cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mercury distribution in blood, tissues, and feathers of double-crested cormorant nestlings from arid-lands reservoirs in south central New Mexico.

Eggs, blood, liver, muscle, and feathers were analyzed for concentrations of total mercury in double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) nestlings from two reservoirs in south central New Mexico. Total mercury concentrations among eggs, tissues, and feathers were not significantly correlated. Concentrations of total mercury averaged 0.40 μg/g in liver and 0.18 μg/g in muscle tissues in both populations of nestlings. There were no significant changes in concentrations of total mercury in whole blood of nestlings collected 7–10 days and 17–22 days posthatch in Caballo Reservoir (0.36 μg/g and 0.39 μg/g, respectively) and in Elephant Butte Reservoir (0.36 μg/g and 0.34 μg/g, respectively). Total mercury concentrations were similar for blood, muscle, and liver in nestlings for both reservoirs. Total mercury concentrations were higher in eggs and tail, primary, and secondary feathers from nestlings at Caballo Reservoir compared to Elephant Butte Reservoir. Although there were no differences in concentrations of total mercury in fishes between the two reservoirs, bioaccumulation and biomagnification was evident in planktivorous and piscivorous fishes. The data demonstrate that feather analysis may not be a good predictor of tissue burden in nestlings from regions of low contamination.
SmartFit: automatic photo fitting for variable data printing

We present an algorithm for smart image fitting: changing the size of an image so that it may fit "naturally" within a given frame. As the frame's dimensions will generally differ from that of the image, the algorithm preserves important details in their original aspect ratio, while less important details undergo more substantial deformations. This problem is useful for many commercial print applications. One example is the HP SmartStream Designer, which is a tool to create variable and personalized content documents.
Volume depletion in a patient with cirrhosis.

A 40-year-old mechanic was admitted to the medical service on January 16 because of progressively increasing jaundice and abdominal girth, malaise, and fevers. The patient had consumed one to two six-packs of beer daily for approximately 22 years. On physical examination the temperature was 100.2 OF, heart rate 104 beats per minute, blood pressure (BP) 110170 mm Hg supine and 100/65 mm Hg standing, and weight 205 pounds. Abnormal findings included gross (but not tense) ascites, + + pedal edema, spider angiomata, and enlarged liver (25 cm span) and spleen (edge palpated at 4 finger-breadths below costal margin). Skin turgor was normal. The stool was negative for occult blood. Low-grade fever persisted, but no source was identified from extensive culturing of blood, urine, and sputum. Selected laboratory values are shown in Table 1. Abdominal ultrasound and computed axial tomography scan showed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, and normal-sized biliary ducts. A liver-spleen scan showed marked reticuloendothelial shift, with hepatosplenomegaly. The diagnostic impression of the gastrointestinal consultant was alcoholic hepatitis with a predominantly obstructive component. The patient was treated with bed rest, low-salt diet (2 g sodium/d), sucralfate, and vitamins. Over the next 2 weeks he remained stable and nonoliguric, but his plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine increased. A renal consultation was requested on January 31. On January 31, the physical examination was essentially unchanged from admission. The heart rate was 100 beats per minute, the BP 110170 mm Hg supine, decreasing to 90/65 mm Hg standing, and light-headedness accompanied the postural hypotension. Weight was 208 pounds. The urine output had been 700 to 1,200 mLld. Urinalysis showed a specific gravity of 1.015 and a normal sediment. A renal ultrasound study showed no evidence of obstruction. The impression was that the patient had pre-renal azotemia from true ECF volume depletion. Between January 31 and February 4, to replete ECF volume, the patient received normal saline at 30 to 100 mLlh and 10 U of fresh frozen plasma. By February 4 his weight had increased by 20 pounds. Heart rate was 104 beats per minute, and BP was 110170 mm Hg supine, decreasing to 90/65 mm Hg when standing, and again postural light-headedness occurred. The ascites had increased and was more tense. Peripheral edema had increased to + + +. Neither BUN nor creatinine had improved. Two diagnostic tests were performed.
MRI in the assessment of adenoids in children

Abstract Clinical assessment of adenoidal size is difficult and an objective means of measurement relies on radiology. The lateral soft tissue plain radiograph of the post-nasal space is the accepted method. The adenoidal–nasopharyngeal ratio (ANR) can be calculated by simple linear measurements as described by Fujioka et al. [Am. J. Roentgenol. 133 (1979) 401]. This method has proved reliable for accurate identification of children likely to benefit from adenoidectomy. A plain radiograph, however, involves exposure to X-ray radiation. MRI with its multiplanar ability, its excellent soft tissue contrast and no radiation, forms a more acceptable diagnostic tool. T1 weighted sagital scans were obtained in children referred for assessment of adenoidal hypertrophy. The scans were obtained on the 1.5 T SIEMENS Scanner. The scans were reviewed for quality, definition of the soft palate and the adenoids and for the ANR. This paper will emphasise this radiation free diagnostic tool for assessment of adenoidal hypertrophy in children and the greater clarification of soft tissues in the post-nasal space.
Reduction invariance and Prelec's weighting functions

