cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Details of local dispersion improve the fit of neighborhood competition models

I performed a series of greenhouse experiments to explore how patterns in the dispersion of local competitors affect the reproductive performance of Capsella bursa-pastoris, Poa annua and Senecio vulgaris. I manipulated the density and relative frequency of competitors in each of three concentric rings surrounding a central plant, thereby creating a variety patterns by which local competitors were distributed. Neighborhood competition models were used to predict the seed output of these central plants. For both Senecio vulgaris and Capsella bursa-pastoris, I found that models which incorporated the dispersion of competitors, as well as the relative emergence date of plants, performed substantially better than those that considered only the distance between the central plant and each of its competitors. I was unable to measure the seed output of Poa annua but neither emergence data nor the dispersion of competitors were important in determining its final dry-weight.
Techniques of Split‐Thickness Skin Grafting for Lower Extremity Ulcerations

objective. To discuss the role of skin grafts in the functional repair of lower extremity ulcerations. methods. The indications, types of skin grafts, and the methods of harvesting grafts are described. results. Detailed description of our method of bedside split-thickness skin grafting with both pinch and mesh grafts in hospitalized patients is given. We also discuss post-operative care and complications seen with skin grafting. conclusion. Split-thickness skin grafting offers an important therapeutic option in the treatment of lower extremity ulcerations.
Behavior-based analysis of freeway car-truck interactions and related mitigation strategies

Abstract Freight trucks are an important component of the nation’s highway traffic. Due to their physical and operational characteristics, they can significantly impact traffic system performance, safety, and the travel experience of non-truck drivers. Methodological gaps exist in the literature on modeling car–truck interactions that do not result in crashes, especially those resulting from non-truck driver behavior. This paper focuses on the modeling of the behavior of non-truck drivers in the vicinity of trucks to capture these interactions. This is done by quantifying a time-dependent “discomfort level” for every non-truck driver interacting with trucks in the ambient traffic stream. The driver socioeconomic characteristics and situational factors that affect this discomfort are identified through a stated preference survey of non-truck drivers and a preliminary analysis of the survey data using a discrete choice model. A fuzzy logic based approach is proposed to determine the en-route time-dependent non-truck driver discomfort level. This is used in conjunction with the car-following and lane-changing logics of a traditional traffic flow model to generate a truck-following model and a modified lane-changing model in the vicinity of trucks. An agent-based freeway segment traffic flow simulator is constructed using the extended microscopic flow modeling logic. It provides a simulation-based framework to analyze alternative strategies to mitigate car–truck interactions. Experiments are conducted to analyze the sensitivity of the discomfort level to the causal variables, and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative mitigation strategies.
Positioned nucleosomes inhibit Dam methylation in vivo.

Abstract Escherichia coli Dam DNA methyltransferase can methylate genomic GATC sites when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Others have observed changes in the level of methylation at specific sites and suggested that these changes are related to transcriptional state or chromosomal context. To test directly the influence of nucleosome location on the ability of Dam methyltransferase to modify GATC sites in chromatin, we analyzed minichromosomes containing precisely positioned nucleosomes in dam-expressing yeast strains. Levels of methylation at individual GATC sites were rigorously quantified by an oligonucleotide-probing procedure. Within the linker and adjacent 21 bp of nucleosome-associated DNA, GATC sites were highly methylated, whereas methylation was severely inhibited by histone-DNA contacts nearer to the nucleosomal pseudodyad. Other DNA-protein complexes also interfere with Dam methylation. These data are consistent with a model in which nucleosomes exert a repressive influence on the biological functions of DNA by restricting access of trans-acting factors to DNA.
Optomechanical design of the Micro-Arcsecond Metrology testbed interferometer

The Micro Arcsecond Metrology Testbed (MAM) is a laboratory- based, long baseline, white-light interferometer inside a vibration-isolated vacuum tank. The single baseline, high precision interferometer will be able to observe a translating, artificial star at a distance of 10.74 meters with 5 μ as accuracy. The MAM testbed consists of an artificial star, laser metrology and a high precision interferometer. This paper addresses the design and characteristics of the interferometer. The interferometer functions include both angle- and optical-path tracking. The optics are arranged to from dispersed fringes in a channeled spectrum on a charge coupled device and a true white-light fringe on an avalanche photodiode, while at the same time producing guide spots for angle tracking.
Laser-Induced Oxidation of Cholesterol Observed During MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Conditions for the detection of three odd-electron cholesterol oxidation peaks were determined and these peaks were shown to be artifacts of the matrix-assisted laser desorption time of flight (MALDI-TOF) process. Matrix choice, solvent, laser intensity and cholesterol concentration were systematically varied to characterize the conditions leading to the highest signals of the radical cation peaks, and it was found that initial cholesterol solution concentration and resultant density of solid cholesterol on the MALDI target were important parameters in determining signal intensities. It is proposed that hydroxyl radicals, generated as a result of laser irradiation of the employed 2, 5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) matrix, initiate cholesterol oxidation on the MALDI target. An attempt to induce the odd-electron oxidation peaks by means of adding an oxidizing agent succeeded using an acetonitrile solution of DHB, cholesterol, and cumene hydroperoxide. Moreover, addition of free radical scavengers reduced the abundances of some oxidation products under certain conditions. These results are consistent with the mechanism of oxidation proposed herein involving laser-induced hydroxyl radical production followed by attack on neutral cholesterol. Hydroxyl radical production upon irradiation of dithranol matrix may also be responsible for generation of the same radical peaks observed from cholesterol in dithranol by an analogous mechanism.
Do Off-Campus Students Use E-Books?

