cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of miconazole on growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus.

At 5 μM, miconazole prevented the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus Speare in a number of media. Sensitivity to miconazole was increased approximately 10-fold in a medium containing glycerol. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, miconazole stimulated aflatoxin synthesis on media which normally support toxin formation. Miconazole inhibited respiration and altered mitochondrial ultrastructure, suggesting that miconazole inhibits growth and stimulates aflatoxin production by depressing mitochondrial activity.
Soil respiration responses to topography, canopy cover, and prescribed burning in an oak-hickory forest in southeastern Ohio

Abstract Soil respiration (Rs) is an important component of carbon loss from forest ecosystems. As forest management (e.g. prescribed burning) is becoming increasingly more common, it is important to understand the relationship between Rs and prescribed fire. Unfortunately, this relationship is still misunderstood due to the heterogeneity of physical and biological factors over the landscape and between ecosystems. To examine the effects of landscape position, canopy cover (CC), and prescribed burning on soil moisture, soil temperature, and Rs, while controlling for variation in soil properties, we utilized a randomized complete block (RCB) design with five treatments within each block. Each block consisted of five 2 m × 2 m treatment subplots: control, cool burn, hot burn, lime fertilization, and leaf litter removal. A total of 20 blocks were nested within a 2 × 2 factorial design with two effects, landscape position (upland or lowland) and canopy cover (100 or 60%). Rs, soil temperature, and soil moisture were measured monthly from June to November 2004. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant effects of treatment and time on Rs. However, Rs was not significantly affected by prescribed fire, landscape position, or canopy cover. Soil temperature and moisture were significantly affected by landscape position, canopy cover, and time. By eliminating within-site variability between control and prescribed burning treatments, Rs rates were found to be unchanged in burn plots during the growing season following the fire. These results highlight the importance of environmental variability in determining the effects of prescribed fire on Rs rates.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Statewide System for Lessons Learned

A system for collecting, archiving, and disseminating lessons learned is a critical component of experienced-based processes, such as the design and construction of roadway and bridges. The construction section of the Kentucky Transportation Center developed a centralized, web-based lessons learned system for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Other state transportation agencies have recognized the importance of formally documenting lessons learned that result from postconstruction and con-structability reviews. The cabinet believes it is critical to expand its efforts of capturing lessons learned on all projects and to make that information available to current and future project participants anywhere and at any time. Thus a web-based lessons learned system that can receive text and any form of multimedia data was developed for cabinet personnel, designers, contractors, and other project participants. The project also (a) developed a process for maintaining the lessons learned system that includes the ...
Performance prediction for random write reductions: a case study in modeling shared memory programs

In this paper, we revisit the problem of performance prediction on shared memory parallel machines, motivated by the need for selecting parallelization strategy for random write reductions. Such reductions frequently arise in data mining algorithms.In our previous work, we have developed a number of techniques for parallelizing this class of reductions. Our previous work has shown that each of the three techniques, full replication, optimized full locking, and cache-sensitive, can outperform others depending upon problem, dataset, and machine parameters. Therefore, an important question is, "Can we predict the performance of these techniques for a given problem, dataset, and machine?".This paper addresses this question by developing an analytical performance model that captures a two-level cache, coherence cache misses, TLB misses, locking overheads, and contention for memory. Analytical model is combined with results from micro-benchmarking to predict performance on real machines. We have validated our model on two different SMP machines. Our results show that our model effectively captures the impact of memory hierarchy (two-level cache and TLB) as well as the factors that limit parallelism (contention for locks, memory contention, and coherence cache misses). The difference between predicted and measured performance is within 20% in almost all cases. Moreover, the model is quite accurate in predicting the relative performance of the three parallelization techniques.
Emotion Regulation: Processes, Strategies, and Applications to Group Work Training and Supervision.

The complex group work environment can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking, particularly for novice group leaders. Effectively accessing and managing one's own emotions are tasks central to effective group leadership and should be primary learning objectives of group workers in training. This article provides an overview of Gross's (2001) process model of emotion regulation and recent research, details emotion regulation strategies, and discusses how the concepts apply across common components of master's-level group work training and supervision.
Finitely 1-convex f-rings

Abstract This paper investigates f -rings that can be constructed in a finite number of steps where every step consists of taking the fibre product of two f -rings, both being either a 1-convex f -ring or a fibre product obtained in an earlier step of the construction. These are the f -rings that satisfy the algebraic property that rings of continuous functions possess when the underlying topological space is finitely an F-space (i.e. has a Stone–Cech compactification that is a finite union of compact F-spaces). These f -rings are shown to be SV f -rings with bounded inversion and finite rank and, when constructed from semisimple f -rings, their maximal ideal space under the hull-kernel topology contains a dense open set of maximal ideals containing a unique minimal prime ideal. For a large class of these rings, the sum of prime, semiprime, primary and z -ideals are shown to be prime, semiprime, primary and z -ideals respectively.
Sorry to interrupt: asian media preferences in cross-cultural collaborations

