cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous low-dose antibiotics and cerclage for recurrent second-trimester pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of continuous low-dose antibiotics in the prolongation of pregnancy in women at risk for recurrent second-trimester loss. METHODS Only patients with a history of previous recurrent second-trimester losses associated with failed cervical cerclages were prospectively included in the study. Patients received low-dose antibiotics until delivery. Cerclage was performed at 14-24 weeks' gestation on the basis of transvaginal sonographic findings of cervical funneling. Outcome was evaluated by weeks of pregnancy gained in the current pregnancy as compared to the previous pregnancy. RESULTS Ten patients were eligible for study after exclusions. All 10 achieved fetal viability. Pregnancy was prolonged by a mean of 13.4 +/- 4.2 weeks beyond the previous pregnancy. This was highly statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSION Continuous low-dose antibiotics prolonged pregnancy in patients with recurrent second-trimester pregnancy losses and prior failed cerclage. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the role of antibiotics in these high-risk pregnancies.
Corneal power correction factor for photorefractive keratectomy.

Background Studies of corneal power changes resulting from photorefractive keratectomy generally rely on keratometer or videokeratograph measurements. These instruments convert corneal radius of curvatures values to optical powers by means of the single refracting surface formula, which incorporates an index of refraction value of 1.3375. This index approximates that of the tears but not the 1.376 index of the corneal epithelium or stroma. A hypothetical optical model was used to determine the most appropriate index to be chosen with respect to corneal power calculations relative to photorefractive keratectomy. Methods The contribution of each refractive element in the tear lens-corneal surface to the total power of the eye was calculated in order to identify which index of refraction was most appropriate for the corneal power calculation. Results The outer tear surface has significant optical power but the tear layer as a whole has nearly zero power due to the offsetting negative power of the posterior test surface. There is no significant difference in the effective power of light leaving the corneal anterior surface when considered with or without the tear layer. Photorefractive keratectomy changes the epithelium and anterior surface of the corneal stroma, but does not affect the posterior stroma or other ocular media. Hence the refractive index for the corneal epithelium or stroma of 1.376 should be used in converting radius to optical power values. The error in assuming a corneal index of 1.3375 is a constant proportion equal to 11.4% of the corneal power reading. Conclusions Photorefractive keratectomy presents a situation in which the actual corneal refractive index of 1.376 should be used for correct corneal radius to power conversions. This may be accomplished by changing the index value in the instrument algorithm for keratometry and videokeratography to 1.376 or by adding a correction factor of either 11.4% of the regular reading to its value or multiplying by the factor 1.114. In other applications of keratometry or videokeratography, the index 1.3375 may be more appropriate.
The Expression and Arousal of Emotion in Music

This essay is about the relation between the expression and the arousal of emotion by music. I am assuming that music frequently expresses emotional qualities and qualities of human personality such as sadness, nobility, aggressiveness, tenderness, and serenity. I am also assuming that music frequently affects us emotionally: it evokes or arouses emotions in us. My question is whether there is any connection between these two facts, whether, in particular, music ever expresses emotion by virtue of arousing emotion. Of course, what it means to say that music expresses emotion is a contentious issue and I shall not be directly addressing it here, although what I say will have implications for any theory of musical expression. Nor will I be examining all the possible contexts in which music can be said to arouse emotion. My focus in this essay will be narrower. The question I shall try to answer is this: Are the grounds on which we attribute the expression of emotion to music ever to be identified with the arousal of that same emotion in listeners?
Exercise 10 – Restriction Digestion and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Restricted endonucleases are enzymes that help in identifying nucleotide sequences specifically in double-stranded DNA. This type of enzyme works naturally as a restriction for prokaryotic cells. It breaks foreign DNA that enters the bacterial cell, but it does not remove the host DNA that has been protected by methylation. The restricted endonucleases naturally cleave DNA at a precise point within a recognition sequence. For molecular cloning techniques, this precision is needed mainly for separating genes from genomic DNA or inserting foreign DNA into a plasmid. This chapter explains the way in which a large number of DNA fragments can be generated by restriction enzymes and with the use of agarose-gel electrophoresis, it can be shifted from one place to the other. While the movement is possible, it has to be understood that the negatively charged DNA molecules are drawn to the anodes only when they are under the influence of an electric field. To determine the size and purity of both maxi-prep and mini-prep, restriction enzymes and agarose mini-gels are used as quick diagnostic tools.
Complex Mirror Symmetry in Optics

We first show the existence of a novel non-Hermitian symmetry, i.e., complex mirror symmetry. We then demonstrate a recursive process that generates high-order non-Hermitian degeneracies based on this new symmetry, which can potentially increase the spontaneous emission rate and sensing sensitivity of optical devices by orders of magnitude.
Spreadsheet-Based Simulator of a Flash Drum: Class Project Example for Material & Energy Balance and Phase Equilibria Courses

A sample class project utilizing Excel spreadsheets to develop a flash drum simulator is demonstrated. In addition to solving equations for mole and enthalpy balances, students are trained to carry out vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations. More importantly, students gain a solid understanding of the link between hand calculations and simulator results and how it can be applied to any chemical engineering problems.
Terahertz Spectroscopy of 2D Materials

We use time-resolved THz spectroscopy to study the effects of photoexcitation on conductivity and ultrafast carrier in 2D layered materials with different electronic properties: metallic transition metal carbides (MXenes) [1] and semiconducting germanium sulfide (GeS) [2].
CEO Activism and Stakeholder Opinion Formation: How Does Incongruence Affect Stakeholder Influence?

