging from the stellate ganglion, was studied in cats subjected to progressive, fatal intoxication with digitoxin or ouabain. Vagal efferent activity was increased by glycoside administration in 71% of trials. Depression was never observed. No specific effect on sympathetic activity was noted prior to the onset of cardiac arrhythmia. In the later stages of glycoside intoxication, however, enhancement of sympathetic activity was uniformly observed. Except as an almost terminal event, neither vagal nor sympathetic activity was consistently related to heart rate or level of systemic blood pressure. A reciprocal relationship between the two autonomic systems was not revealed.
Evaluation of crates and girth tethers for sows: reproductive performance, immunity, behavior and ergonomic measures

Abstract An evaluation of reproductive performance, behavior, immunity and ergonomics was conducted for two common sow housing systems: the girth tether and crate. Littermate Yorkshire×Landrace gilts were randomly assigned to either the crate or girth tether system and they remained in that treatment for two consecutive pregnancies and lactations. A total of 171 matings resulted in 141 litters (82.4% farrowing rate). Second parity sows penned in girth tethers had 1.5 fewer piglets born and 1.3 fewer piglets weaned than sows in the crate system ( P P P P P
SU‐D‐211‐05: A Systematic Analysis of Penumbra Characteristics in Conformai Arc Delivery for SBRT and Its Utilization for Negative Margin Technique (NMT), a Novel Planning Strategy for Improving Dose Conformation

Purpose: To systematically analyze penumbra characteristics in co‐planar arc‐beams and demonstrate how optimal aperture margin (OAM) can be systematically estimated. Methods: Full arc‐beam delivery was simulated with a Pinnacle RTP for a total of 32 cases. Considered factors were energy (6X, 6F, 10X, and 10F, where ‘F’ indicates flattening‐filter‐free), field‐size (2×2, 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8), and two materials (50×50×50 cm×cm×cm water and 50×50×50 cmxcmxcm water with a 20 cm diameter sphere of 0.25 g/cc lung density at the center). The highest‐dose‐gradient (HDG) and its range in both radial‐dose‐distribution (RDD) and longitudinal‐dose‐distribution (LDD) were evaluated. For OAM estimation, start with simulated dose distributions in interest. Measure coverage size (CS) at the chosen PIL in the RDD. The difference between the target size (TS) and the CS is the margin needed. In radial‐direction, choose a PIL where the CS is larger than the TS [resulting in ‘negative margin (NM)’] to enhance conformation capability.Next, measure the CS at the chosen PIL in the LDD. Longitudinally, positive margin is expected in general. This process was applied to 6X and 10F cases in lung to illustrate its applicability. Results: Overall, larger HDG was observed in 6 MV (than 10 MV), smaller fields, LDD (than RDD), and in water (than lung). 6F showed slightly larger HDG than 6X while 10X did than 10F. Dose fall‐off started significantly farther from the CAX in RDD than LDD, supporting the NM concept. With the systematic margin estimation applied, expected PILs matched closely with isodose points having tight target coverage, indicating the applicability of the method. Conclusions: Among tested, the 6F beam provides the most optimal dose distribution for dose conformation. The range of optimal PIL decreases as field‐size increases. It has been demonstrated optimal AMs can be systematically estimated as proposed in this study.
THE EFFECT OF OVERTRAINING ON BEHAVIORAL CONTRAST AND THE PEAK-SHIFT1

Following initial discrimination training between two wavelength stimuli and a subsequent generalization test to the wavelength dimension, Group 1 was “overtrained” for 105 days on the original discrimination. Group 2 was “overtrained” with the original positive stimulus and a new negative stimulus, a white line. Group 3 was “overtrained” with the original negative stimulus and a new positive stimulus, the white line. Each 15 days of extended training were followed by a wavelength generalization test similar to the first test. The results suggest that there is no consistent relationship between the response rate in positive stimulus immediately before the generalization test and whether or not a peak shift occurs during the test.
A faster algorithm for constructing minimal perfect hash functions

Our previous research on one-probe access to large collections of data indexed by alphanumeric keys has produced the first practical minimal perfect hash functions for this problem. Here, a new algorithm is described for quickly finding minimal perfect hash functions whose specification space is very close to the theoretical lower bound, i.e., around 2 bits per key. The various stages of processing are detailed, along with analytical and empirical results, including timing for a set of over 3.8 million keys that was processed on a NeXTstation in about 6 hours.
Directions in psychoanalysis

This article is intended to familiarize the general practitioner with the important concepts in the practice of psychoanalysis. It provides an overview of the development of the field of psychoanalysis, considering it as theory of personality, as an explanation of psychopathology, and as a research procedure. It also explores psychoanalysis as a method of treatment and presents an outline of the knowledge and training necessary to become a psychoanalyst. A consideration of the analytic process includes a review of the postulates that govern its application--the analytic process, the therapeutic dyad, and psychodynamic interventions. Historical and political issues are examined, including the spread of psychoanalytic theory, the various contributions of important psychoanalytic thinkers, a review of the struggle of nonmedical psychoanalysts to break the one-time monopoly held by medical psychoanalysts, and the ongoing love-hate relationship between clinical practitioners and academic psychologists. In addition to providing this background material, this article explores the issues currently facing the field of psychoanalytic thought--the need for integration of the structural and relational perspectives and the outlook for the future of the discipline.
Loricifera, a new phylum with Aschelminthes characters from the meiobenthos1

