cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma property effects on spectral line broadening in double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Double-pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in an orthogonal configuration was used to investigate plasma temperature and electron density effects on Mg II emission spectral line broadening. The experiments were carried out with two Nd:YAG lasers, one operating at 355 nm for ablation and the other one at 1064 nm for plasma reheating in air at atmospheric pressure. Temporally resolved plasma temperature and electron density were measured at various delay times. Data in this study show prolonged emission of Mg II (280.27 nm) as well as enhancement of the signal intensity when using double-pulse excitation compared to the single-pulse case. An enhancement of ∼8× was attained with a delay between the laser pulses equal to 1 μs. The enhancement was accompanied by higher plasma temperature and increased electron density. The double-pulse LIBS configuration provides energy to sustain the plasma emission at a period in time when the linewidth is minimum, thereby improving the analytical capabilities of low spectral resolution instrumentation typically used in LIBS system.
Robust Algorithm for Automated Source Placement in Near-Infrared Diffuse Imaging

A surface-shrinking algorithm is demonstrated for automated source position localization one scattering depth into discretized simulation domains, in near-infrared imaging. The algorithm allows users to accurately place source fiber locations with minimal guidance.
Evaluation of a hospital based substance abuse intervention and referral service for HIV affected patients

This paper reports an outcome evaluation and needs assessment conducted by the AIDS and Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) of the San Francisco AIDS Health Project. The study was designed to: 1) evaluate effectiveness of a hospital based intervention and referral service for HIV affected substance abusers, and 2) gather information from this population regarding accessibility and barriers to drug treatment. Participants were 86 individuals consecutively referred to ASAP over an 8-month period. All received a brief needs assessment interview in addition to the standard ASAP evaluation protocol. Agency follow-up contacts were made for those individuals referred by ASAP to extended substance abuse treatment, with information limited to whether or not the client contacted the designated referral resource. Source of referral to ASAP, interest in treatment, and prior sexual risk behavior change were significant predictors of intervention outcome. Personal unreadiness and treatment program waiting lists were the most frequently reported obstacles to treatment. While most participants reported changing risk behavior in response to the AIDS epidemic, patterns of change differed according to intravenous drug use history.
Recognition of tubo-ovarian abscess in adolescents with pelvic inflammatory disease

Purpose: Ultrasonography of the pelvis is commonly used to diagnose tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Our objective was to determine whether the clinical features of PID differ in adolescents with and without TOA. Methods: A retrospective design was used to derive and validate a clinical model differentiating adolescents with PID who did and did not have TOA. The study population consisted of hospitalized adolescents with a discharge diagnosis of PID. Of the 208 patients discharged from January 1, 1990, to July 31, 1993, 87 (42%) met published criteria for PID and comprised the derivation set. Of the 63 patients from August 1, 1993, to June 24, 1994, 30 (48%) met criteria and comprised the validation set. All patients had pelvic ultrasonography performed during hospitalization. The ultrasonographic records were reviewed retrospectively for TOA, ovarian and uterine size, clarity of tissue planes, and endometrial or cul-de-sac fluid. Medical records were reviewed for sociodemographic characteristics, medical and sexual history, physical examination, laboratory results, and hospital course. Results: TOA was present in 17% of the derivation set and 20% of the validation set. A six-variable model developed on the derivation set performed best in differentiating the TOA and non-TOA groups: last menstrual period >18 days prior to admission (60% and 17% previous PID (53% and 22%), palpable adnexal mass (13% and 3%), white blood cell count ≥10,500/μl (33% and 64%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate >15 mm/h (33% and 64%), and heart rate >90/min (40% and 78%). In the derivation and validation sets, the model correctly identified 78 and 83% of the TOA groups and 88 and 77% of the non-TOA groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.92 in the derivation set and 0.87 in the validation set. Conclusions: We conclude that clinical characteristics help identify adolescents with acute PID who have TOA. These patients may have fewer signs of acute illness than those without TOA and may develop symptoms later in the menstrual cycle.
Acute Effects of Alpha-Methyldopa on Mean Blood Pressure and Plasma Renin Activity

α-Methyldopa significantly lowered mean blood pressure and plasma renin activity in dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. After unilateral ligation of the right renal vessels and contralateral denervation of the kidney, α-methyldopa significantly lowered mean blood pressure but did not change plasma renin activity. It was concluded that α-methyldopa acutely lowers plasma renin activity via an action mediated through the adrenergic nervous system. However, this decrease in plasma renin activity is not responsible for the decrease in mean blood pressure produced by the drug.
Can computational approaches aid in untangling the inherent complexity of practical organic photovoltaic systems