In recent years, we have seen an increase in the prevalence of corporate executives taking public stances on social and environmental issues that do not directly impact their firms. Strategy schola...
Gender inequality, reproductive justice, and decoupling economic growth and emissions: a panel analysis of the moderating association of gender equality on the relationship between economic growth and CO2 emissions

Understanding how carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) can be decoupled from economic growth is an important part of planning for climate change mitigation. A variety of critical environmental theories c...
Reconstructing agency using reported private thought in narratives of survivors of sex trafficking

Abstract This project investigates narratives of survivors of sex trafficking posted on YouTube and focuses specifically on moments when the survivor started a transition from being trafficked to becoming free. Narrative analysis is used to explore recurrent narrative features and we find that the description of life or death circumstances is one common context for the decision to escape being trafficked. Furthermore, we show how speakers use reported private thoughts (RPT) to narrate the turning point in which they had a realization about their current situation. We examine how the speaker reconstructs her realization, her in-the-moment stance, and subsequent agency in her turning point narrative as she reports how and why she took action to make a change in the situation. The analysis provides insight into how survivors of sex trafficking have transitioned away from trafficking, and how they reconstruct their agency in doing so.
Response to “Media Revolution: Its Educational Implications.”

In “Media Revolution: Its Educational Implications,” Richard Pratte argues that in order to stay relevant, American education needs to be concerned with how technology and media affect society. In ...
The Time Course of Mixed Venous Blood Gas Composition following Exercise Onset

Some of our most profound insights into respiratory control mechanisms during exercise have come from the examination of dynamic responses. In particular, the events during the first few seconds after exercise begins have been scrutinized. The consideration of ventilatory and gas exchange responses early in exercise began auspiciously almost 80 years ago with the publication of “The regulation of respiration and circulation during the initial stages of muscular work”1. Krogh and Lindhard measured both ventilation and oxygen uptake in the first few seconds of exercise and found that both increased with no measurable latency.
Spillover Effects of Market Penalties for Foreign Corrupt Practices

We examine the spillover effect of market penalties for US MNEs’ foreign corrupt practices on their closest industry peers, or rivals. Drawing on the recent development of signaling theory, we cons...
Traumatic Brain Injury in Children: Do the Eyes Have It? The Orthoptic Evaluation of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Because the neuropathological changes caused by mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) more often manifest as functional impairments than structural abnormalities, the clinical diagnosis of mTBI may re...
Association Between Serum Iron Biomarkers and Breast Cancer.

Background: Iron is both essential to life and potentially toxic at higher levels. Epidemiologic studies of iron and breast cancer are sparse, with substantial heterogeneity found in a recent meta-analysis. Evidence based on a comprehensive set of iron biomarkers and a large sample size could help clarify relationships between iron body stores and breast cancer risk. Methods: A case–cohort sample of 6,008 women, including 3,011 incident cases, has been followed for a median of 7.9 years. We estimated breast cancer HRs with Cox models, including age as the primary time scale and including in turn iron, ferritin, percent transferrin saturation, and their first principal component (PC) both as categorical (quartiles) and continuous measures. Results: Adjusted HRs for the highest versus lowest quartiles of iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation (95% confidence interval) were 1.06 (0.90–1.25), 1.03 (0.87–1.23), and 0.94 (0.80–1.12), respectively, and 1.06 (0.90–1.25) for the first principal component (PC). Associations were similar when follow-up time was restricted to ≤4 or >2 years. Post hoc analyses suggested low iron stores were associated with reduced breast cancer risk, in both pre- and postmenopause and the obese. Conclusions: A study with one of the largest sample sizes to date and with all three measures of circulating iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation does not support a strong association between elevated iron stores and breast cancer risk. Further investigation of low iron may be warranted. Impact: These results do not support a strong association between iron overload and breast cancer incidence.
Robophysical Modeling of Bilaterally Activated and Soft Limbless Locomotors.