Laboratory studies of culture and computer-mediated communication have provided inconsistent results, in part due to differences in the tasks people were asked to do, the specific cultural backgrounds of participants, and the tools used for communication. We conducted an interview study in an effort to shed light on these inconsistent findings. The goal of the study was to understand when members of different cultures feel particular media (e.g., email, instant messaging, phone) are appropriate and to understand which medium they would chose for specific communication tasks. We discuss key themes from these interviews.
Effect of material configuration on strengthening of concrete slabs by CFRP composites

While there have been a large number of studies related to strengthening of concrete beams, girders and slabs through the use of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, there has been very little emphasis on investigating the effect of material configuration (primarily related to the process used to fabricate the strips). This paper reports on the strength, failure mechanisms and ductility achieved through the use of pultrusion and wet layup fabricated strips, both adhesively bonded to the concrete substrate. Fourteen different tests are conducted on concrete slabs using a variety of configurations. Differences in mechanisms of failure are identified and comparisons are made of overall response. Initial results of materials efficiency are noted and results are compared to an analytical model with criteria based on fracture based criteria.
Buckling of Composite Cylindrical Characterization Specimens

Using dimensions which are typical of current laboratory tubular specimens, critical buckling loads are determined'for unidirectional and Jaminated cylinders subjected to torsion and to axial compression. Buckling loads are obtained by using classical Fourier analysis in conjunction with Flugge's shell equations modified for anisotropic laminated materials. Comparison of buckling loads to composite strength, as estimated from maximum strain criterion, suggests that buckling is a potential problem in the use of tubular specimens. A relatively easy method for estimating buckling loads is also presented.
Estimating modes and isopleths

Recent years have witnessed a renewal of interest in estimating the mode and in related multivariate mapping problems. In part, this renaisance may be attributed to the Phillosopoicdi Success of nonparametrics in challenging the dominant (Fisherian) parametric world-view. But the main reason is the recent advent of powerful mathematical tools and computational machinery that render these problems much more tractable. In surveying the mode, this paper has several objectives: (1) to place the development of modal estimation in historical perspective, noting the statistical currents that stimulated and retarded its progress; (2) to present all the methods for estimating the mode that have been studied in the literature; (3) to summarize the mathematical results, including consistency and asymptotic distributions; (4) to evaluate critically the extant simulation studies; (5) to note areas of cross-fertilization with other disciplines and with other areas of statistics, such as density estimation, cartography,...
Temperature dependence of the pure vibrational dephasing rate in a heteropolymer

Abstract The temperature dependence of the pure vibrational dephasing rate in two different model heteropolymers is examined. One model is an anharmonic chain of atoms coupled by random forces, for which the pure dephasing rate of one mode is calculated. The second is a CO ligand coupled to an α-helix of the protein myoglobin. In both models the rate of pure dephasing due to coupling to vibrational modes of the heteropolymer is found to obey an apparent power-law temperature dependence T α , α ≈1.3–1.4, over the temperature range of the calculations, from well below 100 to about 200 K.
A surge response function approach to coastal hazard assessment. Part 2: Quantification of spatial attributes of response functions

In response to the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, surge risk assessment approaches have been re-evaluated to develop more rapid, reliable methods for predicting the risk associated with extreme hurricanes. Here, the development of dimensionless surge response functions relating surge to hurricane meteorological parameters is presented. Such response functions present an opportunity to maximize surge data usage and to improve statistical estimates of surge probability by providing a means for defining continuous probability density functions. A numerical modeling investigation was carried out for the Texas, USA coastline to develop physical scaling laws relating storm surge response with hurricane parameters including storm size, intensity, and track. It will be shown that these scaling laws successfully estimate the surge response at any arbitrary location for any arbitrary storm track within the study region. Such a prediction methodology has the potential to decrease numerical computation requirements by 75% for hurricane risk assessment studies.
Marine Fungi of Iceland: A Preliminary Account of Ascomycetes

This paper reports, for the first time, 25 species of marine pyrenomycetes from Icelandic waters. Taxonomic notes are included for certain species.
Effects of azimuthal baffles on the heat transfer across a horizontal porous annulus

Numerical results are presented for natural convection in a horizontal porous annulus (pipe insulation) with azimuthal baffles. It has been shown that azimuthal baffles are effective in reducing convective heat losses from pipe insulation. The effectiveness in the reduction of heat loss depends on the baffle angular extent. For the cases examined in this study, the baffles with a full angular span (Le., 6 = 360 deg) give the best result. This implies that applying multiple layers of insulation separated by impermeable partitions is more effective than using a single layer of insulation with the same thickness. d
Food experience-induced taste desensitization modulated by the Drosophila TRPL channel