Organic materials, in particular conjugated polymers, have recently become the subject of extensive research for photovoltaic device applications. This increase of interest is pri- marily the result of their potentially low manufacturing cost, compatibility with flexible substrates, diverse chemical tunabil- ity, scalability, and ease of processing currently available for suit- able bulk heterojunction (BHJ) construction. However, to date, these materials have not been able to exceed power conversion efficiencies (PCE) beyond 5-9%, values short of those considered commercially viable. The deficit in PCE appears to derive from a combination of physicochemical and device complexities associ- ated with inadequate hole transport mobility, solubility and mis- cibility with an appropriate acceptor, narrow electronic band gap for efficient solar light harvesting, appropriate highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccopied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies to maximize the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and electron transfer to the acceptor, and in particular the control of the multidimensional problem of BHJ morphology. In this review article, we provide an overview of some of the recent progress toward implementing theory, modeling, and simulation approaches in combination with results from precision synthe- sis, characterization, and device fabrication as a mean to over- come/understand the inherent issues that limit practical applications of organic photovoltaics. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 50: 1071-1089, 2012
Response Tendency on the Bem Sex Role Inventory

(1980). Response Tendency on the Bem Sex Role Inventory. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 106, No. 2, pp. 259-263.
1287 SYNDROMES ASSOCIATED WITH POLYDACTYLY AND HYPOPITUITARISM

We report two female infants with postaxial polydactyly and hypopituitarism of differing etiologies. The first infant was born at term to a 26-year-old gravida 6 para 2 abortus 4 woman who noted markedly decreased fetal movement and intrauterine growth retardation. She was delivered from a breech presentation with posteriorly rotated simplified auricles, short nose, flat nasal bridge, microglossia, micrognathia, cleft posterior palate, short limbs with dislocated hips, postaxial polydactyly of hands and feet, bilateral simian creases, and 2-3 syndactyly of the toes. She died at 21 hours of age and autopsy revealed hypothalamic hamartoblastoma, bilateral hypoplastic renal ectopia, bilateral pulmonary hypoplasia, and a bifid epiglottis. Family history revealed that the mother's sister had died at 17 hours of age with remarkably similar dysmorphic features (no autopsy done), and this is the first report of apparent familial recurrence for Hall-Pallister syndrome. The second infant was born by cesarean section at 42 weeks with postaxial polydactyly of the left hand and primary panhypopituitarism. This pregnancy in a 21-year-old gravida 2, abortus 1 woman was complicated by extremely low maternal estriols. Size at birth and a cranial CT scan were normal, and the family history was negative for other individuals with hypopituitarism or polydactyly. Postaxial polydactyly may be associated with hypopituitarism, especially when associated with cleft palate, choanal atresia, congenital heart disease, and basal brain anomalies.
A Hybrid Correspondence Algorithm For Motion Estimation From Range Images

A hybrid correspondence algorithm is presented to improve a previously developed framework for estimating motion of a moving object from its range image frames. Range images are represented by relational graphs in which a node indicates a view-invariant patch on the object surface and an edge the adjacency of two such patches. To a node, sign of Gaussian curvature and to an edge, distance between centers of mass are assigned as attributes. To estimate motion between consecutive range image frames, a correspondence algorithm is required to detect the largest common subgraph in the two representing relational graphs, i.e. to detect the surface part visible in both range image frames. The developed hybrid algorithm overcomes matching ambiguities for those graphs having a star structure. It combines the advantages of the previously developed correspondence algorithms by considering both the adjacency between a patch and its neighbors and the adjacency among neighbors themselves.
Optical absorption in amorphous Si films at high pressure

We report the pressure-dependent optical absorption in the fundamental edge region of amorphous silicon prepared by sputtering and glow discharge methods. For pressures up to 20 kbar we find a negative pressure coefficient of about 1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ eV/bar for the isoabsorption energies. In a higher range of pressure, starting with pressures of about 50 kbar, we observed irreversible red shifts in the absorption curves.
Using Games to Creatively Enhance the Counselor Education Curriculum

Utilizing games within the classroom may assist counselor educators with enhancing learning. Counselor educators may integrate games within the curriculum to assist students in learning and developing self-awareness and to assess knowledge and skills. This article describes the utilization of games within experiential-learning theory and presents research supporting the integration of games within the classroom. Additionally, the author outlines a process to assist counselor educators in creatively developing and modifying games. Furthermore, the author presents a sample of games developed or modified for integration within the counselor education curriculum.
Equilibrium studies on a chi phase-strengthened ferritic alloy

The phase relationships for a quaternary ferritic alloy with promising high temperature properties were investigated. The alloy of interest has the composition Fe-13 pct Cr-1.5 pct Mo-3.5 pct Ti and owes its high temperature strength to the presence of a Chi phase precipitate. A “quasi binary” section representing the phase equilibria up to 1250°C is proposed on the basis of evidence from microprobe, thermal analysis, metal-lographic and X-Ray examinations. There is a marked temperature dependence in the solid solubility of the Chi phase in the ferrite matrix which becomes particularly pro-nounced above 1000°C. An eutectic horizontal has been identified at 1325°C. The Chi phase exhibits a wide range of stoichiometry, extending from the ternary Chi phase, Fe36Cri12Mo10 to Fe36Cr12Mo3Ti7 accompa-nied by a regular increase in lattice par-ameter and a decrease in the solidus temperature from 1455 to 1350°C.
Morphology and histochemistry of the caudal gland of Corynopoma riisei Gill