The number of electronic books (e-books) that are available is increasing rapidly. Libraries are acquiring them individually, in large groups, and as part of collections. Off-campus librarians perceive them to be the best solution to the problems and expenses related to loaning and shipping print books to off-campus students. This study looks at the usage of e-books by off-campus students at Central Michigan University (CMU) to see if usage patterns can assist librarians with e-book collection development to support off-campus programs.
Diophantine Geometry of the Torsion of a Drinfeld Module

Abstract We prove an analogue of the Manin–Mumford conjecture for Drinfeld modules of generic characteristic.
Development of a Scale Independent Approach for Landscape Pattern Metrics using Fourier Vector Analysis of Satellite Images

Mapping land-cover land-use change (LCLUC) over regional and continental scales and long time scales can be accomplished using class maps derived from Earth observing satellites. Observations of landscape change can be related to processes like hydrologic or ecological function by employing image processing tools that produce landscape pattern metrics such as dominance, fractal dimension, and contagion. These landscape pattern metrics arise from local kernel operations that detect edges and gradients in class maps, and suffer from a lack of statistical independence and scalability. This paper describes an approach to generating landscape pattern metrics based on a Fourier system analysis of the entire class map or any subset of the class map such as a watershed. Three metric improvements are made. First, correlations between the metrics are removed. Second, image sourced statistical independence is abated. Third, the proposed metrics become, in a least squares sense, optimally scalable.
Transperitoneal Marsupialization of Lymphoceles: A Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Techniques

This 2-center study compares the relative merits of laparoscopic and open surgical internal marsupialization of pelvic lymphoceles. Laparoscopic lymphocelectomy was performed in 12 patients (group 1). The results were compared with open lymphocelectomy performed in 13 contemporary patients (group 2) as well as 13 historical patients (group 3). Operative time was longer in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 (194.6 versus 176.9 versus 133.8 minutes, respectively). However, group 1 had a decreased blood loss (23.1 versus 74.6 versus 61.7 ml.), earlier resumption of oral food intake (0.9 versus 2.5 versus 2.1 days), shorter hospital stay (2 versus 6.1 versus 6.3 days) and abbreviated convalescence (2.2 versus 6.9 versus 4.5 weeks) compared to groups 2 and 3. Complications included cystotomy requiring open repair in 1 patient in group 1, prolonged ileus in 1 in group 2, transection of the ureter of a transplant kidney in 1 in group 3 and pneumonitis in 1 in group 3. Lymphocele recurred in no patient in group 1, 4 in group 2 and 3 in group 3. Mean followup in groups 1 to 3 was 12.8, 25 and 54.5 months, respectively. We conclude that laparoscopic lymphocelectomy is effective, results in minimal patient morbidity and allows for a more rapid recovery compared to open surgical lymphocelectomy.
Long-term effects of appearance-based interventions on sun protection behaviors.

Objectives To examine the longer term efficacies of exposure to UV photographs and photoaging information (e.g., wrinkles and age spots) for increasing sun protection intentions and behaviors of young adults. Design Randomized controlled trial with 4- to 5-month and 12-month follow-ups. Main outcome measures Participants' self-reported sun protection intentions assessed immediately after the interventions, and both self-reported sun protection behaviors and an objective assessment (via spectrophotometry) of skin color change measured at the end of summer (4-5 months following interventions) and 1 year following interventions. Results Both interventions resulted in immediate positive effects on future sun protection intentions. Both interventions showed objective evidence of less skin darkening at the postsummer follow-up, with those in the photoaging information condition also reporting more sun protective behavior and continuing to show less skin darkening 1 year after intervention. There was also evidence that effects of photoaging information on subsequent skin color change were mediated by the earlier positive effect photoaging information had on participants' intentions to sun protect and their subsequent sun protection behaviors. Conclusions UV photo and photoaging-information interventions each show promise as a brief and relatively inexpensive approach for motivating sun protection practices that may reduce skin cancer risk.
Intramolecular electron localization and local-density calculations on silicon-containing molecules: Tetramethylsilane and hexamethyldisilane

Abstract We report discrete-variational method Hartree-Fock-Slater (HFS) calculations on the title compounds. For a self-consistent potential based upon a Mulliken superposition of spherical charge densities (the self-consistent-charge scheme) the orbital energetics exhibit substantial disagreement with experiment; inclusion of more radial structure (and, less effectively, of p waves) in the self-consistent potential produces excellent experimental agreement, and permits us to assign the lowest optical excited state as an eu π-type state with some Si d-function character. This is essentially in agreement with an early experimental assignment of Gilman. Electron delocalization in silane oligomers is rationalized on the basis of empty orbital energetics and spatial structure. For proper description of diffuse molecular states and optical excitations, we emphasize the necessity of utilizing a sufficiently flexible representation of the molecular potential.
Two-dimensional field-flow fractionation.

