cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insight into Age and Growth of Northern Snakehead in the Potomac River

Abstract A Northern Snakehead Channa argus population was documented in the Potomac River system in 2004. Since that time, the population has expanded in range and number, yet relatively little is known about key population variables including age and growth. Lack of known-age fish with which to compare otoliths from the sampled population has hindered verification, and Northern Snakehead otoliths can be difficult to interpret. We compared growth increments (mm/d) of recaptured fish marked with T-bar anchor tags (n = 51; mean time at large, 310 d [SD = 302]) to otolith annuli from fish sacrificed in 2011 and 2012 (n = 192). While immersed (solution of 80% water and 20% glycerin) otolith transverse perspectives were viewed “cracked” with transmitted light. Readings from fish aged 1–4 years suggested initial growth was much faster than previously reported, but length at age was highly variable. Annual growth increments for fish aged 1–4 (mean length at age of fish, respectively: 394, 563, 644, and 721 mm TL...
Lack of p53 induction in fish cells by model chemotherapeutics

Although p53 has been extensively studied in mammalian models, relatively little is known about its specific function in lower vertebrates. It has long been assumed that p53 pathways characterized in mammals apply to other vertebrates as well. Fish provide a useful model for the study of environmental carcinogenesis, and populations of fish inhabiting highly polluted environments provide information on the etiology of pollutant-mediated cancer. In this study, we investigated p53 protein and apoptosis induction in PLHC-1 (desert topminnow hepatocellular carcinoma), RTL-W1 (rainbow trout normal liver), and primary rainbow trout hepatocytes exposed to model chemotherapeutics. All of the chemicals used in these studies have been demonstrated to increase p53 protein levels and induce apoptosis in mammalian cell lines. In contrast, PLHC-1 p53 protein was not induced in response to any model mammalian p53 inducers following 24 h exposures. Additionally, both trout cell types demonstrated this same lack of p53 induction upon exposure to model chemotherapeutic drugs. PLHC-1 cells demonstrated an induction of apoptosis as measured by caspase-3 activation following exposure to all of the chemotherapeutics tested. Our results suggest that fish p53 may be activated differently from that of their mammalian counterparts, and that important differences may exist between phyla in the function and regulation of p53 as well as other mechanisms involved in environmental carcinogenesis.
Analytic structure and integrability of dynamical systems

The solutions to the equations of motion of certain dynamical systems are investigated as a function of complex time. The use of the Painleve property, i.e., the property that the only movable singularities exhibited by the solution are poles, enables a prediction of system parameter values for which the system is integrable. The method is illustrated by a study of the Henon-Heiles system. Extension of the analysis to movable branch points reveals at least one more integrable case. Further changes in analytic structure correlate with the onset of widespread chaos. 27 references, 3 figures, 1 table.
Collecting and using patient and treatment center data to improve care: Adequacy of hemodialysis and end-stage renal disease surveillance1

Collecting and using patient and treatment center data to improve care: Adequacy of hemodialysis and end-stage renal disease surveillance. The capacity to use patient and treatment center information about the patterns and outcomes of care of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to improve the care and prevention of kidney failure has been greatly enhanced in the United States by the national ESRD surveillance system. This system consists of 18 regional Networks, Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), and the United States Data System (USRDS). This report describes how ESRD Network 6 used different data sources to implement and evaluate a program to improve the adequacy of hemodialysis prescription in a three state region.
σ-additivity in manuals and orthoalgebras

Notions of σ-additivity are introduced for orthoalgebras and for manuals. It is shown that the logic of a σ-additive manual is a σ-additive orthoalgebra, and that, conversely, every σ-additive orthoalgebra arises as such a logic. Using this theorem, it is shown that a given orthoalgebra admits at most one reasonable extension of its orthogonal sum operation to countable jointly orthogonal sets. It is also shown that every orthoalgebra can be embedded in a sigma-orthoalgebra and every orthomodular poset, in a σ-OMP.
An External Beam from the Cornell 10 GeV Synchrotron

The electron beam at the Cornell 10 GeV Synchrotron has been extracted using a quadrupole and octupole magnet to drive the beam into a half-integral stop band. Extraction is then effected by three septum magnets. An achromatic transport system delivers the external electron beam into either of two experimental areas producing a focused spot at the experimental target of the order of 1 millimeter square with a divergence of ± .3 milliradians. At 10 GeV an electron beam with an intensity of 2 × 1010 electrons per pulse and a duty factor of 10% has been obtained. Our extraction efficiency is 85% at 5 GeV and falls to 70% at 10 GeV. By using only the septa, up to 1% of the beam can be extracted without interfering with an internally made photon beam, thus allowing simultaneous use of external electron and photon beams.
1. Inert gas handling in ion plating systems