Males of the South American freshwater fish, Corynopoma riisei, have glandular masses on the caudal peduncle and fin which are partly enclosed by a scale-covered pouch. Histo-chemical examination reveals an extensive layer of large secretory cells superficial to the dermis appearing similar in form to typical mucous cells. PAS and Alcian blue staining indicate all cells produce muco- and/or glycoproteins and that a few cells are also synthesizing mucopolysaccharides. This secretion probably acts as a pheromone during courtship to stimulate or release female sexual response.
The attachment of minicircles to kinetoplast DNA networks during replication

Kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), the trypanosomatid mitochondrial DNA, is a network containing several thousand interlocked minicircles. During kDNA synthesis, minicircles dissociate from the network, and after replication their progeny reattach to the network periphery. Using electron microscopy autoradiography, we found that newly synthesized 3H-labeled minicircles, after short labeling periods, are concentrated in two peripheral zones on opposite sides of the network. These must be minicircle attachment sites, adjacent to the two diametrically opposed complexes of replication proteins observed previously. From the pattern of radiolabeling during longer pulses, we reached the unexpected conclusion that minicircle attachment around the entire network periphery may be due to a relative movement of the kinetoplast and the two complexes. The kinetoplast probably rotates between two fixed complexes.
Investigation of the aluminium-aluminium oxide reversible transformation as observed by hot stage electron microscopy.

Thin foils of high purity aluminium and an Al-Al2O3 SAP type of alloy were oxidised in a specially designed hot stage specimen chamber in an electron microscope. Below 450 C, amorphous aluminium oxide formed on the foil surface and was first detectable at foil edges, holes, and pits. Islands of aluminium then nucleated in this amorphous oxide. The aluminium islands displayed either a lateral growth with eventual coalescence with other islands, or a reoxidation process which caused the islands to disappear. The aluminium island formation was determined to be related to the presence of the electron beam. A mechanism based upon electron charging due to the electron beam was proposed to explain the nucleation, growth, coalescence, disappearance, and geometry of the aluminium islands.
Cellulose degradation and ethanol production by thermophilic bacteria using mineral growth medium

Growth of thermophilic cellulase-utilizing bacteria in a vitimin-Free growth medium is reported for both a previously described strain Clostridium thermoclelum 31549, and now isolates HJA1 and HJA2. Formation of fermentation products with and without vitamins was similar for strains HJA1 and HJA2 as well as for the enrichment cultures from which these stains were derived. Strain HJA2 was maintained in continous culture on a vitamin-free mineral medium with Avicel as the carbon source for over a week. At a 38 h residence time, Avicel conversion was higher (81%) at pH 6.42 than at pH 6.97 (73%) or at 6.01 (58%). Ethanol and acetate were produced in significant amounts by strain JHA2 at all pH values tested (6.97, 6.42, 6.01). Lactic acid was the primary fermentation product at pH 6.97, but was not a significant product at both the lower values. Efforts to grow thermophilic, cellulose-utilizing bacteria at pH < 6.0 were unsuccessful for described strains, new isolates, and enrichment cultures.
Diffusion of Pb adatom and ad-dimer on Si(1 0 0) from ab initio studies

Abstract The diffusion pathways of Pb adatoms and ad-dimers on Si(1 0 0) are investigated by first-principles calculations. Pb adatoms are found to diffuse on top of the Si(1 0 0) dimer row with an energy barrier of 0.31 eV. However, Pb dimers are energetically more stable. Pb dimers on top of the dimer row have a high energy barrier (0.95 eV) to rotate from the lowest energy configuration to the orientation parallel to the underlying Si(1 0 0) dimer row. Once the ad-dimer is oriented parallel to Si(1 0 0) dimer row, they can diffuse along the dimer row with an energy barrier of only 0.32 eV.
The effect of co-morbidity and penetrance estimation on the outcome of linkage analysis in a bipolar family.

In order to demonstrate the impact of co-morbidity and penetrance estimation on linkage analysis, a single bipolar family containing co-morbidity was examined for linkage to c-Harvey ras-1, and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
Novel explicit finite-difference schemes for time-dependent Schrödinger equations

Abstract We present several new finite-difference schemes that can be used to numerically integrate the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. These schemes are explicit and use an Euler-type expression for the discrete time derivative. However, the second-order space derivative is modeled by a novel form not before seen in the research literature.
Ca2+ channels and praziquantel: a view from the free world.