Animals tend to reject bitter foods. However, long-term exposure to some unpalatable tastants increases acceptance of these foods. Here we show that dietary exposure to an unappealing but safe additive, camphor, caused the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to decrease camphor rejection. The transient receptor potential-like (TRPL) cation channel was a direct target for camphor in gustatory receptor neurons, and long-term feeding on a camphor diet led to reversible downregulation of TRPL protein concentrations. The turnover of TRPL was controlled by an E3 ubiquitin ligase, Ube3a. The decline in TRPL levels and increased acceptance of camphor reversed after returning the flies to a camphor-free diet long term. We propose that dynamic regulation of taste receptors by ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation comprises an important molecular mechanism that allows an animal to alter its taste behavior in response to a changing food environment.
Nonequilibrium sorption of organic chemicals by low organic-carbon aquifer materials

Abstract The objective of the work reported herein was to investigate nonequilibrium sorption of four representative organic chemicals by five aquifer materials comprised of low organic carbon (i.e., less than 0.1%). The results of miscible displacement experiments were analyzed using a one-dimensional advective-dispersive transport model, wherein sorption is considered instantaneous for a fraction of the sorbent and rate-limited for the remainder. An inverse correlation between the desorption rate constant and the equilibrium sorption constant was evident. It appears that all five aquifer materials exhibited similar nonequilibrium behavior, which suggests that the sorbent has only a secondary effect on the nature of nonequilibrium sorption. In addition, the data obtained for the aquifer materials were similar to data obtained for sorbents of higher organic-carbon contents.
Development of a metal anode ignitron switch tube

A study has been made of a refractory metal-anode mercury-pool switch tube for transferring energy from capacitor banks to experimental apparatus for producing electron-ion plasma, pulsed magnetic fields and other applications. One of the special-purpose applications for these tubes is transferring stored energy from capacitor banks to experimental thermonuclear-fusion devices. In this application the tube must hold off 104 to 105 volts, carry peak currents of the order of 104 to 106 amperes, and have low inductance to allow for fast current rise. Since many of the L-C (inductance capacitance) circuits are not critically damped, the anode of the tube becomes alternately a cathode. The use of tubes in these circuits presents a new duty cycle for ignitrons, and often the conventional ignitron fails to have adequate life of several thousand operations.
Potential applications of III–V nitride semiconductors

Abstract Gallium nitride and its alloys with InN and AlN have recently emerged as important semiconductor materials with applications to yellow, green, blue and ultraviolet portions of the spectrum as emitters and detectors and high power temperature electronics. Blue and green nitride LEDs exhibit brightness levels and longevity well in excess of that required for outdoor applications. Combined with the available red LEDs, true full color all semiconductor displays can be attained for the first time. If used for traffic lights and illumination (pending further improvements in blue in some cases), these devices can outlast and outperform the incandescent light bulbs while saving precious energy. This material system is also intrinsically germane to short wavelength semiconductor lasers for increased data storage. Very recently, pulsed room temperature operation of 410 am semiconductor lasers, the shortest wavelength ever from a semiconductor, have been reported. Nitrides are also conducive for high power devices/circuits, and sensors and detectors with applications in high temperature and unfriendly environments which leads to estimates that substantial weight savings can be achieved in aircraft and spacecraft. Moreover, the AlGaN alloy with bandgap above 5.5 eV shows negative electron affinity surfaces with applications to cold cathodes in general and fiat panel displays in particular.
Phase transformations in the Ti-V system under high pressure up to 25 GPa

Abstract Polycrystalline samples of pure Ti and Ti-V alloys containing 2.8, 7.6, 11.4, 20, 25, 35, 40 and 50 atomic percent V were investigated up to ~ 25 GPa at ambient temperature using a diamond anvil pressure cell and X-ray diffraction techniques. The X-ray data show that for alloys with less than ~ 30% V, the hexagonal ω phase is more stable under high pressure conditions than the h.c.p. α phase and the b.c.c. β phase. For alloys with higher V content (> ~ 30%), however, no ω phase was detected. The transformation pressure for the α → ω + α transition decreases gradually with increasing V content whereas for the β → ω + β transition, it increases exponentially. The pressure-induced ω phase obtained in the Ti-V system has an axial ratio c o a o of 0.6105 ± 0.0015, which is about 0.3% lower than the value (0.612) reported for thermally treated ω phases. The pressure-induced ω phase has a smaller volume than the corresponding β and a phases. Thus the relationships aω = √2 aβ and c ω = ( √3 2 ) a β , which hold very well for thermal ω phases, do not hold for the pressure-induced ω phase.
Social Reinforcement and Self-Gratification: Effects of Absolute and Socially Compared Levels of Nurturance

Abstract Social Reinforcement and Self-Gratification: Effects of Absolute and Socially Compared Levels of Nurturance
Somatic crossing over in Glycine max L. (Merrill): sensitivity to and saturation of the system at low levels of tritium emitted beta-radiation.

