cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coherence switching of a vertical-cavity semiconductor-laser for multimode biomedical imaging (Conference Presentation)

Speckle formation is a limiting factor when using coherent sources for imaging and sensing, but can provide useful information about the motion of an object. Illumination sources with tunable spatial coherence are therefore desirable as they can offer both speckled and speckle-free images. Efficient methods of coherence switching have been achieved with a solid-state degenerate laser, and here we demonstrate a semiconductor-based degenerate laser system that can be switched between a large number of mutually incoherent spatial modes and few-mode operation. Our system is designed around a semiconductor gain element, and overcomes barriers presented by previous low spatial coherence lasers. The gain medium is an electrically-pumped vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL) with a large active area. The use of a degenerate external cavity enables either distributing the laser emission over a large (~1000) number of mutually incoherent spatial modes or concentrating emission to few modes by using a pinhole in the Fourier plane of the self-imaging cavity. To demonstrate the unique potential of spatial coherence switching for multimodal biomedical imaging, we use both low and high spatial coherence light generated by our VECSEL-based degenerate laser for imaging embryo heart function in Xenopus, an important animal model of heart disease. The low-coherence illumination is used for high-speed (100 frames per second) speckle-free imaging of dynamic heart structure, while the high-coherence emission is used for laser speckle contrast imaging of the blood flow.
A Body Without a Face: The Disorientation of Trauma in Phoenix (2014) and New Holocaust Cinema

This article analyses Christian Petzold's exemplary 2014 film Phoenix, tracking a new development in Holocaust cinema that focuses on phenomenological narratives of embodied experience of trauma. I...
To Play or Not to Play: Equitable Access to Afterschool Programs for Students With Disabilities:

In this case, a child with a spinal cord injury was denied access to an afterschool care program that her nondisabled siblings were allowed to attend because she did not meet “eligibility requirements.” Specifically, the independent contractor who ran the program mandated that students be able to function in an environment with a student to teacher ratio of 15:1. District personnel initially claimed that the decision to deny admission was not their responsibility because the program was not administered by the schools, while the contractor claimed that they could not hire additional personnel without district approval.
Imprinted gene dysregulation in a Tet1 null mouse model is stochastic and variable in the germline and offspring

Imprinted genes are expressed from one parental allele and regulated by differential DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICR). ICRs are reprogrammed in the germline through erasure and reestablishment of DNA methylation. Although much is known about DNA methylation establishment, DNA demethylation is less well understood. Recently, the Ten-Eleven Translocation proteins (TET1-3) have been shown to initiate DNA demethylation, with Tet1 -/- mice exhibiting aberrant levels of imprinted gene expression and ICR methylation. Nevertheless, TET19s role in demethylating ICRs in the female germline and controlling allele-specific expression remains to be determined. Here, we examined ICR-specific DNA methylation in Tet1 -/- germ cells and ascertained whether abnormal ICR methylation impacted imprinted gene expression in F1 hybrid somatic tissues derived from Tet1 -/- eggs or sperm. We show that Tet1 deficiency is associated with hypermethylation of a subset of ICRs in germ cells. Moreover, ICRs with defective germline reprogramming exhibit aberrant DNA methylation and biallelic expression of linked imprinted genes in somatic tissues. Thus, we define a discrete set of genomic regions that require TET1 for germline reprogramming and discuss mechanisms for stochastic imprinting defects.
Wavelets and Other Phase Space Localization Methods

Mathematicians have various ways of judging the merits of new theorems and constructions. One very important criterion is esthetic — some developments just “feel” right, fitting, and beautiful. Just as in other venues where beauty or esthetics are discussed, taste plays an important role in this, but I think I am not alone in being especially excited when apparently different fields suddenly meet in a new concept, a new understanding. It is often of the sparks of such encounters that our esthetic enjoyment of mathematics is born.
The Evolving Structure of the Environmental Justice Movement in the United States: New Models for Democratic Decision-Making

Over the last two decades in the United States, mainstream environmental organizations have reduced, rather than increased, democratic participation by citizens in environmental problem-solving. The environmental justice movement, on the other hand, has served to enlarge the constituency of the environmental movement by incorporating poorer communities and oppressed people of color into environmental decision making process; build community capacity by developing campaigns and projects that address the common links between various social and environmental problems; and facilitate community empowerment by emphasizing grassroots organizing over advocacy. This paper outlines the different components in the environmental justice movement. It is our contention that if researchers and policymakers continue to conceive of the ecological crisis as a collection of unrelated problems, then it is possible that some combination of regulations, incentives, and technical innovations can keep pollution and resource destruction at “tolerable” levels for more affluent socioeconomic populations. However, poor working class communities and people of color which lack the political–economic resources to defend themselves will continue to suffer the worst abuses. However, if the interdependency of issues is emphasized as advocated by the environmental justice movement, then a transformative environmental politics can be invented.
A proportional comparison of cancer burden and patient advocacy organization (PAO) funding by histology demonstrates many underfunded histologies.