Abstract Within the framework of separable utility theory, a condition, called reduction invariance, is shown to be equivalent to the 2-parameter family of weighting functions that Prelec (1998) derived from the condition called compound invariance. Reduction invariance, which is a variant on the reduction of compound gambles, is appreciably simpler and more easily testable than compound invariance, and a simpler proof is provided. Both conditions are generalized leading to more general weighting functions that include, as special cases, the families of functions that Prelec called exponential-power and hyperbolic logarithm and that he derived from two other invariance principles. However, of these various families, only Prelec's compound-invariance family includes, as a special case, the power function, which arises from the simplest probabilistic assumption of reduction of compound gambles.
Systematics of wetting at the vapor—liquid interface

We have measured transition temperatures, Tw, from incomplete wetting to complete wetting at the air—liquid interface for five binary mixtures of normal chain alcohols with the fluorocarbon perfluoromethylcyclohexane (C7F14). Consolute temperatures, Tc, contact angles, and surface tensions were measured for each mixture. Tw decreases monotonically as the alcohol chain length increases from 1 (methanol) to 6 (n-hexanol). The mixture water (chain length = 0) + C7F14 is anomalous with the lowest Tw (below the freezing point of the aqueous phase). From these measurements and a regular solution free energy, we calculated the lengths of the prewetting lines and the discontinuity in the derivative of the vapor—liquid surface tension dσ/dT at T = Tw. The prewetting line is a line of low to high adsorption transitions extending into the one liquid phase region and has been predicted to occur in mixtures in which there is both a miscibility gap and a wetting transition. The calculated lengths ranged from 38 K (for ethanol + C7F14) to 99 K (for n-hexanol + C7F14). The calculated discontinuities in dσ/dT ranged from 0.008 dyn/cm deg K (for ethanol + C7F14) to 0.039 dyn/cm deg K (for n-hexanol + C7F14) and are roughly correlated with the lengths of the prewetting lines. Among the mixtures studied, the most likely candidate for directly detecting the prewetting transition is n-hexane + C7F14 based on a comparison to a regular solution model.
Drift Chamber Performance in the Field of a Superconducting Magnet: Measurement of the Drift Angle

The next generation of high energy accelerators (ISABELLE, Energy Doubler/Saver, VBA, etc.) opens new regions of available energy and particle momenta. The need for ever stronger magnetic fields for track separation and momentum analysis is evident. Increasingly, physicists are resorting to large, high field superconducting magnets in their plans for the future. Especially at ISABELLE, where the measurement is made in the reaction center of mass frame, large solid angle detectors with high fields and track detection within the field are most attractive. The highest spatial resolutions are obtained using drift chambers. To date, however, no use has been made of such chambers in more than moderate fields.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Its Mechanisms and Effects on Range of Motion and Muscular Function

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is common practice for increasing range of motion, though little research has been done to evaluate theories behind it. The purpose of this study was to review possible mechanisms, proposed theories, and physiological changes that occur due to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. Four theoretical mechanisms were identified: autogenic inhibition, reciprocal inhibition, stress relaxation, and the gate control theory. The studies suggest that a combination of these four mechanisms enhance range of motion. When completed prior to exercise, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation decreases performance in maximal effort exercises. When this stretching technique is performed consistently and post exercise, it increases athletic performance, along with range of motion. Little investigation has been done regarding the theoretical mechanisms of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, though four mechanisms were identified from the literature. As stated, the main goal of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is to increase range of motion and performance. Studies found both of these to be true when completed under the correct conditions. These mechanisms were found to be plausible; however, further investigation needs to be conducted. All four mechanisms behind the stretching technique explain the reasoning behind the increase in range of motion, as well as in strength and athletic performance. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation shows potential benefits if performed correctly and consistently.
Prospective investigation of second-trimester thrombin activation and preterm birth.

