cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VARIATION IN MINERALOGY, TEMPERATURE, AND OXYGEN FUGACITY IN A SUITE OF STRONGLY PERALKALINE LAVAS AND TUFFS, PANTELLERIA, ITALY

Nous avons analyse huit echantillons de lave et de tuff pantelleritiques et une inclusion lithique de trachyte provenant de Pantelleria, en Italie, au moyen d'une microsonde electronique. Ces echantillons revelent cinq assemblages differents de mineraux selon la presence de fayalite, aenigmatite, ilmenite. et magnetite: (1) augite + fayalite + ilmenite + magnetite, (2) augite + fayalite + ilmenite, (3) hedenbergite plus ou moins sodique + fayalite + ilmenite + aenigmatite + quartz, (4) hedenbergite sodique ou aegirine-augite + ilmenite + aenigmatite + quartz ′ ferrorichterite, et (5) aegirine-augite + aenigmatite + quartz. Un feldspath alcalin (Or 3 5 - 3 7 ) constitue la phase phenocristique dominante avec chaque assemblage. La teneur de la roche en silice et le degre d'hyperalcalinite montrent une forte correlation avec l'assemblage de ces mineraux. L'assemblage 1 caracterise l'echantillon le moins fortement hyperalcalin [indice d'agpaicite, I.A. = (Na + K)/Al, proportion molaire] et la plus faible teneur en silice (I.A. < 1..31, SiO 2 < 64.8%, poids), et s'est equilibre a 991-888°C a une fugacite d'oxygene entre 0.7 et 1.1 unites logarithmiques en dessous du tampon FMQ (FMQ - 0.7 to FMQ - 1.1). L'assemblage 2 est associe a un indice d'agpaicite et une teneur en silice plus eleves (I.A. = 1.42, SiO 2 = 67.1%) et aurait equilibre a environ 794°C et a FMQ-0.5. L'assemblage 3 est associe a indice d'agpaicite et une teneur en silice encore plus eleves (I.A. dans l'intervalle 1.55 - 1.63, 66.8 < SiO 2 < 67.8%) et aurait equilibre a 764-756°C a entre FMQ - 0.5 et FMQ - 0.2. L'assemblage 4 est associe a un indice d'agpaicite legerement plus eleve et une teneur en silice encore plus elevee (1.61 < 1.A. < 1.75, 67.6 < SiO 2 < 72.0%) et marquerait un equilibre entre 740 et 700°C a une fugacite d'oxygene soit a ou legerement sous le tampon FMQ. L'assemblage 5 est associe a l'indice d'agpaicite et la teneur en silice les plus eleves (I.A. = 1.97, SiO 2 = 69.7%) et marquerait un equilibre a <700°C a une fugacite d'oxygene depassant legerement le tampon FMQ, dans un champ sans oxyde stable. Malgre la rarete d'assemblages a deux oxydes, deux pyroxenes ou deux feldspaths, il semble donc possible de delimiter les conditions de temperature et de fugacite d'oxgene dans les roches hyperalcalines au moyen des equilibres QUI1F impliquant un assemblage de fayalite, ilmenite, et clinopyroxene a l'equilibre.
Language extensions for specifying program access control policies in programming languages

The scope rules in programming languages control the sharing of data among program units, e.g., blocks and procedures. Typically, scope rules provide an all-or-nothing kind of access control. A wide range of programming problems exist which require finer access control as well as considerable sophistication for the implementation of access control policies on high-level data objects such as files. This paper presents a number of language extensions that permit the programmer to specify the degree of access control for each abstract object that a program can manipulate. The number of extensions has been kept as small as possible, while allowing the user to specify conveniently the access control policies that he desires. Some of the extensions permit access policies to be specified such that access correctness can be completely determined at compile time; other extensions permit policies to be specified that require some access checking to be done at run-time in order to ensure access correctness.
Metrics for evaluating performance and uncertainty of Bayesian network models

Abstract This paper presents a selected set of existing and new metrics for gauging Bayesian network model performance and uncertainty. Selected existing and new metrics are discussed for conducting model sensitivity analysis (variance reduction, entropy reduction, case file simulation); evaluating scenarios (influence analysis); depicting model complexity (numbers of model variables, links, node states, conditional probabilities, and node cliques); assessing prediction performance (confusion tables, covariate- and conditional probability-weighted confusion error rates, area under receiver operating characteristic curves, k-fold cross-validation, spherical payoff, Schwarz’ Bayesian information criterion, true skill statistic, Cohen's kappa); and evaluating uncertainty of model posterior probability distributions (Bayesian credible interval, posterior probability certainty index, certainty envelope, Gini coefficient). Examples are presented of applying the metrics to 3 real-world models of wildlife population analysis and management. Using such metrics can vitally bolster model credibility, acceptance, and appropriate application, particularly when informing management decisions.
Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in superconducting Hg(Xe) films