6606Background: PAOs in oncology are vital in funding research for rare cancers, young investigators and innovative projects, but some histologies may be underfunded relative to their burden. This ...
Determination of Sec18-Lipid Interactions by Liposome-Binding Assay

Protein-lipid binding interactions play a key role in the regulation of peripheral membrane protein function. Liposome-binding assays are a simple and affordable means of screening for specific protein-lipid interactions. Liposomes are prepared by mixing phospholipid combinations of interest before drying and rehydration. Sonication of the lipid mixture produces small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) which are incubated with a protein of interest to allow for any binding to occur. Liposomes and liposome-protein complexes are floated on a sucrose gradient by centrifugation to separate them from unbound protein. Bound protein levels are easily determined by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. This approach provides a reliable means of assaying novel protein-lipid interactions in vitro. Here we use liposome floatation to show the binding of the SNARE-activating protein Sec18 (mammalian NSF) to phosphatidic acid.
Predicting Pathology From Imaging in Children Undergoing Resection of Congenital Lung Lesions.

Abstract Background Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly obtained to define congenital lung lesions (CLL) for surgical management. Postnatal, preoperative computed tomography (CT) provides further clarity at the cost of radiation. Depending on the lesion identified, the indication for resection remains controversial. We investigated the differences in detail found on prenatal MRI and postnatal CT compared with final pathology to determine their utility in preoperative decision-making. Materials and methods All children undergoing resection of CLLs at a single institution between July 2009 and February 2018 were retrospectively identified. Their imaging, operative, and pathology reports were compared. All imaging studies were examined by pediatric radiologists with experience in prenatal CLL diagnosis. Results Fifty-five patients underwent CLL resection during the study period with 31 undergoing prenatal MRI, 45 postnatal CT, and 22 both. Resection was performed before 6 mo of age in 62% of patients. In the cohort undergoing both imaging studies, pathologic CLL diagnosis correlated with prenatal MRI and CT in 82% and 100% of patients, respectively (P = 0.13). Eight patients had systemic feeding vessels, of which 38% were identified on MRI, and 88% on CT (P = 0.13). Both studies had a specificity of 100% for detecting systemic feeding vessels. Conclusions For children where prenatal MRI detected a systemic feeding vessel, CT was redundant for preoperative planning but had greater sensitivity. Ultimately, the CLL type predicted from postnatal CT was not significantly different from that predicted by prenatal MRI; however, both imaging modalities had some level of discrepancy with pathology.
Examining Associations of Racial Residential Segregation With Patient Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Treatment Receipt.

Abstract Background The effect of racial residential segregation on breast cancer treatment disparities is unclear. We examined whether racial segregation is associated with adjuvant treatment receipt and patient knowledge of disease. Patients and Methods We surveyed a population-based sample of women in Northern California with stage I to III breast cancer diagnosed in 2010 to 2011 (participation rate = 68.5%, 500 patients). For black, Hispanic, and white women, we measured black and Hispanic segregation using the location quotient (LQ) of racial residential segregation, a proportional measure of the size of a minority group in the census tract compared with the larger metropolitan statistical area. We categorized LQ values for black and Hispanic participants into quartiles, with quartile 1 representing a lower relative level of segregation than quartile 4. We used multivariable logistical regression to assess the odds of receiving guideline-recommended adjuvant therapy and patient knowledge of tumor characteristics according to relative residential segregation. Results We observed greater residential segregation for black versus Hispanic patients (P Conclusion We did not find clear associations for racial residential segregation and treatment or cancer knowledge in Northern California, an area with low levels of segregation. Additional research should assess the effect of segregation on breast cancer treatment disparities in a variety of geographical locations.
Radiation Contamination Following Cremation of a Deceased Patient Treated With a Radiopharmaceutical.

This case report describes contamination of crematory equipment with lutetium Lu 177 after cremation of a patient with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor treated with the radioisotope 2 days prior to his death.
Examination of Bathymodiolus childressi nutritional sources, isotopic niches, and food-web linkages at two seeps in the US Atlantic margin using stable isotope analysis and mixing models