The new technique of ion plating has become such an important method of producing robust, strongly adherent thin films of metals or metallic salts on substrates that there has developed considerable industrial interest in this activity. Amongst such developments, Nanotech (Thin Films) Ltd have played a notable part. The three papers presented here are all by scientists or engineers at that firm and give accounts of some of their recent developments. The topics are Inert gas-handling in ion-plating systems, Radio-frequency plasma excitation and An evaporation source pellet or slug-feeding system. *
A random spatial sampling method in a rural developing nation

Nonrandom sampling of populations in developing nations has limitations and can inaccurately estimate health phenomena, especially among hard-to-reach populations such as rural residents. However, random sampling of rural populations in developing nations can be challenged by incomplete enumeration of the base population. We describe a stratified random sampling method using geographical information system (GIS) software and global positioning system (GPS) technology for application in a health survey in a rural region of Guatemala, as well as a qualitative study of the enumeration process. This method offers an alternative sampling technique that could reduce opportunities for bias in household selection compared to cluster methods. However, its use is subject to issues surrounding survey preparation, technological limitations and in-the-field household selection. Application of this method in remote areas will raise challenges surrounding the boundary delineation process, use and translation of satellite imagery between GIS and GPS, and household selection at each survey point in varying field conditions. This method favors household selection in denser urban areas and in new residential developments. Random spatial sampling methodology can be used to survey a random sample of population in a remote region of a developing nation. Although this method should be further validated and compared with more established methods to determine its utility in social survey applications, it shows promise for use in developing nations with resource-challenged environments where detailed geographic and human census data are less available.
Movement of abutment teeth in spring cantilever bridges: a laboratory study

Summary The extent and directions of movements of spring bridge abutments were studied on acrylic casts with resilient steep and shallow palates and containing human molar and premolar abutments with compressible ‘periodontal ligaments’. Bridges with rigid bars and ‘flexible’ standard, long and short lengths were cast in Type IV gold, and soldered to Type III gold retainers which were pinned to the abutments. The pontic on each bar was depressed a standard 0.2 mm, and the movement of the abutments registered on a dial gauge resting against the mesio-buccal corner of each retainer. The combination of bar length and palatal contour causing least movement of an abutment was the shortest bar to the molar abutment in the shallow palate model; indeed all bars on this model deflected the molar abutment less than similar bars on the steep palate model. Differences in palatal contours did not affect the extent of movements of the premolar abutments which were comparable to molar movements in the steep palate model. Abutment teeth moved mesio-buccally when the pontic was depressed, and the elbow of the bar usually moved off the palate indicating the fulcrum was positioned along the anterior section of the bar.
The separate and interactive effects of drinking motives and social anxiety symptoms in predicting drinking outcomes.

Abstract Purpose Our goal was to test the separate and interactive effects of drinking motives and social anxiety symptoms in predicting drinking-related consumption and problems. Methods Participants (N = 730; 59.7% female) were undergraduate college students who completed measures of social anxiety symptoms, drinking motives, alcohol consumption, and drinking problems. Results Greater social anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with less alcohol consumption, and there was some evidence that greater social anxiety symptoms were also associated with greater alcohol-relevant problems. Significant interactions between social anxiety and motives indicated that a) alcohol use was most pronounced for individuals high in enhancement motives and low in social anxiety symptoms; and b) among participants low in coping motives, drinking problems were greater for individuals high (vs. low) in social anxiety symptoms. Conclusions More fully identifying the individual difference factors that link social anxiety symptoms with drinking outcomes is important for informing prevention and intervention approaches.
A revolutionary philosopher of science

Thomas S. Kuhn, who died on 17 June aged 73, is best known for introducing the principles of 'paradigms' and Incommensurability' into the study of science. The influence of his work, however, goes beyond such slogans.
Myocardial mechanics in hyperthyroidism: importance of left ventricular loading conditions, heart rate and contractile state.

Hyperthyroidism has been reported to affect all of the major determinants of left ventricular performance in a manner that would augment ventricular shortening characteristics. The hypothesis tested in this study is that reduced afterload in conjunction with increased preload and heart rate, rather than augmented contractility, accounts for much of the increase in left ventricular performance noted previously in these patients. To investigate this hypothesis, 11 hyperthyroid patients were evaluated serially over 4 ± 2 months. With therapy, serum total thyroxin (T4) decreased significantly (p With therapy, overall left ventricular performance declined (p
CNO abundances and hydrodynamic models of the nova outburst. II - 1.00 solar mass models with enhanced carbon and oxygen

