cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is it time to incorporate physics into the Dental Admissions Test

Although physics is a pre-requisite for dental students prior to matriculation it is not tested on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The concepts of physics are found throughout the dental profession, and by testing it on the DAT dental students will be better equipped to relate physics to their field and help advance it. The purpose of this paper is to make the argument for why it should be tested, as well as eliminating some of the superfluous topics on the DAT (ecology, environmental sciences, and plant physiology). This paper will focus on a few of concepts already taught in dentistry, and explore how physics principles apply to several of them. We want to emphasize the importance of physics and how testing even the most basic concepts will help prepare students to "think outside the box". Classical physics, specifically Newtonian Mechanics, has several applications in nearly all areas of dentistry: restorative, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and surgery. The testing of basic formulas studied in the pre-requisite physics classes will help ease the transition from college to dental school. Modern physics, namely Quantum Mechanics, also plays a significant role in current dental diagnostics and therapeutics. Additionally, with the development of the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) as a replacement for the old NBDE part 1 and 2, there are topics tested that specifically focus on physics: Foundational Knowledge Areas 2 and 3. Thus, it is critical that the student dentist be familiar with these concepts. It is important to note that scientific changes occurring in the health sciences almost mandates students be familiar with concepts rooted in physics. It is then proposed that physics be incorporated into the exam, either with the natural sciences or within the quantitative reasoning section, in addition to eliminating topics not relevant to the dental field.
Overlapping NMDA-R and GFAP antibody autoimmune encephalitis after Nivolumab therapy

Immunotherapy represents a rapidly expanding area of cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies including those targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 or the programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) axis, function by removing inhibitory signals on T-cell activation 1. While promoting T-cell mediated tumor lysis, ICI’s alter the immune system’s regulatory checkpoints which can lead to a host of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) 2, 3. Here, we describe a patient treated with nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey) for non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) over two years who developed overlapping n-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody associated autoimmune encephalitis (AE)4. His hospital course was further complicated by dysautonomia responsive to high-dose steroids.
"Low for Long" and Risk-Taking

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing an unprecedented worldwide economic contraction, leading central banks to reduce interest rates to historically low levels and making unconventional monetary policies—including “low for long” interest rates and asset purchases—increasingly common. Arguably, however, the policies implemented are efficient because they encourage increased risk-taking, and they may have, if unintentionally, increase medium- and long-run macro-financial vulnerabilities. This paper argues that the resulting trade-offs need to be carefully accounted for in monetary policy models and outlines how that can be achieved in practice.
Embedded Atom Method Model for Close-Packed Metals

A simple embedded atom method (EAM)1,2 model for close-packed metals has recently been presented3. In this model, both the electron density function and the two-body potential are taken as exponentially decreasing functions, and the embedding energy was obtained from a modification of the equation of state given by Rose et al.4 using the method developed by Foiles5. In this model, however, the cutoff procedures for the electron density function and the two-body potential were not specified and the embedding energy was a tabulated function of total electron density. Thus, we refined this model by introducing: (1) a smooth cutoff function for the electron density function and the two-body potential, and (2) an analytic form of the embedding energy function.
The systems engineering of cellular processes

Abstract Mathematical description of metabolic systems allows the calculation of the expected responses of metabolism to genetic modifications and the identification of the most promising targets for the engineering of cellular processes. Metabolic control analysis (MCA) provides such a description in the form of sensitivity coefficients, called control coefficients. These indices are determined by perturbation experiments, or through (log)linear analysis of nonlinear mathematical models, around a reference steady state, and, therefore, the predictive power of MCA is limited to small changes in the metabolic parameters. We present here the Nonlinear Metabolic Control Analysis (NMCA), a framework that allows accurate description of the metabolic responses over wide range of changes in the metabolic parameters. The performance and capabilities of NMCA are illustrated using a model of the yeast glycolysis.
Comparison of experimental and theoretical reaction rail currents, rail voltages, and airgap fields for the linear induction motor research vehicle