Abstract Chemosynthetic environments support distinct benthic communities capable of utilizing reduced chemical compounds for nutrition. Hundreds of methane seeps have been documented along the U.S. Atlantic margin (USAM), and detailed investigations at a few seeps have revealed distinct environments containing mussels, microbial mats, authigenic carbonates, and soft sediments. The dominant mussel, Bathymodiolus childressi, contains methanotrophic endosymbionts but is also capable of filter feeding, and stable isotope analysis (SIA) of mussel-shell periostracum suggests that these mussels are mixotrophic, assimilating multiple food resources. However, it is unknown whether mixotrophy is widespread or varies spatially and temporally. We used SIA (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S) and an isotope mixing model (MixSIAR) to estimate resource contribution to B. childressi and characterize food webs at two seep sites (Baltimore Seep; 400 m and Norfolk Seep; 1500 m depths) along the USAM, and applied a linear mixed-effects model to explore the role of mussel population density and tissue type in influencing SIA variance. After controlling for location and temporal variation, isotopic variability was a function of proportion of live mussels present and tissue type. Isotopic differences were also spatially discrete, possibly reflecting variations in the underlying carbon source at the two sites. Low mussel δ13C values (∼−63‰) are consistent with a dependence on microbial methane. However, MixSIAR results revealed mixotrophy for mussels at both sites, implying a reliance on a mixture of methane and phytoplankton-derived particulate organic material. The mixing model results also reveal population density-driven patterns, suggesting that resource use is a function of live mussel abundance. Mussel isotopes differed by tissue type, with gill having the lowest δ15N values relative to muscle and mantle tissues. Based on mass balance equations, up to 79% of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) of the pore fluids within the anaerobic oxidation of the methane zone is derived from methane and available to fuel upper slope deep-sea communities, such as fishes (Dysommina rugosa and Symphurus nebulosus), echinoderms (Odontaster robustus, Echinus wallisi, and Gracilechinus affinis), and shrimp, (Alvinocaris markensis). The presence of these seeps thereby increases the overall trophic and community diversity of the USAM continental slope. Given the presence of hundreds of seeps within the region, primary production at seeps may serve as an important, yet unquantified, energy source to the USAM deep-sea environment.
A review of the animal disease outbreaks and biosecure animal mortality composting systems

Despite the development of new vaccines and the application of rigorous biosecurity measures, animal diseases pose a continuing threat to animal health, food safety, national economy, and the environment. Intense livestock production, increased travel, and changing climate have increased the risk of catastrophic animal losses due to infectious diseases. In the event of an outbreak, it is essential to properly manage the infected animals to prevent the spread of diseases. The most common disposal methods used during a disease outbreak include burial, landfilling, incineration and composting. Biosecurity, transportation logistics, public perception, and environmental concerns limit the use of some of these methods. During a disease outbreak, the large number of mortalities often exceeds the capacity of local rendering plants and landfills. Transporting mortalities to disposal and incineration facilities outside the production operation introduces biosecurity risks. Burying mortalities is limited by the size and availability of suitable sites and it has the risk of pathogen survival and contamination of groundwater and soil. Portable incinerators are expensive and have the potential to aerosolize infectious particles. Composting, on the other hand, has been recognized as a biosecure disposal method. Research showed that it eliminates bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157: H7, Salmonella spp., as well as viruses including highly pathogenic avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease, and porcine epidemic diarrhea. This paper summarizes the lessons learned during the major animal disease outbreaks including the 2010 foot-and-mouth disease, 2016 highly pathogenic avian influenza, and recent African swine fever outbreaks. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss the biosecurity of composting as a mortality disposal method during the outbreaks of infectious animal diseases.
The New Scarcity: A First Amendment Framework for Regulating Access to Digital Platforms

Digital media platforms such as broadband networks and search engines are increasingly viewed as 'gatekeepers' that enjoy disproportionate influence over modern speech. In response, policymakers have proposed - and in some instances adopted - regulations to ensure nondiscriminatory access to these platforms. This article examines the intersection of these new access regulations with the First Amendment. The literature continues to analyze these questions through the lens of traditional media technologies. Digital networks, however, differ from these prior technologies in critical, qualitative ways. First Amendment analysis of access regulations must therefore be updated to reflect these technological differences. Specifically, it must recognize the layered infrastructure of digital networks, and the significant differences between network-layer platforms and application-layer platforms. Accordingly, I propose a new conceptual framework - 'infrastructural scarcity' - for analyzing First Amendment challenges of access regulations. My proposed framework better reflects modern technological realities, and synthesizes the competing theoretical approaches of the 'positive rights' and 'negative rights' literature in new ways.
Cultural Practices: The Effect of Plant Density and Irrigation Regimes on Verticillium Wilt of Cotton

Verticillium wilt caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, affects a wide variety of cultivated and ornamental plants. In California, as in many other parts of the world, the disease is of major economic importance on cotton, pistachio, olive, tomato, strawberry, and potato. At present, control of the disease is limited to planting resistant or tolerant cultivars when available and to reduction of inoculum density in soil by fumigation or solarization, which, with crops such as cotton, is often economically unfeasible. Alternative approaches involve the use of cultural practices which minimize disease incidence and/or disease severity. This report summarizes the findings of our work on the use of cultural practices for minimizing yield losses from Verticillium wilt in cotton.
Trends and Racial Disparities of Palliative Care Use among Hospitalized Patients with ESKD on Dialysis.

