cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Bending of Electromagnetic Micro-Waves Below the Horizon.

An interesting phase in the development of the modern radio technique are the experiments conducted during the last few years with very short wave-lengths. Marchese Marconi [1] reported about an extensive series of successful radio connections over distances up to 260 km., in which waves of from 50 cm. to 60 cm. were used, concentrated with the help of a parabolic reflector. Clavier and Gallant [2] went even to still shorter waves of only 17.4 cm. which they sent over a distance of 61 km. also concentrating them with a reflector of 3.8 m. in diameter. The most remarkable feature of Marchese Marconi's results is that the distances covered by him exceed several times the range of rectilinear visibility from the sending station. The memory is still fresh of the great surprise which was caused among physicists by the unusually long range of long wave radio-reception. The explanation of these puzzling facts about long waves was traced, in the meantime [3], to the influence of the Kennelly-Heaviside layer of the upper atmosphere, and the question, naturally, arises to what extent atmospheric influences are responsible for the phenomena observed by Marchese Marconi with micro-waves. The first step in answering this question must be an investigation of how much bending is to be expected from the point of view of the wave theory completely neglecting the atmosphere. Such an investigation is the subject of this paper. The simple method which we propose is based on Huyghens' principle and treats the surface of the earth as a perfectly absorbing screen. As far as we know, it was not used heretofore and there are good reasons for this: In the case of long waves, the properties of the soil play an important part both in their production and their propagation. The height of the receiving station is only a fraction of the wave-length, so that only the so-called "surface wave" is of practical interest. On the other hand, the micro-waves are produced away from the soil and independently from it and, after they strike the earth, the surface wave is so thin as to be entirely unimportant. The transmission is, in this case, a matter of space propagation on which the physical properties of the earth surface have no material influence. It is therefore, perfectly permissible to replace it by a perfectly absorbing screen. The results of our calculations and their comparison with Marchese Marconi's observations are summarized in the last section.
The Psychosomatic Approach to Heart Disease: A Study in Premodern Medicine

Prior to the discovery of the-circulation of the blood and the advent of modern mind-body dualism, heart disease was conceived as invariably psychosomatic. Familiar vestiges of premodern theory are found in such expressions as "bighearted," "warmhearted," "brokenhearted," and so on. The original medical meanings of such expressions are explained. The historical disappearance of the psychosomatic approach to cardiovascular disease is explained as a product of dualistic thinking and the mechanistic physiopathology it created. It is urged that contemporaries could profit from a return to a holistic view of the disease process.
Lunar Seismicity, Structure, and Tectonics

Natural seismic events have been detected by the long-period seismometers at Apollo stations 16, 14, 15, and 12 at annual rates of 3300, 1700, 800, and 700, respectively, with peak activity at 13- to 14-day intervals. The data are used to describe magnitudes, source characteristics, and periodic features of lunar seismicity. In a present model, the rigid lithosphere overlies an asthenosphere of reduced rigidity in which present-day partial melting is probable. Tidal deformation presumably leads to critical stress concentrations at the base of the lithosphere, where moonquakes are found to occur. The striking tidal periodicities in the pattern of moonquake occurrence and energy release suggest that tidal energy is the dominant source of energy released as moonquakes. Thus, tidal energy is dissipated by moonquakes in the lithosphere and probably by inelastic processes in the asthenosphere.
Jet-cooled styrene: spectra and isomerization

The excitation and dispersed fluorescence spectra for the A^1A′ ← X^1A′ transition of styrene, cooled in a supersonic jet are reported. Assignment of the vibrational modes in the ground and excited electronic states are made and the excess energy dependence of the fluorescence spectra are analyzed in terms of their relevance to the dynamics of photoisomerization. We compare our results with those of stilbene and discuss the influence of IVR and mode mixing in the S_1 surface.
Differences between urinary albumin and serum albumin.

IN the work reported here, the molecular size and the peptide patterns of the albumins found in normal urine were compared with those of serum albumin.
Testing the “ecologically noble savage” hypothesis: Interspecific prey choice by Piro hunters of Amazonian Peru

Native peoples have often been portrayed as natural conservationists, living in “harmony” with their environment. It is argued that this perspective is a result of an imprecise definition of conservation that emphasizes effects rather than actual behavior. Using foraging theory as a contrast, an operational definition of conservation is offered. Foraging theory assumes that foragers will behave to maximize their short-term harvesting rate. Hunting decisions that are costly in terms of short-term harvest rate maximization, yet increase the sustainability of the harvest are deemed conservation. Using this definition, alternative hypotheses are tested using data on the inter-specific prey choice decisions of a group of subsistence hunters, the Piro of Amazonian Peru. Results indicate that hunters do not show any restraint from harvesting species identified as vulnerable to over-hunting and local extinction. Decisions are made that are consistent with predictions of foraging theory.
Suppression of Inter-channel Higher Order Four Wave Mixing in Four-Mode Phase-Sensitive Parametric Wavelength Multicasting