Animals like snakes use traveling waves of body bends to move in multi-component terrestrial terrain. Previously we studied [Schiebel et al., PNAS, 2019] a desert specialist, Chionactis occipitalis, traversing sparse rigid obstacles and discovered that passive body buckling, facilitated by unilateral muscle activation, allowed obstacle negotiation without additional control input. Most snake robots have one motor per joint whose positions are precisely controlled. In contrast, we introduce a robophysical model designed to capture muscle morphology and activation patterns in snakes; pairs of muscles, one on each side of the spine, create body bends by unilaterally contracting. The robot snake has 8 joints and 16 motors. The joint angle is set by activating the motor on one side, spooling a cable around a pulley to pull the joint that direction. Inspired by snake muscle activation patterns [Jayne, J. Morph., 1988], we programmed the motors to be unilaterally active and propagate a sine wave down the body. When a motor is inactive, it is unspooled so that its wire cannot generate tension. Pairs of motors can thus resist forces which attempt to lengthen active wires but not those pushing them shorter, resulting in a kinematically soft robot that can be passively deformed by the surroundings. The robot can move on hard ground when drag anisotropy is large, achieved via wheels attached to the bottom of each segment, passively re-orient to track a wall upon a head-on collision, and traverse a multi-post array with open loop control facilitated by buckling and emergent reversal behaviors. In summary, we present a new approach to design limbless robots, offloading the control into the mechanics of the robot, a successful strategy in legged robots [Saranli et al., IJRR, 2001].
The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer Detection of Galactic O VI Emission in the Halo above the Perseus Arm

Background observations obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer toward l = 954, b = 361 show O VI λλ1032, 1038 in emission. This sight line probes a region of stronger than average soft X-ray emission in the direction of high-velocity cloud Complex C above a part of the disk in which Hα filaments rise into the halo. The O VI intensities, 1600 ± 300 photons s-1 cm-2 sr-1 (1032 A) and 800 ± 300 photons s-1 cm-2 sr-1 (1038 A), are the lowest detected in emission in the Milky Way to date. A second sight line nearby (l = 993, b = 433) also shows O VI λ1032 emission but with too low a signal-to-noise ratio to obtain reliable measurements. The measured intensities, velocities, and FWHMs of the O VI doublet and the C II* line at 1037 A are consistent with a model in which the observed emission is produced in the Galactic halo by hot gas ejected by supernovae in the Perseus arm. An association of the observed gas with Complex C appears unlikely.
Disorderly Drinking During Development in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) drink more water than do Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats when they have free access to solid food and water, and adult SHR exhibit hyperdipsia when eating a meal of solid food.1 In addition, SHR exhibit a disproportionate (relative to WKY) acute increase in mean blood pressure when drinking water.2 To examine whether hyperdipsia occurs in young SHR and whether it contributes to the development of hypertension, experiments were done (a) to describe ingestion during development of male SHR and WKY, (b) to examine for a mechanism for hyperdipsia in SHR, and (c) to evaluate whether restriction of water intake can slow or prevent the development of hypertension in SHR.
A discontinuous Galerkin-front tracking scheme and its optimal-optimal error estimation

An error estimate of optimal convergence rates and optimal error propagation (optimal-optimal) was given for the numerical solutions produced by the Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) method on the scalar nonlinear conservation laws in the case of smooth solutions in Sun and Rumsey (2013). This manuscript generalizes the problem to the case of a piecewise smooth solution containing one fully developed shock. A front tracking technique is incorporated in the RKDG scheme to produce a numerical solution with a truly high order error. The numerical smoothness approach of Sun and Rumsey (2013) is generalized to this particular case of a discontinuous solution.
Complementation of an RNase P RNA (rnpB) gene deletion in Escherichia coli by homologous genes from distantly related eubacteria.

We report the construction of a strain of Escherichia coli in which the only functional gene for the RNA moiety of RNase P (rnpB) resides on a plasmid that is temperature sensitive for replication. The chromosomal RNase P RNA gene was replaced with a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. The conditionally lethal phenotype of this strain was suppressed by plasmids that carry RNase P RNA genes from some distantly related eubacteria, including Alcaligenes eutrophus, Bacillus subtilis, and Chromatium vinosum. Thus, the rnpB genes from these organisms are capable of functioning as the sole source of RNase P RNA in E. coli. The rnpB genes of some other organisms (Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus stearothermophilus) could not replace the E. coli gene. The significance of these findings as they relate to RNase P RNA structure and function and the utility of the described strain for genetic studies are discussed. Images
Exploring a source of deviance-producing strain for females

Abstract While the oppression of women has been held by many feminist criminologists to be at the core of female crime, little research had explored the link between discrimination, generally, and gender-based discrimination, specifically, and female deviance. Using the framework of general strain theory (GST), this study used a sample of young adult females to explore whether self-reported measures of discrimination experiences were related to self-reported criminal activity and/or diagnoses of substance use disorders. Results indicated that a measure of major discrimination that included gender discrimination was a significant predictor of both crime and substance use disorders. These findings were interpreted as being supportive of GST and previous scholarship by other feminist criminologists.
The Boston Massacre: A History with Documents – By Neil L. York