Targeting the cellular Ca(2+) channels and pumps that underpin parasite Ca(2+) homeostasis may realize novel antihelmintic agents. Indeed, the antischistosomal drug praziquantel (PZQ) is a key clinical agent that has been proposed to work in this manner. Heterologous expression data has implicated an action of PZQ on voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels, although the relevant in vivo target of this drug has remained undefined over three decades of clinical use. The purpose of this review is to bring new perspective to this issue by discussing the potential utility of free-living planarian flatworms for providing new insight into the mechanism of PZQ action. First, we discuss in vivo functional genetic data from the planarian system that broadly supports the molecular data collected in heterologous systems and the 'Ca(2+) hypothesis' of PZQ action. On the basis of these similarities we highlight our current knowledge of platyhelminth voltage operated Ca(2+) channels, their unique molecular pharmacology and the downstream functional PZQ interactome engaged by dysregulation of Ca(2+) influx that has potential to yield novel antischistosomal targets. Overall the broad dataset underscores a common theme of PZQ-evoked disruptions of Ca(2+) homeostasis in trematodes, cestodes and turbellarians, and showcases the utility of the planarian model for deriving insight into drug action and targets in parasitic flatworms.
Motherhood after Malignancy: Embracing Oocyte Banking (OB) as a Means to Preserve Fertility between Diagnosis and Cure

and outcomes Age (y) (mean) E2 Day of ov trigger (pg/ml) Total no. retrieved eggs Total no. MII eggs had such a prediction based on age alone. Compared with age-based controls, PredictIVF-D showed 75% improved predictive power, ability to discriminate cases with differential prognoses (10% improvement in area-underthe-curve in a receiver operating characteristic analysis), while extending the dynamic range from four discrete, age-based probabilities to a continuous spectrum ranging from 7 to 60%. Table 1 shows the population distribution and error for five different prognostics groups. CONCLUSION(S): Using a validated, multi-center IVF prediction model, we showed that a large portion of patients with prior IVF would receive a significantly different predicted probability compared with agebased counseling, at improved predictive power and discrimination, and reliable accuracy.
Low Order Plate Bending Elements with Enhanced Strains

Abstract Two variational formulations are considered for the development of low order plate bending elements. For the constitutive equation, the three-dimensional stress–strain relations are used without any modification. No shear correction factors are necessary in the formulation. Bilinear functions are used to approximate the deflection, the two rotations and the thickness change of the plate. The key ingredients in the low order formulation are the inclusion of the thickness change and the use of enhanced strain terms.
Differentiation of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm from true aneurysm with two dimensional echocardiography

Abstract Real time two dimensional echocardiographic findings in four patients with a pathologically proved left ventricular pseudoaneurysm were compared with those in seven patients with a similarly proved true aneurysm of the left ventricle. Pseudoaneurysms produced a bounded echo-free space with a narrow neck that communicated with the left ventricular cavity. The maximal internal width of this neck (O max ) was much smaller than the maximal parallel internal diameter (D max ) of the aneurysmal sac, and the ratio O max /D max never exceeded 0.5. In all cases the pseudoaneurysm could be seen extending behind the intact portion of the involved left ventricular wall, and this finding produced a characteristic beak-like configuration in the studies of two patients. In contrast, true aneurysm resulted in local bulging and dilatation of the left ventricular wall so that the maximal internal width of the mouth (O max ) was nearly equal to, or actually represented, the maximal internal diameter (D max ) of the aneurysm so that the ratio O max /D max ranged from 0.9 to 1.0. Our preliminary study indicates that real time two dimensional echocardiography is useful in differentiating pseudoaneurysm from true aneurysm of the left ventricle.
Motoring to the finish: kinesin and dynein work together to orient the yeast mitotic spindle.

Two papers in this issue of The Journal of Cell Biology address the question of how the mitotic spindle is oriented within a dividing cell ([5][1], [6][2]). In this brief review, these new results will be placed in the context of other work on this topic. Spindle orientation is one of the essential
The mechanism of formation of volatile hydrides by tetrahydroborate(III) derivatization: A mass spectrometric study performed with deuterium labeled reagents

Abstract In order to clarify the mechanism of hydride formation, the isotopic composition of arsine, stibine, bismuthine, germane, stannane and hydrogen selenide formed by derivatization with either NaBD 4 (TDB) or NaBH 4 (THB) with inorganic As(III), Sb(III), Bi(III), Ge(IV), Sn(IV) and Se(IV) in aqueous reaction media and under various reaction conditions was determined. Batch hydride generation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were employed. The analyte, present in 0.5–5 ml of acid solution (0.1–10 M in HCl or HNO 3 or HClO 4 ) was derivatized with 1 ml of 0.25–0.5 M TDB / THB in 0.1 M NaOH solution. For TDB derivatization in H 2 O reaction media, almost pure BiD 3 and SbD 3 were always obtained for Bi(III) and Sb(III). Nearly pure AsD 3 could be obtained only under some reaction conditions. In general, for As(III), the isotopic composition of the arsines depends strongly on reaction conditions and included all possible AsH n D 3− n from almost pure AsD 3 to almost pure AsH 3 . For Ge(IV) and Sn(IV), the isotopic composition of generated GeH n D 4− n and SnH n D 4− n depends on reaction conditions, but pure GeD 4 and SnD 4 could never be obtained. Pure H 2 Se was obtained in all cases, independent of reaction conditions. The occurrence of side reactions involving D–H exchange in TBD during its hydrolysis and before the derivatization step, as well as on recently formed hydrides following derivatization was investigated. D–H exchange in TDB during acid hydrolysis appears to occur to a limited extent. Amongst the hydrides, H 2 Se undergoes H–D exchange whereas germane and stannane do not exchange at all. Arsine undergoes D–H exchange at elevated acidities (pH A reaction model for hydride generation is proposed accounting for primary reactions giving rise to hydride formation through reaction intermediates, as well as side reactions involving D–H exchange and decomposition of reactive hydroboron species, reaction intermediates and final products. Hydrides are formed by direct hydrogen transfer from boron to the analyte atom, most likely through concerted mechanisms taking place via reaction intermediates.
Clocinnamox: A novel, systemically-active, irreversible opioid antagonist