Objective We sought to determine if second-trimester amniotic fluid thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes concentration correlates with subsequent preterm birth. Study Design A cohort of 550 women with singleton nonanomalous pregnancies undergoing second-trimester genetic amniocentesis was followed up to delivery and analyzed as a nested case-control study. Cases of preterm birth (n = 52) were compared with 104 term control subjects. Amniotic fluid collected at amniocentesis was tested for TAT. Results TAT concentrations were significantly higher in women who delivered preterm (median 115.9 µg/L) than in those who did not (median 62.2 µg/L; P P = .007). Conclusion We found a difference in the pattern of intraamniotic thrombin generation between women destined to deliver at term and those who deliver preterm, regardless of the type of preterm birth.
The welfare effect of tariff rate reductions in a many country world

Abstract Consider a two-commodity n -country model without inferior goods where import tariffs are the only trade barriers. In this paper we establish that the world's welfare is improved if the country with the highest tariff rate unilaterally reduce its rate to the level of the second highest country or if all the countries of the world reduce tariff rates proportionally. The second rule serves as a theoretical justification of the Kennedy and Tokyo Round Tariff Reductions.
A NOVEL UNGATED CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE PERFUSION PROTOCOL FOR THE DETECTION OF SIGNIFICANT SINGLE AND MULTIVESSEL CORONARY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial perfusion detection of significant obstructive coronary disease (CAD) is well established. With concerns of ECG-gating in arrhythmia and true-rest after regadenoson, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy and discrimination of a rapid rest-first
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TETRACAINE AND D-TUBOCURARINE IN THE COMPETITION WITH CARBAMYLCHOLINE.

The antagonistic action of tetracaine and tetracaine methiodide on depolarizations produced by carbamylcholine using monocellular electroplax preparation has been studied. A two-fold action for these two compounds has been demonstrated. One action occurs at the synapse and results in competition with d-tubocurarine and carbamylcholine. The second action is localized at the conducting membrane and is responsible for preventing the depolarizing currents produced at the synapses by carbamylcholine from spreading along the conducting membrane. The effect of tetracaine on the conducting membrane occurs at a concentration of 3.3·10−5 M, while 5·10−5 M is required to demonstrate competition at the synapse. Tetracaine methiodide 1·10−5 M produces an effect on the conducting membrane and 2·10−5 M on the synapse. It is suggested that the effect of these two compounds on the conducting membrane is similar to the competition demonstrated at the synapse, but the competition occurs between acetylcholine, which is released within the membrane by the action of carbamylcholine at the synapse, and tetracaine. It was also found that, while quaternary tetracaine methiodide apparently has a higher affinity for the receptor compared to tertiary tetracaine, it is a weaker blocking agent. The effects of the two compounds on the conducting membrane, however, are additive.
Reversal of RNA Dominance by Displacement of Protein Sequestered on Triplet Repeat RNA

Genomic expansions of simple tandem repeats can give rise to toxic RNAs that contain expanded repeats. In myotonic dystrophy, the expression of expanded CUG repeats (CUGexp) causes abnormal regulation of alternative splicing and neuromuscular dysfunction. We used a transgenic mouse model to show that derangements of myotonic dystrophy are reversed by a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide, CAG25, that binds to CUGexp RNA and blocks its interaction with muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1), a CUGexp-binding protein. CAG25 disperses nuclear foci of CUGexp RNA and reduces the overall burden of this toxic RNA. As MBNL1 is released from sequestration, the defect of alternative splicing regulation is corrected, thereby restoring ion channel function. These findings suggest an alternative use of antisense methods, to inhibit deleterious interactions of proteins with pathogenic RNAs.
Proteomic analysis of a model fish species exposed to individual pesticides and a binary mixture

Abstract Pesticides are nearly ubiquitous in surface waters of the United States, where they often are found as mixtures. The molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of sub-lethal exposure to pesticides as both individual and mixtures are unclear. The current work aims to identify and compare differentially expressed proteins in brains of male fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas ) exposed for 72 h to permethrin (7.5 μg/L), terbufos (57.5 μg/L) and a binary mixture of both. Twenty-four proteins were found to be differentially expressed among all three treatments relative to the control using an ANOVA followed by a Dunnett's post hoc test ( p ≤ 0.05). One protein was found to be differentially expressed among all treatment groups and one protein was in common between the terbufos and the mixture group. Fifteen spots were successfully sequenced using LC–MS/MS sequencing. Proteins associated with the ubiquitin–proteasome system, glycolysis, the cytoskeleton and hypoxia were enriched. As a second objective, we attempted to establish protein expression signatures (PES) for individual permethrin and terbufos exposures. We were unable to generate a useable PES for terbufos; however, the permethrin PES was able to distinguish between control and permethrin-exposed individuals in an independent experiment with an accuracy of 87.5%. This PES also accurately classified permethrin exposed individuals when the exposure occurred as part of a mixture. The identification of proteins differentially expressed as a result of pesticide exposure represent a step forward in the understanding of mechanisms of toxicity of permethrin and terbufos. They also allow a comparison of molecular responses of the binary mixture to single exposures. The permethrin PES is the first step in establishing a method to determine exposures in real-world scenarios.
Dissociative Wave Packets in Large Molecules: Control and Measurement

Ultrafast control experiments in halogenated acetone (CHBr2COCF3) uncover a resonant charge transfer mechanism during molecular dissociation. Mechanisms such as this provide a technique for measuring dynamic molecular wave functions.
Instructional Dissent as a Function of Student Conflict Styles