BACKGROUND Study findings show that although palliative care decreases symptom burden, it is still underused in patients with ESKD. Little is known about disparity in use of palliative care services in such patients in the inpatient setting. METHODS To investigate the use of palliative care consultation in patients with ESKD in the inpatient setting, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2006 to 2014 to identify admitted patients with ESKD requiring maintenance dialysis. We compared palliative care use among minority groups (black, Hispanic, and Asian) and white patients, adjusting for patient and hospital variables. RESULTS We identified 5,230,865 hospitalizations of such patients from 2006 through 2014, of which 76,659 (1.5%) involved palliative care. The palliative care referral rate increased significantly, from 0.24% in 2006 to 2.70% in 2014 (P<0.01). Black and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely than white patients to receive palliative care services (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.61 to 0.84, P<0.01 for blacks and aOR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.68, P<0.01 for Hispanics). These disparities spanned across all hospital subtypes, including those with higher proportions of minorities. Minority patients with lower socioeconomic status (lower level of income and nonprivate health insurance) were also less likely to receive palliative care. CONCLUSIONS Despite a clear increase during the study period in provision of palliative care for inpatients with ESKD, significant racial disparities occurred and persisted across all hospital subtypes. Further investigation into causes of racial and ethnic disparities is necessary to improve access to palliative care services for the vulnerable ESKD population.
A CASE OF GIANT LEFT ATRIUM DUE TO A FAILED MITRAL VALVE ANNULOPLASTY

Giant Left Atrium (GLA) is defined as cardiac-thoracic ratio on Chest X-ray (CXR) of greater than or equal to 0.7 or Left atrium (LA) diameter greater than 8 cm by a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). GLA is a rare sequela of longstanding mitral valve disease. A 64-year-old female with prior
Carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage.

Aim The aim of the study was to determine the carcass and meat characteristics of male Kacang goat fattened by complete silage made from natural grass, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and Pennisetum purpureum. Materials and Methods This study examined 12 young male Kacang goats aged 10-12 months with an initial body weight of 10-12 kg. The livestock was divided into three groups randomly to receive feed treatments. The three treatments of this study included T1: Complete silage made from natural grass; T2: Complete silage made from S. bicolor (L.) Moench, and T3: Complete silage made from P. purpureum. Data were analyzed according to the analysis of variance procedure. Results The carcass percentage of livestock T2 and T3 treatment was relatively similar but higher (p<0.05) than the T1 group. The non-carcass percentage of T2 and T3 was relatively the same but lower than T1. The water content of T1 treatment was higher (p<0.05) than T3, but relatively the same as T2 treatment. The collagen content of T2 and T3 was relatively the same but lower (p<0.05) than T1; likewise, the cholesterol of T2 and T3 treatments was relatively similar but higher than T1 treatment. The variables of slaughter and carcass weight, and non-carcass weight, meat protein content, acidity, cooking losses, water holding capacity, and tenderness were not significantly different between groups of animals. Conclusion The use of S. bicolor (L.) Moench and P. purpureum as a basic forage in making complete silage has been shown to increase carcass percentage, the content (%) of fat, collagen, and cholesterol. Otherwise, the treatments have no effect on the content of pH, tenderness (kg/cm2), cooking loss (%), and water holding capacity (%) of male Kacang goat fattened. Therefore, S. bicolor (L.) Moench and P. purpureum plants have great potential to be developed by farmers/ranchers as feed for goats.
Induction and Evasion of Type-I Interferon Responses during Influenza A Virus Infection

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are contagious pathogens and one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in both humans and animals worldwide. Upon infection, the innate immune system provides the first line of defense to neutralize or limit the replication of invading pathogens, creating a fast and broad response that brings the cells into an alerted state through the secretion of cytokines and the induction of the interferon (IFN) pathway. At the same time, IAVs have developed a plethora of immune evasion mechanisms in order to avoid or circumvent the host antiviral response, promoting viral replication. Herein, we will review and summarize already known and recently described innate immune mechanisms that host cells use to fight IAV viral infections as well as the main strategies developed by IAVs to overcome such powerful defenses during this fascinating virus-host interplay.
Some Observations About the Drop-weight Explosive Sensitivity Test

