cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mathematical Structure for Analyzing Maps

The growing use of computers in environmental management is profoundly changing data collection procedures, analytic processes, and even the decision-making environment itself. The emerging technology of geographic information systems (GIS) is expanding this revolution to integrate spatial information fully into research, planning, and management of land. In one sense, this technology is similar to conventional map processing involving traditional maps and drafting aids, such as pens, rub-on shading, rulers, planimeters, dot grids, and acetate sheets for light-table overlays. In another sense, these systems provide advanced analytic capabilities, enabling managers to address complex issues in entirely new ways. This report discusses a fundamental approach to computer-assisted map analysis that treats entire maps as variables. The set of analytic procedures for processing mapped data forms a mathematical structure analogous to traditional statistics and algebra. All of the procedures discussed are available for personal computer environments.
In situ formation of an alumina interface coating in reactively synthesized NbAl3Nb composites

Abstract Recent results on the formation of an alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) layer at the matrix-reinforcement interfaces in reactively synthesized NbAl 3 Nb composites are presented. The interfacial Al 2 O 3 layer was formed in situ via a unique coupling of the surface pre-oxidation of niobium filament reinforcements and reactive synthesis of the matrix from a mixture of the elemental constituents. Details of the processing methodology are presented together with the structural, morphological and compositional characterization of the composites. The in situ Al 2 O 3 coating was found to be stable during long-term annealing and acted as an effective barrier to elemental interdiffusion. Composites with the in situ interfacial coating were found to be significantly tougher than the monolithic matrix; the various toughening mechanisms are discussed with special emphasis on the role of the multilayered multiphase interfacial morphology.
Recombinant DNA Risk Assessment Studies in Humans: Efficacy of Poorly Mobilizable Plasmids in Biologic Containment

Recombinant DNA risk assessment studies quantitated the mobilizability of "safe" plasmid pBR325, in comparison with readily mobilizable plasmid pJBK5 (chloramphenicol and tetracycline resistant). Of 15 volunteers who became colonized after ingestion of 5 X 10(10) Escherichia coli HS-4, a normal human flora strain containing pJBK5 and daily oral tetracycline, nine manifested transfer of pJBK5 to normal flora by means of triparental mating. In contrast, none of 12 other volunteers cocolonized with HS-4 bearing "safe" pBR325 and normal flora showed transfer (P = 0.001), despite ingestion of tetracycline. To accomplish transfer directly, E coli HS-4 containing both pBR325 and a derepressed, conjugative plasmid (F-amp) was fed to two groups of volunteers. Transfer of pBR325 to normal flora occurred in 13 of 18 volunteers taking daily tetracycline but in none of eight who did not (P less than 0.002). Nor were transconjugants detected, despite tetracycline ingestion, in five volunteers who ingested and excreted E coli K12 (pBR325 plus F-amp).
When the atmosphere warms it rains and ice melts: seventh grade students’ conceptions of a climate system

Although many environmental and science educators have explored students’ conceptual understandings, misconceptions, and knowledge of the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change, few have investigated the ways students conceptualize climate as a system or how components of the system influence climate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to begin the process of understanding how US students conceptualize a climate system. A total of 42 seventh grade students (ages 12–13) from the Midwest completed an open-response task. From the inductive analysis of student written responses, 22 codes emerged that reflected students’ conceptions of the climate system. From these codes, three path diagrams were constructed that illustrate these students’ conceptions about how a climate system influences climate and how greenhouse gases and global warming impact the climate system. A generalized model of students’ conception of a climate system was generated. Students in this study conceptualized a clima...
Degree of Approximation by Neural and Translation Networks with a Single Hidden Layer

Let s >= d >= 1 be integers, 1 @? p < ~. We investigate the degree of approximation of [email protected] functions in L^p[[email protected], @p]^s (resp. C[- @p, @p]^s) by finite linear combinations of translates and (matrix) dilates of a [email protected] function in L^p[[email protected], @p]^d (resp. C[- @p, @p]^d). Applications to the theory of neural networks and radial basis approximation of functions which are not necessarily periodic are also discussed. In particular, we estimate the order of approximation by radial basis functions in terms of the number of translates involved in the approximating function.
Psychiatric and neuropsychiatric adverse events associated with deep brain stimulation: A meta-analysis of ten years' experience

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Case reports and case series have reported significant psychiatric side effects in some individuals. The goal of this meta-analysis is to characterize the risks and benefits of DBS and to assess its possible use within the psychiatric setting. A search was conducted on PubMed, EBSCO, and PsycInfo in January 2006 that covered the time period 1 Jan 1996-30 Dec 2005. All identified articles were reviewed and those describing adverse events were further examined with a structured instrument. The initial searches yielded 2667 citations; 808 articles met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis; 98.2% of studies that specifically assessed motor function reported some level of improvement. Most reported side effects were device or procedure related (e.g., infection and lead fracture). The prevalence of depression was 2-4%, mania 0.9-1.7%, emotional changes 0.1-0.2%, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation/suicide attempt was 0.3-0.7%. The completed suicide rate was 0.16-0.32%. In conclusion, DBS is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor, and case reports suggest that major depression and OCD may also respond to DBS. Reported rates of depression, cognitive impairment, mania, and behavior change are low, but there is a high rate of suicide in patients treated with DBS, particularly with thalamic and GPi stimulation. Because of the high suicide rate, patients should be prescreened for suicide risk prior to DBS surgery. Additionally, patients should be monitored closely for suicidal behavior post-operatively.
Distinguishing among declarative, descriptive and causal questions to guide field investigations and student assessment