Results of a computation of a variety of evolutionary sequences involving thermonuclear runaways in the hydrogen-rich envelopes of 1.00-solar-mass carbon-oxygen white dwarfs. The evidence concerning the location of the outburst in the nova system is reexamined, and it is concluded that the white dwarf is the seat of the outburst. An order-of-magnitude argument is presented which indicates that for a 1.00-solar-mass white dwarf it is impossible to achieve mass ejection without an energy generation of approximately 10 to the 16th ergs/g/sec. A description is given of models with low nuclear enhancements that do not produce an outburst, although their evolution has certain implications for the cause of the dwarf-nova outburst. The results for models that produced a nova outburst are then presented, and on the basis of these results it is found possible to explain continuous ejection, Kukarkin and Parenago's (1934) relationship, and other gross features of the nova phenomena.
Simulating an Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB) System

This study’s focus is on the horizontal and vertical uncertainties associated with ALB measurements due to scattering through the water column. A lidar simulator was constructed and we present its design and preliminary results.
Selective diversity with discrete power loading over Rayleigh fading channels

This paper revisits a selective diversity system with optimum continuous power loading which was originally proposed in Skinner and Cavers (February 1973) and which yields minimum average probability of error when the diversity paths are orthogonal. In a first part, the paper offers an alternative look at the system considered in T. A. Skinner and J. K. Cavers (February 1973) and provides some slightly modified results. In a second part, the paper considers a practical implementation of this system by proposing an optimum discrete power loading scheme. The problem in its discrete fashion is to minimize the average bit error rate for a given total energy constraint resulting in an optimum discrete power loading as a function of the channel status. This discrete implementation of the scheme makes the system more robust against imperfect and/or outdated channel estimates. In addition in this case only the index of the adaptation region (rather than the instantaneous channel status) has to he sent back to the transmitter.
Counting the relatively finite factors of a Bernoulli shift

LetT acting on (Ω, ℱ, μ) be afinite entropy Bernoulli shift. AT invariant factor Open image in new window is “relatively finite” if a.e. fiber of\(\mathfrak{A}\) has a finite, hence constantk, number of points. We say two factors Open image in new window , “sit the same” if there is a measurable measure preserving map ϕ with\({}_\varphi T_\varphi ^{ - 1} = T\) and\({}_\varphi (\mathfrak{A}) = \mathfrak{A}'\). We show here that up to sitting the same there are only finitely many relatively finite factors withk point fibers in a Bernoulli shift, and that they are classified by a certain algebraic structure in the symmetric group onk-points.
A New Mathematical Cardiac Cell Model for the Elucidation of the Mechanisms of Reperfusion Arrhythmogenesis

Reperfusion arrhythmias result from pathologies of cardiac myocyte physiology that develop when previously ischemic myocardium experiences a restoration of normal perfusion. The mechanisms of reperfusion arrhythmogenesis, which involve many components of a highly coupled nonlinear system, have been under investigation for many years. Despite these efforts, an effective therapy for the prevention of reperfusion arrhythmias has yet to be translated into routine clinical practice. Because of the highly complex nature of the problem, we have developed a cardiac cellular mathematical model tailored to the study of reperfusion arrhythmogenesis. This model allows more realistic simulations of ischemia and reperfusion than have been conducted previously, because it includes coupled intra- and extracellular pH regulation systems, as well as modification of the activity of ionic channels and exchangers secondary to changes in pH and the concentrations of ATP, ADP and other associated metabolites. We show that the model more closely reproduces experimental ischemia data than other existing models. Because of this, the model has strong promise for elucidating mechanisms of reperfusion arrhythmogenesis.
Construction of a green-fluorescent protein-based, insertion-inactivation shuttle vector for lactic acid bacteria and Escherichia coli

A shuttle vector, p5aGFP2201a, for lactic acid bacteria and E. coli was constructed by using the gene of a jellyfish green fluorescent protein ( gfp) as a selection marker. The plasmid was shown to function as a shuttle vector by its ability to carry and express a staphylococcal chloramphenicol acetyltransferase ( cat) gene into targeted hosts.
Comments on Coupling Graphical and Regression Analyses of Ligand Effect Data

In this paper we show how graphical analysis of ligand effect data for families of ligands should be combined with regression analysis in order to gain a more self-consistent interpretation of regression results. If a steric threshold shows up in the graphical analysis of the data for the trialkyl ligands (AR3), then the threshold must show up in regression analysis of the full set of data. Similarly, the dependence of the data for the isosteric ligands A(p-XC6H4)3 must have the same dependence on the electronic parameter χ that we find for the regression analysis for the full set of data. Finally, graphical analysis for both AR3 and A(p-XC6H4)3 families shows vividly whether steric effects and/or aryl effects belong in the full analysis. Thus, for results of any regression analysis to be acceptable, they must be consistent with the results of graphical analysis.
Maintenance of Membership: A Study in Administrative Statesmanship