Abstract High sheet resistance Hg(Xe) films exhibit I – V characteristics of the form V ∼ I a , in agreement with a model of current-induced vortex-antivortex unbinding. The detailed form of the vortex interaction is confirmed. Quantiative evidence is presented for a vortex unbinding transition of the Kosterlitz-Thouless universality class.
Interfacial electronic structure of vanadyl naphthalocyanine on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite

We present a core and valence region spectroscopic analysis of the interfacial electronic structure of thin films of vanadyl naphthalocyanine (VONc) deposited onto highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates the predominantly ionic character of the vanadyl metal center coordinated by the heterocycle and affords the bandgap in the thin VONc films. Valence band photoelectron spectroscopy points to the existence of three different adsorption geometries of VONc on the HOPG surface. The distribution of the different geometries can be systematically influenced in a simple post-deposition processing step, with an immediate effect on the interfacial electronic environment. We find spectroscopic evidence in the valence levels that VONc grows on HOPG most likely in a 2D-gas fashion rather than by nucleation and growth of islands. These data allow us to predict accurately the interface dipole in the case of a broad class of dipolar organic semiconductors, based simply on molecular dipole moment, polarizability and molecular diameter. This ability provides an important step towards rational optimization of energy level alignment in organic electronics.
Musculoskeletal findings in obese subjects before and after weight loss following bariatric surgery

Musculoskeletal findings in obese subjects before and after weight loss following bariatric surgery
Two-photon microscopy for non-invasive, quantitative monitoring of stem cell differentiation.

Background The engineering of functional tissues is a complex multi-stage process, the success of which depends on the careful control of culture conditions and ultimately tissue maturation. To enable the efficient optimization of tissue development protocols, techniques suitable for monitoring the effects of added stimuli and induced tissue changes are needed. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we present the quantitative use of two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) as a noninvasive means to monitor the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) using entirely endogenous sources of contrast. We demonstrate that the individual fluorescence contribution from the intrinsic cellular fluorophores NAD(P)H, flavoproteins and lipofuscin can be extracted from TPEF images and monitored dynamically from the same cell population over time. Using the redox ratio, calculated from the contributions of NAD(P)H and flavoproteins, we identify distinct patterns in the evolution of the metabolic activity of hMSCs maintained in either propagation, osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation media. The differentiation of these cells is mirrored by changes in cell morphology apparent in high resolution TPEF images and by the detection of collagen production via SHG imaging. Finally, we find dramatic increases in lipofuscin levels in hMSCs maintained at 20% oxygen vs. those in 5% oxygen, establishing the use of this chromophore as a potential biomarker for oxidative stress. Conclusions/Significance In this study we demonstrate that it is possible to monitor the metabolic activity, morphology, ECM production and oxidative stress of hMSCs in a non-invasive manner. This is accomplished using generally available multiphoton microscopy equipment and simple data analysis techniques, such that the method can widely adopted by laboratories with a diversity of comparable equipment. This method therefore represents a powerful tool, which enables researchers to monitor engineered tissues and optimize culture conditions in a near real time manner.
Variation within and between Frankliniella thrips species in host plant utilization

Anthophilous flower thrips in the genus Frankliniella (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) exploit ephemeral plant resources and therefore must be capable of successfully locating appropriate hosts on a repeated basis, yet little is known of interspecific and intraspecific variation in responses to host plant type and nutritional quality. Field trials were conducted over two seasons to determine if the abundance of males and females of three common Frankliniella species, F. occidentalis (Pergande), F. tritici (Fitch) and F. bispinosa (Morgan), their larvae, and a key predator, Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were affected by host plant type and plant nutritional quality. Two host plants, pepper, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae) and tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. that vary in suitability for these species were examined, and their nutritional quality was manipulated by applying three levels of nitrogen fertilization (101 kg/ha, 202 kg/ha, 404 kg/ha). F. occidentalis females were more abundant in pepper than in tomato, but males did not show a differential response. Both sexes of F. tritici and F. bispinosa were more abundant in tomato than in pepper. Larval thrips were more abundant in pepper than in tomato. Likewise, O. insidiosus females and nymphs were more abundant in pepper than in tomato. Only F. occidentalis females showed a distinct response to nitrogen fertilization, with abundance increasing with fertilization. These results show that host plant utilization patterns vary among Frankliniella spp. and should not be generalized from results of the intensively studied F. occidentalis. Given the different pest status of these species and their differential abundance in pepper and tomato, it is critical that scouting programs include species identifications for proper management.
Decreased Endogeneous Nitric Oxide (NO) Production in Preterm Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

Decreased Endogeneous Nitric Oxide (NO) Production in Preterm Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
Sticky fingers: Hox genes and cell adhesion in vertebrate limb development.