Teachers as well as students often have difficulty formulating good research questions because not all questions lend themselves to scientific investigation. The following is a guide for high-school and college life-science teachers to help students define question types central to biological field studies. The mayfly nymph was selected as the example study organism because they are common in warm humid climates worldwide and are used as key indicators of water quality and stream health. Assessment of students’ work should be a logical extension field investigations. Assessment simply using traditional multiple-choice items after research investigations communicates to students that recall of specific facts (declarative knowledge) is important and investigative processes (procedural knowledge) are not important. Assessment of declarative knowledge should not be ignored, but procedural knowledge should be included. Both are important to science literacy.
Fast global illumination for interactive volume visualization

High quality global illumination can enhance the visual perception of depth cue and local thickness of volumetric data but it is seldom used in scientific visualization because of its high computational cost. This paper presents a novel grid-based illumination technique which is specially designed and optimized for volume visualization purpose. It supports common light sources and dynamic transfer function editing. Our method models light propagation, including both absorption and scattering, in a volume using a convection-diffusion equation that can be solved numerically. The main advantage of such technique is that the light modeling and simulation can be separated, where we can use a unified partial-differential equation to model various illumination effects, and adopt highly-parallelized grid-based numerical schemes to solve it. Results show that our method can achieve high quality volume illumination with dynamic color and opacity mapping and various light sources in real-time. The added illumination effects can greatly enhance the visual perception of spatial structures of volume data.
Corrosion of Alumina in Aqueous Hydrofluoric Acid

A variety of alumina-based ceramics were evaluated for dissolution in an azeotropic aqueous hydrofluoric acid test protocol at temperatures up to 200°C. Weight change measurements and microstructure analysis showed that HF corrosion in polycrystalline aluminas generally occurred at grain boundaries by the dissolution of silicate-based, glass grain boundary films that segregate to grain boundaries. These materials often have useful service lifetimes even though thermodynamic calculations indicate high solubilities. It is proposed that corrosion rates are controlled by chemical reactions at the solid/liquid interface, the physical structure of the solid, and microstructure. The addition of MgO to alumina greatly increased corrosion resistance by removing silicate-based glassy grain boundary films.
Continuous process for melt intercalation of PP–clay nanocomposites with aid of power ultrasound

A continuous ultrasound-assisted process using a single screw extruder with an ultrasonic attachment was developed to prepare PP/clay nanocomposites of varying clay concentrations. The feed rate that controlled the residence time of the polymer in the ultrasonic treatment zone was varied. Die pressure and power consumption were measured. Rheological properties, morphology, and mechanical properties of the untreated and ultrasonically treated nanocomposites were studied. An intercalation of polymer molecules into clay galleries and a partial exfoliation, which occur at short residence times (of the order of seconds), were observed as evident from measurements by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained results indicate a possibility of the rapid intercalation and partial exfoliation of PP/clay nanocomposites without the matrix being chemically modified.
THE CORRECT FAMILY-LEVEL NAME FOR THE "CRYPTONISCID" ISOPODS (EPICARIDEA)

[L'histoire de la nomenclature des Isopodes Epicarides cryptonisciens au niveau de la famille est relatee. Le nom Cryptothiridae Sars, 1883 a la priorite sur tous les noms de familles employes jusqu'ici pour ces isopodes, sauf sur Cryptoniscidae Gerstaecker, 1882. Pour eviter la confusion, le genre-type peu reconnaissable des Cryptothiridae, Cryptothir Dana, 1853, ne doit etre range dans aucune des familles reconnues par Bonnier (1900). Le remplacement par Bonnier (1900) du nom Liriopsidae par Cryptoniscidae n'a pas beneficie d'une acceptation generale et n'est pas valide. Les zoologistes qui traitent les isopodes cryptonisciens ensemble comme une famille (ou superfamille) doivent employer le nom Cryptoniscidae (ou Cryptoniscoidea) Gerstaecker, 1882 au lieu de Liriopsidae Bonnier, 1900. Toutes les familles (ou sous-familles) definiees plus etroitement, qui contiennent les deux genres-types Liriopsis Schultze, 1859 et Cryptoniscus Muller, 1864, ont l'appellation correcte de Cryptoniscidae (ou Cryptoniscinae)., L'histoire de la nomenclature des Isopodes Epicarides cryptonisciens au niveau de la famille est relatee. Le nom Cryptothiridae Sars, 1883 a la priorite sur tous les noms de familles employes jusqu'ici pour ces isopodes, sauf sur Cryptoniscidae Gerstaecker, 1882. Pour eviter la confusion, le genre-type peu reconnaissable des Cryptothiridae, Cryptothir Dana, 1853, ne doit etre range dans aucune des familles reconnues par Bonnier (1900). Le remplacement par Bonnier (1900) du nom Liriopsidae par Cryptoniscidae n'a pas beneficie d'une acceptation generale et n'est pas valide. Les zoologistes qui traitent les isopodes cryptonisciens ensemble comme une famille (ou superfamille) doivent employer le nom Cryptoniscidae (ou Cryptoniscoidea) Gerstaecker, 1882 au lieu de Liriopsidae Bonnier, 1900. Toutes les familles (ou sous-familles) definiees plus etroitement, qui contiennent les deux genres-types Liriopsis Schultze, 1859 et Cryptoniscus Muller, 1864, ont l'appellation correcte de Cryptoniscidae (ou Cryptoniscinae).]
The "Illusion of Life" rhetorical perspective: an integrated approach to the study of music as communication