The purpose of this study was to examine how students’ conflict styles (i.e., integrating, avoiding, dominating, obliging, and compromising) were related to the expression of instructional dissent (i.e., expressive, rhetorical, and vengeful). Participants were 160 undergraduate students, who completed a questionnaire measuring their conflict-handling communication with an instructor and how frequently they engaged in instructional dissent throughout the semester. Results of a canonical correlation revealed that (a) when students used the integrating, dominating, and compromising conflict styles, but did not use the avoiding style, they communicated more rhetorical dissent, and (b) when students used the dominating style, but not the integrating or obliging styles, they communicated more expressive, rhetorical, and vengeful dissent.
A Thymoma (Adenoma of the Thymus) from an Unusual Case of Myasthenia Gravis, with Observations on the General Pathology

In 1936 I presented a report of four cases of myasthenia gravis, in two of which gross thymic lesions were found. At that time in a review of the literature only 80 cases of myasthenia gravis which had come to autopsy were found, and among these were 35 in which a lesion of the thymus constituted a prominent anatomic feature. It appears that progress toward a more exact understanding of myasthenia gravis has been largely hindered because of the small number of cases that have been studied by the pathologist. The importance of having recorded all cases of myasthenia gravis with definite pathologic findings I have previously emphasized. During the past year another case, which will be described here, came to my attention. Moreover, there was found a case reported by Lowenthal which had escaped notice and failed of inclusion in the tabulation in the earlier study; this case also is briefly summarized below. The addition of these 2 cases to those previously tabulated increases the total to 37 instances of thymic lesions in reported autopsied cases of myasthenia gravis. Case of Lowenthal, 1932: The patient was a sixty-three-year-old woman with severe muscular changes. At autopsy the thymus weighed 26 grams and measured 8 × 4.5 × 1.25 cm. Microscopically it had a lobulated structure but showed no differentiation of cortical and medullary zones. In some areas, however, a greater proportion of lymphocytes were present. Numerous Hassall's corpuscles in various stages of development were found, and the author describes the development of pseudocysts from these.
Doppler profiler observations of Hurricane Georges at landfall

The boundary layer (BL) within the western eyewall of Hurricane Georges, during its landfall on the Mississippi coastline, is described using measurements from a mobile Doppler profiling system. The turbulent layer depth, roughly proportional to the BL wind magnitude, attained a height of about 2 km above ground level (AGL) during maximum measured winds of 40–45 m s−1 near 0.5 km altitude. The BL contains updrafts and downdrafts of 1–3 m s−1 magnitude that may be associated with the vertical branches of horizontal convective rolls or wind streaks recently identified within landfalling hurricanes. These turbulent eddies, and the large vertical shear of horizontal winds within the BL above and below the jet maximum within the eyewall, appear to produce a uniform mass concentration of relatively small raindrops within the BL.
Design and Characterization of an Active Site Selective Caspase-3 Transnitrosating Agent

The oxidative addition of nitric oxide (NO) to a thiol, S-nitrosation, is a focus of studies on cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-independent NO signaling. S-Nitrosation of the catalytic cysteine of the caspase proteases has important effects on apoptosis and consequently has received attention. Here we report on a small molecule that can directly probe the effects of S-nitrosation on the caspase cascade. This chemical tool is capable of permeating the mammalian cell membrane, selectively transnitrosating the caspase-3 active site cysteine, and halting apoptosis in cultured human T-cells. The efficacy of this reagent was compared with the commonly used reagent S-nitrosoglutathione and an esterified derivative.
Authoring elitism: Francis Hutcheson and Hugh Blair in Scotland and America

(1994). Authoring elitism: Francis Hutcheson and Hugh Blair in Scotland and America. Rhetoric Society Quarterly: Vol. 24, No. 3-4, pp. 39-52.
The Potential of π-Bonded Organometallic Polymers in Catalyst Design

Abstract Reductive substitution, the process whereby a hydrocarbon ligand, usually a cyclopentadienyl group, in a transition metal complex is replaced by another unsaturated hydrocarbon with concomitant metal reduction has been utilized to prepare novel complexes of Cr°, CrI, MnI, CoI and Ni°. Similarly, ligand substitution, defined more generally as replacement of ligand(s) of a metal complex by an unsaturated hydrocarbon but with no change in the oxidation state of the metal, has resulted in the synthesis of a series of tetraphenylborate and substituted tetraphenylborate complexes of FeII, MoI, CrI, WI, and CoI. These procedures and the complexes derived therefrom are considered models for polymers incorporating a variety of novel features.
Bimodal stochastic optical learning machine