This work, designed for classroom use, seeks to allow students, through the study of thirty‐one documents, to understand the place of the Boston Massacre in precipitating the American Revolution. A...
Use of sigmoid colon for rectal substitution following pelvic exenteration

Abstract Pelvic exenteration with rectal substitution using a mobilized segment of sigmoid colon was carried out in 11 selected patients with advanced pelvic malignancy. Satisfactory “rectal” function was achieved in six patients, eliminating the need for permanent colostomy. Rectal substitution was made possible by preserving the rectal sphincter to which the sigmoid colon segment was anastomosed. The portion of the procedure dealing with excision of the tumor and surrounding structures was not altered in patients selected for rectal substitution. With apparent increasing success in radical pelvic surgery, including decreasing operative mortality rates, efforts to increase patient acceptance by alleviating the disfigurement and disability of a permanent colostomy would seem worthwhile.
A source model for VBR video traffic based on M/G//spl infin/ input processes

Statistical evidence suggests that the autocorrelation function of a compressed-video sequence is better captured by /spl rho/(k)=e/sup -/spl beta//spl radic/(k)/ than by /spl rho/(k)=/sup -/spl beta//=e/sup -/spl beta/ log k/ (long-range dependence) or /spl rho/(k)=e/sup -/spl beta/k/. A video model with such a correlation structure is introduced based on the so-called M/G//spl infin/ input processes. Though not Markovian, the model exhibits short-range dependence. Using the queueing performance under "real" video traffic as a reference, we study via simulations the queueing performance under two video models: the M/G//spl infin/ model and the fractional ARIMA (F-ARIMA) model (which exhibits LRD). Our results indicate that the M/G//spl infin/ model is much more accurate in predicting the actual queueing performance than the F-ARIMA model. Furthermore, only /spl Oscr/(n) computations are required to generate an M/G//spl infin/ trace of length n, compared to /spl Oscr/(n/sup 2/) for a F-ARIMA trace.
Anonymous Authentication of Membership in Dynamic Groups

We present a series of protocols for authenticating an individual's membership in a group without revealing that individual's identity and without restricting how the membership of the group may be changed. In systems using these protocols a single message to the authenticator may be used by an individual to replace her lost key or by a trusted third party to add and remove members of the group. Applications in electronic commerce and communication can thus use these protocols to provide anonymous authentication while accommodating frequent changes in membership. We build these protocols on top of a new primitive: the verifiably common secret encoding. We show a construction for this primitive, the security of which is based on the existence of public-key cryptosystems capable of securely encoding multiple messages containing the same plaintext. Because the size of our construct grows linearly with the number of members in the group, we describe techniques for partitioning groups to improve performance.
Acetic acid adsorption on smooth Pt electrodes: Measuring the rate of double-layer organization and rearrangement

Abstract Acetic acid adsorption on platinum was used as a probe of the structure of the electrical double layer containing reversibly interacting surface components. The critical role of the electrode potential in bonding and surface equilibria is illuminated. It is concluded that adsorption of acetic acid occurs on the top of an intermediate water monolayer adsorbed directly onto the electrode surface. The mechanism of acetic acid desorption through “desorption stimulated by adsorption” is discussed.
Calibration and Characterization of Eddy Current Probes by Photoinductive Field Mapping

The calibration of eddy-current measurement systems is a long-standing problem in nondestructive evaluation. Eddy-current probe calibration is needed for several reasons: to compensate for different probe sensitivities, to set detection thresholds, to validate instrument setup and operation, and to perform quantitative flaw sizing.1,2 The most frequently used calibration method is to scan the probe being calibrated over simulated defects such as electrical-discharge-machined (EDM) slots, saw cuts, or laboratory-produced fatigue cracks. This method has the virtue of calibrating probe and instrument at the same time and it can be performed on the same material as that to be inspected. But it has a number of disadvantages as well. First, a large number of artifact standards must be generated, certified, and maintained, resulting in considerable expense. Second, the signals from EDM slots and saw cuts are not equivalent to the signals from actual defects.3 Third, it is questionable whether quantitative flaw sizing can be performed using such a calibration method. Even if laboratory-produced cracks were to be used for routine calibration (a prohibitively expensive option), the accuracy of calibration or quantitative sizing could be compromised by the occurrence of crack closure effects.4
Flows, Filaments and Fragmentation

The location and extension of protostellar cloud cores in Taurus suggests that gravitational fragmentation in filaments is responsible for making those cores. To understand the basic mechanisms of this kind of fragmentation, we conducted simple simulations of finite self-gravitating sheets, envisioning these sheets as an approximation to molecular clouds formed by large scale flows. These simula- tions show that overall equilibrium is difficult if not impossible to maintain; that filaments are a general result of gravitational collapse in non-circular sheets; and that the structure of cloud edges are amplified by gravity to make focal points which can be the trigger for low-mass core fragmentation on small scales as well as likely sites for large mass concentrations needed to make high-mass stars and clusters. The effects of gravity suggest a possible link between cloud edges and mass spectra.
Purification and crystallization of three isoenzymes of malate dehydrogenase from Zea mays seed.