–The illusion of life rhetorical perspective increases our understanding about how discursive linguistic symbols and non-discursive aesthetic symbols function together to communicate and persuade in didactic music. We argue that lyrics and music work together to offer messages comprised of both conceptual and emotional content through the constructs of virtual experience (lyrics) and virtual time (music). Both virtual experience and virtual time must exist for music to function rhetorically. For songs without lyrics, virtual experience must be derived from some other source. Emotional content is progressively articulated in music and is understood by considering intensity and release patterns both individually and contextually. Music's rhetorical significance lies in the degree of congruity or incongruity that exists between virtual experience and virtual time. Congruent messages make the meaning more poignant, but could come at the expense of listener appeal. Incongruent messages transform the message in...
Quantitative characterization of crystallographic textures in zirconium alloys

Abstract The techniques for determining inverse pole figures and direct pole figures of zirconium alloys by X -ray diffraction are summarized, and their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations are discussed. A critical review is made of the various parameters that have been used to quantify the texture in zirconium alloys. A new series of four quantitative texture numbers F T , (SD) T , F A , and S , which are obtained from the direct pole figure, are proposed. Pole figures are determined for Zircaloy-2 tubing produced by three tubing manufacturers. The four texture numbers are calculated and are used to compare the textures of the three manufacturers and the through wall texture gradient of one manufacturer.
Expression, Purification, and Initial Characterization of Human Yes Protein Tyrosine Kinase from a Bacterial Expression System

Abstract Protein tyrosine kinase Yes is a cellular homolog of v-Yes, the oncogenic protein product of avian sarcoma virus Y73. Yes is a member of the Src family and its activation has been associated with several types of human cancer. Human Yes has not been previously characterized enzymatically. To carry out biochemical characterizations of this enzyme, we expressed it as a fusion protein with glutathione S -transferase in Escherichia coli, to allow purification in a single step. The affinity-purified GST–Yes has a specific activity of 1.3 nmol min −1 mg −1 with polyE 4 Y as substrate and K m values of 100 μg ml −1 for polyE 4 Y and 70 μ m for ATP–Mg. The enzyme has a preference for magnesium over manganese ion for maximal activity. The divalent metal cation serves two essential functions for the activity of Yes: one as a part of the phosphate-donating substrate ATP–Mg and the other as an essential activator. The enzyme undergoes autophosphorylation without apparent activation. Finally, we show that the enzyme is inactivated by incubation with protein tyrosine kinase Csk in an ATP–Mg-dependent manner, indicating that cellular Yes can be regulated by Csk phosphorylation. These represent the first biochemical characterization of human Yes protein tyrosine kinase.
1,4-Bis(4-bromo­phen­yl)-2,3-diphenyl­benzene

One of our major research efforts has been the synthesis of thermally stable polymers with applications in aerospace and electronic systems. Of particular inter­est is the poly(p-terphenyl­enevinyl­ene) polymer series and the title compound, C30H20Br2, provides a gateway into the synthesis of functionalized polymers with an expected nonpolar organic solubility enhancement by virtue of the polyphenyl backbone.
The consistency of carbon dioxide rebreathing as a non-invasive method to determine exercise cardiac output.

The present study utilized the extrapolation method of Defares and the Bohr equation to determine Pv¯CO2 and PaCO2, respectively from carbon dioxide rebreathing. Subjects rode a bicycle ergometer at average workloads of 600 and 900 kilopond metres per minute resulting in oxygen consumptions of 1600 ml/min and 2300 ml/min respectively. Significant repeatability was shown for both workloads and compared favourably with data using invasive techniques. The cardiac outputs appeared clustered at low normal values with respective oxygen consumptions and this was theorized as a cardiac conserving adjustment resulting from the trained characteristics of the subjects.
Simplifying complexity: a review of complexity theory