The warm water (55 degrees C) tail-withdrawal procedure was used to assess the analgesic effects of the prototypic mu opioid agonists, morphine and fentanyl, in mice. Both drugs produced full analgesic effects under these conditions, which were dose-dependently antagonized by naltrexone. The pA2 values for naltrexone with morphine and with fentanyl were not significantly different. Low doses (e.g., 0.32 mg/kg) of clocinnamox [C-CAM.14 beta-(p- chlorocinnamoylamino)-7,8-dihydro-N-cyclopropylmethylnormorphin one mesylate] produced rightward shifts in the dose-effect curves for each drug, whereas high doses (e.g., 32 mg/kg) depressed the maximal analgesic response. In addition, it was observed that higher doses of C-CAM were required to produce a shift down in the fentanyl dose-effect curve than were required to produce a shift down in the morphine dose-effect curve, which suggests that fentanyl is more efficacious than morphine. The highest dose of C-CAM (32 mg/kg) antagonized the analgesic effect of morphine for up to 8 days. In contrast, the antagonist activity of naltrexone (100 mg/kg) against morphine lasted for only 2 days. Finally, when naloxone was administered simultaneously with 32 mg/kg C-CAM 2 days before determination of the morphine dose-effect function, the antagonist effect of C-CAM was prevented in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that C-CAM may be producing its antagonist action at opioid receptors through a nonequilibrium mechanism.
Abnormal Regulation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-Hydroxylase Activity by Calcium and Calcitonin in Renal Cortex from Hypophosphatemic (Hyp) Mice*

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase activity was assayed in primary serum-free monolayer tissue culture of renal cortical cells from hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mice and normal litter mates. Morphological and growth characteristics of cells from the two genotypes were indistinguishable. Basal enzyme activity was not significantly different in either type of cell over a wide range of substrate concentration. The enzyme from both genotypes was stimulated by PTH and suppressed by increased phosphate concentration in the culture medium. Whereas la-hydroxylase activity in cells from normal mice was increased in low calcium medium and suppressed in high calcium medium, the enzyme in cells from Hyp mice was not altered by similar changes in the medium calcium concentration. Salmon calcitonin caused a significant increase in la-hydroxylase in cells from normal mice, but did not stimulate enzyme activity in cells from Hyp mice. These studies indicate that control of 1α-hydroxylase activity is abnormal in renal cortical...
Conditioning ewes and lambs to increase consumption of spotted knapweed

Abstract Spotted knapweed ( Centaurea maculosa Lam.) is an invasive plant that alters species composition and grazing value of rangelands in the northwestern United States. The spread of invasive plants may be reduced by using livestock as a biological control. We determined if mature ewes and their lambs ( n = 34 ewe/lamb pairs) consume more spotted knapweed when ewes and/or lambs are conditioned to fresh-cut spotted knapweed. Ewe/lamb pairs were randomly assigned to one of four conditioning treatments: ewes and lambs not conditioned to spotted knapweed (N), conditioned ewes with non-conditioned lambs (E), non-conditioned ewes with conditioned lambs (L), or conditioned ewes and lambs (both—B). Then, ewes and lambs were observed together for 5 days (Trial 1); 11 days later, lambs were observed for 4 days without their mothers (Trial 2). During conditioning, intake by conditioned and non-conditioned ewes and lambs varied over time (as-fed basis, treatment by day interaction; ewes P = 0.03; lambs P = 0.05). Overall, non-conditioned lambs (N, E) consumed more than conditioned lambs (L, B; P = 0.02). In Trial 1, N ewes consumed similar amounts of spotted knapweed and bromegrass ( Bromus inermis Leyss.) as the E, L, and B ewes ( P = 0.67). E ewes spent more time eating spotted knapweed than L ewes ( P = 0.001), and E ewe/lamb pairs consumed more spotted knapweed than L ewe/lamb pairs ( P = 0.02). In Trial 2, N lambs consumed less spotted knapweed than E, L, and B lambs ( P = 0.06). L lambs consumed more than E lambs ( P = 0.007). Conditioning ewes, lambs, or ewes and lambs did not increase time spent eating spotted knapweed when both grazed together in a drylot, but conditioned lambs, without their mothers present, consumed more spotted knapweed 11 days later than non-conditioned lambs. Conditioning lambs only in a group setting with their peers may have the greatest potential to enhance consumption of spotted knapweed, because of social facilitation and the predilection for young animals to try novel feeds.
An empirical study of optimizations in YOGI