The apparent simplicity of the drop-weight apparatus for explosive sensitivity testing hides the reality that it is actually a complex integrated test of both ignition and growth of deflagration. Although the drop-weight test is undeniably a useful screening test for explosive properties, a misunderstanding of the technique’s limitations has blinded many researchers to its limited wider applicability. This monograph discusses how the test actually works, the significant engineering difficulties with standardization between machines, which types of explosives are suited to the test and which are not, and finally offers a few suggestions for alternatives when a more quantified understanding of a material’s response is required for other applications.
Database Management Module Framework for Dynamic Contingency Analysis and Visualization

The Dynamic Contingency Analysis Tool (DCAT) is being developed to mimic the response of generation dynamics, protection, and load components to extreme contingencies in power systems. Currently, DCAT generates a huge data set, with the analysis results stored in multiple subfolders using a great many files in different formats (power flow cases, time series, figures, spreadsheets). To help power system engineers thoroughly understand and analyze system behavior under many scenarios and contingencies, we developed a database management module (DBM) that enables future integration of DCAT with industry-grade Big Data analytical and interactive visualization platforms. In this paper, we demonstrate the DBM framework with interactive analytics and visualization for DCAT on the synthetic South Carolina 500-bus power system model using hurricane contingencies that capture possibilities for an extreme contingency. DCAT’s advanced data management and interactive visualization can help planning engineers to visually explore and analyze system behavior, all in one view.
Management of Clinically Regional Node-Positive Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder.

Clinically regional node-positive (cN+) urothelial carcinoma of the bladder requires a multi-modal management approach amidst growing recognition that it represents a spectrum of disease. Herein, we review the contemporary evidence for the natural history, evaluation, and management of clinically regional node-positive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, highlighting recent changes in lymph node staging. Despite advances in techniques, cross-sectional imaging remains relatively insensitive for the detection of lymph node metastases. Recent changes to nodal staging that distinguish between cN1, cN2–3, and non-regional lymph node metastases reflect an increasing understanding that node-positive disease is heterogeneous and its management must be individualized according to nodal staging. Systemic therapy remains the initial management strategy, either alone or in conjunction with radiotherapy, with choice and sequencing of agents extrapolated from studies of metastatic disease. Consolidative radical cystectomy is an option for patients with disease response to upfront systemic therapy, and several series demonstrate a subset of patients with favorable oncologic outcomes. The comparative effectiveness of radiotherapy and radical cystectomy as local therapy remains an important evidence gap. Future studies that identify predictive biomarkers will help inform optimal choice of systemic therapy. The management of clinically regional node-positive disease requires a multimodal approach comprising both systemic and local therapy, tailored to the patient and to disease response. While choice of systemic therapy will be informed by ongoing studies in patients with metastatic disease, including the elucidation of predictive biomarkers, the comparative effectiveness of local therapies remains an important evidence gap.
Validation of two reconfigurable wheel-track testbeds for military vehicles

Abstract The National Robotics Engineering Center has conceived a novel system that is able to reconfigure from a track to a wheel while in motion. The purpose of this device is to combine the benefits of wheels and tracks to provide performance optimization on a variety of terrain. The first stage of development resulted in two benchtop prototypes: one to test a transition from rotating hub to rotating tread and another to test a constantly-oriented shape transition from circle to triangle. This paper documents the testing of these devices including current draw, temperature change, and braking characteristics. Through experimentation with the first testbed, desired speed was shown to be consistent within +/−6% when transitioning between wheel and track modes at an approximated ground speed between 5 and 35 km/h while transitioning in 5 to 60 seconds. Testing on the second system identified asymmetry in testbed construction and showed consistent loading patterns throughout a 42 mm-change in sprocket position between wheel and track mode while transitioning between 10 and 50 mm/s. The evaluation of these testbeds informed the design of the next process of the reconfigurable wheel-track project, which resulted in a larger prototype capable of propelling a small ground vehicle.
Research on Patented Drugs and Compulsory Licensing

Motivated by the COVID-19 drugs and vaccination competition, I want to discuss some core characteristics of drugs as a special good in the market. During this paper, we are hoping to discuss the uniqueness of drugs when it comes to the regulation policy: patented drugs and generic drugs. We will be able to understand how the companies and patentee get economic profits with high R&D costs. Because drugs are highly connected to people’s well-being, I will also go over the current status of compulsory licensing of drugs and history. We will see how developing countries use the TRIP Agreement to improve certain disease situations with real examples.
Synthesizing ecology and evolution for the study of invasive species.