Measurements of reaction rail currents, reaction rail voltages, and airgap magnetic fields in tests of the Linear Induction Motor Research Vehicle (LIMRV) were compared with theoretical calculations from the mesh/matrix theory. It was found that the rail currents and magnetic fields predicted by the theory are within 20 percent of the measured currents and fields at most motor locations in most of the runs, but differ by as much as a factor of two in some cases. The most consistent difference is a higher experimental than theoretical magnetic field near the entrance of the motor and a lower experimental than theoretical magnetic field near the exit. The observed differences between the theoretical and experimental magnetic fields and currents do not account for the differences of as much as 26 percent between the theoretical and experimental thrusts.
Immigration and Politics in the New Europe: An attitudinal portrait of a people's Europe: a comparative overview of public opinion and elite preferences

Act III, Scene 1: Human nature does not change, but when nations and men accept the same rule and the same institutions to make sure that they are applied, their behavior toward each other changes. This is the process of civilization itself. (Jean Monnet, “A Ferment of Change” 1962: 211.) Scene 2: The discussion chamber was reverberating with procedures and rules – not all of which appeared so evident to the deputies. Perhaps over time, these manmade procedures will inculcate a universal mindset about immigration itself. Or, maybe, the difficulty in getting beyond technical issues is a reflection of persistent conflicting norms. (Diary of researcher, Strasbourg, June 9, 1992.) According to the official EU mantra, the ultimate aim of the “Community” has been to establish “an ever closer union among the European peoples” (the preamble of the Rome Treaty, the first “constitution” establishing the Community). As with all shared views about Europe, there are many diverse opinions on how to achieve this goal. Nonetheless, its implications, particularly for an immigration regime, are significant. This is because the question of a people's Europe hinges on who those people are, and what to do about the “outsiders” among them. The basic principle underlying “a people's Europe” relates to the human dimension of the Union – the idea that Community citizenship, irrespective of nationality, bestows the same rights, freedoms, and obligations for all member-state nationals. The concept of European citizenship stresses the universality of human rights throughout the Union.
Ökonomen leben in Metaphern

Wenn Wirtschaft swissenschaft ler beispielsweise Kinderbetreuung betrachten, dann denken sie dabei an Markte. „Kinderbetreuung“ – was fur andere Menschen eine Form von sozialer Kontrolle, eine Einrichtung oder ein Problem fur junge Eltern bedeutet, erscheint Okonomen wie ein Wertpapier an der New Yorker Borse. Die Wahl der Metapher treibt Okonomen dazu, eine Nachfragekurve zu beschreiben, eine Angebotskurve und einen Preis. Wenn sie zum neoklassischen Mainstream gehoren, sehen sie in einem solchen Markt „rationales“ Verhalten; wenn es sich um Marxisten, Institutionalisten oder Vertreter der osterreichischen Schule handelt, dann sehen sie jeweils andere Dinge, aber eine Markt-Metapher benutzen sie in jedem Fall.
Recent progress in optical coating technology: low-voltage ion plating deposition

After fairly extensive discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of low energy and high energy ion beam bombardment of a growing film, we review briefly a number of experimental results obtained with various samples made with low voltage reactive ion plating deposition. The availability of a state-of-the-art high vacuum coating machine specifically equipped for this process is the foundation for a major leap toward achieving near-perfect optical coatings. The high density of ion plated thin films makes them impermeable to water vapor and corrosive solutions. This has been demonstrated with protected aluminum mirrors, polarizers, and infrared anti-reflection coatings. An indication of the high packing density is the substantially higher refractive index than that of comparable layers deposited with either conventional electron beam evaporation or ion assisted deposition. The spectral transmittance of multilayer stacks of oxide thin films is lower than expected from theoretical predictions which assume absorption-free dielectrics. The observed absorption is primarily of an interface nature rather than a volume effect and occurs predominantly in combinations of Ti02 and Si02 thin films.
Rapid tests for esculin hydrolysis by anaerobic bacteria