Seeds of varieties L65–1237 and T219 of soybean were soaked in 20–50 ml of tritiated water (HTO) containing between 0.01 and 50 μCi/ml of tritium (T) for various periods from 24 to 142hr. Genetic damage was determined by counting the number of Y11Y11-y11y11 spots on the Y11y11 leaves. No effect was noticeable in treatments lasting up to 24hr independent of the concentration. However, somatic crossing over occurred when the seeds were treated with tritium for 92 hr or longer even with concentrations as low as 0.01 μCi/ml. The data indicate that the soybean system being used is sensitive to very low doses of beta radiation. The damage to the seeds treated with the lowest concentration was not significantly different in quality or quantity from that induced by higher concentrations. This indicates some type of saturation effect to tritium-emitted beta radiation. Analytical results showed that synthesis of organic matter and incorporation of tritium into the organic fraction was delayed until about 96 hr after the imbibition was started. This indicates a relationship between spot induction by tritium and organic synthesis.
Risk of colorectal cancer among automotive pattern and model makers

Twofold to threefold increases in risk for colorectal cancer associated with pattern and model making in the automobile industry have been suggested by several reports. This paper reports the investigation of a cohort of 7545 General Motors pattern and model makers originally defined for the purpose of cancer screening. All-cause mortality for this cohort was lower than that of the US population (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 0.7; 95% confidence limits 0.6, 0.8). There were 22 colon cancer deaths v 10.9 expected, resulting in a significantly elevated SMR of 2.0 (95% confidence limits of 1.3, 3.0), consistent with previous studies. The colon cancer SMR for nonparticipants in the screening programs was 4.0 (95% confidence limits of 2.2, 6.7), emphasizing the importance of complete follow-up for all members of a defined cohort.
Depression in opioid users varies with substance use status

The relation of substance use status to depressed mood during careers of 173 opioid users was estimated using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. The data suggested a progression in severity of depression from those abstinent or using occasionally, who were least depressed, through intermediate substance use states, to those dependent on illicit opioids, who were most depressed. One hundred five subjects completed the Scale in two interviews separated by a mean of 4.5 years. Change in substance use status from not dependent at first interview to dependent at second interview was associated with increased depression.
Compressible phase of a double-layer electron system with total Landau-level filling factor 1/2.

Following recent work of Halperin, Lee, and Read, and Kalmeyer and Zhang, a double-layer electron system with total Landau-level filling factor \ensuremath{\nu}=1/2 is mapped onto an equivalent system of fermions in zero average magnetic field interacting via a Chern-Simons gauge field. Within the random-phase approximation a new, low-lying, diffusive mode, not present in the \ensuremath{\nu}=1/2 single-layer system, is found. This mode leads to more singular low-energy scattering than appears in the single-layer system, and to an attractive pairing interaction between fermions in different layers which grows stronger as the layer spacing is decreased. The possible connection between this pairing interaction and the experimentally observed fractional quantum Hall effect in double-layer systems is discussed.
Sonographic demonstration of renal arterial calcification simulating multiple renal calculi

A case of arterial calcification simulating renal calculi during ultrasound examination is described. The differential diagnosis of echogenic foci with acoustic shadowing is discussed.
Interpretation of snow surveys

A method is presented for the forecast of seasonal water yield based upon snow-survey data. The method takes into account snow water equivalent by area-elevation zones, and interpolates derived snow water equivalents for higher altitudes and for other parts of a watershed not actually sampled by snow courses. The effectiveness of the method is evaluated by statistical analysis.
Ischemia–reperfusion injury of peripheral nerve in experimental diabetic neuropathy

The pathogenesis of human diabetic neuropathy likely involves the interplay of hyperglycemia, ischemia, and oxidative stress. Mild-moderate ischemia-reperfusion to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes results in florid fiber degeneration in diabetic but not in normal nerves. Uncertainty exists as to the influence of duration of diabetes on this susceptibility. We therefore studied diabetic tibial and sciatic nerves using a rat ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model after 1 month and 4 months of diabetes utilizing electrophysiological, behavioral, and neuropathological methods. Electrophysiological abnormalities were present in 1-month diabetic rats (D) and persisted over 4 months. Behavioral scores were decreased markedly at 4 months (p<0.05). Endoneurial edema and ischemia fiber degeneration (IFD) were observed at both the 1-month (p<0.01 and p<0.001) and 4-month (p<0.001) durations in diabetic nerves, whereas only mild or no damage was observed in age-matched control nerves. These findings demonstrate that STZ-induced diabetes exacerbates the morphological and electrophysiological pathology in peripheral nerve to IR injury both in the early timepoint of 1 month and late timepoint of 4 months, although there was a gradation of injury, which is more severe at the later timepoint. Reperfusion exaggerated morphological pathology in 1-month STZ-induced diabetic peripheral nerve.
Research and development project selection in the public sector