Nouveau phylum cree pour Nanaloricus mystacus n.g. n.sp. Nanaloricus est proche des kinorhynques et des priapulides mais les types de ses stylets oraux ne se rencontrent que dans les larves de Nematomorpha
Comparison of norflurazon absorption by excised roots of three plant species

Abstract The absorption of norflurazon by 1-cm segments cut from the apical 5-cm roots of sicklepod ( Cassia obtusifolia L.), corn ( Zea mays L. cv. Sunbelt 1860), and cotton ( Gossyipium hirsutum L. cv. DPL 90) was investigated. Norflurazon absorption by all root tissues was rapid in the first 10 min but there was very little increase thereafter up to 60 min. Norflurazon also penetrated the entire root tissue volume within 30 min, indicating its movement into both the apoplast and the symplast of root cells by simple diffusion. The initial (0–10 min) rate of norflurazon absorption was faster in sicklepod and cotton than in corn. Corn also accumulated less 14 C than did the other species. Norflurazon diffused freely out of sicklepod and corn root tissues but not out of cotton roots. Metabolism was not the basis for this differential retention as norflurazon was not degraded by the root tissues over a 24-hr period. These experiments show that differential accumulation and retention of norflurazon by root tissues was not related to the selectivity of this herbicide among these three species.
D2D neighbor discovery interference management for LTE systems

Direct Device-to-Device (D2D) communications in cellular systems has attracted a lot of interest for both commercial and public safety applications. To support D2D communications, a first step involving neighbor discovery is typically needed. This paper focuses on the study of neighbor discovery signal design aspects and interference management for D2D discovery under a typical LTE system deployment. System level results on detection rate and range comparing different interference management techniques are provided. The results indicate that practical interference management techniques have the potential to improve the performance of neighbor discovery for cell-edge devices significantly.
Using Creative Writing Techniques to Enhance the Case Study Method in Research Integrity and Ethics Courses

The following article explores the use of creative writing techniques to teach research ethics, breathe life into case study preparation, and train students to think of their settings as complex organizational environments with multiple actors and stakeholders.
Intelligent mobile agents in large distributed autonomous cooperative systems

Abstract A large distributed autonomous cooperative system is a system that provides fundamental services for integrating high-level services in a large distributed system with local autonomy for individual system platforms and processes. This paper discusses the role and the functions of Intelligent Mobile Agents (IMAs) in large distributed autonomous cooperative systems. Rather than providing services to a user at the application level, IMAs considered in this paper are deemed an integral part of system level software and perform tasks that are considered central to the distributed system. A variety of solutions to problems that are inherent to the distributed nature of the computing infrastructure may be implemented through a system of IMAs. These problems include, but are by no means limited to, load balancing, scheduling, information retrieval and management, distributed decision support, routing and flow control, security and intrusion detection. In this paper we discuss some of characteristics of IMA based systems central to solving some of these problems. The effectiveness of IMAs in large distributed systems clearly depends on the design and implementation of the underlying IMA architecture. This paper discusses the features that must be provided by the IMA infrastructure in support of IMAs that are an integral part of the large distributed autonomous cooperative system.
Changes induced by the acute administration of iodide on secretion of iodinated components by the rat thyroid gland perfused in situ.

Nous avons etudie l'effet de l'iodure 127 (10−3 et 10−4 M) sur la secretion de T4 *, T3 * et −I* par la thyroide de rat, premarquee a l'iode 131 et perfusee in situ avec du sang non radioactif contenant 12 mU de TSH/ml. Il n'a pas ete note de changement significatif dans la secretion de T4 * ou T3 * jusqu'a 45 min apres le debut de l'administration d'iodure 127, qu'il y ait ou non du methimazole (10−3 M) dans le sang perfuse. Il y avait par contre une augmentation de la secretion d'-I* pendant la perfusion de 10−3 M d'iodure, indiquant une decharge d'-I* pendant la perfusion de 10−3 M d'iodure, indiquant une decharge d'-I* de provenance intrathyroidienne. Cet effet est similaire a celui note auparavant pendant le perfusion de 10−3 M de ClO 4 − .
The protective action of picrotoxin in prolonged surgical anesthesia with evipal