During vertebrate limb development, various genes of the Hox family, the products of which influence skeletal element identity, are expressed in specific spatiotemporal patterns in the limb bud mesenchyme. At the same time, the cells also exhibit ‘self-organizing’ behavior – interacting with each other via extracellular matrix and cell-cell adhesive molecules to form the arrays of mesenchymal condensations that lead to the cartilaginous skeletal primordia. A recent study by Yokouchi et al.(1) establishes a connection between these phenomena. They misexpressed the product of the Hoxa-13 gene in chick limb buds and demonstrated both skeletal pattern perturbations and changes in cell-cell adhesivity in mesenchyme aberrantly expressing this protein.
Ectomycorrhizal community structure in a xeric Quercus woodland based on rDNA sequence analysis of sporocarps and pooled roots

Summary • Quercus woodlands are key components of California's wild landscapes, yet little is known about ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi in these ecosystems. • We examined the EM community associated with Quercus douglasii using sporocarp surveys and by pooling EM roots and subjecting them to DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) screening and DNA sequencing. • Ectomycorrhizal root symbionts were sampled four times in 2003–04. During this time, the below-ground community structure was relatively stable; we found no evidence of taxa adapted to winter or spring conditions and only one species varied widely in occurrence between years. • The EM community from sporocarps and roots was diverse (161 species), rich in Ascomycota (46 species), and dominated by fungi with cryptic sporocarps. This included a large number of resupinate and hypogeous taxa, many of which were detected both above- and below-ground.
An Equivalence of Conditional and Unconditional Maximum Likelihood Estimators via Infinite Replication of Observations

Motivated by an application with complex survey data, we show that for logistic regression with a simple matched-pairs design, infinitely replicating observations and maximizing the conditional likelihood results in an estimator exactly identical to the unconditional maximum likelihood estimator based on the original sample, which is inconsistent. Therefore, applying conditional likelihood methods to a pseudosample with observations replicated a large number of times can lead to an inconsistent estimator; this casts doubt on one possible approach to conditional logistic regression with complex survey data. We speculate that for more general designs, an asymptotic equivalence holds.
Michael's Story: “I get into so much trouble just by walking”: Narrative Knowing and Life at the Intersections of Learning Disability, Race, and Class

The problem of overrepresentation of students of color within special education classrooms persists, maintaining levels of segregation based on disability and/or race within widespread schooling practices. The voices of such students and how they understand their position in the education system are noticeably absent from traditional scholarship. To counter the absence, this article privileges knowledge of a person usually marginalized in “official” literature. The autobiographical data of Michael—a person who is labeled Learning Disabled (LD), and is black and working-class—is represented in the form of a narrative poem. The poem is followed by an intersectional analysis framed within Collins' (2000) matrix of domination. This analysis helps foreground subjugated, “unofficial” knowledge(s) held by Michael from his position(s) simultaneously located within less valued sides of binary divisions of ability/disability, white/black, and middle/working-class. In his counter-story, Michael offers a critique of ...
CT colonography for colon cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with over 130,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Most colon cancers arise from preexisting adenomatous polyps. Screening for colorectal cancer by detecting and removing these precursor lesions in asymptomatic individuals can be expected to impact the death rate from this largely preventable cancer, which currently claims over 50,000 American lives annually. Screening methods previously relied on fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema, or some combination thereof. After the publication of studies that indicate that flexible sigmoidoscopy can miss over 50% of proximal neoplastic lesions, complete colonic examination with colonoscopy now is considered to be the most effective and desirable screening option. In addition, colonoscopy offers the singular advantage of allowing detection and removal of polyps during the same procedure. The choice of colonoscopy as the primary screening modality for colorectal cancer is not without controversy. Colonoscopy is an invasive test and, hence, carries the risk for potential complications, albeit low. More importantly, there are the negative patient perceptions of the procedure, based partly on fear of invasive procedures, poor acceptability of the bowel-preparation process, and fear of discomfort during the procedure. All of these factors may lead to patients underutilizing the opportunity to undergo screening. Data from the late 1990s indicated that only 32% of adults reported having undergone a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in the preceding 5 years. In addition to patient factors, there are higher initial costs associated with colonoscopy, although the cost-effectiveness may be superior to earlier screening modalities. Finally, colonoscopy may be incomplete in 5% to 15% of examinations and may have a miss rate for polyps of up to 24%, even when performed by experienced colonoscopists at tertiary care centers. Therefore, there is an opportunity for an alternative colon cancer screening test that is accurate, safe, rapid, cost effective, and more acceptable to patients. CT colonography (CTC) is a new imaging modality that has been generating increasing interest and attention as a possible
Question analysis: how watson reads a clue