Esculin hydrolysis is one of the biochemical tests used in the identification of anaerobic microorganisms. The conventional method by use of growing microbial cells requires 24–48 hours of incubation. On the other hand, growth independent methods like the buffered esculin test, the spot test, and the PathoTec strip test utilize the presence of constitutive enzymes and, therefore, yield results in 1–4 hours. A total of 817 anaerobic organisms were used in this study to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the three rapid methods. All three rapid methods gave excellent correlation with the standard conventional method. Over 99% of the organisms gave comparable results with the spot test and the buffered esculin test within one hour; the PathoTec strip test required up to 4 hours. The former two were not only more rapid but also more economical than the PathoTec strip test.
An anthropologist among the historians and other essays

These twenty-three essays by Professor Cohn are collected here for the first time. The first section is concerned with methodology within the disciplines of history and anthropology, particularly as these relate to scholarly writings on India. The more empirical offerings within the next four sections are concerned with `anthropological history'.
Personalization of Risk Through Convergence of Self- and Character-Risk Narrative Effects on Social Distance and Self-Character Risk Perception Gap

This study reports a quasi-experiment (N= 374) that examined an underlying mechanism through which narratives can facilitate personalization of risk. The participants were exposed to one of four entertainment clips depicting an at-risk character who either tested positive or negative for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). As predicted, reduction of perceived social distance to an at-risk character resulted in a convergence of perceived self- and character-risk. More importantly, the convergence of risk was driven by an increased perception of self-risk, as opposed to a reduction of character-risk. The observed pattern of risk convergence was much more pronounced in the negative rather than the positive STD test narratives. Furthermore, narrative engagement through identification, parasocial interaction, and perceived realism led to a greater degree of risk convergence, which was mediated by reduction in perceived social distance. The order in which the subjects estimated self- and character-risk did no...
Antibodies to cell-surface antigens of plant protoplasts

Abstract Both mouse and rabbit polyclonal antibodies to plant cell-surface antigens were developed by immunization with cell membrane material from oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Garry) roots. We were able to quickly assess the activity of antisera by monitoring the degree of protoplast agglutination and by using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Using polyclonal antibodies to cell-surface antigens, we have found that oat root protoplasts share common surface antigens with protoplasts from other plant tissues and species. From experiments with antisera treated with excess oat leaf or oat root protoplasts before our immunoassays, we have obtained evidence for the existence of organ-specific cell-surface antigens in higher plants.
Advances in Laparoscopic Techniques and Instrumentation in Standing Equine Surgery

Equine standing surgery and laparoscopy are becoming increasingly important aspects of equine surgery. Laparoscopic advancements lag behind the human medical field, mainly due to decreased access to appropriate training and instrumentation. It is nearly impossible to cover the topic of equine standing surgery without discussing advances in laparoscopy, because without such advances, equine standing surgery lacks potential for forward progress. Although novel standing techniques continue to be published, the addition of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques adds an entirely new dimension and provides a plethora of procedures to surgeons practicing equine standing surgery.
Framing, cognitive modes, and image theory: Toward an understanding of a glass half full.

Data from 2 experiments indicate that information framing affects decision episodes in more ways than previous studies showed. Results suggest that framing biases problem-space perceptions and may act as a catalyst for different modes of cognitive processing. Characteristics of controlled cognitive modes were found when information was negatively framed; characteristics of more automatic processing were found when information was positively framed. Results from the 2nd experiment also suggest that the emergence of these cognitive differences could be due to the effect of framing on a decision maker's perception of project images. Positive framing was associated with perceptions of compatibility between current and trajectory project images; negative framing was related to perceptions of greater image incompatibility
Behaviour therapy with identical twins

Abstract Among the patients treated by the writer during the past five years were two pairs of identical twins. Each respective pair of twins suffered from similar neurotic disabilities. While the patients undergoing behaviour therapy either recovered completely or improved substantially, their untreated twin siblings retained their maladaptive habits until they too underwent a course of behaviour therapy. A fifth patient, also one of an identical twin, derived benefit from therapy while his twin brother, opposed to therapeutic intervention on religious grounds, has remained neurotically incapacitated. These eases are followed by comments drawing didactic inferences. Emphasis is placed on the fact that behaviour therapy does not ignore the complex causality of neurotic disturbances. Interpersonal considerations at both causal and remedial levels are discussed.
Arsenic and Cadmium Phytoextraction Potential of Crambe Compared with Indian Mustard