The authors present the results of numerical and experimental study aimed at optoelectronic realization of networks that can be switched between two distinct operating modes, depending on noise level in the network. The results include fast simulated annealing by noisy thresholding, which demonstrates that the global energy minimum of a small analog test network can be reached in a matter of a few tens of neuron time constants, and stochastic learning with binary weights, which paves the way for the use of fast binary and nonvolatile spatial light modulators to realize synaptic modifications. >
Preparing pre-service teachers: Strategies for successful technology integration to improve teaching and learning

Through a review of evaluation data and reports collected from studies of successful Pre-Service courses delivered in teacher education institutions over five years and across multiple countries, the contextual factors regarding how universities can effectively integrate ICT into pre-service education is examined. A meta-analysis of multiple evaluation reports and studies collected will describe Intel®'s process of applying this large scale ICT integration strategy and discuss the systemic factors associated with understanding classroom level change. A synthesis of these studies illustrates the effectiveness and impact of the Intel Teach program in supporting teacher educators in the successful implementation of ICT within their course curriculum. Results from multiple studies provide evidence of the immediate outcomes and longer term impact of this professional development course for teachers, such as: • Lesson plan development where teachers develop and use curriculum framing questions to guide learning. • Instructional strategies where teachers use curriculum framing questions to guide student work and student thinking. • Implementation of new technology-rich activities where teachers integrate technology use to support specific components of a learning activity (research, writing and revision, communication)
Decidual leukocyte populations in ectopic pregnancies

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the recruitment of decidual leukocytes during pregnancy is the same in intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) versus ectopic pregnancies (EPs). Design: Intrauterine decidual samples from both EPs and IUPs were obtained for the evaluation of leukocyte populations. Setting: In vitro experiment. Patient(s): Women with EPs and women with IUPs. Main Outcome Measure(s): Immunohistochemical identification of decidual leukocyte populations. Result(s): We have analyzed the decidual leukocyte populations from three women with EPs by immunohistochemical analysis. The data demonstrate a leukocyte infiltration similar to that found in decidua from normal pregnancies. Conclusions(s): These data support the hypothesis that decidual leukocyte recruitment and/ or increases during pregnancy is primarily hormonally regulated.
Convergence of Narcissism Measures From the Perspective of General Personality Functioning

The construct of narcissism has a lengthy history and has been operationalized and measured by a variety of instruments. In this study, five narcissism scales were compared in terms of alternative conceptualizations of narcissism offered by C. C. Morf and F. Rhodewalt (2001), D. L. Paulhus (2001), and S. Vazire and D. C. Funder (2006), using the domains and facets of the five-factor model as a common point of comparison. The findings provided little support for the conceptualizations of Morf and Rhodewalt or Vazire and Funder. Support was obtained for the conceptualization of Paulhus, particularly as assessed by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and, secondarily, the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III. Implications for the assessment and conceptualization of narcissism are discussed.
Using a filtering task to measure the spatial extent of selective attention

The spatial extent of attention was investigated by measuring sensitivity to stimuli at to-be-ignored locations. Observers detected a stimulus at a cued location (target), while ignoring otherwise identical stimuli at nearby locations (foils). Only an attentional cue distinguished target from foil. Several experiments varied the contrast and separation of targets and foils. Two theories of selection were compared: contrast gain and a version of attention switching called an all-or-none mixture model. Results included large effects of separation, rejection of the contrast gain model, and the measurement of the size and profile of the spatial extent of attention.
North America's First E-Bikeshare

The integration of electric bicycles (e-bikes) with bikesharing could increase the utility of bikesharing through a reduction of some barriers to bicycling and an increase in the number of prospective users. North America's first e-bikesharing system (cycleUshare) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers a new, sustainable transportation option for students, faculty, and staff. The cycleUshare system with two stations was launched as a small pilot project to study the technology and its users' experiences. This paper presents an overview of the cycleUshare system and reports experiences from the first year of operation. With 93 enrolled users, cycleUshare provided a unique opportunity to study not only the system's use but how individual users made trips with both regular bicycles and e-bikes and the factors that influenced those trips. The study reported here found that only 22% of users accounted for 81% of the trips. Factors of speed and convenience played major roles in participants' decision...
Behavioral drivers of communal roosting in a songbird: a combined theoretical and empirical approach

Communal roosting is a taxonomically widespread phenomenon, with considerable variation in patterns of roost dynamics. Some organisms roost together in different locations each night (or day), whereas others roost in traditional locations each night, sometimes switching between roosts in the roost network. The behaviors that drive roost-site selection and the resulting patterns are not well understood. We created an individual-based model that simulates the daily aggregation of organisms into communal roosts. In the model, individuals move according to a movement rule integrating 2 independently adjustable behavioral drivers: roost fidelity, which leads individuals back toward their previous nights’ roost, and conspecific attraction, which leads individuals to congregate toward nearest conspecific neighbors. The model predicts that variable levels of aggregation will emerge under different combinations of these drivers, ranging from no aggregation to complete aggregation of individuals into their previous roosts. We tested to see which combination of drivers best predicts patterns of roost use in our study system of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) in southeastern Louisiana in fall. Using Doppler weather radar data, we show that Tree Swallow roost sites remain consistent from night to night, and the birds return to one of several traditional roosts. Using radio telemetry, we show that individuals switch between these traditional roosts at minimum 22% of the time. Our results suggest that the formation of large communal roosts in Tree Swallows is driven by a combination of moderate conspecific attraction and strong, but not perfect, roost fidelity.
PurBayes: estimating tumor cellularity and subclonality in next-generation sequencing data