As we look back now, 1941 appears to have been a "year of indecision." Still vivid in our minds is the Great Debate over foreign policy, conducted at a time when we were waging undeclared and unadmitted war. Hardly less acute was another issue that split America: What about labor's rights in time of crisis? During an emergency period should the status of trade unions be frozen for the duration, or did a fight by democracies against fascism involve vesting labor with new rights and duties? This profound and philosophical question was not for academicians and pundits alone. Involving the central issue of "union security," it was reflected in bitter labormanagement hostility during 1941. By the time of Pearl Harbor this single issue had halted construction of warships at a great East Coast shipbuilding center, had caused a 76-day strike at Allis Chalmers, had thrown 150,000 coal miners out of work, had forced governmental seizure of several defense plants, had broken up the nation's chief mediation agency.
Cardiac output and central volume as determined by dye dilution curves; resting values in normal subjects and patients with cardiovascular disease.

Dye dilution curves determined by the method of Hamilton have been obtained from a series of normal subjects and from a group of patients with various types of cardiovascular disorders. Cardiac indices calculated from these curves revealed expected values. Central volume, believed to be an index of pulmonary blood volume, was calculated from the slopes of the down strokes of the curves. Central volume indices in normal subjects averaged 0.590 liters. Central volume in patients with heart disease was frequently normal or less than normal. Only cor pulmonale patients with high output had central volumes significantly greater than normal.
Relationship between perinatal counseling and incidence of breastfeeding in an inner-city population.

Relationship Between Perinatal Counseling and Incidence of Breastfeeding in an Inner-City Population
Board Characteristics, Managerial Controls and Corporate Strategy: A Study of U.S. Hospitals

This study examined the relationships among board characteristics, emphasis on managerial controls, and corporate strategy. Results suggest that certain board characteristics that decrease board members’ access to information about CEO performance-related behavior, e.g., infrequent CEO-board meetings and lack of a strategic planning committee, are likely to increase the emphasis on out come based controls. Results also indicate that an emphasis on out come based controls is likely to lead to more risk averse strategic decisions on the part of the CEO, specifically with respect to capital investment.
Volume and Temperature Dependences of the Global and Segmental Dynamics in Polymers: Functional Forms and Implications for the Glass Transition

Previously, from dielectric relaxation measurements obtained for various temperatures T and pressures P on polypropylene glycol, 1,4-polyisoprene, and poly(oxybutylene) (Roland, C. M.; Casalini, R.; Paluch, M. J. Polym. Sci. Polym. Phys. Ed. 2004, 42, 4313. R. Casalini and C. M. Roland, Macromolecules, 2005, 38, 1779), both the primary R-relaxation time UR and the normal mode relaxation time Un were shown to yield master curves when plotted versus the quantity T -1 V -A . Moreover, the value of A is the same for the two processes (here V is the specific volume and A is a material-specific constant). Such a result appears to be consistent with an assumption underlying models for polymer viscoelasticity that the friction coefficient governing motions over large length scales can be identified with the local segmental friction coefficient. However, notwithstanding the superpositioning obtained using the same value of A, UR and Un differ in their dependences on either the product variable T -1 V -A , V at constant T, or T at constant P. In each case, the difference is more pronounced at longer UR. Such behavior is inconsistent with the Rouse and tube models. However, these differences in the respective dependences of UR and Un can be accounted for quantitatively by the coupling model. The framework of the solution of the problem supports the proposal that the temperature and volume dependences of molecular mobility, which trigger the glass transition, do not originate from the primary R relaxation. Instead, they have their origin in the primitive relaxation of the coupling model.
Tiam1/Rac1 signaling pathway mediates palmitate-induced, ceramide-sensitive generation of superoxides and lipid peroxides and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in pancreatic β-cells

The phagocytic NADPH oxidase [NOX] has been implicated in the generation of superoxides in the pancreatic β-cell. Herein, using normal rat islets and clonal INS 832/13 cells, we tested the hypothesis that activation of the small G-protein Rac1, which is a member of the NOX holoenzyme, is necessary for palmitate [PA]-induced generation of superoxides in pancreatic β-cells. Incubation of isolated β-cells with PA potently increased the NOX activity culminating in a significant increase in the generation of superoxides and lipid peroxides in these cells; such effects of PA were attenuated by diphenyleneiodonium [DPI], a known inhibitor of NOX. In addition, PA caused a transient, but significant activation [i.e., GTP-bound form] of Rac1 in these cells. NSC23766, a selective inhibitor of Rac1, but not Cdc42 or Rho activation, inhibited Rac1 activation and the generation of superoxides and lipid peroxides induced by PA. Fumonisin B-1 [FB-1], which inhibits de novo synthesis of ceramide [CER] from PA, also attenuated PA-induced superoxide and lipid peroxide generation and NOX activity implicating intracellularly generated CER in the metabolic effects of PA; such effects were also demonstrable in the presence of the cell-permeable C2-CER. Further, NSC23766 prevented C2-CER-induced Rac1 activation and production of superoxides and lipid peroxides. Lastly, C2-CER, but not its inactive analogue, significantly reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, which was prevented to a large degree by NSC23766. Together, our findings suggest that Tiam1/Rac1 signaling pathway regulates PA-induced, CER-dependent superoxide generation and mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells.
A longitudinal study of a semester at sea voyage