This article argues for an innovative methodology to appraising (ex ante) longer-term strategic research and development (R&D) investments. This methodology reflects the inherent value of such R&D in terms of opening up opportunities (but not obligations) for investment in new technological areas with potentially substantial returns. Although corporate R&D managers and public administrators describe the merits of long-term research on these grounds, only recently has the qualitative argument been replaced by the foundations of a methodology capable of quantifying this inherent value of R&D. Such a methodology could also facilitate a transition toward the use of more appropriate discount rates other than the unvarying rates of traditional methodologies.
Particulate air pollution and hospital admissions for congestive heart failure in seven United States cities.

The association between short-term elevations in ambient particulate air pollution and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is well documented. Ambient particles may also trigger acute decompensation in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), but this hypothesis has not been evaluated in a systematic manner. This study evaluated the association between daily levels of respirable particulate matter of aerodynamic diameters ≤10 μm (PM 10 ) and the rate of hospitalization from the emergency room for CHF in Medicare recipients (age ≥65 years) in 7 United States cities from 1986 and 1999. The time-stratified case-crossover design was used to separately estimate the effect of a 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 10 in each city. A combined random-effects estimate was then obtained from the city-specific effect estimates. There were 292,918 admissions with primary diagnoses of CHF during the observation period. Overall, a 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 10 was associated with a 0.72% (95% confidence interval 0.35% to 1.10%) increase in the rate of admission for CHF on the same day. The effect of PM 10 appeared to be less in patients with secondary diagnoses of hypertension. There was no consistent effect modification by age, gender, race, or any other secondary diagnosis evaluated. In conclusion, these results support the hypothesis that elevated levels of particulate air pollution, below the current limits set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, are associated with an increase in the rate of hospital admission for exacerbation of CHF.
Miocene-Recent Planktonic Foraminifera from Ampere Bank, Northeastern Atlantic Ocean: ABSTRACT

Eight submarine cores, obtained by the Lamont Geological Observatory from Ampere Bank (a sunken island located at 35°00^prime N. Lat. and 13°00^prime W. Long. about 630 km. WSW of Gibraltar), were studied with the purpose of long-distance correlation of mid-Tertiary stratigraphic sequences by means of planktonic Foraminifera. Ampere Bank rises from the floor of the ocean at a depth of about 4,000 m. to a minimum depth of 53 m. from the sea-level. The core sediments consist of white or light brown calcareous sand and lutite, except for one core taken from the western slope of Ampere Bank where the coarse fraction includes particles of volcanic rock and pyroxene. Planktonic foraminiferal tests are a major component of these calcareous sediments with a few benthonic species representing various habitats from shallow to deep water. Miocene planktonic foraminiferal faunas occur in 4 out of 8 cores. The Miocene sediments are usually very thinly covered (10-20 cm.) by the younger sediments. Based on the stratigraphic distribution and species composition of planktonic Foraminifera, three concurrent-range zones were recognized. These are in ascending order: Globorotalia mayeri/Globigerina nepenthes, Globorotalia menardii/Globigerina nepenthes, and Sphaeroidinellopsis seminulina zones. However, no single core contains more than two of these zones. The boundary between the G. mayeri/G. nepenthes zone and G. menardii/G. nepenthes zone indicates that of the Helvetian-Tortonian stages. The planktonic faunas as found in Ampere Bank are very similar to those of the Donni sandstone in Saipan, the Nobori formation in SW Japan and the Pozon formation in Venezuela. This evidence confirms the supposed value of planktonic Foraminifera for long-distance stratigraphic correlation. In this region Globorotalia hirsuta, which has not yet been reported from equivalent zones of the Pacific regions, makes its first appearance at the top of the G. mayeri/G. nepenthes zone and occurs abundantly in the overlying two zones. The post-Miocene sediments are distinguished by the predominance of Globorotalia truncatulinoides, sparsity of G. menardii, and dominant dextral coiling of G. hirsuta. Several phylogenetic trends of Recent planktonic foraminiferal species are found within these three zones. Since many Recent species appear near the end of the Miocene, more refined biostratigraphic subdivision of the post-Miocene sediments is a difficult task and requires further studies. End_of_Article - Last_Page 545------------
Distal transformation from double-half forearms in the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum.