The first stage of processing in the IBM Watson™ system is to perform a detailed analysis of the question in order to determine what it is asking for and how best to approach answering it. Question analysis uses Watson's parsing and semantic analysis capabilities: a deep Slot Grammar parser, a named entity recognizer, a co-reference resolution component, and a relation extraction component. We apply numerous detection rules and classifiers using features from this analysis to detect critical elements of the question, including: 1) the part of the question that is a reference to the answer (the focus); 2) terms in the question that indicate what type of entity is being asked for (lexical answer types); 3) a classification of the question into one or more of several broad types; and 4) elements of the question that play particular roles that may require special handling, for example, nested subquestions that must be separately answered. We describe how these elements are detected and evaluate the impact of accurate detection on our end-to-end question-answering system accuracy.
Metabolomic Profiling from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tumor Tissue Using Targeted LC/MS/MS: Application in Sarcoma

The relatively new field of onco-metabolomics attempts to identify relationships between various cancer phenotypes and global metabolite content. Previous metabolomics studies utilized either nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and analyzed metabolites present in urine and serum. However, direct metabolomic assessment of tumor tissues is important for determining altered metabolism in cancers. In this respect, the ability to obtain reliable data from archival specimens is desirable and has not been reported to date. In this feasibility study, we demonstrate the analysis of polar metabolites extracted directly from ten formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens, including five soft tissue sarcomas and five paired normal samples. Using targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) via selected reaction monitoring (SRM), we detect an average of 106 metabolites across the samples with excellent reproducibility and correlation between different sections of the same specimen. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering and principal components analysis reliably recovers a priori known tumor and normal tissue phenotypes, and supervised analysis identifies candidate metabolic markers supported by the literature. In addition, we find that diverse biochemical processes are well-represented in the list of detected metabolites. Our study supports the notion that reliable and broadly informative metabolomic data may be acquired from FFPE soft tissue sarcoma specimens, a finding that is likely to be extended to other malignancies.
Analyses of cis -acting elements that affect the transposition of Mos1 mariner transposons in vivo

The left (5′) inverted terminal repeat (ITR) of the Mos1 mariner transposable element was altered by site-directed mutagenesis so that it exactly matched the nucleotide sequence of the right (3′) ITR. The effects on the transposition frequency resulting from the use of two 3′ ITRs, as well as those caused by the deletion of internal portions of the Mos1 element, were evaluated using plasmid-based transposition assays in Escherichia coli and Aedes aegypti. Donor constructs that utilized two 3′ ITRs transposed with greater frequency in E. coli than did donor constructs with the wild-type ITR configuration. The lack of all but 10 bp of the internal sequence of Mos1 did not significantly affect the transposition frequency of a wild-type ITR donor. However, the lack of these internal sequences in a donor construct that utilized two 3′ ITRs resulted in a further increase in transposition frequency. Conversely, the use of a donor construct with two 3′ ITRs did not result in a significant increase in transposition in Ae. aegypti. Furthermore, deletion of a large portion of the internal Mos1 sequence resulted in the loss of transposition activity in the mosquito. The results of this study indicate the possible presence of a negative regulator of transposition located within the internal sequence, and suggest that the putative negative regulatory element may act to inhibit binding of the transposase to the left ITR. The results also indicate that host factors which are absent in E. coli, influence Mos1 transposition in Ae. aegypti.
Clinical outcomes in patients with isolated subsegmental pulmonary emboli diagnosed by multidetector CT pulmonary angiography.

Abstract Introduction CT Pulmonary Angiography has been shown to be equivalent to Ventilation/ Perfusion scanning in 3-month outcome studies, but it detects more pulmonary emboli. Isolated subsegmental pulmonary emboli are thought to account for some of the increase in diagnosis, but it is not known whether these emboli represent a harbinger for future thromboembolic events. The objective of this study was to determine the 3-month clinical outcomes of a cohort of patients diagnosed with isolated subsegmental pulmonary emboli. Materials and Methods Review of 10,453 consecutive CTPA radiology reports over 74-month period since the implementation of Multidetector CT Pulmonary Angiography identified a cohort of 93 patients found to have acute pulmonary embolism isolated to subsegmental pulmonary arteries without other evidence of deep venous thrombosis at one institution. The study measured 3-month clinical outcomes (anticoagulation use, recurrence, death, hemorrhage) determined by review of records and telephone interviews with physicians. Results Seventy-one patients (76%) were treated with anticoagulation and/or IVC filter, while 22 (24%) were observed without therapy. One patient (1/93, 1.05%; 95% CI: 0-6.6%) who was treated with anticoagulants and a vena caval filter had a recurrent subsegmental pulmonary embolus. No patients died of pulmonary embolism. There were 8 hemorrhages, including 5 (5.3%) major hemorrhages without any hemorrhage-related mortality. Conclusions Patients diagnosed with isolated subsegmental pulmonary emboli have favorable 3-month outcomes. Short-term prognosis for recurrent thromboembolism may be lower than the risk of adverse events with anticoagulation in patients at high risk of hemorrhage.
Stochastic Risk Analysis of Bioremediation of Four Chlorinated Ethenes Incorporating Age Specific Population Variability and Aquifer Uncertainty