Abstract A successful method for the preparation of plant malate dehydrogenase (MDH) was developed. Three isoenzymes were isolated and crystallized from maize seed. Purification of these proteins involved a course of acetone fractionation, batch and column adsorption on hydroxylapatites, gel permeation chromatography, and ionexchange on DEAE-cellulose columns. In addition, final separation of one of the component isoenzymes was accomplished by continuous flow elution electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. By these techniques it was possible to prepare 5–10 mg of each isoenzyme at one time. Two of the proteins (designated M1-MDH and M2-MDH) are very similar with respect to their charge properties and association with mitochondrial fractions. The other isoenzyme (S-MDH) is associated with the supernatant or cytosol fraction. Antibodies prepared against one of the mitochondrial forms (M1-MDH) cross-reacts with the other form from the mitochondria (M2-MDH) and shows a reaction of identity on agar double diffusion tests. The antibodies against the mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase show no cross-reactivity with the supernatant protein. This preparation of malate dehydrogenase isoenzymes represents the first procedure for obtaining these proteins in a homogenous state from a plant, source, and it is the first purification and separation of multiple mitochondrial isoenzymes as separate entities.
Critical Illness Research Involving Collection of Genomic Data: The Conundrum Posed by Low Levels of Genomic Literacy among Surrogate Decision Makers for Critically Ill Patients:

Critical illness clinical trials that entail genomic data collection pose unique challenges. In this qualitative study, we found that surrogate decision makers (SDMs) for critically ill individuals, such as those who would be approached for study participation, appeared to have a limited grasp of genomic principles. We argue that low levels of genomic literacy should neither preclude nor be in conflict with the conduct of ethically rigorous clinical trials.
Application of liquid scintillation counting method in irradiation studies of coal

Abstract Coal was irradiated with ionizing radiation in neutral, basic and acidic solutions of ethanol-1-14C. The reacted coal was then oxidized and the collected 14CO2 measured in a liquid scintillation counter. Good reproducibility and efficient and quantitative recovery of 14CO2 was observed. The method should find wide application in studies to understand mechanisms of free-radical reactions with coal as well as with organic compounds.
PREVALENCE OF ARRHYTHMIAS IN ED PATIENTS DISCHARGED USING A NOVEL AMBULATORY CARDIAC MONITOR

Emergency Department (ED) patients who present with symptoms that may be due to arrhythmias (ARR), such as palpitations or syncope, are often discharged after a negative evaluation and then referred for outpatient cardiac monitoring. This approach is costly and ineffective due to poor follow-up,
The nebulette repeat domain is necessary for proper maintenance of tropomyosin with the cardiac sarcomere

Abstract Nebulette is a cardiac-specific isoform of the giant actin-binding protein nebulin. Nebulette, having a mass of ∼ 100 kDa, is only predicted to extend 150 nm from the edge of the Z-lines. Overexpression of the nebulette C-terminal linker and/or SH3 domains in chicken cardiomyocytes results in a loss of endogenous nebulette with a concomitant loss of tropomyosin (TPM) and troponin, as well as a shortening of the thin filaments. These data suggest that nebulette's position in the sarcomere is important for the maintenance of TPM, troponin and thin filament length. To evaluate this hypothesis, N-terminal nested truncations tagged with GFP were expressed in chicken cardiomyocytes and the cells were analyzed for the distribution of myofilament proteins. Minimal effects on the myofilaments were observed with N-terminal deletions of up to 10 modules; however, deletion of 15 modules replicated the phenotype observed with expression of the C-terminal fragments. Expression of internal deletions of nebulette verifies that a site between module 10 and 15 is important for TPM maintenance within the sarcomeric lattice. We have additionally isolated TPM cDNAs from a yeast two hybrid (Y2H) analysis. These data indicate the importance of the nebulette–TPM interactions in the maintenance and stability of the thin filaments.
Evolving therapeutic strategies for retarding progression of diabetic nephropathy--an update for 2002.

During the past few years, several major intervention trials have been conducted in an attempt to determine the efficacy of specific antihypertensive agents in retarding progression of diabetic nephropathy. These studies have clearly demonstrated the importance of renin-angiotensin system blockade in attenuating progressive renal disease. The preferred initial therapy is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, or an angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist based on the recent ‘landmark’ proof-of-concept trials – the Irbesartan Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (IDNT) and the Reduction of Endpoints in NIDDM with Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan (RENAAL). However, these clinical trials also demonstrate that aggressive blood pressure targets are needed in patients with diabetes and hypertension. This frequently requires multiple-drug therapy with several different classes of antihypertensive agents. Data from several clinical trials, including RENAAL, suggest that calcium antagonists may be added to ACE inhibitor or AT1 receptor antagonist therapy as needed to achieve target blood pressure. Calcium antagonists could, therefore, constitute an important component of the antihypertensive regimen in the management of patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Losers in the 'Rock-Paper-Scissors' game: the role of non-hierarchical competition and chaos as biodiversity sustaining agents in aquatic systems.