Phase manipulation of four-mode phase-sensitive (4MPS) process was developed as a means for suppression of high-order four wave mixing (HoFWM) terms in dual-pump driven parametric wavelength multicasting and, consequently, for reduction of inter-channel crosstalk and inter-channel interference. In contrast to the previous studies that focused on power stabilization and conversion efficiency maximization, the investigation in this paper focuses on the evolution of the inter-channel HoFWM tones, whose suppression can be accomplished by arranging the phases of signals in a complementary manner. In addition, broadband 4MPS multicasting with suppressed HoFWM effects over 100-nm bandwidth, reaching up to 12-dB suppression ratio was demonstrated.
Calibration and validation of TRUST MRI for the estimation of cerebral blood oxygenation

Recently, a T(2) -Relaxation-Under-Spin-Tagging (TRUST) MRI technique was developed to quantitatively estimate blood oxygen saturation fraction (Y) via the measurement of pure blood T(2) . This technique has shown promise for normalization of fMRI signals, for the assessment of oxygen metabolism, and in studies of cognitive aging and multiple sclerosis. However, a human validation study has not been conducted. In addition, the calibration curve used to convert blood T(2) to Y has not accounted for the effects of hematocrit (Hct). In this study, we first conducted experiments on blood samples under physiologic conditions, and the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill T(2) was determined for a range of Y and Hct values. The data were fitted to a two-compartment exchange model to allow the characterization of a three-dimensional plot that can serve to calibrate the in vivo data. Next, in a validation study in humans, we showed that arterial Y estimated using TRUST MRI was 0.837 ± 0.036 (N=7) during the inhalation of 14% O2, which was in excellent agreement with the gold-standard Y values of 0.840 ± 0.036 based on Pulse-Oximetry. These data suggest that the availability of this calibration plot should enhance the applicability of T(2) -Relaxation-Under-Spin-Tagging MRI for noninvasive assessment of cerebral blood oxygenation.
Effects of role-playing instructions on assertive behavior: A methodological study

The effects of instructional variations during a role-playing assessment on the assertive behavior of untrained, low assertive college students were investigated. Based on the responses of 1,392 students, 80 students who indicated a moderate-to-severe problem in refusing requests and expressed interest in an assertion training workshop were randomly assigned to one of eight assessment groups in a 2×2×2 factorial design. The instructions varied on three dimensions: knowledge of type of assertive behavior (situational knowledge), knowledge of criteria for effective behavior, and instructions on how to act (normally vs. effectively). Results indicated that situational knowledge affected pulse and self-reported anxiety. Knowledge of effective behavior affected a posttest self-report measure of refusal behavior. Assertive (refusal) content was not affected.
Using Role-Play and Case Study to Promote Student Research on Environmental Science.

ABSTRACT Reform efforts encourage teachers to engage students in critical thinking skills and research. They also encourage teachers to meet the needs of their diverse student population and support students in developing communication skills. One way to step outside of traditional teaching approaches and engage middle school students in critical thinking, communication skills, and learning communities is by using an integrated role-play and case studies approach. This teaching approach combines the narratives of case study with the simulation and gaming features of role-play. Through this integrated technique, students are provided the context of a scientific issue through a case study, allowed to take on the role of a case study character, and presented with multiple opportunities to research environmental science content.
Saying what we will do, and doing what we say: Implementing a customer service plan

Abstract The corporate literature on customer service has much to offer academic libraries. A customer service plan can improve customer relations and internal operations, and empower the frontline staff to meet customer needs. This article explores the practical aspects of the development of a service pledge at the wright State University Libraries.
Force measurements in low density hypersonic air flows

In recent years several wind tunnels have been designed to operate at a pressure level of approximately 0.1 mmHg absolute pressure. The problems associated with the measurement of low aerodynamic pressures of this order has been the subject of many publications. The problem of measuring forces, both lift and drag, has not received as much attention. This paper describes a single component force balance capable of measuring either lift or drag forces up to 100 g. The balance, by the use of various quartz springs, may be used for the measurement of forces as low as 100 mg with a sensitivity of 0.1 mg.
Reducing early childhood aggression : results of a primary prevention program