Abstract Multidimensional field-flow fractionation (FFF) is described in two major forms: one in which different separative stages are coupled together and one in which two independent displacements, at least one of them FFF, are carried out in a generally planar channel structure. The latter, the subject of this paper, is relatively promising for implementation in FFF systems because in most cases the geometry of the FFF channel is already planar; the channel structure needs mainly to be broadened along the second dimension and modified with different inlets and outlets for this two-dimensional use. The large number of potential two-dimensional FFF systems is discussed. These systems are described at greater length in four categories: (1) FFF displacement used in both dimensions (2) FFF along one axis and chromatography along another, (3) FFF along one axis and a field-induced displacement along the other, and (4) FFF separation combined with bulk or flow displacement at right angles. p ]Finally theoretical equations are obtained for the deflection of the trajectories away from the main flow axis z . The sensitivity of deflection to component properties is described in terms of the deflection selectivity . Several examples are discussed in which the deflection selectivity is remarkably high.
Densification and grain growth in hot-pressed zinc oxide

Abstract Polycrystalline ZnO has been hot-pressed to theoretical density at 5000 psi and 800°C, with an average grain size of 1.5 microns. Time-temperature-density relations were established, and bulk diffusion coefficients were calculated on the basis of Nabarro-Herring diffusion model. Two sets of D-values were obtained, as follows: D = 2.32 exp (−58±4 kcal/mole) cm2/sec for the center and D = 9.48 × 10−3 exp (−49±6 kcal/mole) cm2/sec for the edges. It was concluded that under the experimentally obtained sintering conditions, “interstitialcy” mechanism is predominant, since considerable decomposition occurred during sintering creating interstitial zinc.
Lexical Encoding of Event Participant Information

The typical understanding of a short passive sentence like The ship was sunk is that it was sunk by someone. We investigated whether unexpressed agent information is introduced via semantic argument information associated with the lexical representations of verbs, or instead via conceptually derived inferences. We demonstrate, in self-paced reading and eye-monitoring studies, that implicit agents are derived from lexical rather than conceptual sources and that verb argument structure information is accessed as soon as a verb is recognized.
Emergency department management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

The Acute Decompensated HEart Failure National REgistry (ADHERE®) confirms that the management of decompensated heart failure is an emergency department (ED) problem, as more than 75% of patients admitted to the hospital with heart failure arrive through the ED. This emphasizes the need for collaboration among emergency medicine, cardiology, nephrology, and hospitalists in the management of acute decompensated heart failure. Such collaboration is important for several reasons, including the enhancement of patient care. It is also known that most hospitals lose money on heart failure admissions. Strategies that can be employed to limit hospital losses on heart failure include reducing admissions from the ED; decreasing the length of hospital stay; increasing the use of the observation unit; reducing re-admissions, particularly through the first 30 days; and reducing the use of high-resource areas such as the intensive care unit (ICU). This article will focus on initiatives that can be implemented in the ED to help with these strategies. In particular, we will discuss early initiation of therapy and its ability to improve length of stay, reduce re-admissions, and reduce ICU admissions. Use of the observation unit for the management of heart failure will also be discussed as a way of decreasing admissions from the ED.
Adjustment trade-offs of co-rumination in mother-adolescent relationships.

Abstract The current study examined co-rumination (i.e., extensively discussing, rehashing, and speculating about problems) in the context of mother–adolescent relationships. Fifth-, eighth-, and eleventh-graders ( N = 516) reported on co-rumination and more normative self-disclosure with mothers, their relationships with mothers, and their own internalizing symptoms. A subset of mothers ( N = 200) reported on mother–adolescent co-rumination and self-disclosure. Results from the adolescent-report data indicated greater mother–adolescent co-rumination with daughters than sons and also adjustment trade-offs of mother–adolescent co-rumination. Mother–adolescent co-rumination was related to positive relationship quality but also to enmeshment in the relationship. Whereas the relation with positive relationship quality appeared to be due in part to normative self-disclosure, the relation with enmeshment was unique to co-rumination. Mother–adolescent co-rumination also was related to youth anxiety/depression. The relations with enmeshment and internalizing symptoms were strongest when co-rumination focused on the mothers' problems. Implications of mother–adolescent co-rumination for promoting appropriate relationship boundaries and youth well-being are discussed.
Contributions of the N- and C-Terminal Helical Segments to the Lipid-Free Structure and Lipid Interaction of Apolipoprotein A-I†