Abstract The capacity for distal transformation of surgically produced symmetrical forearms of the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum , was tested. The polar coordinate model for pattern regulation in epimorphic fields states that positional information is a property of cells which reflects their position in the field, specifically, by their location on a radius and a circumference of the field. The model proposes that for complete distal transformation to occur, a complete circumference of positional values must be present at the plane of amputation. Previous experiments have shown that surgically constructed, symmetrical upper arms of axolotls and newts are not capable of regenerating a distally complete pattern. In the present experiment, double-posterior and double-anterior symmetrical forearms were produced by exchanging the anterior half of the right forearm with the posterior portion of the left forearm. The grafts were allowed to heal for 5–35 days, at which time the limb was amputated through the center of the grafted region. Ninety-five percent of the double-anterior (left) forearms and 77% of the double-posterior (right) forearms either did not regenerate or regenerated symmetrical patterns. The regenerated patterns always converged, i.e., lost structures along the line of symmetry. The length of the healing time did not affect the number of elements regenerated. The remaining limbs regenerated asymmetrical structures, either normal, or parts of normal, hands. These results are compared with those of similar experiments previously performed on the upper arms of axolots and newts and the hindlimbs of salamanders and are discussed in light of a model for distal transformation.
A Qualitative Assessment of Barriers and Facilitators to Achieving Behavior Goals Among Obese Inner-City Adolescents in a Weight Management Program:

Purpose The purpose of this study was (1) to examine the reasons for managing weight, (2) to investigate the barriers and facilitators to achieving behavior goals, and (3) to assess how a behavior ...
Charles Bonnet syndrome and Terson’s syndrome from subarachnoid hemorrhage: good news from bad news

Dear Editor, We read with interest the report by Cebulla et al. [1] reporting visual hallucinations associated with Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) in a patient with bilateral dense vitreous hemorrhage from subarachnoid hemorrhage. The authors report rapid improvement in her cognition and cessation of the hallucinations after pars plana vitrectomy was performed in one eye. This is consistent with earlier reports where improvement of visual acuity leads to a reduction or cessation of the hallucinations in CBS [2–4]. The authors referred to the “commonly limited prognosis for hallucinations” in CBS[1]. While it is true that the hallucinations do persist in some patients, in others these hallucinations may cease spontaneously after a period of time, even if the visual loss is irreversible. In fact, it has been suggested that an acute change in visual acuity may be the trigger for the onset of visual hallucinations in CBS [5, 6] and the hallucinations cease once the visual acuity has stabilized. Patients with CBS have been treated with a variety of drugs to control the hallucinations. However, in our experience, reassurance that the hallucinations are normal, and that they are not “mad” or suffering from a psychiatric disease, are a source of great relief to patients [3]. We would also like to point out that although older age is a risk factor for CBS, this condition can occur in patients of any age group [3], even in the pediatric age group [7, 8]. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis even in younger patients who present with visual hallucinations without other neurological causes.
Prevalence of filarioid nematodes and trypanosomes in American robins and house sparrows, Chicago USA.

Hosts are commonly infected with a suite of parasites, and interactions among these parasites can affect the size, structure, and behavior of host–parasite communities. As an important step to understanding the significance of co-circulating parasites, we describe prevalence of co-circulating hemoparasites in two important avian amplification hosts for West Nile virus (WNV), the American robin (Turdus migratorius) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus), during the 2010–2011 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Rates of nematode microfilariemia were 1.5% of the robins (n = 70) and 4.2% of the house sparrows (n = 72) collected during the day and 11.1% of the roosting robins (n = 63) and 0% of the house sparrows (n = 11) collected at night. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of the 18S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes from these parasites resolved two clades of filarioid nematodes. Microscopy revealed that 18.0% of American robins (n = 133) and 16.9% of house sparrows (n = 83) hosted trypanosomes in the blood. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences from the 18s rRNA gene revealed that the trypanosomes fall within previously described avian trypanosome clades. These results document hemoparasites in the blood of WNV hosts in a center of endemic WNV transmission, suggesting a potential for direct or indirect interactions with the virus.
Measurements of Wall Shear Stress in Axial Flow in a Square Lattice Rectangular Rod Bundle

Hot film probe measurements of the distribution of the wall shear stress were made for axial flow along a rectangular 3 × 6 array of rods with a pitch to diameter ratio, P/D = 4/3, and a wall to diameter ratio, W/D = 2/3. Measurements were performed on rods at several locations and on two duct side walls at a position 62 hydraulic diameters from the entrance. Local shear stress maxima occur near the largest subchannel flow areas with the lowest maximum local shear stress on rods nearest the sidewalls. Maximum to the minimum shear stress ratio on an individual rod is largest for the corner rod. Side wall maximum local shear stress occurs in the first wall subchannel. Overall friction factors calculated from the wall shear stress measurements agree with those calculated from pressure drop data.
Food availability and parasite infection influence mating tactics in guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