Summary: We have developed a novel Bayesian method, PurBayes, to estimate tumor purity and detect intratumor heterogeneity based on next-generation sequencing data of paired tumor-normal tissue samples, which uses finite mixture modeling methods. We demonstrate our approach using simulated data and discuss its performance under varying conditions. Availability: PurBayes is implemented as an R package, and source code is available for download through CRAN at http://cran.r-project. org/package¼PurBayes.
Psychosocial functioning of patients after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy

Objective: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is considered the treatment modality of choice for patients with disabling hyperhidrosis. However, the psychosocial impact of the intervention has not been systematically studied in American samples before and after sympathectomy. It is expectedthatthe reductionof symptomsis associatedwith improvedpsychosocial functioning and qualityof life. The aim of this studywas to examine psychosocial functioning in patients with hyperhidrosis undergoing thoracic sympathectomy. Methods: Patients with hyperhidrosis undergoing evaluation for sympathectomy were recruited from Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. Fifty-one patients completed individual psychological assessment batteries prior to undergoing sympathectomy and at 1-month follow-up, measuring the constructs of healthrelated quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Results: Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed that 1 month after sympathectomy, patients reported significant improvements across the domains of physical quality of life (p = 0.01), mental quality of life (p = 0.005), trait anxiety (p < 0.001), and depression (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Sympathectomy resulted in increases in health-related quality of life, and decreases in anxiety and depression within 1 month post procedure. Results suggest that sympathectomy exists as an effective treatment choice for both medical and psychosocial outcomes in patients with hyperhidrosis. # 2011 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
On the general theory of Steklov-Aging materials

The application of the linear and nonlinear theories of viscoelasticity has had wide application in the characterization and stress analysis of solid propellants, highly solids loaded polymers, and asphalt pavement during the past two decades.
A survey of skeletal elements in the orbit of Pseudosuchia and the origin of the crocodylian palpebral

Ossified skeletal elements within the orbit, such as scleral ossicles, palpebrals, supraorbitals and sesamoids, are widespread across Reptilia, including extant members of Crocodylia, Aves, Squamata and Chelonia. Extant crocodylians lack scleral ossicles, but have a unique palpebral that has recently been shown, through developmental studies, to be an osteoderm in the upper eyelid. Here, we examine the diversity and disparity of the crocodylian palpebral in extant members of Crocodylia and, through the fossil record, trace the origin and evolutionary history of the element throughout Pseudosuchia (all archosaurs more closely related to crocodylians than avians). We show that the crocodylian palpebral originated outside of Crocodylomorpha in early pseudosuchian groups (e.g. Aetosauria, Loricata) and that scleral ossicles are lost in nearly all groups of pseudosuchians, but appear in poposauroids, at least one early crocodylomorph, and some partially or fully marine Crocodyliformes (e.g. thalattosuchians). The morphology and number of palpebrals differs across Crocodyliformes; the presence of two palpebrals is plesiomorphic, but this is reduced to one by Crocodylia. We further recommend the restriction of the term palpebral to the structure in crocodylians and their homologues, but not to the structure in ornithischian dinosaurs.
Localization of a phosphatase (ATPase) on the plasmalemma of the maize scutellum

Abstract A phosphatase (ATPase) was demonstrated on the surface of the maize scutellum cell by showing that (1) when exogenous ATP was hydrolysed by intact scutellum cells, ADP, AMP and P i appeared in the bathing solution in stoichiometric amounts, (2) the rate of hydrolysis was sensitive to bathing solution pH; (3) exogenous Mg 2+ increased the rate of hydrolysis and (4) when the ATPase reaction was carried out in the presence of lead nitrate, TEM photographs showed lead phosphate deposits located almost exclusively in the plasmalemma. The ATPase was tightly bound to the plasmalemma and was not destroyed by freezing and thawing scutellum slices, a treatment which disrupted the plasmalemma. Acid treatment (10 mM HCl) of fresh or frozen-thawed scutellum slices destroyed acid phosphatase activity but had little effect on ATPase activity at pH 6.5. Following acid treatment of the scutellum slice preparations, a definite Mg 2+ requirement for ATPase activity could be demonstrated.
Effects of Roads on Hydrology, Geomorphology, and Disturbance Patches in Stream Networks