The tertiary structure of lipid-free apolipoprotein (apo) A-I in the monomeric state comprises two domains: a N-terminal α-helix bundle and a less organized C-terminal domain. This study examined ...
3D nonlinear perturbative particle simulations of two-stream collective processes in intense particle beams

Abstract Collective processes in intense charged particle beams described self-consistently by the Vlasov–Maxwell equations are studied using a 3D multispecies nonlinear perturbative particle simulation method. The newly-developed Beam Equilibrium Stability and Transport (BEST) code has been used to simulate the nonlinear stability properties of intense beam propagation, surface eigenmodes in a high-intensity beam, and the electron–proton (e–p) two-stream instability observed in the Proton Storage Ring (PSR).
Optimum parking orbit orientation for a three- dimensional capture-escape mission

The capture and escape maneuvers required to establish a stopover orbit around a planet for a given interplanetary mission can be expensive in terms of total mission fuel requirements. An analytical and computational technique to determine the optimum orientation of the stopover orbit (longitude of the ascending node, orbit periapsis location, and the positions of the capture and escape maneuvers) such that the total velocity increment required for the two impulsive maneuvers is a minimum, is presented. Davidon's method, using a finite differencing technique to calculate the gradient vector, is employed in the optimization process. This approximation to the gradient vector proved to be sufficiently accurate to permit convergence to a solution. The technique has been programmed for a digital computer so that parametric studies can be made for arbitrary stopover orbits and planetary missions. Results are presented for a 1973 Mars mission and a 1978 Venus mission.
Kids These Days: Examining Differences in Political Uses and Gratifications, Internet Political Participation, Political Information Efficacy, and Cynicism on the Basis of Age

Using a telephone survey of randomly selected voters from the general population, the authors sought to understand the interrelatedness of the use of the Internet as a political information source with perception of political participation, political information efficacy, and cynicism. Guided by the uses and gratifications theory and employing the Political Media Gratifications Scale, the authors examine these constructs in terms of emergent generational differences. Findings indicate that digital natives differ from their older voting counterparts, and the researchers conclude more research must investigate further to accurate determine meaning.
Synthesizing fully efficient systolic arrays

It is shown that in arrays derived by the conventional integral linear transformation, there always exists a basic direction nu such that one and only one out of delta consecutive processors is active at any time unit along any line parallel to nu . Therefore, one can merge delta neighboring processors along lines parallel to nu and derive a new array which is fully efficient. The new array has only 1/ delta processors and has the same computation time complexity. The method is constructive: once the user has chosen the timing function and allocation function, the required nu can be generated automatically. After choosing nu , the appropriate quasi-affine allocation function can also be automatically derived, as can the additional registers, wires, and control for the processors. This indicates that it is always possible to synthesize a fully efficient systolic array in a practical system. >
On expressing elements as a sum of squares, where one square is restricted to a subfield

Let q be a prime power and fix a@?F"q"^"2@?F"q. In this note it is proved that, provided q>5, the setS"a={a-@a^2:@a@?F"q^@?} contains both a square and a non-square of F"q"^"2^@?. In particular, every a@?F"q"^"2@?F"q can be written as a sum of a square of F"q"^"2 and a square of F"q.
Caffeine and Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Review of the Evidence

Limited data exist on the safety and physiologic effects of caffeine in patients with known arrhythmias. The studies presented suggest that in most patients with known or suspected arrhythmia, caffeine in moderate doses is well tolerated and there is therefore no reason to restrict ingestion of caffeine. A review of the literature is presented.
The Effects of Uva Radiation: Are Sunscreens Protective Enough?

AbstractIn previous studies with albino hairless mice, we showed that broadband ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) damages dermal connective tissue. Recent studies examined segments of the UVA waveband in detail. In one, mice were irradiated with a solar simulator using Schott WG filters with different 50% cutoff points in the UVA region. Biopsies were examined at the following dosages: WG 335 (500,1000, 2000 J/cm2); WG 345 (800,1600,3200 J/cm2); WG 360 (2000,4000 J/cm2). A second study utilized a high-intensity source filtered to eliminate wavelengths < 340 nm. Biopsies were examined at 500,1000, 2000,4000, and 8000 J/cms2. Histochemical stains were used to examine elastic fibers, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans. Collagen appeared damaged mainly by the shorter wavelengths, while all wavelengths induced elastic fiber hyperplasia and increased glycosaminoglycans. These changes required high but realistically obtainable doses. UVA is a weak carcinogen but in a third study its addition to low-dose UVB caused sig...
The role and pathophysiological relevance of membrane transporter PepT1 in intestinal inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease

Intestinal inflammation is characterized by epithelial disruption, leading to loss of barrier function and the recruitment of immune cells, including neutrophils. Although the mechanisms are not yet completely understood, interactions between environmental and immunological factors are thought to be critical in the initiation and progression of intestinal inflammation. In recent years, it has become apparent that the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of such inflammation. In healthy individuals, PepT1 is primarily expressed in the small intestine and transports di/tripeptides for metabolic purposes. However, during chronic inflammation such as that associated with inflammatory bowel disease, PepT1 expression is upregulated in the colon, wherein the protein is normally expressed either minimally or not at all. Several recent studies have shown that PepT1 binds to and transports various bacterial di/tripeptides into colon cells, leading to activation of downstream proinflammatory responses via peptide interactions with innate immune receptors. In the present review, we examine the relationship between colonic PepT1-mediated peptide transport in the colon and activation of innate immune responses during disease. It is important to understand the mechanisms of PepT1 action during chronic intestinal inflammation to develop future therapies addressing inappropriate immune activation in the colon.
A parametric model for long-term follow-up data from phase III breast cancer clinical trials.

We propose a parametric version of a univariate gamma frailty model. The proposed model is shown to be flexible enough to model long-term follow-up survival data from breast cancer clinical trials when the treatment effect diminishes as time progresses, a case for which neither the proportional hazards nor proportional odds assumptions are satisfied. The observed information matrix is computed to evaluate the variances of parameter estimates. A simple parametric test statistic to test proportional odds assumption is also constructed. The model is applied to a data set from a phase III clinical trial on breast cancer.
Restructuring Teachers' Work

Despite repeated attempts to reform schools, teachers' work has remained surprisingly stable. The purpose of this study was to investigate implementation of a state-funded restructuring initiative that intended broad changes in teachers' professional roles. Sponsors of the founding legislation reasoned that changes in teachers' roles would contribute to higher student achievement. This study examined the question of whether and how this program of comprehensive whole-school change promoted changes in teachers' roles in school governance, collegial relations, and the classroom. Further, the study traced the relationship of these changes to one another, and weighed the likelihood that they had the capacity to affect core educational practices. Theoretically, this study is situated in the available literature on teachers' collegial relations; participation in shared decision making; and classroom roles, relationships and practice. Three elementary schools served as the sites for intensive qualitative data collection completed over a two-year period. The schools differed in geographic location (two urban, one rural), but all enrolled a racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse population of students, and more than half of the students in each school qualified for free or reduced price lunch. The study resulted in multiple types and sources of data on teachers' professional roles, including: observations in classrooms, collegial interactions, and governance situations; interviews with teachers (including teacher leaders), parents, administrators, and students; and documents pertaining to the restructuring plans and process. Findings show that changes in the three areas were achieved unevenly in the three schools. All three schools introduced changes in classroom practice and roles, ranging from the adoption of multi-age classrooms to more modest innovations in curriculum or instruction. In only one case were changes in professional roles outside the classroom organized to support and sustain classroom changes. Two of the three schools introduced changes in staff organization (teacher teams) and leadership (governance committees), but under-estimated the professional development and other supports that would in turn support changes in classroom practice. Altogether, it appears unlikely that the observed changes in professional roles were sufficiently well established and connected to affect core educational practice in the long run.
Attitude Stability of a Gravity-Stabilized Gyrostat Satellite

Gravity stabilized gyrostat satellite attitude motion stability, using three dimensional diagram and Liapunov functions
Cardiovascular risk and memory in non-demented elderly women

Objective To determine whether cardiovascular (CV) risk is associated with subtle memory deficits in non-demented, healthy older women with a family history of Alzheimer disease (AD).
Heme induced oxidative stress attenuates sirtuin1 and enhances adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells and mouse pre-adipocytes.

Patho-physiological conditions with high oxidative stress, such as conditions associated with increased denatured heme-proteins, are associated with enhanced adipogenic response. This effect predominantly manifests as adipocyte hypertrophy characterized by dysfunctional, pro-inflammatory adipocytes exhibiting reduced expression of anti-inflammatory hormone, adiponectin. To understand how increased levels of cellular heme, a pro-oxidant molecule, modulates adipogenesis; the following study was designed to evaluate effects of heme on adipogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and mouse pre-adipocytes (3T3L1). Experiments were conducted in the absence and in the presence of a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic (tempol, 100 µM). Heme (10 µM) increased (P<0.05) adipogenesis in hMSCs and mouse pre-adipocytes, where tempol alone (100 µmol/L) attenuated adipogenesis in these cells (P<0.05). Tempol also reversed heme-induced increase in adipogenesis in both hMSCs and mouse pre-adipocytes (P<0.05). In addition, heme exposed 3T3L1 exhibited reduced (P<0.05) expression of transcriptional regulator-sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), along with, increased (P<0.05) expression of adipogenic markers peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), C/EBPα, and aP2. These effects of heme were rescued (P<0.05) in cells concurrently treated with heme and tempol (P<0.05) and prevented in cells over-expressing Sirt1. Taken together, our results indicate that heme-induced oxidative stress inhibits Sirt1, thus un-inhibiting adipogenic regulators such as PPARγ and C/EBPα; which in turn induce increased adipogenesis along with adipocyte hypertrophy in pre-adipocytes. Anti-oxidant induced offsetting of these effects of heme supports the role of heme-dependent oxidative stress in mediating such events.
Introduced populations of Genista monspessulana (French broom) are more dense and produce a greater seed rain in California, USA, than native populations in the Mediterranean Basin of Europe