This study addresses the role of the uncertainty and variability associated with groundwater aquifer used for water supply and health risk parameters, their propagation, and their influence on the probability of developing cancer due to subsurface migration of chlorinated ethenes in the water supply system of a community. The risk analysis is performed for a hypothetical aquifer that has a tetrachloroethene (PCE) plume with a downstream drinking water well and a 100 year time horizon. PCE can be biodegraded into trichloroethene (TCE), which biodegrades into dichloroethene (DCEs), which biodegrades into vinyl chloride (VC). PCE, TCE, and DCE are suspected carcinogens and VC is a known carcinogen. VC can further be biodegraded into ethane which is non toxic. Bioremediation is enhanced by addition of a hydrogen donor through injection wells and occurs for a few years at the beginning of the time horizon and brings the contaminant concentrations down to accepted maximum contaminant levels. A human exposure model is developed and a methodology of linked groundwater contaminant transport and human exposure models is applied in order to propagate population variability of cancer susceptibility from exposure to the contaminants and aquifer uncertainty (in hydraulic conductivity and in microorganism distribution) separately using a two-stage Monte-Carlo simulation technique. The analysis computes upper bounds on risk for percentiles of both the aquifer uncertainty and population variability. A stochastic sensitivity analysis is used to assess the relative importance in predicting human health risk of the variable and uncertain parameters for three age categories of the population; adults, adolescents, and children.
Orthogonal gas sensor arrays with intelligent algorithms for early warning of electrical fires

The feasibility of utilizing chemical sensor arrays and multivariable analyses as the basis for an early-warning combustion alarm for electrical fires was evaluated. During the pre-combustion phase of electrical fires, electronic components will heat up, resulting in an out-gassing of chemical vapors, which generally will precede the formation of smoke, scorching and fire. A variety of materials (PVC, Teflon®, Kapton®, and silicone rubber) that are frequently used as wire insulation were subjected to electrically induced thermal excursions, thereby simulating an electrical failure and possible pre-combustion condition. The off-gassing vapors from the various coatings can serve as chemical signatures for a pending fire and were detected by an array of chemical sensors (e.g., an electronic nose). Principal component analyses and KNN identification algorithms applied to the sensor response patterns successfully identified the various vapor sources. A 20-sensor array including electrochemical sensors, quartz microbalance (QMB) sensors with different polymer coatings, and heated metal oxide sensors (MOXs) was evaluated and the optimal performance was obtained using the electrochemical and MOXs. The use of heterogeneous orthogonal sensors increased the information content of sensor array signals and a diminutive array can still identify fire materials and extent of damage. The small, lightweight, inexpensive and low power sensors used to detect vapors during pre-fire conditions were ideal for space or commercial aircraft applications.
Inter-hospital cross-infection of epidemic infantile gastro-enteritis associated with type strains of Bacterium coli.

Evidence of how epidemics of infantile gastro-enteritis can spread from one hospital to at least three other hospitals has been presented. Three such outbreaks are described, in two of which the α-type of Bact. coli , and in one the β-type of Bact. coli , were associated with the cases of enteritis. It is suggested that in hospitals which admit infants routine examination of the infants' faeces should be made to identify these types of Bact. coli , and that institutional epidemics of gastro-enteritis should be notified to a central bureau together with the cultural findings, so that the pooled knowledge could be redistributed to paediatric centres. The aetiological relationship between infantile gastro-enteritis and these type strains of Bact. coli is briefly discussed.
Using water sprays to improve performance of a flooded-bed dust scrubber.

Supplemental water sprays were placed along the sides of a continuous mining machine to improve suppression and confinement of the dust cloud under the cutting boom to reduce downwind dust levels. Using a full-scale mock-up of a continuous mining machine, preliminary work showed that these side sprays improved suppression of the dust cloud and redistributed this cloud under the cutting head. This led to reductions in dust levels around the machine and in downwind airways for some positions of the mining machine. This testing also showed that side spray effectiveness was influenced by the distance from the fresh air ventilation device to the cutting surface, termed the ventilation setback distance. These sprays produced larger reductions in machine and return dust levels at smaller setback distances than at larger setback distances. These side sprays then were installed in similar locations on a mining machine at an underground coal mine operation to evaluate their effectiveness for improving suppression a...
Moving ahead: Five essential elements for working effectively with girls

Abstract Quite a bit of literature these days addresses what is believed to be an increase in the frequency and severity of girls' problem behaviors and the need for gender-responsive treatment. The extent to which this literature has been translated into juvenile justice practices, however, appears limited by several factors. This article briefly discusses these impediments, and offers suggestions for five essential elements that reflect the current state of knowledge regarding effective intervention with girls involved in the juvenile justice system.
Conflict and reconciliation behavior trends of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