Abstract Processes occurring within small areas (patch-scale) that influence species richness and spatial heterogeneity of larger areas (landscape-scale) have long been an interest of ecologists. This research focused on the role of patch-scale deterministic chaos arising in phytoplankton assemblages characteristic of “Rock-Paper-Scissors” population dynamics (i.e., competitively non-hierarchical). We employed a simple 2-patch model configuration with lateral mixing and through-flow, and tested the robustness of species richness at the scale of the landscape and spatial heterogeneity. Three different assemblages were used that in a dimensionless box model configuration exhibited chaotic behavior. Our results showed that when a spatial dimension was added to the model configuration, and when all species were shared between patches (i.e., no invading populations), chaos-induced species richness and spatial heterogeneity were quickly reduced with the onset of mixing. While assemblages in each patch were comprised of exactly the same species, they differed in their proportional population densities due to differing stages of succession and the incidence of alternative assemblage structures. Even at very low mixing rates (0.001 d−1), which produced low passive migration rates (0.1% of the total biomass per day), the incidence of high richness and heterogeneity decreased by ∼80%. Interestingly, this sensitivity was not the same for the three assemblages tested. Declines in species richness and spatial heterogeneity associated with mixing were greater in assemblages comprised of competitively dissimilar species (based on the area occupied in the resource-tradeoff space defined by the R* model). The underlying mechanisms may involve the degree to which nutrient dynamics are altered with the arrival of immigrants. Our findings suggest that in partially to well-mixed aquatic systems, the roles of patch-scale non-hierarchical competition and chaos as factors maintaining species richness and spatial heterogeneity may be limited. However, in aquatic systems that experience periods of very low mixing, or even disconnection, non-hierarchical competition and chaos might indeed contribute significantly to biodiversity.
Estimation of Dynamic Demand Relations from a Time Series of Family Budget Data

Abstract The demand parameters are estimated by fitting dynamic and static equations to a time series of Japanese multi-cross-section data using various methods. The results indicate that habit formation is predominant and income is much more important than prices and that it is worthwhile to use dynamic forms.
Shell model calculations on 54Cr, 56Fe and 57Fe

A shell model calculation of the energy levels of 54Cr, 56Fe and 57Fe is reported. Protons in the 1f72 orbit and neutrons in the 2p32, 2p12 and 1f52 orbits are treated as active particles. Good agreement with experime nt is found for all three nuclei.
Circadian variation of urinary eosinophil protein X in asthmatic and healthy children.

Background It is suggested that urinary eosinophil protein X (EPX) is a noninvasive tool to monitor bronchial inflammation in asthmatic children. However, circadian variation of the number and activation of eosinophils might possibly influence urinary EPX excretion. Objective Measurements of urinary EPX (radioimmunoassay) were used to investigate circadian variation of eosinophilic activation and to monitor bronchial inflammation in children with asthma before and after treatment with corticosteroids. Methods Urinary EPX excretion (μg/mmol creatinine) was measured in the morning and afternoon in 22 stable asthmatics and in 16 nonatopic, nonasthmatic controls to investigate circadian variation. Additionally, EPX excretion in the afternoon was analysed in 21 children with chronic asthma before and after 6 weeks of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, and in seven children within 24 h of admission due to an asthma exacerbation and again 3 months after discharge. Results EPX excretion in the first morning urine sample of the day compared with the afternoon urine sample was significantly higher both in children with asthma (n = 22; mean ± standard deviation: 179.7 ± 97.3 vs 60.9 ± 40.7 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.0001) and in nonatopic nonasthmatic controls (n = 16; 114.5 ± 57.1 vs 53.4 ± 29.0 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.0001). EPX excretion decreased significantly after 6 weeks of anti-inflammatory treatment in the group of children with chronic asthma (n = 21; 124.7 ± 84.6 vs 87.5 ± 61.9 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.02) and in the group of children with an acute asthma exacerbation 3 months after discharge (n = 7; 233.2 ± 174.5 vs 75.8 ± 59.5 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.02). Conclusion This study suggests a circadian variation of EPX excretion in children with asthma and in nonatopic, nonasthmatic controls. Measurement of EPX excretion is helpful monitoring therapy in asthmatic children if circadian variation is considered.
Maximum likelihood estimation of the Burr XII parameters with censored and uncensored data

Abstract This paper presents the methodology for obtaining point and interval estimates of the parameters of the Burr Type XII distribution with multiple-censored and singly-censored data (Type I censoring or Type II censoring) as well as complete data, using the maximum likelihood method. The basis is the likelihood expression for multiple-censored data. The other types of censoring and complete data are treated as special cases. A FORTRAN language program was used. Some illustrative examples are included.
Antigenicity and Reactivity of Influenza A/New Jersey/8/76 Virus Vaccines in Military Volunteers at Fort Ord, California