Abstract Complexity theory has captured the attention of the scientific community to the extent where its proponents tout it as a dominant scientific trend. Geographers, and environmental, human, and regional planners have applied complexity theory to topics ranging from cultural transmission and economic growth to the braiding of rivers. While such a wide array of applications is heartening because it speaks to the utility of complexity theory, it is necessary to move beyond the hyperbole and critically examine the nature of complexity research. The author therefore provides an overview of the evolution of complexity research, establishes a preliminary typology of complexity approaches with their advantages and drawbacks, and identifies areas of further research.
Patients Who Complete Advance Directives and What They Prefer

OBJECTIVE To determine health care preferences expressed by patients in advance directives (ADs) and to identify characteristics of patients who completed them. PATIENTS AND METHODS A computer-generated random sample of 500 patients was selected from the 25,865 (margin of error, ±4.34%) unique patients who submitted ADs to Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005. After excluding 24 (4.8%) patients who had submitted documents related to financial and property matters instead of ADs, we analyzed the contents of the 476 ADs and the demographic features of the patients to whom the documents belonged. RESULTS The median (range) age of the patients at the time they signed their respective ADs was 67 (19-97) years. Of the 476 study patients, 409 (91.3%) were high school graduates; 339 (71.2%) had submitted a combined AD, which has features of a living will and a health care power of attorney; 434 (91.2%) had designated a health care agent; and most had granted the agent powers to consent for procedures (340 [78.3%]), to access information (327 [75.3%]), and to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining treatments (337 [77.6%]). Most patients expressed a desire for pain control (308 [64.7%]). For the clinical situations of dying or permanent unconsciousness, most patients explicitly expressed a preference to avoid "general life support" (371 [77.9%]) but did not explicitly address common life-sustaining treatments, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, blood transfusion, and artificial nutrition and hydration (if they did, nearly all expressed a preference to avoid the treatments). CONCLUSION In ADs submitted to our institution, most patients designated a health care agent and granted the agent broad decision-making powers. Although most expressed a desire to avoid "general life support" if dying or permanently unconscious, few expressed preferences regarding specific life-sustaining treatments. Patients, clinicians, and others who use ADs, and investigators contemplating research involving ADs, might find these results informative.
HPV Vaccination and Sexual Behavior in a Community College Sample

Many US parents are concerned that vaccinating daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) will communicate implicit approval for sexual activity and be associated with early or risky sexual behavior (Scarinci et al. in J Womens Health 16(8):1224-1233, 2007; Schuler et al. in Sex Transm Infect 87:349-353, 2011). The aims of this study were to understand (a) whether the HPV vaccine was associated with risky sexual behavior among a diverse sample of female adolescents and young adults, and (b) to better understand the chronology of HPV vaccination and sexual behavior. An anonymous web-based survey was used to collect data from 114 female community college students. T test and Chi square analyses were used to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated groups on age at first intercourse and proportion who had ever had sexual intercourse. Linear multiple regression was used to predict frequency of condom use and number of sexual partners in the past year, using vaccination status and demographic factors as predictors. About 38% reported receiving at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Many of those vaccinated (45%) received the vaccine after having initiated sexual activity. The proportion of women who were sexually experienced did not differ by HPV vaccine status, nor did age at first intercourse, number of partners in the past year, or frequency of condom use. Current findings suggest that HPV vaccination is not associated with riskier sexual activity for the young women in this sample. Adolescents and their parents may benefit from education about the need to receive the HPV vaccine before onset of sexual activity.
The dimensions of maltreatment: Introduction

Abstract This special issue includes an introduction and seven papers exploring dimensions of maltreatment including type, severity, chronicity, and substantiation status of referrals to CPS, utilizing a subsample of the LONGSCAN studies. Each paper examines one of the dimensions of maltreatment from various perspectives to determine if different conceptualizations of a dimension, examined in isolation, account for different amounts of variation in child outcomes. A final paper assesses the relationship of the combined maltreatment dimensions, including interactions, on a single sample of maltreated children from the LONGSCAN study. This final paper explores the individual contribution of the “best” conceptualizations of the maltreatment dimensions in relation to each other, and to the 10 child outcomes of interest. Implications of the findings from these papers for future research on dimensions of child maltreatment are discussed in two independent commentaries.
EFFECTS OF SMALL ORAL DOSES OF RESERPINE ON VASCULAR RESPONSES TO TYRAMINE AND NOREPINEPHRINE IN MAN.

Experiments were done to see if reserpine, in small oral doses, alters the responses to tyramine and norepinephrine in man. Each of seven normotensive subjects was studied on three occasions. The first and third sessions served as pre- and post-treatment control sessions; the second session was held after oral administration of reserpine (0.25 to 1 mg. per day) for 2 weeks. Blood pressure was measured with a sphygmomanometer, and forearm blood flow was measured with a water plethysmograph. Reserpine reduced resting blood pressure and heart rate but forearm blood flow did not change. The pressor, forearm vasoconstrictor, and bradycrotic actions of intravenous tyramine were suppressed by reserpine, but the pressor, vasoconstrictor, and bradycrotic actions of three intravenous doses of norepinephrine were not augmented significantly. The results indicate that oral administration of small doses of reserpine may cause depletion of endogenous catecholamines in man as suggested by the suppressed response to tyra...
Synthesis and characterization of novel spin-labeled photoaffinity nonnucleoside analogues of ATP as structural and EPR probes for myosin.