Abstract Semester at Sea is a program that combines an interpretive framework of full-time college coursework with travel-observation experiences in a dozen different countries. The goals are to promote development of a world perspective and to stimulate personal growth of participants. Ten years after a Semester at Sea voyage, a sample of participants were contacted to investigate possible long-term effects of the program. Results showed that they maintained a global perspective, and personal growth continued beyond the end of the voyage. Average scores on the Purpose in Life Test were similar to those of highly achieving adults. International travel subsequent to the voyage appeared to contribute to Purpose in Life.
Bispectral index and suppression ratio are very early predictors of neurological outcome during therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest

Purpose: To evaluate the bispectral index (BIS) and sup- pression ratio (SR) as very early predictors of neurological outcome during therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest. Methods: Demo- graphic data, BIS1, and SR1 were recorded from 97 patients after the first dose of neuromuscular blockade, with outcomes blinded, and compared to the discharge Cerebral Perfor- mance Category (CPC). Receiver- operator characteristic curves and a multiple logistic regression model were constructed to predict good (CPC 1-2, GO) and poor (CPC 3-5, PO) neurological outcomes. Results: Fourteen patients were excluded from the final analysis; 33 of the remaining 83 patients (40%) were classified as GO. The BIS1 was higher in patients with GO (37 (28-40) vs. 7 (3-15), p \ 0.001). BIS1 \ 22 predicted PO with a like- lihood ratio (LR) of 14.2 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 (95% CI 0.85-0.98, p \ 0.001). SR1 C48 predicted PO with a LR of 12.7 and an AUC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.83-0.98, p \ 0.001). Both BIS1 (DAUC 0.16, p = 0.006) and SR1 (DAUC 0.16, p = 0.005) predicted outcomes better than the time to return of spontaneous circulation. Conclusions: In our single-center cohort utilizing moder- ate sedation, the bispectral index and suppression ratio recorded after the first dose of intermittent neuromus- cular blockade were accurate and very early predictors of neurological outcome during therapeutic hypo- thermia after cardiac arrest.
Effectiveness of I–V watering devices in maintaining postharvest freshness and quality of cut Christmas trees

Abstract Experiments were carried out with cut Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziezii (Mirb.) Franco) and Leyland cypress [x Cupressocyparis leylandii (A.B. Jacks. & Dallim.)] Christmas trees to evaluate postharvest water uptake, moisture status, needle loss, and tree quality when water was supplied to displayed trees either by an I–V device or a traditional method of placing the base in water. In both experiments, trees consumed about 4× as much water with the traditional method. Based on measurements of twig moisture content, xylem pressure potential ( Ψ ), needle loss, and total water consumption, tree freshness and quality was adequately maintained by the traditional method, but not the I–V device.
International electives in neurology training: a survey of US and Canadian program directors.

Objective: To ascertain the current status of global health training and humanitarian relief opportunities in US and Canadian postgraduate neurology programs. Background: There is a growing interest among North American trainees to pursue medical electives in low- and middle-income countries. Such training opportunities provide many educational and humanitarian benefits but also pose several challenges related to organization, human resources, funding, and trainee and patient safety. The current support and engagement of neurology postgraduate training programs for trainees to pursue international rotations is unknown. Methods: A survey was distributed to all program directors in the United States and Canada (December 2012–February 2013) through the American Academy of Neurology to assess the training opportunities, institutional partnerships, and support available for international neurology electives. Results: Approximately half of responding programs (53%) allow residents to pursue global health–related electives, and 11% reported that at least 1 trainee participated in humanitarian relief during training (survey response rate 61%, 143/234 program directors). Canadian programs were more likely to allow residents to pursue international electives than US programs (10/11, 91% vs 65/129, 50%, p = 0.023). The number of trainees participating in international electives was low: 0%–9% of residents (55% of programs) and 10%–19% of residents (21% of programs). Lack of funding was the most commonly cited reason for residents not participating in global health electives. If funding was available, 93% of program directors stated there would be time for residents to participate. Most program directors (75%) were interested in further information on global health electives. Conclusions: In spite of high perceived interest, only half of US neurology training programs include international electives, mostly due to a reported lack of funding. By contrast, the majority of Canadian programs that responded allow international electives, likely due to clearer guidelines from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada compared to the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education. However, the number of both Canadian and US neurology trainees venturing abroad remains a minority. Most program directors are interested in learning more information related to global health electives for neurology residents.
Optimum futures hedge in the presence of clustered supply and demand shocks, stochastic basis, and firm's costs of hedging