Abstract The adaptability of evipal soluble by fractional injections for use in prolonged clinical surgical anesthesia because of its rapidity of action and detoxification is discussed. The efficacy of picrotoxin as a prophylactic measure to protect the respiratory center from untoward or undue assault by the barbiturate is advanced. The technique employed in the production and maintenance of good clinica surgical anesthesia is described. Analysis is made, and a table presented, of 40 operations performed under prolonged evipal anesthesia by the employment of this technique. A brief discussion of the literature pertinent to the subject is presented (a) on the experiences and impressions of investigators (b) on the problem of schematic dosage and gradation of fractional doses and (c) on the question of contraindications to the use of evipal. We wish to acknowledge with thanks our deep appreciation of the kindness of the following: The Research Department of the Winthrop Chemical Company for generously providing the evipal soluble used in this study; the surgeons whose names appear in the table for faith in our judgment; and the internes, Doctors J. C. Oliver, U. I. Carrington and T. C. Simmons for invaluable aid in the course of administering the anesthetic and for keeping the postoperative records on the condition and progress of the patients.
Hydrolysis of peptides by Crotalidae and Viperidae venoms.

Abstract Peptidase activities of nine Viperidae and thirteen Crotalidae venoms were investigated using twenty-nine dipeptides, six tripeptides, and one tetrapeptide. Only five peptides were not hydrolyzed by any of the snake venoms investigated. Relatively few differences in substrate specificities were found for snake venoms regardless of species and geographical distribution.
Transitive inference in pigeons: measuring the associative values of Stimuli B and D.

Abstract Several reinforcement-based models have been proposed to explain transitive-like behavior in nonverbal transitive inference tasks. These models assume that the initial training required for memorizing the premises produces an ordered series of associative values (A > B > C > D > E); these values can then be used to select the “transitively correct” stimulus in a novel pair (e.g., BD). Our study experimentally tested this assumption by using resistance-to-extinction and resistance-to-reinforcement techniques to obtain empirical measures of associative strength for Stimuli B and D. We first measured the associative strengths of these stimuli after completion of initial training with overlapping pairs of colored squares (A + B−, B + C−, C + D−, and D + E−) using resistance-to-extinction and resistance-to-reinforcement procedures. Next, we used massed presentations of Pair D + E− (termed bias reversal) that ought to increase the associative value of Stimulus D, and again measured the associative strengths of the stimuli. None of our experimental measures of associative strength correlated with pigeons’ behavior in the BD test or with BD performance predicted by associative models either before or after bias reversal ( Wynne, 1995 , Siemann and Delius, 1998 ). These results question validity of reinforcement-based models for explaining animals’ behavior in nonverbal TI tasks.
Endothelin-1 does not mediate acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in the intact newborn lamb.

The mechanisms by which acute alveolar hypoxia induces pulmonary vasoconstriction remain unclear. Previous studies suggest that hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction is endothelium-dependent and is associated with the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoactive paracrine hormone produced by vascular endothelial cells. The vasoconstrictive effects of ET-1 are likely to be mediated by ETA receptors located on vascular smooth-muscle cells. BQ-123 is a selective ETA receptor antagonist. To determine the role of ET-1 and ETA receptors on resting tone and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, we studied the effects of ET-1 and BQ-123 at rest and during hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in 12 intact newborn lambs (<1 week old)
Reduction of electrooxidizable interferent effects: Optimization of the applied potential for amperometric glucose sensors

The selectivity originally anticipated for enzyme-based amperometric electrochemical sensors, specifically glucose sensors based on the oxidation of hydrogen peroxide, has not achieved due to the oxidation of interfering compounds. These interfering compounds are analytes normally present in physiological fluids or tissues that oxidize at the electrode surface and give “false” current readings. The effect of lowering the potential applied to a plantium black working electrode was studied. In vitro studies showed that lowering the applied potential from +0.60 V to +0.35 V greatly decreased the current due to oxidation of acetaminophen, a common interferent, while leaving the current output due to glucose virtually unchanged. In vivo studies revealed that the positive, constant offset observed when comparing the plasma glucose concentration to the glucose concentration indicated by an implanted glucose sensor was greatly minimized by reducing the applied potential from +0.60 V to +0.35 V. The offset was thought to be due to the oxidation of interferents. The linearity, magnitude, and stability of the sensor's in vitro and in vivo response to glucose was unchanged by the reduction in the applied potential.
1133 SERUM VITAMIN D BINDING PROTEIN (DBP) IN PRETERM INFANTS

DBP is low in the cord blood of preterm infants (359±24μg/ml) while term infants (558±78μg/ml) have adult concentrations (525±24 μg/ml). To see when preterm infants develop normal concentrations of DBP and to look for any relationship to DBP's major ligand, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), DBP was measured by radial immunodiffusion using a rabbit antiserum in serial serum samples from 28 preterm infants, gestation 29.7±2.5wks and birthweight 1162±344gms. DBP remained low until there was a significant increase at 12wks of age (p<.01 by paired t-test). 25-OHD also increased (p<.025) at 12wks and was then correlated with serum calcium (r=.44, p<.05) and phosphorus (r=.48, p<.05). At 12wks only there were positive correlations of DBP with 25-OHD (r=.69, p<.01) and phosphorus (r= .49, p<.05). There was no correlation with gestational age or birthweight. In very preterm infants, serum albumin, ceruloplasmin and somatomedin follow a similar pattern. In 11 study infants, Lowry proteins on the same samples increased at 12wks so that DBP/gm protein remained stable. In 10 other study patients, albumin similarly increased. The changes in DBP probably reflect a maturation in the liver's ability to synthesize many proteins. The correlation with 25-OHD may represent a concurrent maturation in the liver's ability to hydroxylate vitamin D and is probably without physiological significance.
Theory and measurement of local interfacial area using a four sensor probe in two-phase flow