Two new spin-labeled photoreactive nonnucleoside ATP analogues, 1-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)amino-3-(1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidinyl-3-carbamido)-2-propyl triphosphate (SL-NANTP) and 2-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)amino-2,2-(1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidylidene)di(oxymethylene) ethyl triphosphate (SSL-NANTP), were synthesized and characterized. This study aims to develop a second generation of NANTP-based analogues containing immobile spin labels that can be used to monitor conformational changes in myosin during the contractile cycle of muscle. Previous studies have shown that both a photoaffinity nonnucleoside ATP analogue, 2-[(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)amino] ethyl triphosphate (NANTP) [Nakamaye et al. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 5226−5235], and a photoaffinity ATP analogue, 3‘(2‘)-O-4-[4-oxo-(4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidino-1-oxyl)-4-benzoyl] benzoyl adenosine 5‘-triphosphate (SL-Bz2ATP) [Wang et al. (1999) J. Muscle Res. Cell Motil. 20, 743−753], behave like ATP in their interactions with myosin....
Allograft Options in Posterolateral Corner Reconstructions

This article describes the indications, technique, and allograft rationale for reconstruction of the posterolateral corner injury. In chronic or nonreconstructable grade III posterolateral corner injuries, allograft reconstruction is the preferred technique. We prefer an anatomic reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. Our allograft of choice is achilles tendon with proximal bone attached. We believe that it is the most appropriate for two reasons. The first is length, 23 cm of allograft is needed to perform this reconstruction, and this allograft has ample length to perform this reconstruction. The second is strength; the achilles has more than 3 times the tensile strength of the gracilis and 2.5 times the tensile strength of semitendinosis. This allograft also allows for bony tunnels that are not overstuffed while also providing a bone to bone surface to heal.
Magnetic correlations in the two-dimensional Anderson-Hubbard model

The two-dimensional Hubbard model in the presence of diagonal and off-diagonal disorder is studied at half-filling with a finite-temperature quantum Monte Carlo method. Magnetic correlations as well as the electronic compressibility are calculated to determine the behavior of local magnetic moments, the stability of antiferromagnetic long-range order (AFLRO), and properties of the disordered phase. The existence of random potentials (diagonal or ``site'' disorder) leads to a suppression of local magnetic moments which eventually destroys AFLRO. Randomness in the hopping elements (off-diagonal disorder), on the other hand, does not significantly reduce the density of local magnetic moments. For this type of disorder, at half-filling, there is no ``sign problem'' in the simulations as long as the hopping is restricted between neighbor sites on a bipartite lattice. This allows the study of sufficiently large lattices and low temperatures to perform a finite-size scaling analysis. For off-diagonal disorder, AFLRO is eventually destroyed when the fluctuations of antiferromagnetic exchange couplings exceed a critical value. The disordered phase close to the transition appears to be incompressible, and shows an increase of the uniform susceptibility at low temperatures.
Expectations of iPad Use in an Internal Medicine Residency Program: Is It Worth the “Hype”?

Background: While early reports highlight the benefits of tablet computing in hospitals, introducing any new technology can result in inflated expectations. Objective: The aim of the study is to compare anticipated expectations of Apple iPad use and perceptions after deployment among residents. Methods: 115 internal medicine residents received Apple iPads in October 2010. Residents completed matched surveys on anticipated usage and perceptions after distribution 1 month prior and 4 months after deployment. Results: In total, 99% (114/115) of residents responded. Prior to deployment, most residents believed that the iPad would improve patient care and efficiency on the wards; however, fewer residents “strongly agreed” after deployment (34% vs 15% for patient care, P <.001; 41% vs 24% for efficiency, P =.005). Residents with higher expectations were more likely to report using the iPad for placing orders post call and during admission (71% vs 44% post call, P =.01, and 16% vs 0% admission, P =.04). Previous Apple iOS product owners were also more likely to use the iPad in key areas. Overall, 84% of residents thought the iPad was a good investment for the residency program, and over half of residents (58%) reported that patients commented on the iPad in a positive way. Conclusions: While the use of tablets such as the iPad by residents is generally well received, high initial expectations highlight the danger of implementing new technologies. Education on the realistic expectations of iPad benefits may be warranted. [J Med Internet Res 2013;15(5):e88]
Density-dependent feedback and population cycles in Adelges tsugae (Homoptera : Adelgidae) on Tsuga canadensis

Studies in a hemlock plantation and in four hemlock forests in Connecticut revealed that hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, severely reduced the growth and survival of Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere, which had a major impact on the subsequent performance and population dynamics of this insect. The presence of adelgids at all but relatively low densities ( 93% of the adelgids produced in each of the subsequent 3 yr became sexuparae; in the fourth year only sexuparae were produced. Density-dependent production of the unsuccessful sexuparae played a major role in the decline of A. tsugae populations on their deteriorating host.
WT1 intron 9 splice acceptor site mutation in a 46,XY male with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