ABSTRACT The ability to tolerate and accumulate arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) was compared between Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) and Crambe abyssinica (Hochst.) (Crambe or Abyssinian mustard). Plants were grown hydroponically and treated with 70 μM sodium arsenate or 50 μ M cadmium chloride for two weeks. When nutrients were omitted during the As treatment, leaves of C. abyssinica accumulated an average of 140 mg As kg−1, compared with 34 mg kg−1 for B. juncea. When quarter-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution was provided during As treatment, leaves of C. abyssinica accumulated an average of 270 mg As kg−1, compared with 13 mg kg−1 for B. juncea. Cadmium accumulation on a dry-weight basis was approximately two times greater in shoots of B. juncea. Shoot biomass production in the presence or absence of metals was greatest for C. abyssinica. Because of its larger biomass and more efficient accumulation of As, C. abyssinica should be considered for use in phytoremediation research.
Birth weight and other perinatal characteristics and childhood leukemia in California

Abstract Aims. We conducted a large registry-based study in California to investigate the association of perinatal factors and childhood leukemia with analysis of two major subtypes, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods. We linked California cancer and birth registries to obtain information on 5788 cases and 5788 controls matched on age and sex (1:1). We examined the association of birth weight, gestational age, birth and pregnancy order, parental ages, and specific conditions during pregnancy and risk of total leukemia, ALL and AML using conditional logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders. Results. The odds ratio (OR) per 1000g increase in birth weight was 1.11 for both total leukemia and ALL. The OR were highest for babies weighing ≥4500g with reference Conclusions. Our results suggest that high birth weight and LGA were associated with increased risk and SGA with decreased risk of total childhood leukemia and ALL, being first-born was associated with decreased risk of AML, and advanced paternal age was associated with increased risk of ALL. These findings suggest that associations of childhood leukemia and perinatal factors depend highly on subtype of leukemia.
Fixed Structure Controller Synthesis Using Groebner Bases and Sign-Definite Decomposition*

Abstract This paper presents a new method for computing stabilizing fixed structure/order controllers using Groebner bases and sign-definite decomposition. An application of Routh-Hurwitz stability condition results in a system of polynomial inequalities that must be satisfied by the parameters of any stabilizing controller. Using positive slack variables, the system of polynomial inequalities can be converted to a system of polynomial equations. With the aid of Groebner bases and elimination theory, an equivalent system of polynomial equations can be obtained which simplifies the construction of the set of stabilizing controllers using the sing-definite decomposition. The results of this approach are illustrated by examples provided.
Multiple allelic incompatibility factors among bifactorial strains of the yeastLeucosporidium (Candida) scottii

A biallelic, unifactorial, sexual incompatibility system, consisting of two mating types, is characteristic of the ascomycetous yeasts, such asSaccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition to the biallelic system, the basidiomycetous yeasts,Rhodosporidium andLeucosporidium have a multiple allelic bifactorial system with 2 A and 2B factors for a total of four mating types. This report presents evidence for an increase in this number of mating types inLeucosporidium scottii due to the presence of a minimum of 5 A and 3 B specificities with linked loci at each factor. These results indicate that sexual incompatibility system in basidiomycetous yeasts is similar to that found in other basidiomycetes such asSchizophyllum commune.
Human-computer interfaces with regional lower and upper alpha frequencies as on-line indexes of mental activity

Abstract The focus of this study involves the assessment of EEG signals to investigate mental activity associated with computer tasks when using two different interfaces. Eight subjects were used to contrast the mental activity associated with a visuo-spatial and a verbal task involving two human–computer interfaces: keyboard and mouse. To compare task difficulty, the mean lower alpha (8–10 Hz) and upper alpha (11–13 Hz) activities at the occipital, temporal, and frontal regions were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that there were differences in hemispheric activation in the lower and upper alpha wavebands. An interaction effect hemisphere by site was found at the temporal sites in the upper alpha band. Furthermore, an interaction effect task by computer interface was found at the temporal sites in the lower alpha waveband. Based on this study, lower and upper alpha activities appear to be valid measures to identify interfaces that are best matched to computer tasks. This type of research will allow the design of user-friendly human–computer interfaces.
Coupled vibration control with tuned mass damper for long-span bridges