In a doubly stochastic jump-diffusion economy with stochastic jump arrival intensity and proportional transaction costs, we develop a five-factor risk-return asset pricing inequality to model optimum futures hedge in the presence of clustered supply and demand shocks, stochastic basis, and firm's costs of hedging. Concave risk-return tradeoff dictates a hedge ratio to be substantially less than the traditional risk-minimization one. The ratio now comprises a positive diffusion, a positive jump, and a negative hedging cost component. The faster jumps arrive, and the more hedging costs, the more pronounced are the respective jump and hedging cost effects. Empirical validation confirms that actual industry hedge ratios vary significantly across firm's costs of and efficiency in hedging and are significantly lower than what risk-minimization dictates. The model also can be used to compute a threshold production level for determining if a firm should hedge. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 23:1209–1237, 2003
Corneal opacities associated with NTBC treatment

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe a patient with hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HHT-I) treated with 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione (NTBC) who developed corneal opacities. METHODS: A 14-month-old patient was diagnosed with HHT-I and began treatment with NTBC. Her serial ocular examinations were normal until age 4 years, when she developed ocular discomfort and was found to have bilateral, linear, branching subepithelial corneal opacities. RESULTS: Over the next 3 years, the extent of the opacities fluctuated, and increased opacities correlated with periods of poor compliance with a restricted protein diet. Serum tyrosine levels remained elevated at 238 to 602 umol/L (normal 26 to 83) throughout the duration of NTBC treatment. CONCLUSION: Corneal opacities are a potential consequence of NTBC treatment for HHT-I. The lesions probably result from elevated serum and ocular tyrosine levels due to inhibition of the tyrosine catabolic pathway and poor dietary compliance.
Selective catecholamine depletion of structures along the ventral lamina terminalis: effects on experimentally-induced drinking and pressor responses

Ablation of the periventricular tissue of the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) or injection of the chemical neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), into the structures along the ventral lamina terminalis will produce deficits in drinking and pressor responses to exogenous angiotensin II (ANG II). Centrally-applied 6-OHDA has been shown to result in widespread depletions of both adrenergic (i.e. both noradrenaline and adrenaline-containing) and dopaminergic neurons. Questions arise, therefore, as to whether a dopaminergic or adrenergic depletion is critical and the locus where reductions must occur. The present experiment was designed to investigate the specificity of the effects of 6-OHDA administration into lamina terminalis-associated structures on ANG II-induced drinking and pressor responses. The nature of the depletion was manipulated with desmethylimipramine (DMI), a drug which blocks the uptake of 6-OHDA into adrenergic but not dopaminergic nerve terminals and thereby spares adrenergic elements. The experimental results indicate that 6-OHDA administration into structures of the ventral lamina terminalis produced ANG II response deficits and marked reductions in catecholamine histofluorescence in the regions of the injection sites. In contrast, pretreatment with DMI protected against the 6-OHDA-produced functional deficits and minimized the effects on histofluorescence. These findings are consistent with the interpretation that adrenergic but not dopaminergic neurons must be present in the structures of the ventral lamina terminalis in order to elicit normal angiotensin-induced drinking and pressor responses.
Influence of bioclimatic variables on tree-line conifer distribution in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem : implications for species of conservation concern

Aim Tree-line conifers are believed to be limited by temperature worldwide, and thus may serve as important indicators of climate change. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential shifts in spatial distribution of three tree-line conifer species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem under three future climate-change scenarios and to assess their potential sensitivity to changes in both temperature and precipitation. Location This study was performed using data from 275 sites within the boundaries of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, primarily located in Wyoming, USA. Methods We used data on tree-line conifer presence from the US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program. Climatic and edaphic variables were derived from spatially interpolated maps and approximated for each of the sites. We used the random-forest prediction method to build a model of predicted current and future distributions of each of the species under various climate-change scenarios. Results We had good success in predicting the distribution of tree-line conifer species currently and under future climate scenarios. Temperature and temperature-related variables appeared to be most influential in the distribution of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), whereas precipitation and soil variables dominated the models for subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii). The model for whitebark pine substantially overpredicted absences (as compared with the other models), which is probably a result of the importance of biological factors in the distribution of this species. Main conclusions These models demonstrate the complex response of conifer distributions to changing climate scenarios. Whitebark pine is considered a ‘keystone’ species in the subalpine forests of western North America; however, it is believed to be nearly extinct throughout a substantial portion of its range owing to the combined effects of an introduced pathogen, outbreaks of the native mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), and changing fire regimes. Given predicted changes in climate, it is reasonable to predict an overall decrease in pine-dominated subalpine forests in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to manage these forests effectively with respect to future climate, it may be important to focus attention on monitoring dry mid- and high-elevation forests as harbingers of long-term change.
THE POTENTIAL USE OF SMALL UAS IN SPILL RESPONSE