The Wilms’ tumor suppressor gene (WT1) plays crucial roles in urogenital and gonadal development. Germline mutations of WT1 have been reported in patients with Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) and Frasier syndrome (FS). Based on clinical overlaps reported to date, it has been suggested that these two syndromes should be considered as part of a spectrum of diseases caused by WT1 gene mutations, rather than as separate diseases. We report a new mutation in an intron 9 splice acceptor site (IVS −1G→) in a Japanese 46,XY male patient with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and bilateral cryptorchism. The clinical phenotype of this patient resembled FS without male pseudohermaphroditism. Interestingly, although the patient’s right kidney was diagnosed with FSGS, his left kidney showed severe hypoplasia. There are no previous case reports of FSGS and renal hypoplasia in the same individual with a WT1 mutation. The findings for this case further suggest that the renal phenotype has various manifestations and is not always decided by the type of WT1 mutation. The possibility that the position of the WT1 mutation may influence the course of the nephropathy should be evaluated in a larger patient cohort.
ABSORPTION AND APPRECIATION OF VISUAL ART

For 37 participants, 16 men and 21 women, scores on the Tellegen Absorption Scale significantly correlated with liking for abstract paintings but not with liking for representational ones. After completing the scale, each participant viewed 20 paintings in quasirandom order, 10 of representational works and 10 of abstract ones. Each was rated on a scale from 1 for strongly disliked to 5 for strongly liked. The Pearson correlation of .48 for abstract paintings was significant, while that of .16 for representational ones was not.
Is there a role for fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules?

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the fluorine 18 (18F)–labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan in the evaluation of thyroid nodules in which the cytopathology of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies are classified as “indeterminate,” ie, either follicular or Hurthle cell lesion. Methods At an academic medical center, we conducted a prospective pilot study of 15 patients with thyroid nodules in whom adequate FNA was diagnosed as indeterminate. All patients underwent a whole-body FDG-PET/CT scan followed by thyroidectomy. Preoperative FDG-PET/CT results and the histopathology of the surgical specimen were compared and statistically analyzed. Results The FNA demonstrated follicular cells in 11 (73%) patients, Hurthle cells in 3 (20%) patients, and both types of cells in 1 (7%) patient. The histopathology of the surgical specimen revealed thyroid cancer in 7 (47%) patients. The FDG-PET/CT scan was positive in 8 patients; 4 (50%) patients were found to have cancer. The FDG-PET/CT scan was negative in 7 patients. Four of these patients had benign lesions and 3 had thyroid carcinoma. Thus, 4 (27%) patients had false-positive FDG-PET/CT scans and 3 (20%) patients had false-negative studies. The sensitivity of FDG-PET/CT to detect a malignant focus was 57% with a specificity of 50%. The positive predictive value was 50% and the negative predictive value was 57%. Conclusions In this pilot study of patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, FDG-PET/CT was not a predictable indicator of benign or malignant disease. Although a larger series may elucidate a role for FDG-PET/CT, the relatively low predictability shown in this study should caution clinicians about using FDG-PET/CT to consider foregoing thyroidectomy for cytologically indeterminate nodules.
In-situ phase transformation in the field ion microscope

Abstract Many materials undergo an athermal martensitic transformation when cooled. This transformation has been observed in the Tishomingo meteorite during cooling to cryogenic temperatures. The meteorite is unstable when cooled to the cryogenic temperatures (40–85 K) suitable for field ion imaging since the martensite start ( M s ) temperature of this material (Fe-32.5wt%Ni) is approximately 235 K. In many cases, the in-situ martensitic transformation destroyed the field ion specimen prior to imaging. It was also found that the martensite to taenite transformation could be repeatedly induced at cryogenic temperatures by cycling the voltage and hence applying stress to the specimen.
Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) time-lapse imagery of tsunami waves from the 26 December 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake

On 26 December 2004, a few hours after a massive earthquake occurred off the western coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean generating a major tsunami, the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument on NASA's Terra satellite captured unique, time-lapse evidence of extremely large waves occurring along the eastern coast of India. The MISR imagery provides information on the location and characteristics of tsunami waves in near-shore waters, along with estimates of the wave speed.
Arithmetic Macaulayfication of projective schemes

Abstract In this paper, we study arithmetic Macaulayfication of projective schemes and Rees algebras of ideals. We discuss the existence of an arithmetic Macaulayfication for projective schemes. We give a simple neccesary and sufficient condition for nonsingular projective varieties to possess an arithmetic Macaulayfication (Theorem 1.5). We also show that this condition is sufficient in general, but give examples to show that it is not in general necessary. We further consider Rees algebras R λ ( I ) = R [ I λ t ] (truncated Rees algebras) associated to a homogeneous ideal I and show that they are Cohen–Macaulay for large λ in some important cases (Theorem 2.1 and Corollary 2.2.1).
Nitrate induces enzymes of the mannitol cycle and suppresses versicolorin synthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus.