Long-span bridges undergoing wind excitation exhibit complex dynamic behaviors. Buffeting vibrations induced by wind turbulence happen throughout the full range of wind speed. As the wind speed increases, aerodynamic instabilities such as flutter may occur at high wind speed [1]. Much research effort has been made in mitigating excessive buffeting vibrations and improving aerodynamic stabilities for long-span bridges during construction [2,3] and at service [4–6]. Among all of the control procedures, dynamic energy absorbers such as tuned mass dampers (TMDs) have been studied in suppressing the excessive dynamic buffeting [7] or enhancing the flutter stability of bridges [4,8]. As traditional control devices, the dynamic energy absorbers dissipate external energy through providing supplemental damping to the modes of concern [9–11]. In a conventional TMD control design, the TMD frequency is designed or tuned to the modal frequency of the fundamental mode [12] in order to reduce the so-called resonant vibration and this method is thus called resonant-suppression approach here. When the modal coupling among the modes is weak, the bridge can be regarded as a simple combination of many single degree-offreedom (d.o.f.) systems and single mode analysis is usually applicable [13]. It is well-known that wind-induced aeroelastic effects result in additional aerodynamic damping and stiffness for long-span bridges [14]. The TMD control efficiency decreases with the increase of modal damping ratio. This implies that, for coupled mode vibrations of long-span bridges, the control efficiency of buffeting response of bending mode decreases with the increase of wind velocity since the aerodynamic damping of bending modes usually increases with the wind speed. Since bending modes usually contribute significantly to the overall buffeting response among all of the modes, the decreased control efficiency in bending modes may deteriorate the overall control efficiency of the bridge vibration. ARTICLE IN PRESS
Some unique aspects of CO oxidation on supported Pt

Abstract Supported Pt catalyzed oxidation of CO was studied as a function of sintering severity. Specific rate data (moles CO oxidized/time · area of Pt) indicate the reaction to be demanding at low CO concentration and facile at higher CO concentrations. Further, sustained isothermal oscillations were observed. Overall kinetic behavior and the oscillations can be rationalized by viewing the oxidation process as one consisting of (a) an Eley-Rideal mechanism involving gaseous CO reacting with adsorbed O 2 at low CO concentrations, and (b) chemisorption of O 2 upon a surface partially covered with CO at higher CO concentrations. Global sintering kinetics in air are found to be second order in surface area with an activation energy of about 60 kcal.
Purification and characterization of exonuclease-free Artemis: Implications for DNA-PK-dependent processing of DNA termini in NHEJ-catalyzed DSB repair.

Abstract Artemis is a member of the β-CASP family of nucleases in the metallo-β-lactamase superfamily of hydrolases. Artemis has been demonstrated to be involved in V(D)J-recombination and in the NHEJ-catalyzed repair of DNA DSBs. In vitro, both DNA-PK independent 5′–3′ exonuclease activities and DNA-PK dependent endonuclease activity have been attributed to Artemis, though mutational analysis of the Artemis active site only disrupts endonuclease activity. This suggests that either the enzyme contains two different active sites, or the exonuclease activity is not intrinsic to the Artemis polypeptide. To distinguish between these possibilities, we sought to determine if it was possible to biochemically separate Artemis endonuclease activity from exonuclease activity. Recombinant [His]6-Artemis was expressed in a Baculovirus insect-cell expression system and isolated using a three-column purification methodology. Exonuclease and endonuclease activities, the ability to be phosphorylated by DNA-PK, and Artemis antibody reactivity was monitored throughout the purification and to characterize final pools of protein preparation. Results demonstrated the co-elution of exonuclease and endonuclease activities on a Ni–agarose affinity column but separation of the two enzymatic activities upon fractionation on a hydroxyapatite column. An exonuclease-free fraction of Artemis was obtained that retained DNA-PK dependent endonuclease activity, was phosphorylated by DNA-PK and reacted with an Artemis specific antibody. These data demonstrate that the exonuclease activity thought to be intrinsic to Artemis can be biochemically separated from the Artemis endonuclease.
The relationship of the extinction coefficient distribution to wind field patterns in southern California