We outline a view of how road networks interact with stream networks at the landscape scale and, based on examples from recent and current research, illustrate how these interactions might affect biological and ecological processes in stream and riparian systems. At the landscape scale, certain definable geometric interactions involving peak flows ( floods) and debris flows (rapid movements of soil, sediment, and large wood down steep stream channels) are influenced by the arrangement of the road network relative to the stream network. Although disturbance patches are created by peak-flow and debris-flow disturbances in mountain landscapes without roads, roads can alter the landscape distributions of the starting and stopping points of debris flows, and they can alter the balance between the intensity of flood peaks and the stream net- work's resistance to change. We examined this conceptual model of interactions between road networks and stream networks based on observations from a number of studies in the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Oregon (U.S.A.). Road networks appear to affect floods and debris flows and thus modify disturbance patch dynamics in stream and riparian networks in mountain landscapes. We speculate that these changes may in- fluence the rates and patterns of survival and recovery of disturbed patches in stream networks, affecting ec- osystem resilience, and we outline an approach for detecting such effects based on a patch dynamics perspec- tive. A field sampling scheme for detecting the magnitude of various road effects on stream and riparian ecology could involve (1) landscape stratification of inherent stream network susceptibility to floods or de- bris flows, (2) overlay of road and stream networks and creation of areas with various densities of road- stream crossings, emphasizing midslope road-stream crossings, and (3) designations of expected high- and low-impact stream segments based on numbers of upstream road-stream crossings where sampling of se- lected biological variables would be conducted.
Simple proof of the concavity of the entropy power with respect to added Gaussian noise

A very simple proof of M.H. Costa's result (see ibid., vol.IT-31, p.751-60, 1985) that the entropy power of X/sub t/=X+N(O,tI) is concave in t, is derived as an immediate consequence of an inequality concerning Fisher information. This relationship between Fisher information and entropy is found to be useful for proving the central limit theorem. Thus, one who seeks new entropy inequalities should try first to find new equalities about Fisher information, or at least to exploit the existing ones in new ways. >
Constraints on perceptual learning: objects and dimensions

The article addresses two questions about perceptual learning: What are the circumstances which produce learning? What is the content of learning? For each question, a critical principle is suggested: (1) Objects are constrained to behave in certain ways. If a violation is detected, an internal malfunction is assumed and subsequently corrected. (2) Learning involves mappings between entire perceptual dimensions rather than associations between individual stimuli. The principles are applied to two phenomena: the classic adaptation to prism distorted vision and the more recent, but equally elusive, McCollough effect. The view suggests a new interpretation of the McCollough effect and accounts for findings difficult to account for in other interpretations including which stimuli can successfully lead to contingent after-effects, the outcome of correlation manipulations, and why the effect exists at all. In addition, the phenomenon is linked to prism adaptation, usually regarded as a distinct type of plasticity. In general, the view advanced is that the two principles help distinguish perceptual learning from other types of learning processes.
Skewed Height Distributions of Kinetically Roughened Films

We examine height distribution functions (height histograms) of kinetically roughened metal films, making use of STM data for vapor-deposited Ag on quartz. The height distribution of the raw data is Gaussian to quite high accuracy. However, if one averages each height over a region of length scale L, the resulting distributions deviate increasingly from Gaussian behavior, becoming skewed as L increases. We quantified this behavior by means of moments of the distribution; with increasing L a non-negligible third moment appears. The responsible morphology is minima that tend to form steep valleys or deep pits while the corresponding (at the same height above the average) maxima tend to form rounded hilltops. Skewed height distributions have been predicted on the basis of model calculations, but not previously observed to our knowledge.
Mad Mullahs and Englishmen: Discourse in the Colonial Encounter

Winston Churchill was winning money at the Goodwood Races when he heard the news that a tribal uprising had broken out on the north-west frontier of India. Within a matter of hours, the young cavalry officer, who was then on home leave from his regiment in Bangalore, booked return passage on the Indian Mail. He also sent off a telegram to an old family friend, General Sir Bindon Blood, who had been appointed to head the column that was being dispatched to relieve the two garrisons at Malakand and Chakdara then under Beige. General Blood had once made a casual promise to Churchill that he would include him in a future campaign, and with this promise in mind Churchill set off for the frontier.
The Tensile Behavior of Intraply Hybrid Composites II: Micromechanical Model

The standard shear-lag model is modified to allow for the determination of the stress concentration factors for any unidirectional intraply hybrid composite with random as well as deterministic arr...
Nonlinear prediction of a class of random processes