Some invasive plants perform better in their area of introduction than in their native region, and this is often attributed either to phenotypic responses and/or to adaptive evolution following exposure to new environmental conditions. Genista monspessulana (French broom) is native to Europe, but highly invasive and abundant along the Pacific Coast of the USA. In this study, the population density and age structure, plant growth and reproductive traits, and seed bank characteristics of 13 native (Mediterranean Basin) and 15 introduced (California, USA) field populations of G. monspessulana were compared. Mean population density, plant height and stem diameter were greater in introduced populations, with the latter two traits explained by a greater mean plant age. Age structure also showed a greater percentage of seedling plants in introduced populations. Fecundity was higher in introduced populations when measured in terms of mature seeds per pod, but lower when comparing seed production per plant (number of pods and mature seeds). Thus, seed rain and seed bank size was considerably higher in introduced populations. Results from this study indicate that G. monspessulana performs better in its introduced region. We hypothesize that release from natural enemies and competitors together with more favorable environmental conditions in the introduced region may explain the invasion success of G. monspessulana. As a result, an integrated management approach using introduced seed predators to suppress seed production and selected management practices to reduce seed banks may be needed for effective long-term control in California.
Time Trends and Transplacental Transfer of Perfluorinated Compounds in Melon-Headed Whales Stranded Along the Japanese Coast in 1982, 2001/2002, and 2006

As a result of the phase-out of production of perfluorooctanesulfonyl-based compounds by a major producer, concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in marine mammals from North American and European coastal waters have been declining since the early 2000s. Nevertheless, temporal trends in perfluorochemical (PFC) concentrations in marine mammals from Asian coastal waters have not been examined. In this study, PFCs were determined in livers of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) collected along the coast of Japan, from three mass strandings that occurred during the past 25 years. Concentrations of nine PFCs were determined in livers of 48 melon-headed whales that were collected during strandings in 1982, 2001/2002, and 2006. In addition, concentrations in liver tissues obtained from two pregnant females and their fetuses were compared for determination of transplacental transfer rates of PFCs during gestation. PFOS and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) were the predominant PFCs found in livers of melon-headed whales collected in 1982 (n = 22). PFOS, PFOSA, perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), perfluorododecanoate (PFDoDA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) were found in whales collected in 2001/2002 (n = 21) and in 2006 (n = 5). Concentrations of PFOS and PFOSA were approximately 10-fold higher in 2001/2002 than in 1982. Whereas concentrations of PFOSA then declined by 2-fold from 2001/ 2002 to 2006, concentrations of PFOS and perfluorocarboxylates did not decline after 2001/2002. Conversely, concentrations of PFNA and PFDA increased significantly from 2001/2002 to 2006. The proportion of perfluoroalkylsulfonates in total PFC concentrations decreased from 75% in 1982 to 51% in 2006. Conversely, the contribution of perfluorocarboxylates to total PFC concentrations increased from 25% in 1982 to 49% in 2006. PFUnDA was the major perfluorocarboxylate found in whale livers collected after 2000. Analysis of paired samples of mother-fetus demonstrated that the transplacental transfer rates of PFCs were higher than those for PCBs and PBDEs.
Can Maximum Phonation Time Predict Voice Outcome after Thyroplasty Type I

Background: Thyroplasty type I, as introduced by Isshiki and colleagues almost 30 years ago, has become the gold standard of improving glottal incompetence caused by unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Intraoperative assessment of the adequacy of glottal closure is subjective and based on the perceptual judgment of vocal quality and degree of improvement in glottal gap size. Objective/Hypotheses: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether the intraoperative measurement of maximum phonation time (MPT) is an adequate predictor of voice outcome after thyroplasty type I. To assess this possibility, it was necessary to evaluate the effect of body posture (seated vs. supine) and anesthesia (none vs. light sedation) on the measure of MPT. Study Design: A prospective study of 20 individuals with unilateral vocal fold paralysis was undertaken. Methods: Subjects were assessed at three time points: pre-, intra-, and postoperatively across parameters of breathiness rating, glottal gap size, glottal flow rate, and MPT. Results: Results indicated that MPT was significantly lower in the supine versus seated position. In addition, light sedation resulted in a trend toward lower MPT that was not statistically significant. Finally, the intraoperative measurement of MPT, although lower than a 1-month postoperative measurement, was significantly predictive of the outcome. Conclusions: The intraoperative measure of MPT appears to be an adequate predictor of the postoperative outcome.
Comparing Competing Theories on the Causes of Mandate Perceptions