Wild bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations display societal structures characterized by numerous and frequent changes in group composition, complex social relationships, and high levels of cooperation, attributes also observed in human and nonhuman primate cultures. Maintaining social relationships under such elemental conditions can frequently create conflict—and the opportunity for reconciliation—among group members. The conflict and reconciliation behavior patterns of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) have been studied extensively; trends are well-documented in the wild and in captivity. Apparent cultural similarities have prompted several analogous studies on wild and captive bottlenose dolphins. This research attempted to corroborate previous efforts by analyzing the social behavior of seven captive bottlenose dolphins to determine the effects of sex and age on the frequency of conflict and reconciliation, and to investigate the incidence of consolatory behavior within the group. A total of 3,428 interactions involving focal animals, 414 of which were conflict episodes, were documented during 261 hr of videotaped observations. Although the sample size precluded meaningful statistical evaluation of the influence of sex on conflict and reconciliation, participant age was a significant determinant of conflict frequency. Conversely, age did not impact frequency of reconciliation, which only occurred after 18% of all conflict interactions. Little to no definitive evidence of consolation was apparent within the study group. While results partially support the findings of previous dolphin reconciliation research, extensive behavioral studies of wild populations should be conducted before generating broad comparisons between human terms and nonhuman behavioral interactions. Zoo Biol 29:567–585, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THE REDUCTION OF FORMALDEHYDE BY BACTERIAL CELLS

Formaldehyde is reduced to methyl alcohol by living cells of a creatinine-decomposing strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The amount of HCHO taken up in 30 minutes by 3 x 1010 cells of this organism is termed its reducing capacity. It was found to be 400 to 480 µg. The reaction takes place over wide pH and temperature ranges, is independent of the concentration of formaldehyde as long as the latter is not high enough to exert a toxic effect on the cell, but depends on the number of bacteria present. In cultures, 3 to 7 days old, there is a decline in reducing capacity without a proportionate decrease in the number of viable cells. On the other hand in cultures, 2 to 4 weeks old, the number of viable cells determines the amount of HCHO taken up. N/100 NaOH depresses the reducing capacity of the organism without affecting bacterial viability. Exposure of bacterial suspensions to temperatures of 46–52°C. for 10 minutes causes a far more rapid decrease in the number of viable cells than in reducing capacity. Incubation of cellular suspensions with nutrient substances, which are able to support adequately the growth of the organism, for 30 minutes prior to the addition of HCHO, induces increases in reducing capacity. The uptake of HCHO by different microorganisms seems to be related to their gaseous and nutritional requirements. Strains of P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescens are predominantly aerobic, least fastidious in their nutritional requirements, most active against HCHO, and least susceptible to the action of aureomycin and chloromycetin. The potential significance of cellular reducing capacity is discussed.
Stress Controlled MBE-growth of GaN:Mg and GaN:Si

The stress in GaN thin films grown on sapphire is shown to be determined by lattice mismatch, by differences in thermal-expansion-coefficients and by the incorporation of point defects. It can be controlled by the buffer layer thickness, the buffer layer growth temperature, the V/III flux ratio, and by doping. It is argued that a Fermi-level dependence of defect formation energies affects the material stoichiometry and thereby lattice constants and stresses. We observed that stress relaxation occurred if the stresses exceeded a critical compressive or tensile stress value. The stress changes materials properties. As an example, it is demonstrated that the electron Hall mobility in GaN: Si can be increased with constant electron carrier concentration if large compressive stress is present.
Comparison of Cardiac Output Determined by Bioimpedance, Thermodilution, and the Fick Method

• BACKGROUND Cardiac output can be determined by using a variety of methods. • OBJECTIVES To determine the precision and bias between 3 methods for determining cardiac output: bioimpedance, thermodilution, and the Fick method. • METHODS Cardiac output was determined by using bioimpedance via neck and thorax patches and thermodilution via pulmonary artery catheter in 46 patients in the intensive care unit. A subset of 15 patients also had cardiac output determined by using the Fick method. • RESULTS Mean (SD) cardiac output in all patients was 6.3 (2.2) L/min by thermodilution and 5.6 (2.0) L/min by bioimpedance. In the 15 patients in whom all 3 methods were used, mean cardiac output was 6.0 (1.7) L/min by thermodilution, 5.3 (1.7) L/min by bioimpedance, and 8.6 (4.5) L/min by the Fick method. Bias and precision (mean difference ± 2 SDs) were 0.7 ± 2.9 L/min between thermodilution and bioimpedance, 1.7 ± 3.8 L/min between the Fick method and thermodilution, and 2.4 ± 4.7 L/min between the Fick method and bioimpedance. • CONCLUSION Bioimpedance, thermodilution, and Fick determinations of cardiac outputs are not interchangeable in a heterogenous population of critically ill patients. (American Journal of Critical Care.
Do Dental Composites Always Shrink Toward the Light