Teacher-rated antisocial behavior in early elementary grades has been shown to be a precursor of adolescent delinquency and drug use. The combined effects of parent and teacher training on the teacher-rated antisocial behavior of a panel of subjects assigned to experimental and control classrooms at entry into the first grade was assessed at the end of the second grade. Lower rates of aggressiveness were found for white boys in the experimental classrooms and lower rates of self-destructive behavior were found for white girls in the experimental classrooms when compared with controls on the Teacher Form of the Child Behavior Checklist. No significant condition differences were found for black subjects. The interventions are described and limits and implications of the study are discussed.
Guilt by association: The link between states’ influence and the legitimacy of intergovernmental organizations

Unfavorable views toward a particular state will result in skepticism about the legitimacy of IGOs in which that state possesses influence. The more extensive the avenues of influence, the stronger this “guilt by association.” The rationale is two-fold. First, a state that possesses institutionalized influence (e.g., a veto) within an intergovernmental organization faces substantial difficulties in credibly committing to non-interference with organizational activities. Second, even if a state somehow could commit to abstention from overt interference, it may exert covert ideational influence if it already has embedded its values into an IGO. Elites and laypeople alike recognize the avenues of influence that fuel guilt-by-association. With statistical analyses of public opinion data from 35,397 people in 23 countries, I provide the first systematic evidence that guilt-by-association exists: for the United States, Russia, Japan, and Pakistan, vis-a-vis the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. The evidence is robust to numerous alternative specifications. The findings contribute to international relations scholarship by enhancing our understanding of threats to IGO legitimacy and by providing concrete evidence for a mechanism by which antipathy toward powerful states matters in the international realm.
Problem Implementation as a Lever for Change: An Experimental Study of the Effects of a Professional Development Program on Students’ Mathematics Learning

Abstract This study investigates, through an experimental design, the effectiveness of a professional development program on teacher knowledge and practices and on student learning. The program consisted of a series of video-based modules designed to respond to needs of U.S. teachers, as highlighted by findings from the 1999 Third International Mathematics and Science Video Study. Sixty-four 6th-grade teachers from five low-performing inner-city schools participated in the study and were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Measures included fidelity of implementation, teacher knowledge and practice, and student mathematics learning. The program did not impact significantly teacher knowledge or practices as measured in the study. An effect was found on mathematics learning for students whose teachers reached a certain level of mathematics content knowledge. Discussion of findings includes lessons learned about conducting and studying professional development, particularly in low-performing s...
Is daily mortality associated specifically with fine particles? Data reconstruction and replication of analyses.

In 1996, Schwartz, Dockery, and Neas reported that daily mortality was more strongly associated with concentrations of PM2.5 than with concentrations of larger particles (coarse mass [CM]) in six U.S. cities ("original paper"/"original analyses"). Because of the public policy implications of the findings and the uniqueness of the concentration data, we undertook a reanalysis of these results. This paper presents results of the reconstruction of these data and replication of the original analyses using the reconstructed data. The original investigators provided particulate air pollution data for this paper. Daily weather and daily counts of total and cause-specific deaths were reconstructed from original public records. The reconstructed particulate air pollution and weather data were consistent with the summaries presented in the original paper. Daily counts of deaths in the reconstructed data set were lower than in the original paper because of restrictions on residence and place of death. The reconstruction process identified an administrative change in county codes that led to higher numbers of deaths in St. Louis. Despite these differences in daily counts of deaths, the estimated effects of particulate air pollution from the reconstructed dataset, using analytic methods as described in the original paper, produced combined effect estimates essentially equivalent to the originally published results. For example, the estimated association of a 10 micrograms/m3 increase in 2-day mean particulate air pollution on total mortality was 1.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9-1.7%, t = 6.53) for PM2.5 based on the reconstructed dataset, compared to the originally reported association of 1.5% (95% CI 1.1-1.9%, t = 7.41). For coarse particles, the estimated association from the reconstructed dataset was 0.4% (95% CI -0.2-0.9%, t = 1.43) compared to the originally reported association of 0.4% (95% CI -0.1-1.0%, t = 1.48). These results from the reconstructed data suggest that the original results reported by Schwartz, Dockery, and Neas were essentially replicated.
The contribution of the facultative feeding period to echinoid larval development and size at metamorphosis: a comparative approach