Though verification tools are finding industrial use, the utility of engineering optimizations that make them scalable and usable is not widely known. Despite the fact that several optimizations are part of folklore in the communities that develop these tools, no rigorous evaluation of these optimizations has been done before. We describe and evaluate several engineering optimizations implemented in the Yogi property checking tool, including techniques to pick an initial abstraction, heuristics to pick predicates for refinement, optimizations for interprocedural analysis, and optimizations for testing. We believe that our empirical evaluation gives the verification community useful information about which optimizations they could implement in their tools, and what gains they can realistically expect from these optimizations.
Doppler and Boltzmann temperatures of a cylindrical, nonuniform plasma☆

Abstract A numerical analysis of the Doppler widths and of the intensity distribution of the molecular rotational levels in a cylindrically symmetric plasma with radial gradients in emitter density and in temperature is presented. Local Maxwellian and Boltzmann distributions are assumed to be present in the plasma. Under conditions which are often found in the laboratory, the numerical results indicate that the measured Doppler and Boltzmann temperatures will deviate considerably from the average kinetic temperature.
Decentralized variable structure control of robotic manipulators: neural computational algorithms

The authors describe a decentralized variable structure control system where a multilayer backpropagation neural network is used to generate the required control signals given the deviation from the sliding line and the state of the system on the phase plane. An implementation of the neural network controller to accommodate adaptive selection of sliding manifold parameters together with control gains is proposed. Results of some simulation experiments performed to illustrate the performance improvements due to these adaptive implementations are given for regulation tasks. A plot of the error profiles for the entire trajectory in the cases considered demonstrates the superior performance features of this algorithm. >
Palaeoflood-generating mechanisms on Earth, Mars, and Titan

article i nfo Article history: Channelized, surface, liquid flow occurs on Earth, Mars, and Titan. In this paper, such fluvial flow is constrained to involve volatiles that can undergo phase transitions under surface conditions and can be stable as liquids over geologically significant periods of time. Evidence for channelized, surface, liquid flood flow has been observed on Earth and Mars and hypothesized for Titan. The mechanisms for generating flood flow vary for each body. On Earth, the mechanism that generated the largest flooding is widespread glaciation (e.g. the catastrophic release of water from glacial lakes), which requires an atmospheric cycle of a volatile that can assume the solid phase. Volcanism is also a prevalent cause for terrestrial megaflooding, with other mechanisms producing smaller, though more frequent, floods. On Mars, the mechanism for flood generation has changed over the history of the planet. Surface storage of floodwater early in the history of that planet gave way to subsurface storage as the climate cooled. As on Earth, flooding on Mars is an effect of the ability of the operative volatile to assume the solid phase, although on Mars, this solid phase occurred in the subsurface. According to this paradigm, conditions on Titan preclude extensive megaflooding because the operative volatile, which is methane, cannot as easily assume the solid phase under current conditions. Mechanisms that produce smaller but more frequent floods on Earth, namely extreme precipitation events, are likely to be the most important flood generators on Titan in the recent past.
Invasive lionfish preying on critically endangered reef fish

Caribbean coral reef ecosystems are at the forefront of a global decline and are now facing a new threat: elimination of vulnerable species by the invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.). In addition to being threatened by habitat destruction and pollution, the critically endangered social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis), endemic to Belize’s inner barrier reef, has a combination of biological traits (small size, schooling, and hovering behavior) that makes it a target for the invasive lionfish. Based on stomach content analyses, this small fish comprises almost half of the lionfish diet at the inner barrier reef in Belize. The combination of lionfish predation, limited range, and ongoing habitat destruction makes the social wrasse the most threatened coral reef fish in the world. Other species with small range and similar traits occur elsewhere in the Caribbean and face similar risks.
Association of atheroma as assessed by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography with long-term mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Aims To determine whether the presence and severity of aortic atheroma predict long-term all-cause mortality among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods and results We followed 8581 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and had routine intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography for 2.8 years (range 0.06–6.0 years). Data regarding multiple potential confounders were prospectively collected and electronically recorded. There were 2878 (34%) patients with no atheroma; 4129 (48%) patients with mild atheroma; 1215 (14%) with moderate atheroma; and 359 (4%) with severe atheroma. There were 1000 deaths. Death rates were increased in patients with moderate [relative risk (RR) 3.29, 95% CI 2.50–4.32, P < 0.0001) and severe atheroma (RR 5.21, 95% CI 3.65–7.41, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for multiple other confounders, severe atheroma remained modestly predictive of risk (adjusted RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07–2.00, P = 0.02); but moderate atheroma and mild atheroma were not predictive of increased risk. In a propensity analysis that matched patients with comparable range of variables, severe atheroma was no longer predictive of risk (adjusted RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.87–2.23, P = 0.17). Conclusion Our study shows that severe atheroma is associated with increased long-term mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery; however, the relationship is weak using propensity analysis, suggesting no causal association.
A Case Study: Air Products v. Airgas and the Value of Strategic Judicial Decision-Making