ABSTRACT For the last several decades, the sensors available for remote sensing of oil spills have changed significantly while the platforms for these sensors have remained unaltered. The limitations on these platforms are well known. Satellites are expensive, remote, and inflexible. Fixed-wing aircraft cannot hover easily over the spill site and often fly too fast for good observations. Helicopters are expensive, require specially trained pilots, and can be more hazardous than other alternatives. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) provide a potentially new alternative platform for monitoring spill location and clean-up operations. The aircraft (also called unmanned aerial or airborne vehicles) fit into three general categories. Very large aircraft require much or more of the infrastructure of manned aircraft and will probably be deployed only in spills of national significance. Mid-range vehicles have proven their worth monitoring forests fires, emergencies with many similar requirements to oil spills, but ...
Isospin and isobar components in light nuclei

Isospin mixing in light nuclei is examined through isospin-forbidden particle decay channels. From data on ($\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{p}}$,$p$) isospin-forbidden resonances, isospin-mixing amplitudes are extracted. They show definitively a periodicity of 8 in $A$ for $8l~Al~40$. These results are combined with neutron- and alpha-decay data in an isospin analysis that estimates isovector and isotensor amplitudes and nucleon isobar contributions to isospin mixing.
Modelling of flexible surfaces: a preliminary study

The one-dimensional classical scalar string equation which involves linearization about a horizontal reference or equilibrium position is derived. We then derive a model for small motion about a nonhorizontal reference. The implications of our findings to modeling of flexible antenna surfaces such as that in the Maypole Hoop/Column antenna are discussed.
Helix‐capping interaction in λ cro protein: A free energy simulation analysis

The stability mutant Tyr-26 Asp was studied in the Cro protein from bacteriophage λ using free energy molecular dynamics simulations. The mutant was calculated to be more stable than the wild type by 3.0 ± 1.7 kcal/mol/monomer, in reasonable agreement with experiment (1.4 kcal/mol/monomer). Moreover, the aspartic acid in the mutant was found to form a capping interation with the amino terminus of the third α-helix of Cro. The simulations were analyzed to understand better the source of the stability of this helix-capping interaction and to examine the results in light of previous explanations of stabilizing helix caps-namely, a model of local unsatisfied hydrogen bonds at the helix termini and the helix macro dipole model. Analysis of the simulations shows that the stabilizing effect of this charged helical cap is due both to favorable hydrogen bonds with backbone NH groups at the helix terminus and to favorable electrostatic interactions (but not hydrogen bonds) with their carbonyls (effectively the next row of local dipoles in the helix). However, electrostatic interactions are weak or negligible with backbone dipolar groups in the helix further away from the terminus. Moreover, the importance of other local electrostatic interactions with polar side chains near the helix terminus, which are neglected in most treatments of this effect, are shown to be important. Thus, the results support a model that is intermediate between the two previous explanations: both unsatisfied hydrogen bonds at the helix terminus and other, local preoriented dipolar groups stabilize the helix cap. These findings suggest that similar interactions with preoriented dipolar groups may be important for cooperativity in other charge–dipole interactions and may be employed to advantage for molecular design. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computerized tomographic findings in intracranial metastatic malignant melanoma

CT findings in 35 malignant melanoma patients with cerebral metastases were analyzed. One of 35 patients was neurologically asymptomatic. There were solitary lesions in 19 and multiple lesions in 16 cases. Sixteen solitary lesions were located in the cerebral hemispheres with 10 in the frontal region. Seventy-five percent appeared as increased density on noncontrast study; 22% were hypodense and 3% were isodense. All lesions showed contrast enhancement, usually appearing as a homogeneous nodular or ring pattern.
Mosadi Tshwene: the construction of gender and the consumption of alcohol in Botswana