Abstract Planktotrophic invertebrate larvae have two dissociable stages during development, a facultative feeding period, whose length is determined by the amount of maternal provisioning in the egg, and an obligate feeding period, whose length is determined by the quantity of exogenous energy needed to reach metamorphic competence. Here we set out to experimentally test the impact of feeding during the facultative feeding period at two food concentrations (limiting and nonlimiting) on larval development time and juvenile quality. We used two closely related subtropical sand dollar species that differ in the quantity of maternal investment for these comparisons: Leodia sexiesperforata (large egg, long facultative feeding period) and Mellita tenuis (small egg, short facultative feeding period). We found that feeding during the facultative period accelerates development to metamorphosis only in M. tenuis and only at the high food ration. Feeding during the facultative feeding period had no effect on development time for M. tenuis at a food limiting concentration and for L. sexiesperforata at either food concentration. Furthermore, we found feeding during the facultative period to significantly increase quantity of carbohydrates and lipids at metamorphosis only for M. tenuis in nonlimiting food concentration. Thus, our data reveal a two-fold benefit of the facultative feeding period for a poorly provisioned species under high food conditions but little effect on a well-provisioned species. We discuss our results in reference to McEdward's [McEdward, L.R., 1997. Reproductive strategies of marine benthic invertebrates revisited: facultative feeding by planktotrophic larvae. Am. Nat. 150, 48–72] facultative feeding model.
Obesity and risk of biochemical progression following radical prostatectomy at a tertiary care referral center.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We have previously reported that obesity is an independent predictor of biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy (RP) in men treated by a single surgeon at our institution. We sought to validate or refute these findings using data on men treated by multiple other surgeons at our institution.Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 2,796 men treated with anatomical radical RP between 1988 and 2004 by 1 of 17 surgeons at our institution, a tertiary care referral center. We evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI), and adverse pathological features and biochemical progression.Results: On multivariate analysis increased BMI was associated with high grade disease in the RP specimen (p = 0.03), positive surgical margins (p <0.001), extraprostatic extension (p <0.001) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.01) but not with seminal vesicle invasion (p = 0.59). After multivariate adjustment for preoperative clinical characteristics increased BMI was significantl...
Anti-M Isoimmunization: Management and Outcome at The Ohio State University From 1969 to 1995

Abstract Objective: To review the management strategies and outcome in gravidas with anti-M isoimmunization over the past 26 years at The Ohio State University. Methods: Data collected from 115 pregnancies found to have anti-M antibody at The Ohio State University from September 1969 through February 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed indirect antiglobulin tests, amniotic fluid with spectrophotometric examination, direct antiglobulin tests, M antigen status, antepartum course, and perinatal outcome. Results: Anti-M antibody was found in 90 women who had 115 pregnancies over 26 years. Among those with positive indirect antiglobulin tests, 104 pregnancies had titers at or below 1:4. Only one patient with an initial low titer experienced more than a three-fold increase to 1:64. Two women underwent a total of eight amniocenteses when titers were at or above 1:128. Forty-two (60%) of the 70 infants tested were positive for M antigen. Nine infants required phototherapy. Eight of these infants were delivered preterm. There was an increase in the number of women seen with anti-M antibody in pregnancy at our institution, with nearly 10% of all gravidas with a positive antibody screen having anti-M alloantibodies. There were no cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn, mild or severe. Conclusion: The prevalence of anti-M isoimmunization may be increasing. The incidence of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-M is extremely low. We found no cases in our review of 115 pregnancies, although there have been several cases of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn reported. If anti-M is detected in pregnancy, the titer is low (no more than 1:4), and there is no history of prior pregnancy complications suggesting a hemolytic disease process, we recommend no further testing other than an indirect antiglobulin test at 28 weeks to look for the emergence of other alloantibodies. However, if the initial titer is elevated or there is a concerning obstetric history, serial titers should be performed and amniocenteses reserved for rising titers.
Enhancement in Figure-Of-Merit with Superlattice Structures for Thin-Film Thermoelectric Devices

Thin-film superlattice (SL) structures in thermoelectric materials are shown to be a promising approach to obtaining an enhanced figure-of-merit, ZT, compared to conventional, state-of-the-art bulk alloyed materials. In this paper the authors describe experimental results on Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}/Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Si/Ge SL structures, relevant to thermoelectric cooling and power conversion, respectively. The short-period Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Si/Ge SL structures appear to indicate reduced thermal conductivities compared to alloys of these materials. From the observed behavior of thermal conductivity values in the Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}/Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} SL structures, a distinction is made where certain types of periodic structures may correspond to an ordered alloy rather than an SL, and therefore, do not offer a significant reduction in thermal conductivity values. The study also indicates that SL structures, with little or weak quantum-confinement, also offer an improvement in thermoelectric power factor over conventional alloys. They present power factor and electrical transport data in the plane of the SL interfaces to provide preliminary support for the arguments on reduced alloy scattering and impurity scattering in Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}/Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Si/Ge SL structures. These results, though tentative due to the possible role of the substrate and the developmentalmore » nature of the 3-{omega} method used to determine thermal conductivity values, suggest that the short-period SL structures potentially offer factorial improvements in the three-dimensional figure-of-merit (ZT3D) compared to current state-of-the-art bulk alloys. An approach to a thin-film thermoelectric device called a Bipolarity-Assembled, Series-Inter-Connected Thin-Film Thermoelectric Device (BASIC-TFTD) is introduced to take advantage of these thin-film SL structures.« less
Diverse Functions of Distal Regulatory Elements at the IFNG Locus