Despite the important effects of diet and parasite infection on male reproductive behavior, few studies have simultaneously addressed their influence on intrasexual selection (male-male competition). We examined the synergistic effects of 2 naturally varying environmental factors, lifetime food intake and infection, with the monogenean parasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli on the mating tactics and foraging behavior of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata). We allowed fish to interact directly with each other during observations and found that unparasitized males won more intermale contests, courted females more frequently, and received positive responses to courtship displays more frequently than males that had been infected. Infected males devoted more time to foraging and less time to courtship and competition than uninfected males, suggesting that they were energetically limited and could not increase reproductive effort despite their reduced expected lifespan. This interpretation was supported by the observation that greater food intake ameliorated the negative effects of parasite infection on courtship effort. Our results have bearing on how natural variation in food availability and parasite prevalence influence geographic variation in reproductive behavior.
Making complex timing relationships readable: Presburger formula simplicication using don't cares

Solutions to timing relationship analysis problems are often reported using symbolic variables and inequalities which specify linear relationships between the variables. Complex relationships can be expressed using Presburger formulas which allow Boolean relations to be specified between the inequalities. This paper develops and applies a highly effective simplification approach for Presburger formulas based on logic minimization techniques.
Correlation study of time-varying multivariate climate data sets

We present a correlation study of time-varying multivariate volumetric data sets. In most scientific disciplines, to test hypotheses and discover insights, scientists are interested in looking for connections among different variables, or among different spatial locations within a data field. In response, we propose a suite of techniques to analyze the correlations in time-varying multivariate data. Various temporal curves are utilized to organize the data and capture the temporal behaviors. To reveal patterns and find connections, we perform data clustering and segmentation using the k-means clustering and graph partitioning algorithms. We study the correlation structure of a single or a pair of variables using pointwise correlation coefficients and canonical correlation analysis. We demonstrate our approach using results on time-varying multivariate climate data sets.
A variable step size and variable tap length LMS algorithm for impulse responses with exponential power profile

Step size and tap length play critical roles in balancing the complexity and steady-state performance of an adaptive filter. For an impulse response with an exponential power decay profile, which models a wide range of practical systems, such as an acoustic echo path, this paper proposes a new variable step-size and tap-length least mean square (LMS) algorithm. In each iteration, the optimal step-size and tap-length are derived by minimizing the mean square deviation (MSD) between the true and the estimated filter coefficients. The proposed algorithm performs better in terms of both convergence rate and steady-state performance than the existing ones. Effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through computer simulations.
The secondary lamellae of the gills of cold water (high latitude) teleosts. A comparative light and electron microscopic study.

The fine structure of the secondary lamellae of gills was examined in two cold-water marine teleosts, the winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, and the antarctic cod, Trematomus borchgrevinki. In both species the overall lamellar fine structure is similar to that of other marine teleosts. The major variations in cellular organization involve the distribution of both the “chloride cells” and the mucous cells on the secondary lamellae of P. americanus. At winter water temperatures of +2.5° C, significantly more chloride and mucous cells are present than in summer with water temperatures of +15.2° C. Both cell types are routinely present throughout the length of a secondary lamella as far as the lamellar tip. The chloride cells on the secondary lamellae are always situated in the inner layer of epithelium deep to the outer pavement cells. T. borchgrevinki shows no apparent difference in the distribution of mucous cells either at its normal water temperature of -1.9° C or at a temperature of +4° C, the upper limit of its thermal tolerance to which some specimens were adapted in the aquarium. Chloride cells were never observed on the secondary lamellae of T. borchgrevinki. This suggests that low environmental water temperatures may be related to the distribution of mucous cells and chloride cells on the secondary lamella of the teleost gill.
Na+/H+ exchanger-1 inhibitors reduce neuronal excitability and alter na+ channel inactivation properties in rat primary sensory neurons.

Inhibitors of the Na 1 /H 1 exchanger isoform 1 (NHE-1) have been associated with peripheral neuropathy in rats and dogs. Recent studies suggest that NHE-1 plays an important role in mediating neuronal excitability. To investigate potential NHE-1-mediated mechanisms contributing to neuronal toxicity, we studied the effects of NHE-1 inhibitors on nerve and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from the adult rat. Compound action potentials (CAPs) were recorded from electrically stimulated sections of isolated sciatic nerve/DRG/root preparations. Whole-cell patchclamp technique was used to record fast and slow voltage-dependent Na 1 currents from dissociated DRG neurons (29–41 mm). Exposures to 1 and 10mM of a selective NHE-1 inhibitor reduced the amplitude of the CAP recorded from the dorsal root by 33% and 58%, respectively (p < 0.05). The compound had no effect on CAPs recorded from the ventral root. Perfusion of dissociated DRG neurons with NHE-1 inhibitors at 10 and 100mM shifted voltagedependent inactivation curves of fast Na 1 current by as much as 11 mV (p < 0.001) in the hyperpolarizing direction. No shift was observed in slow Na 1 currents. No statistically significant drug effects were observed on voltage-dependent activation or recovery from inactivation of either fast or slow Na 1 currents. These results suggest that NHE-1 inhibitors may reduce peripheral neuronal excitability by shifting fast Na 1 channels into the inactivated state
Pacemaker Interference with Screening Mammography