The antigenic potency and reactivity of influenza A/New Jersey/8/76 virus vaccines were determined in 272 healthy adult volunteers at Fort Ord, California. Ages of the subjects ranged from 18 to 45 years. Titers of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody elicited by intramuscular injections of monovalent A/New Jersey/8/76 whole-virus (Merck Sharp and Dohme, West Point, Pa. and Merrell-National Laboratories, Cincinnati, Ohio) and split-virus (Wyeth Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pa. and Parke, Davis and Company, Detroit, Mich.) vaccines, each in dosages of 200, 400, and 800 chick cell-agglutinating units of antigen/0.5 ml, were determined. The percentages of volunteers who had fourfold or greater rises in titer of antibody three weeks after vaccination in response to the whole-virus vaccines, for all three dose levels, were -95%; corresponding percentages for the split-product vaccines were -71%. A maximal increase in geometric mean titer of from 1:6.2 to 1:85.6 was recorded for recipients of whole-virus vaccines, whereas the maximal increase for recipients of split-virus vaccines was from 1:6.1 to 1:42.7. Eight vaccinees experienced oral temperatures of -100 F within 24 hr after vaccination; one of the fevers occurred within 6 hr. The whole-virus vaccines appeared to be significantly more immunogenic than the split-product vaccines. As compared with the titers three weeks after vaccination, titers of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody five months after vaccination were somewhat lower among the 166 vaccinees who were still available for testing.
Found in the crystal: phospholipid ligands for nuclear orphan receptors

Phospholipids are important components of cellular membranes, contributing to their structural integrity and regulatory functions. Because of these functional properties, phospholipids are often the subject of cell biology and signal transduction studies. Proteins that bind and transport phospholipids between membranes have been described and investigated but few scientists would have entertained the thought of phospholipids acting as ligands for transcription factors. However, the surprising results of recent crystallization studies revealed phospholipid ligands in the binding pockets of members of the nuclear orphan receptor family 5. Their ability to alter transcriptional activity by acting as bona fide ligands has been inspirational not only for the transcription factor community, but also for phospholipid researchers.
Materials by design and the exciting role of quantum computation/simulation

Abstract It is now well-recognized that we are witnessing a golden age of innovation with novel materials, with discoveries important for both basic science and device applications—some of which will be treated at this Workshop. In this talk, we discuss the role of computation and simulation in the dramatic advances of the past and those we are witnessing today. We will also describe the growing acceptance and impact of computational materials science as a major component of materials research and its import for the future. In the process, we will demonstrate how the well-recognized goal driving computational physics/computational materials science—simulations of ever-increasing complexity on more and more realistic models—has been brought into greater focus with the introduction of greater computing power that is readily available to run sophisticated and powerful software codes like our highly precise full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method, now also running on massively parallel computer platforms. We will then describe some specific advances we are witnessing today, and computation and simulation as a major component of quantum materials design and its import for the future, with the goal—to synthesize materials with desired properties in a controlled way via materials engineering on the atomic scale. The theory continues to develop along with computing power. With the universality and applicability of these methods to essentially all materials and properties, these simulations are starting to fill the increasingly urgent demands of material scientists and engineers.
Comparison of fibroblast and vascular cell adhesion to nano-structured polylactic-co-glycolic acid films

The success of small diameter vascular grafts may be attributed to the ability to accurately mimic the nano-structured topography of extra-cellular matrix components of natural vascular tissue. Using this knowledge, the goal of the present study was to develop synthetic biomaterials that promote vascular cell adhesion and growth, while subsequently limiting fibrous tissue formation. For this purpose, polylactic-co-glycolic acid PLGA with increased nanometer surface roughness was created by treating the surfaces of conventional PLGA with NaOH. Cell experiments on these surfaces indicated that nano-structured PLGA enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion and growth, while decreasing endothelial cell and fibroblast adhesion and growth, compared to their conventional counterparts. These favorable results were attributed to the selective adsorption of vitronectin. In combination, results of the present in vitro study provided evidence that nano-structured surface features have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of small diameter vascular implants.
Nurses' perceptions of chemical restraint use in long-term care.

The purpose of this pilot study is to validate the use of the Perceptions of Restraint Use Questionnaire (PRUQ) in assessing chemical restraint perceptions among nurses working in long-term care. The convenience sample includes 60 licensed nurses working in six long-term care facilities in Illinois. The reliability analysis for a modified version of the PRUQ, based on the research sample chosen, was found to have a Cronbach's coefficient alpha of .9450. Study findings reflect a moderately positive attitude toward chemical restraint use by nurses in long-term care.
Reovirus inhibition of cellular RNA and protein synthesis: role of the S4 gene.