When is it appropriate for Delaware judges to act strategically? This case study documents and analyzes Air Products’ $5.8 billion unsuccessful, hostile offer for Airgas, reviewing the decisions made by the Delaware courts in adjudicating the most prominent takeover bid of 2010. The three court opinions in Air Products v. Airgas show how Delaware courts strategically decide cases and the effect of this decision-making on the course of Delaware corporate law and Delaware’s constituencies. The Airgas case ultimately provides a useful lesson for when, if ever, strategic considerations should influence the outcome of individual Delaware corporate law disputes.
Randomized trial of an education and support intervention to prevent readmission of patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES We determined the effect of a targeted education and support intervention on the rate of readmission or death and hospital costs in patients with heart failure (HF). BACKGROUND Disease management programs for patients with HF including medical components may reduce readmissions by 40% or more, but the value of an intervention focused on education and support is not known. METHODS We conducted a prospective, randomized trial of a formal education and support intervention on one-year readmission or mortality and costs of care for patients hospitalized with HF. RESULTS Among the 88 patients (44 intervention and 44 control) in the study, 25 patients (56.8%) in the intervention group and 36 patients (81.8%) in the control group had at least one readmission or died during one-year follow-up (relative risk = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52, 0.92; p = 0.01). The intervention was associated with a 39% decrease in the total number of readmissions (intervention group: 49 readmissions; control group: 80 readmissions, p = 0.06). After adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics, the intervention group had a significantly lower risk of readmission compared with the control group (hazard ratio = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.96; p = 0.03) and hospital readmission costs of $7,515 less per patient. CONCLUSIONS A formal education and support intervention substantially reduced adverse clinical outcomes and costs for patients with HF.
Models of internalizing outcomes of early rejection

Viewing social rejection from same-age peers as a source of stress for children, the current study sought to determine the most appropriate model of the effects of temporary versus consistent experiences with rejection for both short-term and long-term internalizing problems. Adopting a cross-sectional longitudinal design, the sociometric status of children in the first year of the study (when the children were in the first, second, or third grades), and then again in the next school year (when children were in the second, third, or fourth grades) was assessed to determine which children were rejected by their peers. Internalizing outcome measures were administered in the third and sixth years of follow-up. Results indicated that, for boys, the Threshold Model best represented the stressful effects of rejection. That is, only boys who were exposed to rejection for 2 consecutive years demonstrated both short-term and long-term internalizing problems in subsequent years. For girls, however, there appeared to be few significant differences among those who never experienced rejection, who had only temporary experiences with rejection, and girls who were consistently exposed to rejection. Results are discussed in terms of the significance of a Threshold Model as well as possible explanations for these gender differences.
Prospects for Improved Thermodynamic Efficiency in Hydraulically Driven Robots

This paper considers several control strategies for reducing the power consumption of fluid power servo-systems. It is assumed that this reduction must be accomplished without sacrificing the dynamic response of the system or altering the desired time history of the output motion. The results are obtained through computer simulation. They are expressed in terms of a performance ratio, ?. The performance ratio compares the hydraulic power input to a reference system (or conventional system) with the power input to a controlled system. Both systems operate under the same load conditions and achieve the same motion. Thus, the effect of the control strategy on reducing power consumption with respect to the reference fluid power system can be determined. The reference system has a constant supply pressure with flow controlled by a 4-way line-to-line servo-valve. The control strategies considered utilize modified servo-valves and/or variable supply pressures to reduce power consumption. The first of these strategies consists of maintaining a constant supply pressure with a valve with independently controlled orifices. The second strategy maintains a constant supply pressure but replaces two of the valve orifices with variable jet pumps. The third and fourth strategies vary the supply pressure of the system and use a conventional servo-valve or one with independently controlled orifices. The results show that significant reduction of power consumption is possible. The greatest savings shown is 75%.
A comparison of pro- and anti-nudity college students on acceptance of self and of culturally diverse others.