The discussion of presidential mandates is as certain as a presidential election itself. Journalists inevitably discuss whether the president-elect has a popular mandate. Because they see elections as too complex to allow the public to send a unitary signal, political scientists are more skeptical of mandates. Mandates, however, have received new attention by scholars asking whether perceptions of mandate arise and lead representatives to act as if voters sent a policy directive. Two explanations have emerged to account for why elected officials might react to such perceptions. One focuses on the president's strategic decision to declare a mandate, the second on how members of Congress read signals of changing preferences in the electorate from their own election results. We test these competing views to see which more accurately explains how members of Congress act in support of a perceived mandate. The results indicate that members respond more to messages about changing preferences than to the president's mandate declaration.
Towards improved partial-hand prostheses: The effect of wrist kinematics on pattern-recognition-based control

Pattern-recognition-based control using surface electromyography (EMG) from the extrinsic hand muscles has shown great promise for providing control of multiple prosthetic functions. However, it is not clear how these systems will perform when the user possesses a functional wrist; an attribute unique to the population of partial-hand amputees. Fortunately, partial-hand amputees may have remaining intrinsic hand muscles, from which additional information-rich EMG data may be extracted and used for prosthetic control. We investigated the effect of statically and dynamically varying wrist position on a pattern recognition system's ability to classify hand grasp patterns in able-bodied individuals. We found that varying wrist position significantly degraded the system's performance (p<;0.001). The system performed worse when trained only with EMG data from the extrinsic hand muscles than when trained with EMG data from the intrinsic hand muscles. The system's performance significantly improved when trained in all static wrist positions (p<;0.001) and with all dynamic wrist motions (p<;0.001).
Angiogenesis inhibitors in genitourinary cancers

Despite much enthusiasm, no clear clinical benefit to any antiangiogenic agent has yet been demonstrated. Phase I trials demonstrate that endostatin, an endothelial cell toxin, can be administered safely, but no obvious anti-tumor effects were observed. Certain matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors appear ineffective, but later generation inhibitors with less systemic toxicity continue to be investigated. There are occasional responses to thalidomide either singly or in combination, but its pharmacology and mechanism of action remain unclear. A randomized study with the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab suggests that VEGF pathway is an important target in renal cell cancer. VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors continue to be developed, but one of the first compounds SU5416 has had minimal clinical effects. Clinical trial designs that address the stable disease endpoint should thus be investigated and the randomized discontinuation design has already been tested. Pharmacodynamic markers that reflect antiangiogenic drug effect also need to be developed, but the putative ones, including circulating proangiogenic factors, tumor microvessel density, and dynamic contrast MRI have not yet proven to be useful.
Prevention of Nonspecific Bacterial Cell Adhesion in Immunoassays by Use of Cranberry Juice

The ability of Vaccinum macrocarpon, the North American cranberry, to prevent bacterial adhesion has been used to advantage in the prevention of urinary tract infections and has recently been described for the prevention of adhesion of bacteria responsible for oral infections and stomach ulcers. This report documents the ability of cranberry juice to reduce nonspecific adhesion of bacteria to the borosilicate glass microscope slides used in an immunoarray biosensor format. Nonspecific binding of analytes in the array sensor leads to high background signals that cause increased detection limits and false positives. Reduction in background-to-signal ratios can be seen as the juice concentration is increased from 0 to 50% of the sample. This impact cannot be duplicated with grape, orange, apple, or white cranberry juice. Sugar content and pH have been eliminated as the agents in the juice responsible for the anti-adhesive activity.
Toxoplasma gondii and homicide

In a sample of 20 European nations, the prevalence of the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii was positively associated with national homicide rates, amplifying previous research indicating a positive association of Toxoplasma gondii with suicide rates. Possible causal mechanisms were proposed.
914 ASSOCIATION OF CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES WITH FETAL DILANTIN SYNDROME

The Fetal Dilantin Syndrome (FDS) is a clinical entity of recognizable congenital defects associated with maternal exposure to Dilantin, either alone or with other anticonvulsant medications. We have recently investigated four patients with FDS. Two of these patients had coexistent chromosomal abnormalities, Klinefelter syndrome and a 14/21 translocation respectively. In addition to the typical findings of FDS, both had defects not usually associated with the syndrome. There was one previous patient described who had coexistent Turner syndrome and FDS by Chen, et. al. (Birth defects: Original Article Series XIII (3B) : 237-8, 1977). Patients with FDS should be karyotyped, especially if atypical clinical findings are present. Supported in part by NIH Grant CA 19834
A nonparametric analysis of the growth process of Indian cities