Abstract The averaged distribution of the extinction coefficient, including its diurnal variation, in southern California is shown for commonly occurring winter and summer wind field patterns. The wind field patterns were generated by an objectively based method using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the vector wind, similarity criteria and cluster analysis. For the days assigned to each pattern, averaged extinction coefficient fields were calculated for six diurnal periods. Three main winter and three main summer patterns were identified. Associated with the wind field patterns were distinctly differing extinction coefficient patterns. Transport of visibility reducing aerosols can be inferred by comparing the wind and extinction fields and their diurnal variation. Transport of visibility reducing pollutants from the Los Angeles Basin and San Joaquin Valley into the Mojave Desert and the south-western U.S. was shown to be highly persistent in summer, while only sporadic in winter. The San Joaquin Valley was identified as having a significant potential for additional visibility impacts in the southwest with higher emissions of visibility affecting pollutants associated with the increasing urbanization of the valley. The analysis illustrated a technique for organizing large wind data sets into a reasonable number of patterns. The clear and consistent relationship between the extinction and wind fields demonstrates the usefulness of this technique in air pollution analysis.
Life, the Universe, and Everything: An Interview with David Haussler

Among the pantheon of computer scientists who have framed our capacity to interpret DNA sequences stands David Haussler of the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). Applying his prowess in computer learning theory to the problems of protein modeling and gene structure prediction, Haussler emerged in the mid-1990s as a trail-blazer in the field of computational biology. He came to wider prominence in 2000 during the frenetic race to produce a draft sequence of the human genome by nucleating an impassioned team of coders and engineers who assembled the sequence data and launched the UCSC Genome Browser. Fittingly, his team's contribution made manifest the vision of Robert Sinsheimer, who as Chancellor of UCSC in 1985 convened a pivotal workshop to explore sequencing the human genome.
Excessive weight gain and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the obese patient.

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the association between excessive weight gain and pregnancy-related hypertension (PRH) among obese women (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2).Methods: We performed a case control study among women with (n = 440) and without (n = 600) PRH from 2005 to 2007. Height and weight were recorded at initial and final prenatal visits. 695 women had BMI recorded at ≤18 weeks of gestation, of which 257 (36.9%) were obese. Obese women were divided into three categories based on 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines: (1) below recommended amount (under weight gain – UWG); (2) more than recommended (excessive weight gain – EWG) or (3) within recommended amount (normal weight gain – NWG). PRH was defined as gestational hypertension, mild or severe preeclampsia. Patients with and without PRH were prospectively identified. The association between weight gain category and development of PRH was analyzed.Results: We noticed a 1.5-fold higher odds of having PRH with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m2 c...
The induction of yolk protein synthesis in the fat body of an insect, Leucophaea maderae, by an analog of the juvenile hormone.

Abstract During the time that eggs are developing, the fat body from female Leucophaea maderae synthesizes a protein with characteristics similar to a subunit of the major yolk protein. Synthesis does not occur or is much reduced in fat bodies from males, nymphs, and abdomens amputated from adult females before the onset of egg development. Topical application of an analog of the juvenile hormone initiates the development of eggs in isolated abdomens. Forty hours after hormonal treatment and prior to an obvious change in the eggs, labeled leucine is incorporated into a fraction that can be isolated from the fat body together with added yolk protein. This fraction exhibits the same sedimentation characteristics as the subunit of the yolk protein during density gradient centrifugation.
Conspecific plant-soil feedback scales with population size in Lobelia siphilitica (Lobeliaceae)