This study examined if college students supportive of social nudity would differ from students opposed to social nudity on self-acceptance and acceptance of culturally diverse others. Using data from 384 participants, pro- and anti-nudity groups were formed based on students scoring in the upper (n = 59) and lower (n = 64) quartiles on a measure assessing attitudes toward social nudity. Hypotheses were partially supported. Results indicated that pro-nudity students significantly differed from anti-nudity students on comfort with their bodies' appearances, but not on self-acceptance. Pro-nudity students also were significantly more accepting of other religious groups and gays and lesbians compared with anti-nudity students, but they did not differ on their attitudes toward the disabled. A trend was noted indicating that pro-nudity students were less prejudiced toward ethnically dissimilar others compared with anti-nudity students. Follow-up exploratory analyses suggested that pro-nudity students' increased...
A Neural Network Architecture for Visual Selection

This article describes a parallel neural net architecture for efficient and robust visual selection in generic gray-level images. Objects are represented through flexible star-type planar arrangements of binary local features which are in turn star-type planar arrangements of oriented edges. Candidate locations are detected over a range of scales and other deformations, using a generalized Hough transform. The flexibility of the arrangements provides the required invariance. Training involves selecting a small number of stable local features from a predefined pool, which are well localized on registered examples of the object. Training therefore requires only small data sets. The parallel architecture is constructed so that the Hough transform associated with any object can be implemented without creating or modifying any connections. The different object representations are learned and stored in a central module. When one of these representations is evoked, it "primes" the appropriate layers in the network so that the corresponding Hough transform is computed. Analogies between the different layers in the network and those in the visual system are discussed. Furthermore, the model can be used to explain certain experiments on visual selection reported in the literature.
The Sur7 protein regulates plasma membrane organization and prevents intracellular cell wall growth in Candida albicans.

The Candida albicans plasma membrane plays important roles in cell growth and as a target for antifungal drugs. Analysis of Ca-Sur7 showed that this four transmembrane domain protein localized to stable punctate patches, similar to the plasma membrane subdomains known as eisosomes or MCC that were discovered in S. cerevisiae. The localization of Ca-Sur7 depended on sphingolipid synthesis. In contrast to S. cerevisiae, a C. albicans sur7Δ mutant displayed defects in endocytosis and morphogenesis. Septins and actin were mislocalized, and cell wall synthesis was very abnormal, including long projections of cell wall into the cytoplasm. Several phenotypes of the sur7Δ mutant are similar to the effects of inhibiting β-glucan synthase, suggesting that the abnormal cell wall synthesis is related to activation of chitin synthase activity seen under stress conditions. These results expand the roles of eisosomes by demonstrating that Sur7 is needed for proper plasma membrane organization and cell wall synthesis. A conserved Cys motif in the first extracellular loop of fungal Sur7 proteins is similar to a characteristic motif of the claudin proteins that form tight junctions in animal cells, suggesting a common role for these tetraspanning membrane proteins in forming specialized plasma membrane domains.
Composing aggregate web services in BPEL

Web services are increasingly being used to expose applications over the Internet. These Web services are being integrated within and across enterprises to create higher function services. BPEL is a workflow language that facilitates this integration. Although both academia and industry acknowledge the need for workflow languages, there are few technical papers focused on BPEL. In this paper, we provide an overview of BPEL and idscuss its promises, limitations and challenges.
Diabetes-Related Changes in Hearing

Objectives/Hypothesis: Determine the effects on hearing of diabetes mellitus (DM) severity. Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Veterans to investigate the relationship of diabetes severity and hearing in randomly selected subjects with (165) and without (137) DM and who had no more than a moderate hearing loss. Methods: Subjects were classified by three age tertiles (<50, 50–56, and 57þ years). Diabetes severity was classified as insulin-dependent (IDDM), noninsulin-dependent (NIDDM), or no DM. Other DM measures included concurrent serum glucose, serum HbA1c, duration of disease, and several measures of DM-related complications. Pure-tone thresholds were measured in both ears of each subject at frequencies from 250 Hz through 14,000 Hz. Outcome measures were adjusted for age and frequency and analyzed for differences between subject groups using analysis of variance. Contrasts of the mean NIDDM and IDDM thresholds at each frequency to the DM group, and controlled for the effects of frequency, age, and interactions were modeled. Results: There was greater hearing loss in younger tertile DM subjects compared to those without DM. Significant hearing differences were at all frequencies for NIDDM subjects, but for IDDM subjects, differences were at 1,000 Hz and below, and 10,000 Hz and above. Over age 50 years, there were significant associations between hearing at low frequencies and IDDM only. Self-report of prior noise exposure did not explain observed differences. Conclusions: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss, and this difference is manifest particularly in adults <50 years old.
Epigenetics and Colorectal Neoplasia: the Evidence for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior

Studies demonstrate that regular physical activity and, more recently, limited sedentary behavior are associated with reduced risk of colorectal neoplasia. However, the biological mechanisms of action for physical activity versus sedentary behavior are not clear. Epigenetic variation is suggested as a potential mechanism that would allow for independent, or possibly even synergistic, effects of activity and inactivity on colorectal epithelium. We describe the evidence for epigenetic variation as a link between physical activity and sedentary behavior in colorectal neoplasia risk. There are few studies that directly evaluate this relationship. However, the growing literature describes a variety of gene targets influenced by activity that are also important to colorectal neoplasia etiology. Future studies may identify epigenetic markers with translational significance in identifying high-risk individuals or those for whom a personalized activity regimen could significantly alter the methylation signature in colon epithelial cells, and thus future risk of colorectal cancer.