Previous studies have identified multiple conserved noncoding sequences (CNS) at the mouse Ifng locus sufficient for enhancer activity in cell-based assays. These studies do not directly address biology of the human IFNG locus in a genomic setting. IFNG enhancers may be functionally redundant or each may be functionally unique. We test the hypothesis that each IFNG enhancer has a unique necessary function using a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic model. We find that CNS-30, CNS-4, and CNS+20 are required at distinct stages of Th1 differentiation, whereas CNS-16 has a repressive role in Th1 and Th2 cells. CNS+20 is required for IFN-γ expression by memory Th1 cells and NKT cells. CNS-4 is required for IFN-γ expression by effector Th1 cells. In contrast, CNS-16, CNS-4, and CNS+20 are each partially required for human IFN-γ expression by NK cells. Thus, IFNG CNS enhancers have redundant necessary functions in NK cells but unique necessary functions in Th cells. These results also demonstrate that distinct CNSs are required to transcribe IFNG at each stage of the Th1 differentiation pathway.
Horizontal transfer of virulence genes encoded on the Enterococcus faecalis pathogenicity island

Enterococcus faecalis, a leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic resistant infections, frequently possesses a 150 kb pathogenicity island (PAI) that carries virulence determinants. The presence of excisionase and integrase genes, conjugative functions and multiple insertion sequence elements suggests that the PAI, or segments thereof, might be capable of horizontal transfer. In this report, the transfer of the E. faecalis PAI is demonstrated and a mechanism for transfer elucidated. In filter matings, chloramphenicol resistance was observed to transfer from strain MMH594b, a clinical isolate possessing the PAI tagged with a cat marker, to OG1RF (pCGC) with a frequency of 3.2 x 10(-10) per donor. Secondary transfer from primary transconjugant TCRFB1 to strain JH2SS in filter and broth matings occurred with a frequency of 1 and 2 x 10(-1) per donor respectively. Analysis of the transconjugants demonstrated that a 27,744 bp internal PAI segment was capable of excision and circularization in the donor, and is mobilized as a cointegrate with a pTEF1-like plasmid. High-frequency transfer also occurred from TCRFB1 to JH2SS during transient colonization of the mouse gastrointestinal tract. This is the first demonstration of the horizontal transfer of PAI-encoded virulence determinants in E. faecalis and has implications for genome evolution and diversity.
Where did knowledge management come from

In this essay I look at the history of knowledge management and offer insights into what knowledge management means today and where it may be headed in the future. This is an updated version of an article first published in Knowledge Directions, the journal of the Institute for Knowledge Management, fall 1999.
Fast Fission Effect in Lattices of Natural Uranium and Heavy Water

The ratio, delta , of U/sup 238/ to U/sup 235/ fissions was measured for various natural uranium fuel assemblies in D/sub 2/Omoderated reactor lattices. Fuel element types studied included clusters of from one to nine 1-in. rods, tubular assemblies, and plate assemblies. The measurements were made by comparing the activations of depleted and natural uranium foils after irradiating them inside the fuel assemblies in an exponential facility. As a corollary to these experiments, relative decay rates were determined for the gamma activities of the U/sup 238/ and U/sup 235/ fission products. (auth)
Fuzzy methods in handwriting recognition: an overview

We describe applications of fuzzy sets to handwriting recognition and related research possibilities. We also describe some existing handwritten databases and discuss the possibility of creating a database with some programs to enable fuzzy set researchers to apply their techniques to handwriting recognition.
Risk management in space systems design and technology development

AbstractOver the past two decades, risk management and risk analysis have emerged throughout the business community in the USA as prominent planning and development strategies used to mitigate risk of failure and to ensure a high return on investment for business endeavours (financial and otherwise). They are generic tools that can be applied to any business regardless of the sector (i.e. government, university, and private) and have been used by the Federal Government in the form of institutional practices aimed at maximizing the probability of success in business activities. One US Federal agency that incorporates risk management and analysis techniques into business and/or engineering activities is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The present work is a discussion on mission, spacecraft and instrument design (as well as technology development), and the role of risk management, analysis, and mitigation as fundamental tools in the design process.
DSpace as an Open Archival Information System: Current Status and Future Directions

As more and more output from research institutions is born digital, a means for capturing and preserving the results of this investment is required. To begin to understand and address the problems surrounding this task, Hewlett-Packard Laboratories collaborated with MIT Libraries over two years to develop DSpace, an open source institutional repository software system. This paper describes DSpace in the context of the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model. Particular attention is given to the preservation aspects of DSpace, and the current status of the DSpace system with respect to addressing these aspects. The reasons for various design decisions and trade-offs that were necessary to develop the system in a timely manner are given, and directions for future development are explored. While DSpace is not yet a complete solution to the problem of preserving digital research output, it is a production-capable system, represents a significant step forward, and is an excellent platform for future research and development.
The role of a computer in the publication of a primary journal