Abstract A theoretical foundation of the measurement method for the time averaged local interfacial area using a four sensor resistivity probe is presented. Based on this theory, the four sensor resistivity probe was developed and employed to measure the interfacial velocity, local interfacial area concentration and void fraction in a vertical air-water cap bubbly flow. The four sensor probe measurements were checked against the global void measurement using a differential pressure. The results were very satisfactory. Theoretical profiles of the void fraction and interfacial area concentration were obtained using the pictures of cap bubbles. The theoretical predictions of the cap bubbles and the interfacial area concentration profiles compared very well with the four sensor data.
Cassini sheds light on Titan's second largest lake, Ligeia Mare

Saturn's largest moon, Titan, is known for its dense, planet-like atmosphere and large lakes most likely made of methane and ethane. It has been suggested that Titan's atmosphere and surface are a model of early Earth. Since the early 2000s, NASA's Cassini space probe has been unlocking secrets of the distant moon.
Generalized conceptual modeling of dimensionless overland flow hydrographs

The rising and recession limbs of conceptual dimensionless overland flow hydrographs are calculated for specific values of the rating exponent in the range 1 ≤ m ≤ 3, including a linear reservoir (m = 1); 100% turbulent Chezy friction (m = 32); 100% turbulent Manning friction (m = 53); 67% turbulent Chezy (or 75% turbulent Manning) (m = 2); and 100% laminar flow (m = 3). These conceptual overland flow hydrographs show finite amounts of diffusion, increasing with decreasing rating exponent, unlike the kinematic wave hydrograph, which is nondiffusive.
Interdependence of hemoglobin, catalase and the hexose monophosphate shunt in red blood cells exposed to oxidative agents.

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide, 1, 4-naphthoquinone-2-sulfonic acid and 6-hydroxydopamine were used as biochemical probes to study the interdependence of hemoglobin, catalase and the hexose monophosphate shunt in protection of red blood cell (red cell) function against Superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and organic free radicals. It was shown that catalase may remove hydrogen peroxide both catalatically and peroxidatically in the red cell and that glucose metabolism supplies electron donors for the peroxidatic function of catalase. The hexose monophosphate shunt is known to participate in removal of hydrogen peroxide by supplying electrons for the action of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. Experiments in which red cell catalase was irreversibly inhibited by interaction with hydrogen peroxide and 3-amino-1, 2, 4-triazole showed that both catalase and the hexose monophosphate shunt share in the removal of hydrogen peroxide from red cells. The effect of the hemoglobin oxidation state on the interaction of red cells and oxidative agents was studied using red cell preparations containing hemoglobin, carbonmonoxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin. Oxyhemoglobin was able to accelerate the production of Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide with agents like 1, 4-naphthoquinone-2-sulfonic acid, whereas oxyhemoglobin had little effect with 6-hydroxydopamine. In experiments with red cells containing oxyhemoglobin, the accumulation of catalase in the form of Compound II, with resulting loss of available catalatic activity, was directly proportional to formation of methemoglobin. The close relationship between loss of catalatic activity and formation of methemoglobin may indicate that catalase has a protective effect on hemoglobin. Experiments with red cells containing methemoglobin indicated that once methemoglobin is formed it protects the red cell from further loss of the catalatic activity of catalase. In some circumstances oxyhemoglobin was formed from methemoglobin as a by-product of the protective effect of methemoglobin on red cell function. Formation of oxyhemoglobin by this mechanism was many times faster than oxyhemoglobin formation by the methemoglobin reductase system.
Inhibition of ALDH3A1-catalyzed oxidation by chlorpropamide analogues.