Abstract Type 2 reovirus inhibits L cell RNA and protein synthesis more rapidly and efficiently than type 3. By using recombinant reoviruses containing various combinations of double-stranded RNA segments derived from reovirus type 2 and 3 we have found that the S4 double-stranded RNA segment (the segment that encodes the σ3 polypeptide, the major outer capsid polypeptide) is responsible for the capacity of type 2 to inhibit L cell RNA and protein synthesis.
Stoichiometric disturbances in compound semiconductors due to ion implantation

A method is developed to calculate the depth distribution of the local stoichiometric disturbance (SD) resulting from ion implantation in binary-compound substrates. The calculation includes first-order recoils considering projected range straggle of projectiles and recoils and lateral straggle of recoils. The method uses tabulated final-range statistics to infer the projectile range distributions at intermediate energies. This approach greatly simplifies the calculation with little compromise on accuracy as compared to existing procedures. As an illustration, the SD profile is calculated for implantation of boron, silicon, and aluminum in silicon carbide. The results for the latter case suggest that the SD may be responsible for otherwise unexplained distortions in the annealed aluminum profile. A comparison with calculations by other investigators using the Boltzmann transport equation shows good agreement.
Motor dual-task effect on gait and task of upper limbs in older adults under specific task prioritization: pilot study

Performing multiple tasks simultaneously may result in reduced performance of subtasks (dual-task cost) particularly among old individuals. Subtask performance during dual tasking is also known to be affected by task prioritization. However, it has not been well studied how the performance of subtasks is affected during motor dual task in old adults compared to young when instructed to prioritize one task over the other. This study aims to investigate the dual-task effect on subtasks during motor dual tasking under specific instruction of task prioritization in old compared to young adults. Sixteen independent old and 18 young adults performed two single tasks (usual walking, holding a tray as steady as possible while standing) and two dual tasks (walking while holding a tray focusing attention on keeping tray as steady as possible—WTAT, and walking while holding tray focusing attention on walking—WTAW). Gait parameters [velocity and variability (coefficient of variation, CV) of stride length] and the pitch (forward–backward) and roll (side-to-side) angles of the tray were measured during the four conditions. During the WTAT compared to single tasks, both young and old groups showed reduced gait velocity (β = −14.0 for old, −34.3 for young), increased gait variability (β = 0.19 for old, 0.51 for young), and increased tray tilt (β = 9.4 for old, 7.9 for young in pitch; β = 8.8 for old, 5.9 for young in roll). Higher proportion of older individuals showed higher dual-task effect on tray stability, but lower dual-task effect on gait compared to young individuals. During WTAW, there was no difference in dual-task effect between age groups in tray stability or gait performance. Compared to young, older adults tend to compromise the task involving upper limbs during motor dual tasking even when instructed to prioritize this task over gait. These findings may have ramifications on developing training strategies to learn or relearn complex motor activities in seniors.
FINE STRUCTURE OF CAPITULAR FILAMENTS IN THE COENOCYTIC GREEN ALGA PENICILLUS1,2,3

SUMMARY Capitular filaments of Penicillus capitatus contain a large central vacuole. The parietal cytoplasm is densely packed, devoid of chloroplasts in the growing tip, and becomes convoluted and sponge-like as extensions of the vacuole penetrate the cytoplasm in mature portions of the filament. Structure of organelles and their distribution in the filament are described. The vacuole contains a variety of inclusions, such as membranous configurations, spherical bodies, electron dense bodies, and calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals, each of the latter surrounded by a chamber associated with microtubules. Endophytic bacteria are present throughout the vacuole and occasionally in the tip cytoplasm. Some vacuolar components of P. pyriformis are described for comparison.
Reactions to Blood Spots and Albumen Condition

Abstract THE present study was initiated to obtain further information on consumer reaction to variations in blood spot size and thick albumen height. These quality criteria, one a negative factor (blood spots—a defect) and the other a positive factor (albumen condition) have been widely used by standardization and grading agencies as well as by research workers. Since neither of these criteria is associated with nutritive value or healthfulness of eggs, it would seem that they may truly be considered quality factors only if there are positive or negative consumer responses to them. It has been assumed that the quality standards of an esthetic nature currently in use by official agencies and research workers (such as blood spots and albumen condition) reflect consumer opinion. Increasingly the weakness of this position has been recognized and consumer surveys have been carried out to determine direct reactions to so-called quality criteria. Such a study …
Peritonitis and intraabdominal abscess: An experimental model for the evaluation of human disease☆

Abstract An economical, reproducible experimental model of intraabdominal sepsis in rats has been developed. This model was produced by placing varying amounts of human fecal material within gelatin capsules, which were then surgically placed within the peritoneal cavities of rats. The type of intraabdominal sepsis produced varied according to the amount of inoculum introduced. The full spectrum of sepsis produced was similar to that seen in human peritonitis and intraabdominal abscess formation. This model is suitable for and is presently being used to evaluate the efficacy of the various antibiotic schemes currently used in the treatment of human intraperitoneal infections.