The Honeywell Computer Journal has had some acclaim for social responsibility in the computer milieu and for the extensive and pervasive use of a computer in the publishing function. The basic elements of the latter are described here. The Journal is published simultaneously in hardcopy, microfiche, and magnetic tape with embedded text control. Its mixed-media character is accented by the fact that not all articles in the microfiche and tape editions appear in the hardcopy edition.
Propagule pressure-invasibility relationships: testing the influence of soil fertility and disturbance with Lespedeza cuneata

Although invasion risk is expected to increase with propagule pressure (PP), it is unclear whether PP-invasibility relationships follow an asymptotic or some other non-linear form and whether such relationships vary with underlying environmental conditions. Using manipulations of PP, soil fertility and disturbance, we tested how each influence PP-invasibility relationships for Lespedeza cuneata in a Kansas grassland and use recruitment curve models to determine how safe sites may contribute to plant invasions. After three growing seasons, we found that the PP-invasibility relationships best fit an asymptotic model of invasion reflecting a combination of density-independent and density-dependent processes and that seeds were aggregated within the plant community despite efforts to uniformly sow seeds. Consistent with some models, community invasibility decreased with enhanced soil fertility or reduced levels of disturbance in response to changes in the fraction of safe sites. Our results illustrate that disturbance and soil fertility can be a useful organizing principle for predicting community invasibility, asymptotic models are a reasonable starting point for modeling invasion, and new modeling techniques—coupled with classic experimental approaches—can enhance our understanding of the invasion process.
Flexible Manualized Treatment for Pediatric Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study

The following case study describes the treatment of an 8 year-old girl with early-onset obsessive compulsive disorder using a manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (CBT/EPR) protocol, implemented using a “flexibility within fidelity” approach. The case study focuses on how the treatment manual was successfully implemented in a flexible manner to address unique aspects of the case. These unique factors included the child’s extreme shyness at the beginning of treatment (with implications for rapport building), the primarily obsessional presentation of this child’s symptoms, the child’s avoidance of discussing the content of her obsessive thoughts, and secondary depressive symptoms (excessive guilt, frequent crying, and sadness) that contributed to the child’s impairment and distress. Assessment of progress indicated improvement in symptoms after four sessions of cognitive skill building and again in the last five sessions after implementing increased exposure to obsessive thoughts using narrative techniques. The implications for clinicians and student therapists, including the importance of rapport building, developmentally tailoring treatment, and flexibly implementing treatment to address the unique characteristics of the individual patient are discussed.
Glucose reabsorption in experimental renal insufficiency: effects of proportional reduction of sodium intake.

Glucose reabsorption in experimental renal insufficiency: Effects of proportional reduction of sodium intake. Glucose reabsorption and its relationship to the requirements for renal sodium excretion have been studied in dogs with experimentally induced renal insufficiency (GFR Reabsorption du glucose au cours de l'insuffisance renale experimentale: Effets de la reduction proportionnelle de l'apport de sodium. La reabsorption du glucose et sa relation avec les imperatifs de l'excretion du sodium ont ete etudiees chez le chien au cours de l'insuffisance renale experimentale (debit de filtration glomerulaire
Low Self-Reported Function Predicts Adverse Postoperative Course in Veterans Affairs Beneficiaries Undergoing Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.

Objectives To measure association between self-reported function and an adverse postoperative course and improvement in performance on the American College of Surgeons Universal Risk Calculator (ACS calculator) with inclusion of self-reported function available through the Veteran Rand-12 based Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Design Cohort analysis. Setting Veteran Affairs health system. Participants Surgeries (n = 3,503) for older male veterans undergoing hip and knee replacement from 2002 to 2009. Measurements Serious complication (per ACS definition), discharge to facility, readmission, and death within 30 days after surgery as a function of PCS and MCS; comparison of prediction of net reclassification index (NRI) for serious complication using a modified version of the ACS calculator with prediction using the ACS calculator with MCS and PCS added. Results Being in the lowest PCS quartile (vs highest quartile) predicted more than twice the risk of a serious complication (odds ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44–3.58), twice the risk of discharge to facility (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.39–2.79), and almost twice the risk of readmission (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.37–2.36). The lowest quartile of MCS predicted each outcome, although to a lesser extent than PCS. The enhanced model had a NRI of 29.4% (95% CI = 15.4–43.3%), reflecting that 20.8% of events were appropriately upgraded and 8.6% of nonevents appropriately downgraded. Conclusion Low PCS and MCS predicted an adverse postoperative course and enhanced the ACS calculator. Clinicians evaluating older adults undergoing orthopedic surgery could enhance the accuracy of their assessments by including self-reported functional status.
Performance analyzing and solving scheme of GPRS-based power load management system