We examine the growth process of the largest cities in India for the post economic reform period 1991–2011 to analyze Gibrat’s and Zipf’s laws by applying nonparametric estimation. The results from stochastic kernel, contour plots, and expected growth rate and variance conditional on city size establish that Gibrat’s law holds for largest cities in India, i.e., city growth is independent of population size, and the local Zipf exponent is around one and stable. Gibrat’s law is also confirmed by the parametric regression of the aggregate relationship of the growth rate on city size.
Effects of beta1-selective and nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blockade during exercise conditioning in healthy adults

The interaction of beta 1-selective (cardioselective) and nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blockade with exercise conditioning was investigated in 30 healthy adult persons. A double-blind protocol was used and the effects of atenolol (100 mg/day), propranolol (80 mg twice daily), and placebo were studied by treadmill testing (Bruce protocol) before and after a 2-month supervised program of dynamic exercise. Exercise tolerance was assessed by time and work performed to exhaustion. Subjects who received propranolol, but not those who received atenolol or placebo, showed an acutely impaired exercise tolerance after drug administration but before training (-8 +/- 4%, p less than 0.05). All 3 groups showed significantly improved exercise capacity following training after drug treatment had been discontinued (atenolol, 22 +/- 6% improvement; propranolol, 13 +/- 6%; placebo, 10 +/- 3%). However, when tested while still receiving medication, subjects who received propranolol failed to show significant improvement in exercise capacity. In contrast, patients who received atenolol and placebo improved significantly. The data indicate that enhancement of maximal work capacity by exercise conditioning can occur despite administration of either beta 1-selective or nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. However, the fatiguing effects of propranolol that were evident when work performance during propranolol therapy was compared with work performance while not receiving propranolol before the training program persists after training and may limit the net improvement in work capacity induced by exercise conditioning compared with the pretraining state.
Dr bhardwaj and colleagues reply.

To the Editor: Josiassen et al have written an excellent, clinically oriented letter to the editor in response to our letter.1 We agree with their pharmaceutical and clinical recommendations. Similarly, we have also observed the diurnal nature of hyponatremia in many patients. This diurnal presentation with varying sodium concentrations over time confers diagnostic and treatment concerns; one laboratory value may erroneously characterize a patient’s physiological state. The major precaution is one of close clinical monitoring with careful, continued, repeated laboratory assessments whenever treating a person with electrolyte abnormalities. This need for caution would be especially true when utilizing vaptans as a corrective measure for hyponatremia. Such a cautionary note is especially emphasized when prescribing a relatively new pharmaceutical, without long-term clinical application or experience.
Confirmation Bias: A Ubiquitous Phenomenon in Many Guises:

Confirmation bias, as the term is typically used in the psychological literature, connotes the seeking or interpreting of evidence in ways that are partial to existing beliefs, expectations, or a h...
Numerical model for the Programmable Multirole Furnace (PMZF)

The present account of the Programmable Multizone Furnace numerical model uses various examples to illustrate the ways in which the model serves as an optimization, test, prediction, and visualization tool; a numerical PID-control algorithm obtains the desired sample temperature distributions and allows the model to solve an inverse heat transfer problem where the desired sample temperature profile is the input and the required heater power distribution is the output of numerical simulations. Parametric studies show how the total power consumption of the furnace is affected by such design variables as the conductivity.
Thalamic spindles in an isolated and perfused preparation in vitro

Intracellular recordings were obtained from thalamic nuclei neurones in isolated and perfused whole brains of adult guinea pigs in vitro. Thalamic neurones presented the same basic membrane properties in this preparation as in slices. The majority of cells displayed, in addition, spontaneous spindle oscillations similar to those observed in the cat in vivo. This activity could be blocked by the cholinergic agonist carbachol perfused at 10(-4) M. Thalamic spindles could also be recorded in decorticated preparations, in which perfusion to the cerebral cortex was interrupted. Such preparations could be useful for studying in vitro the spindle generating mechanism in rodents as well as some aspects of brainstem/diencephalic interactions related to the control of sleep and arousal.
Functionalization of Microcantilever Sensors Using Inkjet Drop-on-Demand

Chemical and biochemical sensors based on microcantilever arrays have emerged as new platforms for sensitive analyte detection. A critical step in the manufacture of microcantilever sensors is the functionalization process, where a chemically selective layer is deposited onto the surface of the cantilever. Inkjet drop-on-demand has been recognized as a befitting technology for depositing these layers because of the ability to repeatedly deposit precise amounts of fluid. This paper presents experimental results of applying inkjet printing to functionalize microcantilever sensors. Methods for tuning inkjet drive pulse are presented along with characterization of drop displacement. Strategies for printing the functional layer are presented and system capabilities are demonstrated by depositing black ink onto cantilevers.Copyright © 2007 by ASME