This special volume is a compilation of papers from a workshop on Synthesizing Ecology and Evolution for the Study of Invasive Species, held in March 2009 at Lake Tahoe, CA, USA. The goal of this workshop was to bring together a diverse group of scientists to discuss gaps in research pertaining to invasion biology and outline research objectives for the future, with an emphasis on synthesizing the ecology and evolution of invasive species. Discussion among the participants exposed several areas that warrant additional data, experimentation, model development, and theoretical integration. For example, a substantial portion of the discussion was devoted toward examining the implications of theoretical models of invasive populations that couple ecological and evolutionary dynamics, including themes such as gene ‘surfing’ tracking waves of invasion, the evolution of Allee thresholds, and the importance of details of genetic architectures underlying traits undergoing selection during invasions. Discussion also focused on factors that have received inadequate attention in the field, such as the role of trans-generational plasticity (TGP) in promoting invasive success, coevolution between invasive and native species, and evolution of host–pathogen interactions during invasions. During the discussion, the possibility was raised that epigenetic changes might be important in promoting rapid evolution during invasions. Participants also discussed methodological advances that are enhancing the types of data available to analyse invasions, such as genomic approaches that could identify loci underlying critical traits that limit invasions. Several investigators noted the paucity of data from the native range of invasive populations, which is unfortunate, given that such information can illuminate the specific habitats that foster potentially invasive populations, and provide insights into the evolutionary history of such populations. Finally, information from the literature on biological control could be mined more intensively to extract predictions on colonization success of invasive species, as the determinants of success in deliberate introductions should provide insight into comparable factors that accompany successful accidental introductions. The wide-ranging discussions that took place at this workshop will continue into the future and pave the way for a deepening of our understanding of the coupled ecological and evolutionary dimensions of invasions. In this special issue, we provide a sampler of the discussions on the theoretical, conceptual, and empirical integration of evolution and ecology that permeated the Lake Tahoe workshop, as well as some lucid and compelling case studies of rapid evolution during invasions.
Flashover voltage prediction of outdoor insulators subjected to road salt contamination

A new approach has been developed to predict the flashover voltage (FOV) of contaminated porcelain insulators based on surface resistance (SR) measurement performed at low voltage under wet conditions. The emphasis of this paper is on contamination resulting from the use of road salts in winter for deicing. Electric field simulations were performed to determine the role of water droplets at the tip of the sheds, which can contribute to flashover at lower contamination severities. The approach has been extended to polymer or nonceramic insulators.
Cycle-resolved velocity and turbulence measurements near the cylinder wall of a firing S.I. engine

Laser Doppler velocimetry has been used to make cycle-resolved velocity and turbulence measurements in a homogeneous-charge, spark-ignition engine. The engine had a ported intake and disc-shaped chamber with a compression ratio of 7.5 to 1. It was operated at a speed of 1200 rpm and with a TDC swirl number of 4. A stoichiometric propane-air mixture was used, and ignition was near the wall. Measurements of the tangential velocity component were made in both firing and non-firing cycles at nine spatial locations along a radius 180 degrees downstream of the spark. The radial velocity component was also measured at four of the locations.
Cultural Literacy and Liberal Learning: An Open Letter to E. D. Hirsch, Jr.

(1988). Cultural Literacy and Liberal Learning. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 11-21.
Unusual composition of peptidoglycan in Bordetella pertussis.

Abstract The composition of the peptidoglycan of Bordetella pertussis and the nature of its turnover products was determined by a new combination of analytical techniques: high performance liquid chromatography of an enzymatic peptidoglycan hydrolysate and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and fast atom bombardment collision-activated dissociation tandem mass spectrometry. Sixteen major components of the peptidoglycan were purified, and assignment of complete or partial chemical structures was achieved for nine and seven species, respectively. At this level of resolution, a previously unrecognized heterogeneity of monomeric (five new species; nine total) and dimeric species (five new species; five total) was detected. No species containing diaminopimelyl-diaminopimelic acid cross-links or lysyl-arginine substitutions were found. Previous estimates of total cross-linkage and average chain length were revised downward to 32% and 21 disaccharide residues, respectively. Detection of a chemically novel species, a disaccharide octapeptide monomer, in both the peptidoglycan hydrolysate and culture supernatant fluid, suggests that an N-acetyl-muramyl-L-alanine amidase acts on the intact peptidoglycan of Bordetella and participates in cell wall turnover. Five peptidoglycan turnover products were identified in the supernatant fluid of late logarithmic phase cultures, including the 1,6-anhydro monomeric species known as tracheal cytotoxin. Peptidoglycan turnover was detected at a low rate of approximately 10%/generation, a value sufficient to account for the generation of all tracheal cytotoxin found in culture supernatant fluids.
The Impact of Team Identification on Biased Predictions of Player Performance.