This paper discusses the application of GPRS technology in power load management system. The network coverage and cost of GPRS are more adaptable to the application in power load management system compared with other kinds of traditional communication modes. This paper emphasizes the characteristics, network structure and implementation plans of GPRS technology, and especially explains the problems and solutions in the application of GPRS network in detail.
STATE OF THE ART IN TIDE PREDICTIONS

By the end of the nineteenth century, scientists had succeeded in achieving the ability to make reasonably accurate tide predictions by the harmonic method (Schureman, 1941). Except for the building of larger and more sophisticated mechanical tide prediction machines using the harmonic technique, tidal mathematicians more or less rested on their laurels during the first half of the twentieth century; indeed, many scientists assumed there was no need for further tidal research. It is ironic that one of the very few geophysical sciences that already had acceptable methods of prediction should become the subject of significant improvement during the last half of this century. These improvements include: 1) least square analysis for all tidal constituents simultaneously, 2) response analysis and prediction, 3) extended harmonic analysis, 4) tidal measurements in deep water on the ocean floor, and 5) global numerical models of tides.
Reflections on the incentive structures at African universities and their impact on the direction and performance of the continent’s development

Research has proven that there is a clear positive correlation between the level of education in a country and its economic development. The Asian tiger economies invested heavily in higher education as one of the precursor for their rapid economic development. Africa is trying to do the same: in the past 20 years African universities have gone from elite to mass education institutions. However, while societies develop rapidly, especially in urban areas, the African graduates are to a large degree getting the same kind of education as their grandfathers. While the universities as institutions had to adapt to changing conditions there has been little change in the learning paradigm, making African graduates ill equipped to address 21 st century challenges. The current skills gap is diminishing the ability both at aggregate (continental) as well as national level to use the full potential of their educated elite to boost societal and economic development. In past decades there have been many initiatives and projects trying to update the academic learning paradigm within African Universities but with limited impact. Based on extensive recent visits to universities in Africa hypotheses are proposed that this might partly be related to the fact that many of the existing incentive structures governing higher education are poorly aligned to the quality and local relevance of training and research programs; and by implication the graduates being chunned out. Furthermore, relevant policies and existing structures for securing quality higher education are often also poorly enforced so they do not have the intended effect on the behaviour of faculty and management behaviour. Key words: Africa, behavioural change, Higher Education, incentives
Smoking cessation is associated with improved survival in oropharynx cancer treated by chemoradiation

Objectives/Hypothesis The effect of smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) on overall survival (OS) of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT) remains unclear. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods Clinical characteristics of OPSCC patients treated between 2008 and 2015 with CCRT were abstracted from medical records. OS curves and multivariate cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) were examined. Results Of 120 evaluable patients, 71% had HPV+ tumors. Median follow-up duration for the entire cohort was 41.5 months (range = 6–88 months). HPV+ current smokers experienced significantly worse 5-year OS (73% alive vs. 36% alive, P = .01) and there was a similar trend in HPV− current smokers (66% alive vs. 31% alive, P = .28) compared to former/never smokers undergoing CCRT. In a multivariate cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, gender, and overall tumor stage, HPV+ current smokers experienced nearly a fourfold increase in overall mortality in comparison to HPV+ never/former smokers (HR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.35-10.0). Similarly, current smokers with HPV− tumors (HR = 6.80, 95% CI = 1.11-41.67) had increased mortality compared to never/former smokers. Conclusions Current smoking is associated with poor prognosis, independent of HPV status, in CCRT-treated OPSCC patients. Current smoking produced an approximately four- to sevenfold increase in risk of mortality for HPV+ and HPV− patients, respectively. Regardless of pack years and HPV status, efforts should be made to achieve smoking cessation before CCRT. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2733–2738, 2016
Sled fixation for horizontal medial malleolus fractures.