Abstract In our efforts to identify agents that would specifically inhibit ALDH3A1, we had previously studied extensively the effect of an N 1 -alkyl, an N 1 -methoxy, and several N 1 -hydroxy-substituted ester derivatives of chlorpropamide on the catalytic activities of ALDH3A1s derived from human normal stomach mucosa (nALDH3A1) and human tumor cells (tALDH3A1), and of two recombinant aldehyde dehydrogenases, viz. human rALDH1A1 and rALDH2. The N 1 -methoxy analogue of chlorpropamide, viz. 4-chloro- N -methoxy- N -[(propylamino)carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide (API-2), was found to be a relatively selective and potent inhibitor of tALDH3A1-catalyzed oxidation as compared to its ability to inhibit nALDH3A-catalyzed oxidation, but even more potently inhibited ALDH2-catalyzed oxidation, whereas an ester analogue, viz. (acetyloxy)[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]carbamic acid 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (NPI-2), selectively inhibited tALDH3A1-catalyzed oxidation as compared to its ability to inhibit nALDH3A1-, ALDH1A1- and ALDH2-catalyzed oxidations, and this inhibition was apparently irreversible. Three additional chlorpropamide analogues, viz. 4-chloro- N , O -bis(ethoxycarbonyl)- N -hydroxybenzenesulfonamide (NPI-4), N , O -bis(carbomethoxy)methanesulfohydroxamic acid (NPI-5), and 2-[(ethoxycarbonyl)oxy]-1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2 H )-one 1,1-dioxide (NPI-6), were evaluated in the present investigation. Quantified were NAD-linked oxidation of benzaldehyde catalyzed by nALDH3A1 and tALDH3A1, and NAD-linked oxidation of acetaldehyde catalyzed by rALDH1A1 and rALDH2, all at 37°C and pH 8.1, and in the presence and absence of inhibitor. NPI-4, NPI-5 and NPI-6 were not substrates for the oxidative reactions catalyzed by any of the ALDHs studied. Oxidative reactions catalyzed by the ALDH3A1s, rALDH1A1 and rALDH2 were each inhibited by NPI-4 and NPI-5. NPI-6 was a poor inhibitor of nALDH3A1- and tALDH3A1-catalyzed oxidations, but was a relatively potent inhibitor of rALDH1A1- and rALDH2-catalyzed oxidations. In all cases, inhibition of ALDH-catalyzed oxidation was directly related to the product of inhibitor concentration and preincubation (enzyme+inhibitor) time. As judged by the product values (μM×min) required to effect 50% inhibition (IC 50 ): (1) nALDH3A1 and tALDH3A1 were essentially equisensitive to inhibition by NPI-4 and NPI-5, and both enzymes were poorly inhibited by NPI-6; (2) rALDH1A1 was, relative to the ALDH3A1s, slightly more sensitive to inhibition by NPI-4 and NPI-5, and far more sensitive to inhibition by NPI-6; and (3) rALDH1A1 was, relative to rALDH2, essentially equisensitive to inhibition by NPI-5, whereas, it was slightly more sensitive to inhibition by NPI-4 and NPI-6.
Systematic review of time studies evaluating physicians in the hospital setting

BACKGROUND: Time studies, first developed in the late 19th century, are now being used to evaluate and improve worker efficiency in the hospital setting. This is the first review of hospital time study literature of which we are aware. PURPOSE: We performed a systematic review of the literature to better understand the available time study literature describing the activities of hospital physicians. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMBASE Classic, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Web of Science. We also manually reviewed the reference lists of retrieved articles and consulted experts in the field to identify additional articles for review. STUDY SELECTION: We selected studies that used time-motion or work-sampling performed via direct observation, included physicians, medical residents, or interns in their study population, and were performed on an inpatient hospital ward. DATA EXTRACTION: We abstracted data on subject population, study site, collection tools, and percentage of time spent on key categories of activity. DATA SYNTHESIS: Our search produced 11 time-motion and 2 work-sampling studies that met our criteria. These studies focused primarily on academic hospitals (92%) and the activities of physicians in training (69%). Other results varied widely. A lack of methodological standardization and dissimilar activity categorizations inhibited our efforts to summarize detailed findings across studies. However, we consistently found that activities indirectly related to a patient's care took more of hospital physicians' time than direct interaction with hospitalized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Time studies, when properly performed, have a great deal to offer in helping us understand and reengineer hospital care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:353–359. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Perron receives 2011 Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist Award: Citation

J. Taylor Perron received the 2011 Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist Award at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting, held 5–9 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “a young scientist for making a significant and outstanding contribution that advances the field of Earth and planetary surface processes.”
Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test performance following anterior communicating artery aneurysm

Abstract While verbal memory has been studied frequently in Anterior Communicating Artery amnesics, relatively fewer studies have examined the nature of visual memory processes in this population. This study examined Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test performance in 10 amnesic ACoA subjects along with 10 matched healthy controls. The most salient finding to emerge was the profound loss of information exhibited by the ACoA group between the copy and immediate conditions, despite copy scores that were within normal limits. These results might be attributable to inadequate encoding, impaired consolidation, or accelerated rates of forgetting.
Problems associated with the development of nuclear power in the less developed nations

An increasing number of less developed nations are in the process of developing their capacity to use nuclear fuels for the generation of electrical energy. The highly complex and sophisticated demands of nuclear technology makes nuclear power a dubious choice for any nation which lacks an advanced infrastructure and/or a large pool of highly trained personnel. This communication seeks to underscore the special problems the less developed countries must resolve in order to use nuclear fuels for the generation of electrical energy at the present stage in the associated technologies.
NUMERICAL COMPUTATIONS OF ROUGH SEA SURFACE EMISSIVITY USING THE INTERACTION PROBABILITY DENSITY