Plant–soil interactions directly affect plant success in terms of establishment, survival, growth and reproduction. Negative plant–soil feedback on such traits may therefore reduce the density and abundance of plants of a given species at a given site. Furthermore, if conspecific feedback varies among population sites, it could help explain geographic variation in plant population size. We tested for among-site variation in conspecific plant–soil feedback in a greenhouse experiment using seeds and soils from 8 natural populations of Lobelia siphilitica hosting 30–330 plants. The first cohort of seeds was grown on soil collected from each native site, while the second cohort was grown on the soil conditioned by the first. Our goal was to distinguish site-specific effects mediated by biotic and/or abiotic soil properties from those inherent in seed sources. Cohort 1 plants grown from seeds produced in small populations performed better in terms of germination, growth, and survival compared to plants produced in large populations. Plant performance decreased substantially between cohorts, indicating strong negative feedback. Most importantly, the strength of negative feedback scaled linearly (i.e., was less negative) with increasing size of the native plant population, particularly for germination and survival, and was better explained by soil- rather than seed-source effects. Even with a small number of sites, our results suggest that the potential for negative plant–soil feedback varies among populations of L. siphilitica, and that small populations were more susceptible to negative feedback. Conspecific plant–soil feedback may contribute to plant population size variation within a species’ native range.
The virtual incubator: managing human capital in the software industry

Abstract In a knowledge-based economy, the creation of wealth becomes synonymous with creating products and services with large software content. However, despite a few major players, the software industry as a whole is fragmented and consists mainly of small, niche market entrepreneurial ventures. The authors study the California software industry to characterize the major barriers to success for these ventures. Simultaneously, a fundamental shift of software technology to a component-based development paradigm will reinforce the industry's fragmented nature by fuelling a third party, independent software component economy. Coupled with the globalization of the IT industry in general, the need for startups and small companies to form strategic partnerships will become increasingly critical to their ability to create wealth. In recent years, innovative public–private partnerships have attempted to assist startups by addressing their lack of physical resources or capital. This is best illustrated by the dramatic growth of incubators and regional capital networks. In this paper, the authors propose a “virtual incubator” model to facilitate startup success and business network formation, shifting the focus to the “virtual value chain” and to connecting startups with business expertise and strategic partners in the marketplace. The authors provide a theoretical basis for the model and its implementation, important to potential investors in virtual incubators.
Active nonlinear metamaterials loaded with negative differential resistance elements and circuits

Using active loads in circuits that result in negative differential resistances at various nodes in the circuit are used for producing resistance cancellation, gain, oscillations, and other types of effects not seen in passive circuits. We aim to demonstrate these properties in metamaterial unit cells with the hope of mimicking the circuit behavior in bulk media. In the metamaterial unit cells, we were able to experimentally show resistance cancellation by controlling the quality of the resonance of the unit cell, oscillation and harmonic generation in the unit cell, and mixing within the unit cell between incident signals and the self generated oscillations and harmonics.
FAO publications and documents and their acquisition by libraries in the United States

Abstract This paper describes the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in a thumb-nail sketch of the nature of FAO's publishing activities and its interrelations to other U.N. organizations. A differentiation in distribution is made between publications, defined as substantive in nature and of lasting reference value, and documents, defined as serving a number of purposes, sometimes substantive, but often of interest only to the issuing agency. The paper outlines the FAO distribution system for both publications and documents through the Land Grant Colleges and University System coupled with the National Agricultural Library and the Department of Agriculture field libraries. A description is provided of the Special Indices (both retrospective and current) produced by FAO as an aid to acquisition for organizations and individuals outside the normal distribution channels. Also included are instructions for ordering through UNIPUB, the FAO sales agent in the U.S., or from the FAO Documentation Center.
Plasma phosphohexose isomerase activity in shore fishes of bermuda relative to body weight and the effect of tricaine

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma phosphohexose isomerase activity was measured in eight species of fish. 2. 2. An intraspecific inverse relationship exists between body weight and plasma phosphohexose isomerase activity per gram weight. 3. 3. Fish anesthetized with Tricaine showed no significant difference in plasma enzyme activity within the same weight range.
Dielectric constant and threshold electric field of charge-density-waves with strong impurity pinning

Abstract The dielectric constant e and the threshold electric field ET for the onset of charge-density-wave conduction are investigated within the phenomenological model proposed by Tua and Zawadowski for the strong pinning regime. The static dielectric constant e (E) in a bias electric field E is found to be almost independent of E provided that E is not too close to ET. For relatively small values of the pinning strength, the product e ET becomes independent of the parameters of the theory. Good agreement is found with the available experimental data on NbSe3 for the case of strong pinning obtained by radiation damage.
Predicting prostate carcinoma volume and stage at radical prostatectomy by assessing needle biopsy specimens for percent surface area and cores positive for carcinoma, perineural invasion, Gleason score, DNA ploidy and proliferation, and preoperative serum prostate specific antigen: a report of 454 cases.