Addition of sodium nitrate to growing cultures ofAspergillus parasiticus (ATCC 36537) induces the synthesis of enzymes involved in nitrate assimilation (NO3− reductase), of enzymes in the pentose pathway (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), and of enzymes in the mannitol cycle (mannitol- and mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenases). Addition of NO3− also causes a dose-dependent suppression of synthesis of the polyketide secondary metabolite, versicolorin A. We suggest that in the presence of NO3− plus peptone, the cytoplasmic NADPH/NADP ratio may be elevated, resulting in increased conversion of malonyl coenzyme A to fatty acid rather than to polyketide.
Golden eagle indifference to heli-skiing and military helicopters in northern Utah

Abstract In 2006–2007, during Wasatch Powderbird Guides (WPG) permit renewal for heli-skiing in the Tri-Canyon Area (TCA) of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah, USA, we recorded 303 helicopter passes between 0 m and 3,000 m (horizontal distance) near ≥30 individual golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in 22 nesting territories, through passive observation and active experimentation with civilian and military (Apache AH-64) helicopters. Flight profiles included 800-m, 400-m, 200-m, and 100-m flybys (horizontal distance from cliff nest on parallel course), as well as approaches and popouts where helicopters flew toward, or popped out from behind, adult-occupied cliff nests (0 m, horizontal distance). Between 1981 and 2007, during the only 8 years when nesting in the TCA was confirmed by presence of chicks, WPG annually flew 108–2,836 helicopter flights in the same drainages on 10–37 days between 15 December and 15 April, with no effect on early courtship, nest repair, or subsequent nesting success. Total WPG operatin...
Measurement of a monoclonal‐antibody‐defined antigen (CA 19‐9) in the sera of patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases comparison with carcinoembryonic antigen

Immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) using monoclonal antibody for colon cancer cell surface antigen (CA19-9) was compared with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with regard to sensitivity and specificity in 730 patients. In the 341 patients who had no evidence of malignant disease, CA19-9 levels ranged between less than 1.5 to 49 U/ml. Specificity of CA19-9 at a cutoff of 20 U/ml was similar to that of CEA at a cutoff of 5.0 ng/ml; CA19-9 was more sensitive than CEA in pancreatic cancer, whereas CEA was more sensitive than CA19-9 in breast, colon, and gastric cancer. Of 17 patients with pancreatic cancer, 13 had elevated levels of CA19-9 (sensitivity, 76%), whereas only 8 had elevated levels of CEA (sensitivity, 47%) and 15 had elevated levels of either CEA or CA19-9 (sensitivity, 88%). These findings suggest that, like CEA, CA19-9 is detectable in nonmalignant diseases and is not specific for gastrointestinal tumors, and has higher sensitivity than CEA only in pancreatic cancer. However, further prospective studies are required to verify its value in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer.
Combined photoacoustic and acoustic imaging of human breast specimens in the mammographic geometry.

A photoacoustic volume imaging (PAVI) system was designed to study breast cancer detection and diagnosis in the mammographic geometry in combination with automated 3-D ultrasound (AUS). The goal of the work described here was to validate the design and evaluate its performance in human breast tissues for non-invasive imaging of deeply positioned structures covering such geometry. The good penetration of near-infrared light and high receiving sensitivity of a broad-bandwidth, 572-element, 2-D polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) array at a low center frequency of 1 MHz were used with 20 channel simultaneous acquisition. Pseudo-lesions filled with dilute blood were imaged in three human breast specimens at various depths up to 49 mm. With near-infrared light illumination and 256-sample averaging, the extrapolated maximum depth in imaging a 2.4-mm blood-rich lesion with a 3-dB contrast-to-noise ratio in a compressed breast was 54 mm. Three-dimensional photoacoustic volume image stacks of the breasts were co-registered with 3-D ultrasound image stacks, suggesting for the first time that PAVI, based on the intrinsic tissue contrast, can visualize tissue interfaces other than those with blood, including the inner skin surface and connective tissue sheets. With the designed system, PAVI revealed satisfactory imaging depth and sensitivity for coverage of the entire breast when imaged from both sides in the mammographic geometry with mild compression.
Quantitative evaluation of surgical task performance by remote-access endoscopic telemanipulation

Background: The performance limitations inherent in minimally invasive surgery may be overcome by using an interface that provides intuitive orientation for video display and tool manipulation. A prototype remote-access endoscopic telemanipulator was designed to fulfill these requirements and used for a surgical anastomosis task.
Pre-Operative Velocity Vector Imaging To Predict the Need for Right Ventricular Support in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose The aim of this study was to predict right ventricular (RV) dysfunction after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant by preoperative assessment of RV global myocardial systolic strain and strain rate using velocity vector imaging. Novel 2D echo parameters may prove useful in preoperatively identifying patients at high risk for RV dysfunction post LVAD implant. Methods and Materials Between Jan 1 st 2010 and Dec 31 st 2011, 39 consecutive patients who received a HeartMate II LVAD underwent a pre-operative 2D ECHO. The RV systolic myocardial longitudinal velocity, strain and strain rate were measured using dynamic 2D vector velocity imaging as markers of RV performance. The primary endpoint was death or implant of a RV assist device (RVAD) due to acute RV failure within 6 months after LVAD implant. Results RV failure occurred in 25 of 39 patients (64%) after LVAD placement. Despite inotropic support, inhaled nitric oxide and RVAD support 11 patients of the 25 who developed RV failure expired. A preoperative RV global systolic myocardial strain cut off of -3% had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 86% in predicting post LVAD implant RV failure. RV global strain was an independent predictor of RV failure in a multivariate model (including RV free wall strain, mean PAP, RV EF and Michigan score) (AUC was 0.81). [ figure 1 ] Conclusions Poor intrinsic RV myocardial function is associated with a higher mortality in LVAD patients. Dimensionless RV parameters, derived from 2-dimensional speckle tracing echocardiography imaging, particularly, peak systolic global RV strain appears to be promising in predicting LVAD patients who require RVAD.
Barriers to International Data Transfer