Many of the current light-curing composite restorative techniques are rationalized in compliance with the theory that composite shrinks toward the light. Shrinkage directed toward the margins is believed to be responsible for the observed improved marginal properties. However, the dental literature does not consistently support this theory. Experimental determination of contraction patterns is very difficult. In this study, a finite element technique is used to analyze the direction of composite shrinkage as it cures. The process of polymerization can be characterized by pre- and post-gel phases. The stress developed in a restoration can be relieved quickly by the flow of material still in the pre-gel phase. Residual stresses arise after gelation. Both auto- as well as photo-curing composites were analyzed. In photo-curing composites, the gel-point varies throughout the material with the intensity of the light. Experimentally determined light transmittance data for different materials were used in the simulation. Degree of cure and time-dependent shrinkage properties were also included from experimental measurements. The analysis showed that the shrinkage direction was not significantly affected by the orientation of the incoming curing light, but instead was mostly determined by the bonding of the restoration to the tooth and by the free surfaces. Consequently, differences between the contraction patterns of auto- and photo-cure were minimal. It was concluded that composite does not shrink toward the light, but that the direction is predominantly determined by cavity shape and bond quality. Improved marginal properties should be pursued by the optimization of other factors, such as the polymerization process, the curing procedure, and the bond quality. The direction of shrinkage vectors in response to light position does not seem to be an appropriate criterion for the optimization of marginal quality.
HZT-501 (DUEXIS®; ibuprofen 800 mg/famotidine 26.6 mg) gastrointestinal protection in the treatment of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Arthritis affects nearly 50 million people in the USA and, with the aging of the population, the prevalence is expected to rise. While NSAIDs are very effective in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they are associated with side effects, including gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, which may manifest as dyspepsia, ulcers and/or bleeding. A number of approaches have been employed in an effort to either completely avoid or reduce the risk of GI toxicities associated with NSAID use. Two new products combining an NSAID with a gastroprotective agent have recently been approved and other agents are in the pipeline. Patient adherence to prescribed gastroprotective therapy is known to be poor, often resulting in an increased risk of GI events in patients taking NSAIDs. These newer combination products may fulfill an important need for many patients who need to receive NSAIDs for the pain of OA and RA, but who are also at risk of upper GI events. This article reviews preclinical and clinical results for a new fixed-dose combination of ibuprofen and famotidine, DUEXIS(®) (HZT-501), which has recently been approved in the USA for the relief of signs and symptoms of RA and OA and to decrease the risk of developing upper GI ulcers.
Neuropeptide Y expression in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.

Background: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a potent vaso­constrictor and angiogenic agent that is found in the retina. The goal of this study was to determine the expression of NPY and its receptors, NPY Y1 and NPY Y2, in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Methods: Retinal NPY, NPY Y1, and NPY Y2 mRNA expression were evaluated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Neuropeptide Y cellular localization was determined using immunohistochemistry. Results: Retinal NPY mRNA expression was increased by 2.3-fold from P7 to P12, and 2.8-fold from P7 to P17 in oxygen-reared animals. Retinal NPY Y1 was increased 1.9-fold from P7 to P12 in room-air-reared animals. There was no change in NPY Y1 expression following exposure to oxygen. Retinal NPY Y2 expression in oxygen-reared animals increased by 2.8-fold from P7 to P12 and by 2.7-fold from P12 to P17. There was no change in NPY Y2 expression in room-air-reared animals. Retinal NPY and NPY Y2 expression increased concomitant with vasoconstriction and neovascularization seen in this model by evaluation of retinal whole mounts. Neuropeptide Y protein was detectable by immunohistochemistry mainly between the inner and outer nuclear layers and increased with hyperoxic exposure at P12 and also increased during the period of relative retinal hypoxia at P17. Conclusions: Retinal NPY and NPY Y2 receptor expression are altered in the development of oxygen-induced retinopathy of the mouse, during both the hyperoxic vasoconstrictive phase and the period of retinal neovascularization. Alteration in the production of NPY and the NPY Y2 receptor may be avenues for potential modification in the development of retinopathy.
Exacerbation of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms with medical illness

Chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase the risk for associated psychiatric and medical illnesses. In turn, the onset of medical illness may result in an exacerbation of PTSD symptoms leading to excessive or maladaptive psychological and physiological reactions. Five combat veterans with PTSD and medical disease are presented to illustrate this potential for worsening of PTSD with concurrent medical illness. Health care workers in general hospital settings should be aware of unique psychological vulnerabilities in PTSD patients. Prospective studies are needed to assess the impact of medical comorbidity on the course of PTSD.
Factors affecting the sex ratio in large populations