The Cox–Munk–Plass interaction probability density is used for computing emissivity from a two-dimensional anisotropic model of a rough sea surface. The infrared wavelengths of interest are the 3–5-μm and 8–14-μm bands, and computations are performed in the co-wind and crosswind directions for receiver polar angles varying from the zenith to the horizon. Comparisons between co-wind and crosswind results are made as a function of windspeed, wavelength, and the polar angle of the receiver, with an emphasis on results at the horizon. A method for obtaining upper and lower bounds on the surface emissivity is also given which, in the context of reflection, provides a measure of the effects of multiple reflections.
Divisions of labor in the thiamin biosynthetic pathway among organs of maize

The B vitamin thiamin is essential for central metabolism in all cellular organisms including plants. While plants synthesize thiamin de novo, organs vary widely in their capacities for thiamin synthesis. We use a transcriptomics approach to appraise the distribution of de novo synthesis and thiamin salvage pathways among organs of maize. We identify at least six developmental contexts in which metabolically active, non-photosynthetic organs exhibit low expression of one or both branches of the de novo thiamin biosynthetic pathway indicating a dependence on inter-cellular transport of thiamin and/or thiamin precursors. Neither the thiazole (THI4) nor pyrimidine (THIC) branches of the pathway are expressed in developing pollen implying a dependence on import of thiamin from surrounding floral and inflorescence organs. Consistent with that hypothesis, organs of the male inflorescence and flowers are shown to have high relative expression of the thiamin biosynthetic pathway and comparatively high thiamin contents. By contrast, divergent patterns of THIC and THI4 expression occur in the shoot apical meristem, embyro sac, embryo, endosperm, and root-tips suggesting that these sink organs acquire significant amounts of thiamin via salvage pathways. In the root and shoot meristems, expression of THIC in the absence of THI4 indicates a capacity for thiamin synthesis via salvage of thiazole, whereas the opposite pattern obtains in embryo and endosperm implying that seed storage organs are poised for pyrimidine salvage. Finally, stable isotope labeling experiments set an upper limit on the rate of de novo thiamin biosynthesis in maize leaf explants. Overall, the observed patterns of thiamin biosynthetic gene expression mirror the strategies for thiamin acquisition that have evolved in bacteria.
Identification of p21-Activated Kinase Specificity Determinants in Budding Yeast: a Single Amino Acid Substitution Imparts Ste20 Specificity to Cla4

Two closely related p21-activated kinases from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ste20 and Cla4, interact with and are regulated by Cdc42, a small Rho-like GTPase. These kinases are argued to perform a common essential function, based on the observation that the single mutants are viable whereas the double mutant is inviable. Despite having a common upstream regulator and at least one common function, these molecules also have many distinct cellular signaling roles. Ste20 signals upstream of several mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades (e.g., pheromone response, filamentous growth, and high osmolarity), and Cla4 signals during budding and cytokinesis. In order to investigate how these kinases are directed to distinct functions, we sought to identify specificity determinants within Ste20 and Cla4. To this end, we constructed both chimeric fusions and point mutants and tested their ability to perform unique and shared cellular roles. Specificity determinants for both kinases were mapped to the C-terminal kinase domains. Remarkably, the substitution of a single amino acid, threonine 818, from Ste20 into an otherwise wild-type Cla4, Cla4D772T, conferred the ability to perform many Ste20-specific functions.
Energy Dissipation Rates of Free Atmospheric Turbulence.

Abstract Energy spectra of high–altitude atmospheric turbulence data were analyzed. Kolmogorov's similarity theory for the inertial subrange was applied to infer energy dissipation rates from the spectra. The dissipation rates increase as the third power of the truncated root-mean-square values of turbulence: thus, the former can be inferred directly from the later with relative case. In the stratosphere the dissipation rates can occasionally he of the same order as those in the surface layer; a single curve can hardly represent the dissipation state in the atmosphere.
A Sociobiological Analysis of Namesaking Patterns in 322 American Families1

A study of the naming patterns used for 648 children in 322 American families provided mixed support for a number of hypotheses that are derived from the propositions that namesaking (the naming of a child after another person) functions as advertisement of genetic kinship when it may be in doubt and as a strategy to procure future investment of resources from the father and other relatives. Males and second-born children with older sisters were more likely to be namesaked, and birth order was a significant predictor of the probability of being namesaked for males. First-borns were more likely to be named after a patrilineal relative, but there was no tendency for children born early in a marriage to be namesaked more frequently than children born after many years of marriage. Parents who themselves were namesaked were more likely to namesake their own children.
The heat shock protein 90 of Plasmodium falciparum and antimalarial activity of its inhibitor, geldanamycin.

Background The naturally occurring benzoquinone ansamycin compound, geldanamycin (GA), is a specific inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and is a potential anticancer agent. Since Plasmodium falciparum has been reported to have an Hsp90 ortholog, we tested the possibility that GA might inhibit it and thereby display antiparasitic activity.
Women's Representation in Science Predicts National Gender-Science Stereotypes: Evidence from 66 Nations.