Free flow of information is one of the corner stones of free trade and economic growth. Communication networks now connect millions of commercial organizations throughout the world. Ostensibly, the networks could contribute immensely to the welfare of businesses, but there still exist many legal barriers that prevent genuinely free flow of data and information across borders. Strict laws in European countries forbid U.S. businesses to tap private data. This prevents free flow of information within multinational corporations and hinders marketing efforts of organizations that wish to target their products and services to selective consumers in foreign countries. The article reviews cross-border data transfer laws of different countries and the international effort to harmonize legislation.
Laparoscopic hernia repair: how would you have your hernia fixed?

Participants: Between March 1994 and April 1997, 287 male patients between 18 and 75 years of age were entered in the study. One hundred and thirty-eight patients were randomly selected to laparoscopic repair and 130 to open surgical repair. Nineteen patients were excluded from the trial; 5 did not have a hernia, 7 withdrew informed consent, and 3 had an open procedure other than the Shouldice technique. Five surgeons participated in the trial; 3 had performed more than 25 laparoscopic repairs, 1 had performed 15, and 1 had performed 12 laparoscopic repairs before the start of the trial.
New Insights into [FeFe] Hydrogenase Activation and Maturase Function

[FeFe] hydrogenases catalyze H2 production using the H-cluster, an iron-sulfur cofactor that contains carbon monoxide (CO), cyanide (CN–), and a dithiolate bridging ligand. The HydE, HydF, and HydG maturases assist in assembling the H-cluster and maturing hydrogenases into their catalytically active form. Characterization of these maturases and in vitro hydrogenase activation methods have helped elucidate steps in the H-cluster biosynthetic pathway such as the HydG-catalyzed generation of the CO and CN– ligands from free tyrosine. We have refined our cell-free approach for H-cluster synthesis and hydrogenase maturation by using separately expressed and purified HydE, HydF, and HydG. In this report, we illustrate how substrates and protein constituents influence hydrogenase activation, and for the first time, we show that each maturase can function catalytically during the maturation process. With precise control over the biomolecular components, we also provide evidence for H-cluster synthesis in the absence of either HydE or HydF, and we further show that hydrogenase activation can occur without exogenous tyrosine. Given these findings, we suggest a new reaction sequence for the [FeFe] hydrogenase maturation pathway. In our model, HydG independently synthesizes an iron-based compound with CO and CN– ligands that is a precursor to the H-cluster [2Fe]H subunit, and which we have termed HydG-co. We further propose that HydF is a transferase that stabilizes HydG-co and also shuttles the complete [2Fe]H subcluster to the hydrogenase, a translocation process that may be catalyzed by HydE. In summary, this report describes the first example of reconstructing the [FeFe] hydrogenase maturation pathway using purified maturases and subsequently utilizing this in vitro system to better understand the roles of HydE, HydF, and HydG.
Intermittent pneumatic compression is effective in reducing venous thromboembolism risk in hospitalised patients

Commentary on: Ho KM, Tan JA. Stratified meta-analysis of intermittent pneumatic compression of the lower limbs to prevent venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients. Circulation 2013;128:1003–20.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in 1–2 patients/1000/year. A total of 60–100 000 patients in the USA die of DVT or PE annually, with 10–30% expiring within 1 month of diagnosis. Recurrence rates of DVT/PE are as high as 33% within 10 years.1 Increased incidence of DVT and PE has been reported among hospitalised and critically ill patients. DVT risk in this subset can be as high as 81% without thromboprophylaxis and 44% with thromboprophylaxis, while 12% progress to PE in spite of … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DCirculation%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1161%252FCIRCULATIONAHA.113.002690%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23852609%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=circulationaha&resid=128/9/1003&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F3%2F104.atom
Quantum gravity as a “sum over surfaces”

Abstract I describe recent work in quantum gravity, done in collaboration with Michael Reisenberger. Starting from the loop representation, I derive a description of the dynamics of quantum gravity in terms of a sum over (topologically inequivalent) 2-is d surfaces spacetime. This formulation provides an expansion which apparently is finite and computable order by order. Moreover, it has surprising similarities with string theory and with certain topological quantum field theories.