5 factors were analyzed with regard to the sex ratio in large populations: birth order paternal age maternal age race and socioeconomic status. Only 3 of the factors appeared to be independently related to the sex ratio at birth: birth order race and socioeconomic status. There was a significant negative birth-order effect. In the first analysis this accounted for a 2.6% (p less than .00001) shift in the relative odds of male birth but its magnitude was diminished when an adjustment for the race factor was made. The significant race effect detected in the second analysis resulted in a 3% (p less than .00001) lower relative odds for a Negro male birth than that for a white. The significant positive socioeconomic effect resulted in an 8-9% (p less than .0003) change in the relative odds of a male birth. The increase in sex ratio was very marked at the lower half of the socioeconomic scale but no apparent change in sex ratio occurred in the upper half of the scale. It is suggested that reanalysis of some other variable after controlling these 3 factors will lead to further elimination of spurious association. It is noted that apparent sex-ratio differences may reflect only differences in the distribution of the variables in the study population and that at the very least adequate control must be provided for the 3 variables found to be significant. It is further recommended that the use of sex ratio in the study of mutation rates be suspended until the intrinsic characteristics of the sex-ratio variable are more completely understood.
Differential inequalities on complete Riemannian manifolds and applications

This paper treats various aspects of the asymptotic behavior of solutions of certain elliptic equations of geometric interest on complete Riemannian manifolds. Sharp results relating the rate of volume growth of a complete Riemannian manifold and the growth of its harmonic and subharmonic functions can be found in E22] together with references to related results. In Sect. 2 of this paper we consider solutions of the more restrictive inequality Au>=e>O (where = div o grad) and show that these must be unbounded if M n has even quadratically exponential volume growth, and that u must have faster than linear growth if t
Correlation between length and tilt of lipid tails

It is becoming recognized from simulations, and to a lesser extent from experiment, that the classical Helfrich-Canham membrane continuum mechanics model can be fruitfully enriched by the inclusion of molecular tilt, even in the fluid, chain disordered, biologically relevant phase of lipid bilayers. Enriched continuum theories then add a tilt modulus κθ to accompany the well recognized bending modulus κ. Different enrichment theories largely agree for many properties, but it has been noticed that there is considerable disagreement in one prediction; one theory postulates that the average length of the hydrocarbon chain tails increases strongly with increasing tilt and another predicts no increase. Our analysis of an all-atom simulation favors the latter theory, but it also shows that the overall tail length decreases slightly with increasing tilt. We show that this deviation from continuum theory can be reconciled by consideration of the average shape of the tails, which is a descriptor not obviously includable in continuum theory.
Liver Disease in Alcoholism

The association between alcoholism and liver disease has been well recognized for the last century and is now unquestioned (Jolliffe and Jellinek, 1941; Terris, 1967). Currently it is believed that three expressions of alcoholic liver disease can be delineated by clinical and pathological criteria—alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis—and that this classification facilitates clinical management and perhaps furthers our appreciation of pathogenesis. Students of liver disease have tried to discern the elements associated with alcoholism responsible for these pathological entities.
Keeping up with immunizations for adults.

This paper discusses recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for vaccinating adults against influenza, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus, shingles (zoster), pneumonia, and meningitis.
Sunlight exposure, pigmentation, and incident age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose. Examine potential effects of sunlight exposure, hair color, eye color, and selected gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on incidence of AMD.
The Purloined Letters: Presidential Use (and Abuse) of Signing Statements in Criminal Justice Policy

Presidential signing statements—a written statement presidents attach to a bill when signing it into law—has recently come to light as a powerful, and possibly unconstitutional, tool for enhancing ...
Obsessive‐Compulsive and Related Disorders

"I know it's stupid. I feel like a crazy person, but I know that I'm not crazy!" These are typical statements from a patient with obsessive–compulsive disorder who for the past 10 years has spent m...
Amphibious Operation Firepower Cooperation Based on Warship-aircraft Cooperation Operation Theory

To enhance the air defense operation efficiency,the fire cooperation should be optimized.A method of fire cooperation between warships and shipborne aircrafts was put forward.Based on analyzing the system of firepower cooperation of warship-aircraft cooperating with air defense operation,the conception of warship-aircraft cooperation with air defense was introduced,the cooperating objects and targets of warship-aircraft firepower were described,three layers of air defense warning veil were analyzed.On describing the process that early warning aircraft guides patrol aircrafts to attack,the shipborne aircrafts' targets distribution models were established.After describing the inner defense area targets threaten degree judgement models,the warships' targets distribution models were established.The analysis results demonstrated the feasibility of the approach.
Real-time simulation of snow falling and accumulation in agricultural scene

Snow falling and accumulation are common natural phenomena in agricultural scene.A method is presented to simulate snow falling and accumulation,the algorithm simulates the snow falling process and models snowflake particles based on analyzing particle system,with the effects of wind-blown snow,in the simulation of snow accumulation,a blanket of triangulation mesh are constructed to store information about snow depth on the ground and roof,the memory cost for storing snowflake particles as snow accumulation therefore is avoided,the collision detection between snowflakes and the wall of greenhouse is considered in the falling process at the same time,a method of averaging normal and blending the color of vertex is adopted to obtain the smooth effect in snow rendering.The simulation results have proven that the proposed method is more effective for simulating snow falling and accumulation in agricultural scene,and it satisfy basic need for real-time interactive navigation with realistic effects.