In female pacemaker recipients undergoing screening mammography, the impact of a pulse generator placed in the pectoral region has yet to be reviewed. We evaluated mammograms from 74 female pacemaker patients aged 40 years and older. The pulse generator obscured a portion of the mammogram in 7 patients (12%). During pacemaker implantation in women, the potential for the pulse generator to interfere with screening mammography should be considered. Baseline mammography should be obtained or reviewed; in high risk patients a nonconventional location for the pulse generator may be appropriate.
The Radiological Physics Center's standard dataset for small field size output factors

Delivery of accurate intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or stereotactic radiotherapy depends on a multitude of steps in the treatment delivery process. These steps range from imaging of the patient to dose calculation to machine delivery of the treatment plan. Within the treatment planning system’s (TPS) dose calculation algorithm, various unique small field dosimetry parameters are essential, such as multileaf collimator modeling and field size dependence of the output. One of the largest challenges in this process is determining accurate small field size output factors. The Radiological Physics Center (RPC), as part of its mission to ensure that institutions deliver comparable and consistent radiation doses to their patients, conducts on-site dosimetry review visits to institutions. As a part of the on-site audit, the RPC measures the small field size output factors as might be used in IMRT treatments, and compares the resulting field size dependent output factors to values calculated by the institution’s treatment planning system (TPS). The RPC has gathered multiple small field size output factor datasets for X-ray energies ranging from 6 to 18 MV from Varian, Siemens and Elekta linear accelerators. These datasets were measured at 10 cm depth and ranged from 10 × 10 cm2 to 2 × 2 cm2. The field sizes were defined by the MLC and for the Varian machines the secondary jaws were maintained at a 10 × 10 cm2. The RPC measurements were made with a micro-ion chamber whose volume was small enough to gather a full ionization reading even for the 2 × 2 cm2 field size. The RPC measured output factors are tabulated and are reproducible with standard deviations (SD) ranging from 0.1% to 2.4%, while the institutions’ calculated values had a much larger SD range, ranging up to 7.9%. The absolute average percent differences were greater for the 2 × 2 cm2 than for the other field sizes. The RPC’s measured small field output factors provide institutions with a standard dataset against which to compare their TPS calculated values. Any discrepancies noted between the standard dataset and calculated values should be investigated with careful measurements and with attention to the specific beam model.
The Polycomb Complex Protein mes-2/E(z) Promotes the Transition from Developmental Plasticity to Differentiation in C. elegans Embryos

We have used expression profiling and in vivo imaging to characterize Caenorhabditis elegans embryos as they transit from a developmentally plastic state to the onset of differentiation. Normally, this transition is accompanied by activation of developmental regulators and differentiation genes, downregulation of early-expressed genes, and large-scale reorganization of chromatin. We find that loss of plasticity and differentiation onset depends on the Polycomb complex protein mes-2/E(Z). mes-2 mutants display prolonged developmental plasticity in response to heterologous developmental regulators. Early-expressed genes remain active, differentiation genes fail to reach wild-type levels, and chromatin retains a decompacted morphology in mes-2 mutants. By contrast, loss of the developmental regulators pha-4/FoxA or end-1/GATA does not prolong plasticity. This study establishes a model by which to analyze developmental plasticity within an intact embryo. mes-2 orchestrates large-scale changes in chromatin organization and gene expression to promote the timely loss of developmental plasticity. Our findings indicate that loss of plasticity can be uncoupled from cell fate specification.
Simulation analysis of conduction block in unmyelinated axons induced by high-frequency biphasic electrical currents

Nerve conduction block induced by high-frequency biphasic electrical currents is analyzed using a lumped circuit model of the unmyelinated axon based on Hodgkin-Huxley equations. Axons of different diameters (5-20 /spl mu/m) can not be blocked completely when the stimulation frequency is between 2 kHz and 4 kHz. However, when the stimulation frequency is above 4 kHz, all axons can be blocked. At high-frequency a higher stimulation intensity is needed to block nerve conduction. The larger diameter axon has a lower threshold intensity for conduction block. The stimulation waveform in which the pulsewidth changes with frequency is more effective in blocking nerve conduction than the waveform in which the pulsewidth is fixed. The activation of potassium channels, rather than inactivation of sodium channels, is the possible mechanism underlying the nerve conduction block of the unmyelinated axon. This simulation study further increases our understanding of axonal conduction block induced by high-frequency biphasic currents, and can guide future animal experiments as well as optimize stimulation waveforms that might be used for electrical nerve block in clinical applications.