This paper is concerned with the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) nonlinear prediction of a class of random processes. A class of random processes is defined by the property that its MMSE zero-memory predictor is represented by a finite sum of separable terms. Sufficient conditions for the existence of such processes are also considered. The nonlinear predictor is restricted to be composed of a linear filter in parallel with a zero-memory nonlinearity (ZNL) preceded by a variable delay, The optimum predictor is shown to be the solution of linear integral equations with the same kernel as for the optimum linear predictor. The first step of the derivation also yields a simpler scheme which ,only requires the addition of a ZNL to the optimum linear predictor. The improvements in the MMSE of the two nonlinear systems over the linear case are compared and illustrated by a numerical example.
Estimating time-frequency distributions and scattering functions using the Rihaczek distribution

In this paper we study two problems: estimation of time-frequency distributions (TFDs) and estimation of wireless or radar scattering functions (SFs). We show that the most general quadratic, delay- and modulation-invariant estimator of each may be written as a convolution of a Rihaczek TF density with a TF kernel. This representation complements other equivalent representations and establishes a fundamental connection between the analysis of the two problems. However, the representation also illustrates a fundamental difference in design for the two problems. For TFD estimation, the Rihaczek TF density is the raw Rihaczek for the time series and the kernel is designed to convolve in time and frequency for smoothing. For SF estimation, the kernel is the true SF and the Rihaczek TF density is that for a transmitter signal designed to deconvolve in time and frequency for inversion. In each case, the Fourier transform identities in a four-corners diagram allow for kernel or Rihaczek design in the transformed space of ambiguity functions. Design in this space then produces spectrograms and interferograms for TFD estimation, and ideal transmitter signals for SF estimation.
Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders 1: Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

An 18-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit following an automobile accident. He was a passenger in the car whose driver was killed in the crash. The patient had suffered 30 % second degree burn. On the fourth day of admission, a psychiatric consultation was requested for suspected depression. The patient admitted to some feelings of sadness, flashbacks, and interrupted sleep due to nightmares in spite of significant opiate analgesics. An acute stress disorder was diagnosed, and a regimen of Olanzapine 2.5 mg p.o. at bedtime for 2 weeks was initiated. The patient’s nightmares and flashbacks subsided within 24 h. He was subsequently discharged without any psychotropic medications.
Characterizing the functional improvement after total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

Background: Both shoulder surgeons and patients who are considering total shoulder arthroplasty are interested in the anticipated improvement in shoulder comfort and function after the procedure. The purpose of the present study was to characterize shoulder-specific functional gains in relation to preoperative shoulder function and to present this information in a way that can be easily communicated to patients who are considering this surgery. Methods: We analyzed the preoperative and follow-up shoulder function in patients managed with total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Functional self-assessments were available for 102 (80%) of 128 shoulders after thirty to sixty months of follow-up. Outcome was assessed with respect to the change in the number of shoulder functions that were performable, the change in shoulder function as a percentage of the preoperative functional deficit, and the change in the ability to perform specific shoulder functions. Results: The average number of shoulder functions that were performable improved from four of twelve preoperatively to nine of twelve postoperatively (p < 0.01). Function improved in ninety-six shoulders (94%). The number of functions that were performable at the time of follow-up was positively associated with preoperative shoulder function (p < 0.05): the better the preoperative function, the better the follow-up function. The improvement in function was greatest for shoulders with less preoperative function (p < 0.01). On the average, patients regained approximately two-thirds of the functions that had been absent preoperatively. Significant improvement was noted in eleven of the twelve shoulder functions that were examined (p < 0.01). The chance of regaining a function that had been absent before surgery was 73%, whereas the chance of losing a function that had been present before surgery was 6%. Older men tended to have greater functional improvement than younger men. Conclusion: Total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis significantly improves shoulder function. Postoperative function is related to preoperative function. The improvement that was observed in this clinical series can be conveyed to patients most simply by stating that, after surgery, shoulders typically regained approximately two-thirds of the functions that had been absent preoperatively.
Influenza prevention during pregnancy

Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA Emory–UGA Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Emory University School of Medicine, 1462 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA *Author for correspondence: iskount@emory.edu
The Expected Average Difference Between Individuals Paired at Random

1 The value given in this note was derived and used in connection with a study on twin resemblances in motor skills. Since its derivation, the writer has found that the same value has already been given by J. O. Irwin (1, p. 101). Thus a rediscovery has been made, and the result is being published so as to make it more generally known among psychologists.
On the “Chinese Experience” of Pearl Buck's Novel——From the Perspective of “The Chinese Novel”

American Pearl Buck won the Nobel Prize for literature for her novel The Good Earth with Chinese subject matter and in her speech entitled"The Chinese Novel", she systematically expounds her"Chinese experiences"in her novel writing: writing concept"in order to please the civilian", narrative style of"Gifted waterflow of the story", and the characterization of the"superiority of characters". These"Chinese experience"is the main spiritual resource of her writing and artistic reservation, and reflected in various aesthetic form in her works. The "Chinese experience" of Pearl Buck is similar to that of the Chinese writers such as MO Yan with differences and references. It contributes to the variety of artistic expression in Chinese novels.