Abstract Background Horizontal fractures of the medial malleolus occur through exertion of various rotational forces on the ankle, including supination­-external rotation, pronation-­external rotation, and pronation-abduction. Many methods of fixation are employed for these fractures, but the optimal fixation construct remains unclear. Methods Horizontal medial malleolus osteotomies were performed in synthetic distal tibiae and randomized into two fixation groups: 1) two parallel unicortical cancellous screws or 2) medial malleolar sled fixation. Specimens were subjected to offset axial tension loading and tracked using high-resolution video. Clinical failure was defined as 2 mm of articular displacement. Findings There were statistically significant increases in mean stiffness (127% higher, P = 0.0007) and mean force to clinical failure (52% higher, P = 0.0002) with the medial malleolar sled. The mean stiffness in offset tension loading was 232 (SD 83) N/mm for medial malleolar sled and 102 (SD 20) N/mm for parallel unicortical cancellous screws. The mean force to clinical failure was 595 (SD 112) N for medial malleolar sled and 392 (SD 34) N for unicortical screws. In addition, the medial malleolar sled demonstrated elastic recoil to pre-testing alignment while the unicortical screws did not. Interpretation Medial malleolar sled fixation was significantly stiffer and required more force to clinical failure than parallel unicortical cancellous screws. A medial malleolar sled requires more dissection to apply surgically, but provides significantly more initial fixation strength. Additionally, a medial malleolar sled acts like a tension band in its ability to capture comminuted fragments while being low profile enough to minimize soft tissue irritation.
Theoretical study of intermediate-mass fragments in proton-nucleus reactions at 200 MeV

We have analyzed energy spectra, angular distributions, and mass and charge distributions of intermediate-mass fragments (IMFs) from the interaction of 27Al, 59Co, and 197Au with 200 MeV protons. Calculations within the modified statistical model with final-state interaction were performed using SAPTON code. Within the experimental uncertainty and constraint, SAPTON shows good agreement with the data, and suggests that the IMFs are produced after the intra-nuclear cascade stage, and during the surface coalescence, as well as the evaporation/fission stages.
Sedimentological regimes for turbidity currents: Depth-averaged theory

Turbidity currents are one of the most significant means by which sediment is moved from the continents into the deep ocean; their properties are interesting both as elements of the global sediment cycle and due to their role in contributing to the formation of deep water oil and gas reservoirs. One of the simplest models of the dynamics of turbidity current flow was introduced three decades ago, and is based on depth-averaging of the fluid mechanical equations governing the turbulent gravity-driven flow of relatively dilute turbidity currents. We examine the sedimentological regimes of a simplified version of this model, focusing on the role of the Richardson number Ri (dimensionless inertia) and Rouse number Ro (dimensionless sedimentation velocity) in determining whether a current is net depositional or net erosional. We find that for large Rouse numbers, the currents are strongly net depositional due to the disappearance of local equilibria between erosion and deposition. At lower Rouse numbers, the Richardson number also plays a role in determining the degree of erosion vs. deposition. The currents become more erosive at lower values of the product Ro × Ri, due to the effect of clear water entrainment. At higher values of this product, the turbulence becomes insufficient to maintain the sediment in suspension, as first pointed out by Knapp and Bagnold. We speculate on the potential for two-layer solutions in this insufficiently turbulent regime, which would comprise substantial bedload flow with an overlying turbidity current.
Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 and VEGF Induction

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the key molecule implicated in the pathogenesis of retinal angiogenesis. Expression of the VEGF gene is increased in response to hypoxia. This increase results from increased transcription as well as increased stabilization of the VEGF transcript. The increase in VEGF mRNA transcription is mediated by hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a heterodimeric transcription factor that is regulated by oxygen tension. This regulation occurs at the level of HIF-1α protein stabilization and transactivation. In response to hypoxia, the stabilized and transactivated HIF-1α protein translocates to the nucleus, dimerizes with HIF-1β and activates transcription of several target genes, including VEGF, by binding to the cis-acting hypoxia responsive element 5’-A/(G)CGTG-3’.
Preservative solution that stabilizes erythrocyte morphology and leukocyte viability under ambient conditions

The deterioration of whole blood ex vivo represents a logistical hurdle in clinical and research settings. Here, a cocktail preservative is described that stabilizes leukocyte viability and erythrocyte morphology in whole blood under ambient storage. Neutrophil biostabilization was explored using a sophisticated microfluidic assay to examine the effectiveness of caspase inhibition to stabilize purified neutrophils. Following 72 h ambient storage, neutrophils remained fully functional to migrate towards chemical cues and maintained their ability to undergo NETosis after stimulation. Furthermore, stored neutrophils exhibited improved CD45 biomarker retention and reduced apoptosis and mortality compared to untreated controls. To stabilize erythrocyte morphology, a preservative solution was formulated using Taguchi methods of experimental design, and combined with the caspase inhibitor to form a whole blood cocktail solution, CSWB. CSWB was evaluated in blood from healthy donors and from women with metastatic breast cancer stored under ambient conditions for 72 h. CSWB-treated samples showed a significant improvement in erythrocyte morphology compared to untreated controls. Leukocytes in CSWB-treated blood exhibited significantly higher viability and CD45 biomarker retention compared to untreated controls. This 72 h shelf life under ambient conditions represents an opportunity to transport isolates or simply ease experimental timelines where blood degradation is problematic.