In the past 40 years, the proportion of women in science courses and careers has dramatically increased in some nations but not in others. Our research investigated how national differences in women’s science participation related to gender-science stereotypes that associate science with men more than women. Data from ∼350,000 participants in 66 nations indicated that higher female enrollment in tertiary science education (community college or above) related to weaker explicit and implicit national gender-science stereotypes. Higher female employment in the researcher workforce related to weaker explicit, but not implicit, gender-science stereotypes. These relationships remained after controlling for many theoretically relevant covariates. Even nations with high overall gender equity (e.g., the Netherlands) had strong gender-science stereotypes if men dominated science fields specifically. In addition, the relationship between women’s educational enrollment in science and implicit gender-science stereotypes was stronger for college-educated participants than participants without college education. Implications for instructional practices and educational policies are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Weak deeply virtual Compton scattering

We extend the analysis of the deeply virtual Compton scattering process to the weak interaction sector in the generalized Bjorken limit. The virtual Compton scattering amplitudes for the weak neutral and charged currents are calculated at the leading twist within the framework of the nonlocal light-cone expansion via coordinate space QCD string operators. Using a simple model, we estimate cross sections for neutrino scattering off the nucleon, relevant for future high-intensity neutrino beam facilities.
A Fresh Look at Retiming via Clock Skew Optimization

The introduction of clock skew at an edge-triggered flip-flop has an effect that is similar to the movement of flip-flop across combinational logic module boundaries, and these are continuous and discrete optimizations with the same effect. While this fact has been recognized before, this work, for the first time, utilizes this information to find a minimum/specified period retiming efficiently. The clock period is guaranteed to be at most one gate delay larger than a tight lower bound on the optimal clock period; this bound is achievable using a combination of intentional skew and retiming. All ISCAS89 circuits can be retimed in a few minutes by this algorithm.
Computer programs for the concordance correlation coefficient.

The CCC macro is presented for computation of the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), a common measure of reproducibility. The macro has been produced in both SAS and R, and a detailed presentation of the macro input and output for the SAS program is included. The macro provides estimation of three versions of the CCC, as presented by Lin [L.I.-K. Lin, A concordance correlation coefficient to evaluate reproducibility, Biometrics 45 (1989) 255–268], Barnhart et al. [H.X. Barnhart, J.L. Haber, J.L. Song, Overall concordance correlation coefficient for evaluating agreement among multiple observers, Biometrics 58 (2002) 1020–1027], and Williamson et al. [J.M. Williamson, S.B. Crawford, H.M. Lin, Resampling dependent concordance correlation coefficients, J. Biopharm. Stat. 17 (2007) 685–696]. It also provides bootstrap confidence intervals for the CCC, as well as for the difference in CCCs for both independent and dependent samples. The macro is designed for balanced data only. Detailed explanation of the involved computations and macro variable definitions are provided in the text. Two biomedical examples are included to illustrate that the macro can be easily implemented.
Cross-National Homicide Trends in the Latter Decades of the Twentieth Century: Losses and Gains in Institutional Control?

This study explores cross-national trends in homicide rates over the 1950–2005 period. At a descriptive level, we apply spline regression to address the following questions: How prevalent were appreciable, sustained increases or decreases in levels of homicide? Among nations characterized by increasing or decreasing homicide levels, how prevalent were reversals in the trends, suggesting homicide cycles? Which nations exhibited homicide cycles, and what can be learned from the timing of increases, decreases, and reversals in homicide levels? Our second overarching objective is to assess Gary LaFree’s hypothesis that national trends in crime reflect changes in the legitimacy of the basic institutions of a society. We focus on the institution that traditionally has been assigned primary responsibility for informal control—the family. The results of our spline regression analyses indicate that sustained, substantial increases in lethal violence were virtually universal in the latter decades of the twentieth century for the sampled nations. At the same time, the majority of nations that exhibited an appreciable upturn in homicide rates also exhibited a distinct turnaround, suggestive of homicide cycles. With respect to the timing of the phases of homicide cycles, we observe that Nordic and northern European nations were in the vanguard for increasing homicides, whereas Central/South American and Caribbean nations exhibited a rise in homicides decades later. Finally, the results of fixed-effects regression models for the pooled, cross-sectional time-series dataset reveal that the divorce rate is a significant, robust predictor of homicide rates, which is supportive of LaFree’s arguments concerning institutional legitimacy, institutional control, and changes in levels of crime.
Ultrasound and joint mobilizations for achieving normal wrist range of motion after injury or surgery: a case series.