The current investigation examined sport fans’ impressions of an athlete described as a potential member of their team or a potential member of a rival team. In Study 1, we predicted that individuals would exhibit an ingroup favoritism effect by reporting more positive evaluations of the player’s performance when he was described as a high-performing recruit for their team than when he was presented as a recruit for a rival. However, this effect was expected only among highly identified fans (i.e., fans with a strong psychological attachment to the team). College students (N = 70) classified as high or low in identification with a target team watched a videotaped basketball practice session involving a player identified as either a recruit for the target team or a rival. After completion of the videotape, participants rated the target athlete. As expected, planned contrast analyses indicated that the most positive ratings were given by highly identified persons evaluating a potential member of their team while the least positive evaluations were offered by highly identified fans rating a rival’s potential player. Lowly identified persons reported moderate evaluations of each target player. In Study 2, we examined evaluations of the target recruit when this person was described in a more negative fashion. In this instance, the target team and level of fan identification had no significant impact on player evaluations.
Program Directors' Perceptions of Reasons Professional Master's Athletic Training Students Persist and Depart

Context: Student retention is a key issue in higher education. With the increasing number of professional master's (PM) athletic training programs (ATPs), understanding student retention is necessa...
Reproducibility problems with the Abbott Laboratories LCx assay for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

This study demonstrates that significant reproducibility problems can occur during routine use of the Abbott Laboratories LCx assay for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These problems can go undetected by the quality control procedures outlined in the manufacturer's package insert. We outline here procedures for detecting and preventing contamination and reproducibility problems.
Predicting tumor control after resection bed radiosurgery of brain metastases.

BACKGROUND Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to the resection bed of a brain metastasis is an important treatment option. OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with tumor progression after SRS of the resection bed of a brain metastasis and to evaluate patterns of failure for patients who eventually had tumor progression. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 120 patients who underwent tumor bed radiosurgery after an initial gross total resection. The mean imaging follow-up time was 55 weeks. The median margin dose was 16 Gy. Forty-seven patients (39.2%) underwent whole-brain radiation therapy before or shortly after SRS. RESULTS Local tumor control was achieved in 103 patients (85.8%). Progression-free survival was 96% at 6 months, 87% at 12 months, and 74% at 24 months. Recurrence most commonly occurred deep in the cavity (65%) outside the planned treatment volume (PTV) margin (53%). PTV, cavity diameter, and a margin dose < 16 Gy significantly correlated with local failure. For patients with PTVs ≥ 8.0 cm, local progression-free survival declined to 93% at 6 months, 83% at 12 months, and 65% at 24 months. Development or progression of distant metastases occurred in 40% of patients. Whole-brain radiation therapy was not associated with improved local control. CONCLUSION Resection bed SRS for brain metastases provided excellent local control. The cavity PTV is predictive of tumor control. Because failure usually occurs outside the PTV, inclusion of a judicious 2- to 3-mm margin beyond the area of postoperative enhancement may be prudent.
Relative dissociation energy measurements using ion trap collisional activation

The measured minimum resonance excitation amplitudes for decomposition of polyatomic ions in the quadrupole ion trap collisional activation experiment are shown to correlate with literature critical energies. The present article describes how experiments can be performed to derive threshold resonance excitation amplitudes via the kinetics associated with collision-induced dissociation (i.e., dissociation rate constants) in the quadrupole ion trap. The relationship between these threshold values and critical energies is established empirically by using kinetic data acquired for molecular ions with critical energies measured with other techniques. The experiments are complicated by the change in optimum resonance excitation frequency with amplitude, due presumably to contributions from higher order fields. It is proposed that the threshold resonance excitation amplitude is a measure of the change in temperature of the parent ion population required to achieve a measurable rate of decomposition. The present results indicate that the quadrupole ion trap may see new applications as a quantitative tool for the study of gaseous ion chemistry.
Practical beta-lactone synthesis: epoxide carbonylation at 1 atm.

A readily prepared bimetallic catalyst is capable of effecting epoxide carbonylation to produce β-lactones at substantially lower CO pressures than previously reported catalyst systems. A functionally diverse array of β-lactones is produced in excellent yields at CO pressures as low as 1 atm. This procedure allows for epoxide carbonylation on a multigram scale without the requirement of specialized, high-pressure equipment.
[125I]CGP 42112 reveals a non-angiotensin II binding site in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+)-induced brain injury

1. Intracerebral injection of the oxidative metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+), into the substantia nigra of adult rats resulted in a lesion at the injection site.
Multi-class classifier-independent feature analysis

Abstract In ( Holz and Loew, 1994a , Holz and Loew, 1994b ), we presented a metric for use in classifier-independent feature analysis called relative feature importance (RFI). RFI was shown to correctly rank features on a variety of two-class multi-cluster, mixed-distribution problems, including problems that cannot be solved using the marginal distributions of the features. We present here a complete design for RFI, including new results on parameter settings and calculation details determined on two-class problems. We then show that, using the design arising from exploration of two-class problems, RFI extends naturally and successfully to multi-class problems.
Scale effects of shallow foundation bearing capacity on granular material