The capitalist economy of Botswana has made alcohol a commodity and thereby altered the cultural meaning of its consumption. Where it was formerly a key symbol of cooperative and familial agricultural production, as well as of the patriarchal and gerontocratic control of labor, today it is more symbolic of competition and individual success in a cash economy. Within the changed economic context, however, both men and women connect current drinking behaviors to “traditional” gender roles, even if they sometimes do so in different ways. Men continue to view drinking as an ascribed right associated with their gender. Women continue to see it as a privilege earned by demonstrated competence. That the BaTswana present today's drinking as continuous with that of the past underscores the malleability of “tradition” as a symbol. [Botswana, alcohol, gender roles, acculturation, aging]
Chiefly Power and Household Production on the Northwest Coast

Inequalities may have always existed in human societies, at least at the level of relationships between individuals (e.g., Bender 1989; Olszewski 1991), relationships that are fluid—depending upon the interplay between individual character, age, and gender—since they are structured by social organization, culture, and economy, among other factors (including our biological heritage as terrestrial primates). Why and how do permanent elites grow from this seedbed? There are two broad classes of materialist answers: elite-as-managers and elite-as-thugs (cf. Gilman 1981). The first category includes Haas’s (1982) integrationist school and the second his conflict school.
Synthesis, characterization, and complexing properties of a polymethacrylate bearing pendant macroheterocyclic structures

The synthesis of a polymerizable methacrylate bearing the dibenzo-18-crown-6 moiety (5) was effected in three steps by condensation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde with 1,2-bis[2′-(2″-chloroethoxy)ethoxy]benzene (2), reduction of the resulting 4-formyldibenzo-18-crown-6 (3) to 4 and subsequent reaction of 4 with methacryloyl chloride. The methacrylate (5) was polymerized in solution using 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as the initiator and gave a solid polymer (6) having a midrange Tg of 67°C. The polymethacrylate bearing pendant crown-ether structure (6) was found to effectively complex potassium ions and was clearly more effective in its complexing ability than dibenzo-18-crown-6 (7) or a polyurethane bearing the dibenzo-18-crown-6 moiety (8) in the polymer backbone. The subject polymer (6) was also found to complex and consequently solubilize several metal 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) salts to give semiconducting compositions. Evidence is given that in the presence of the neutral acceptor molecule, 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), the polymethacrylate (6) acting as a donor, gives rise to a charge-transfer (C/T) complex.
Endpoints for Assessing Drug Activity in Clinical Trials

Overall survival remains the gold standard for the demonstration of clinical benefit. An improvement in overall survival is a direct clinical benefit to patients. An analysis of overall survival requires larger patient numbers and longer follow-up than other endpoints. Survival analysis may be confounded by subsequent therapies. Time to progression usually requires smaller clinical trials and may be more rapidly assessed than trials using overall survival as an endpoint. This endpoint is not confounded by subsequent therapies. Time to progression must use the same evaluation techniques and schedules for all therapies being evaluated. Blinding of trials or the use of an external blinded radiographic review committee is recommended in assessing time to progression. Unlike overall survival and time to progression, which must be evaluated in randomized trials, response rates can be accurately assessed using a single-arm trial. Stable disease is not included in a response rate determination and is optimally evaluated by assessing tumor progression in a randomized trial. Improvement in disease-related symptoms is considered clinical benefit and may be an appropriate endpoint for drug approval.
Best Management Practices and Long-Term Water Quality Trends in the Everglades Agricultural Area

The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in South Florida, part of the historical Everglades, was initially drained in the early 20th century for agriculture and flood protection. The organic soils have been subject to subsidence caused by organic matter oxidation. Soils are deeper east of Lake Okeechobee compared to soils south of the lake. The area is mostly planted to sugarcane and other crops such as rice, vegetables, and sod. Concerns about quality of water leaving the EAA led to a regulatory program for mandatory best management practices (BMP) since 1995 to reduce phosphorus (P) loads out of the EAA by 25% compared to historical levels. The program is highly successful, with 100% grower participation and exceeding P load reduction required by law. Trend analysis conducted on selected EAA farms, subbasins, and whole basin show, in general, decreasing trends in P concentrations, drainage flow, and P loads. Differences are noted between farms and subbasins due to factors that include rainfall distributi...
Control of Brain Development, Function, and Behavior by the Microbiome

Animals share an intimate and life-long partnership with a myriad of resident microbial species, collectively referred to as the microbiota. Symbiotic microbes have been shown to regulate nutrition and metabolism and are critical for the development and function of the immune system. More recently, studies have suggested that gut bacteria can impact neurological outcomes—altering behavior and potentially affecting the onset and/or severity of nervous system disorders. In this review, we highlight emerging evidence that the microbiome extends its influence to the brain via various pathways connecting the gut to the central nervous system. While understanding and appreciation of a gut microbial impact on neurological function is nascent, unraveling gut-microbiome-brain connections holds the promise of transforming the neurosciences and revealing potentially novel etiologies for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.