Abstract Context: Regaining full, active range of motion (AROM) after trauma to the wrist is difficult. Objective: To report the cases of 6 patients who lacked full range of motion (ROM) in the wri...
Functional Analysis Applied to Nonlinear Feedback Systems

An operator theory is outlined for the general, nonlinear, feedback loop. Methods for bounding system responses and investigating stability are introduced. An iterative expansion of the feedback loop, valid for large nonlinearities and unstable systems, is derived. The theory is applied to the study of nonlinear distortion in a class of amplifiers; it is shown that feedback reduces distortion for band-limited inputs. A model of the distortion is obtained, shown to be stable, and an iteration whose rate of convergence is optimized is derived.
Single-step transesterification with simultaneous concentration and stable isotope analysis of fatty acid methyl esters by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) is increasingly applied to food and metabolic studies for stable isotope analysis (δ 13 C), with the quantification of analyte concentration often obtained via a second alternative method. We describe a rapid direct transesterification of triacylglycerides (TAGs) for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis by GC‐C‐IRMS demonstrating robust simultaneous quantification of amount of analyte (mean r 2 =0.99, accuracy ±2% for 37 FAMEs) and δ 13 C (±0.13‰) in a single analytical run. The maximum FAME yield and optimal δ 13 C values are obtained by derivatizing with 10% (v/v) acetyl chloride in methanol for 1h, while lower levels of acetyl chloride and shorter reaction times skewed the δ 13 C values by as much as 0.80‰ .A Bland‐Altman evaluation of the GC‐C‐IRMS measurements resulted in excellent agreement for pure oils (±0.08‰) and oils extracted from French fries (±0.49‰), demonstrating reliable simultaneous quantification of FAME concentration and δ 13 C values. Thus, we conclude that for studies requiring both the quantification of analyte and δ 13 C data, such as authentication or metabolic flux studies, GC‐C‐IRMS can be used as the sole analytical method.
The postpartum llama: fertility after parturition.

Fertility was evaluated at various times during the postpartum period in the llama. Fifty-six parous female llamas chosen at random were bred at 10, 20, and 30 days postpartum with six intact males. Half of the females copulated only once and the other half twice within an interval of 24 h. Ovarian activity was monitored by ultrasonography and analysis of urinary estrone sulfate and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG). At the time of copulation, all females had developed ovulatory-size follicles. Ovulation was confirmed by the presence of a CL at 8 days after breeding and PdG concentrations > 1 ng/mg creatinine (Cr). Conception was defined as PdG concentrations > I ng/mg Cr at 15 days after breeding and the presence of a CL. Pregnancy was defined as the presence of a CL, PdG concentrations > 1 ng/mg Cr and an embryonic vesicle 20 days postbreeding. There were no significant differences in the proportion of females ovulating after breeding at different times postpartum; however, conception and pregnancy were significantly greater in females bred at Day 20 or 30. Ovarian follicle size was significantly larger at 30 days (9.1 mm) than at 10 and 20 days (7.9 and 8.8 mm, respectively) of breeding, with no difference in concentrations of estrone sulfate. The proportion of females conceiving as a result of breeding at 10 days postpartum (6 out of 10) was significantly less than for females bred at 20 (13 out of 15) or 30 days (16 out of 18). There were significant differences in the diameter of the uterine horns in females bred at 10 days (5.2-cm diameter) in contrast to females bred at 20 or 30 days (2.9 and 2.7 cm, respectively). These data demonstrate that the llama may ovulate as early as 10 days postpartum; however, pregnancy rates from breeding at 20 or 30 days were threefold higher (61%) than those in females bred at 10 days postpartum (21%).
Supermassive binaries and extragalactic jets

Some quasars show Doppler shifted broad emission line peaks. I give new statistics of the occurrence of these peaks and show that, while the most spectacular cases are in quasars with strong jets inclined to the line of sight, they are also almost as common in radio-quiet quasars. Theories of the origin of the peaks are reviewed and it is argued that the displaced peaks are most likely produced by supermassive binaries. 3C 390.3 shows precisely the change in radial velocity predicted by the supermassive binary model. The separations of the peaks in 3C 390.3-type objects are consistent with orientation-dependent “unified models” of quasar activity. If the supermassive binary model is correct, all members of “the jet set” (astrophysical objects showing jets) could be binaries.
Thromboelastography/Platelet Mapping® and Aspirin: Is There Evidence of a Meaningful Dose-Response Relationship in Children Supported With the Berlin Heart EXCOR Ventricular Assist Device?

s S77 is poorer in the BTS patients as a whole. While more BTS patients are listed young, we could not discern a statistically significant difference between BTS and RVPA patients listed pre-stage II. Post-transplant outcomes were unaffected by shunt type.
Culture Care Meanings, Beliefs, and Practices in Rural Dominican Republic:

Purpose: This ethnonursing study explored the meanings, beliefs, and practices of care for rural Dominicans in the Dominican Republic. Design: Leininger’s culture care diversity and universality theory, ethnonursing, and four-phase analysis method guided the study. Interviews were conducted with 19 general and 10 key informants. Findings: Analysis of interviews revealed three main themes: (a) family presence is essential for meaningful care experiences and care practices, (b) respect and attention are central to the meaning of care and care practices, and (c) rural Dominicans value and use both generic (folk) and professional care practices. Discussion and Conclusion: Implications and recommendations for nursing practice, education, and research are described.