Scale effects of shallow foundation bearing capacity on granular materials were investigated to further evaluate the trend of decreasing bearing capacity factor, Nγ , with increasing footing width, B , observed by other researchers. Model-scale square and circular footing tests ranging in width from 0.025 to 0.914 m were performed on two compacted sands at three relative densities. Results of the model-scale footing tests show that the bearing capacity factor, Nγ , is dependent on the absolute width of the footing for both square and circular footings. Although this phenomenon is well known, the current study used a large range of footing sizes tested on well-graded sands to show that the previously reported modifications to the bearing capacity factor, Nγ , using grain-size and reference footing width do not sufficiently account for the scale effect seen in the test results from this study. It also shows that behavior of most model-scale footing tests cannot be directly correlated to the behavior of full...
Current estimates of the cure fraction: a feasibility study of statistical cure for breast and colorectal cancer.

Background The probability of cure is a long-term prognostic measure of cancer survival. Estimates of the cure fraction, the proportion of patients "cured" of the disease, are based on extrapolating survival models beyond the range of data. The objective of this work is to evaluate the sensitivity of cure fraction estimates to model choice and study design. Methods Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-9 registries to construct a cohort of breast and colorectal cancer patients diagnosed from 1975 to 1985. In a sensitivity analysis, cure fraction estimates are compared from different study designs with short- and long-term follow-up. Methods tested include: cause-specific and relative survival, parametric mixture, and flexible models. In a separate analysis, estimates are projected for 2008 diagnoses using study designs including the full cohort (1975-2008 diagnoses) and restricted to recent diagnoses (1998-2008) with follow-up to 2009. Results We show that flexible models often provide higher estimates of the cure fraction compared to parametric mixture models. Log normal models generate lower estimates than Weibull parametric models. In general, 12 years is enough follow-up time to estimate the cure fraction for regional and distant stage colorectal cancer but not for breast cancer. 2008 colorectal cure projections show a 15% increase in the cure fraction since 1985. Discussion Estimates of the cure fraction are model and study design dependent. It is best to compare results from multiple models and examine model fit to determine the reliability of the estimate. Early-stage cancers are sensitive to survival type and follow-up time because of their longer survival. More flexible models are susceptible to slight fluctuations in the shape of the survival curve which can influence the stability of the estimate; however, stability may be improved by lengthening follow-up and restricting the cohort to reduce heterogeneity in the data.
Structural insights into pathogenic mutations in heme-dependent cystathionine-β-synthase

Human cystathionine beta-synthase plays a key role in maintaining low intracellular levels of homocysteine and is unique in being a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme that is a hemeprotein. It catalyzes the beta-replacement of serine and homocysteine to generate the condensation product, cystathionine. While the structure of a truncated catalytic core of the protein has been determined by crystallography, a model for the full-length enzyme has been developed guided by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometric and docking studies. In this review, we have utilized the available structural models for human cystathionine beta-synthase to conduct a structure-function analysis of a select group of pathogenic mutations described in patients with hereditary hyperhomocysteinemia.
New Well-Defined Polymeric Betaines: First Report Detailing the Synthesis and ROMP of Salt-Responsive Sulfopropylbetaine- and Carboxyethylbetaine-exo-7-oxanorbornene Monomers

We describe herein the synthesis and controlled ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of highly functional zwitterionic sulfopropylbetaine- and carboxyethylbetaine-exo-7-oxanorbornene deriv...
Evaluation of a walking-donor blood transfusion program in an intensive care nursery.

A prospective study was carried out to identify the immediate and long-range advantages and disadvantages of a walking-donor transfusion program for an intensive care newborn nursery. The effect of heparin on coagulation of blood was evaluated and found to be minimal. There was no evidence of transmission of HB 8 Ag. The prevalence of CMV infection at the time of follow-up was higher in infants who had received blood from donors seropositive for CMV than in infnats who had been transfused from seronegative donors. In our experience, a walking-donor program has been a safe and effective method for the provision of small transfusions of blood to sick neonates.
Value Creation in REIT Property Sell-Offs

We examine major sales of real property by public U.S. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 1992–2002. We find that abnormal shareholder returns are significantly positive, a result that is consistent with findings for conventional firms that sell off real estate. Because REITs do not pay taxes, this finding supports the view that abnormal returns in real estate sell-offs by all types of firms are derived largely from asset allocation efficiencies and do not result exclusively from tax benefits. Shareholder returns are lower in sell-offs motivated by a desire to reduce long-term debt, as is consistent with financial theory regarding the information content of leverage decisions. Returns are inversely related to the firm's operating performance prior to the sell-off announcement, further supporting the case that improved asset efficiencies create value in real estate sell-offs.