BACKGROUND DNA ploidy analysis of prostate carcinoma is a generally accepted prognostic marker, particularly when tumors are extraprostatic at the time of surgery. In the past decade, the DNA content of prostate carcinoma frequently has been assessed in needle biopsy specimens based on the assumption that ploidy, in conjunction with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Gleason score, provides valuable pretreatment information. METHODS Between 1995 and 1998, the authors identified a consecutive series of 454 prostate carcinomas, verified by needle biopsies and followed by radical retropubic prostatectomies (RRP). Based on the needle biopsies, DNA ploidy and MIB-I immunostaining were measured by digital image analysis (DIA). The authors also quantified the percent of nuclei in four categories from the DNA histograms. The DIA data were combined with the age of the patient at diagnosis, the serum PSA, Gleason score, percent cores and percent surface area positive for carcinoma, and status of perineural invasion in multivariate models using tumor volume and risk of extraprostatic extension (EPE) at RRP as the outcome variables. RESULTS Joint predictors of tumor volume at RRP were the percent cores positive for carcinoma (P < 0.0001), serum PSA (P < 0.0001), the percent surface area positive for carcinoma (P < 0.0001), and the percent nuclei classified by DNA quantification to be in the “S-phase” category (P = 0.03). Joint predictors of risk of EPE were the percent cores positive for carcinoma (P = 0.0004), a Gleason score of 7 (P < 0.0001), a Gleason score of 8 or 9 (P < 0.0001), serum PSA (P = 0.006) and perineural invasion (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS After adjusting for traditional prognostic markers, DNA ploidy interpretation and MIB-I quantitation of prostate carcinoma did not appear to jointly predict either outcome variable in the multivariate models. However, a quantitative measure related to both ploidy and proliferation, the percent of nuclei in the putative “S-phase” category from the DIA histograms, was found to jointly predict for tumor volume. Cancer 2001;91:02196–204. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Induction as a tool for conceptual coherence in computer science

Induction is central to many areas of computer science (CS) such as data structures, theory of computation, programming languages, program correctness/verification, and program efficiency. In this paper, I discuss the role of induction in the current CS curriculum and its applications in some of the above areas. I also shed some light on "hidden" applications of structural induction, and I demonstrate how induction can be used as a tool for conceptual coherence in CS. Proofs by induction are currently taught independently of their CS applications and as a "recipe" to be followed, without explaining the role of each ingredient. Moreover, there is no unified framework for induction throughout the CS curriculum, which I argue that is necessary for students to gain conceptual understanding.
A holographic opaque document scanner

An opaque document scanner in which a moving hologram generates a locus of points from a stationary light beam on an opaque document and the same hologram or a similar one mounted for conjoint movement collects light energy reflected from the document at each point and focuses this energy onto a stationary detector to provide electrical signals corresponding to the information scanned on the document.
Feasibility of the 3D RCA catheter to engage the brachiocephalic vessels during carotid angiography and stenting.

Background Engagement of the brachiocephalic vessels during carotid angiography is performed using a JR-4, Vitek, or other catheters with variable success. These catheters require additional training for safe manipulation. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using the 3D RCA catheter which requires less manipulation in the aorta, and less training, to engage the brachiocephalic vessels. Methods We prospectively studied consecutive high-risk patients undergoing carotid angiography and stenting from August 2005 to March 2009 at our institution. A baseline aortogram was performed to define the arch type in all patients. Engagement of the brachiocephalic vessels was initially attempted using the 3D RCA catheter using the following approach: The 3D RCA catheter is positioned in the ascending aorta beyond the brachiocephalic vessels take off. The natural curve of the catheter usually makes it point cephalad spontaneously in most patients and as it is gently withdrawn it engages the aortic arch vessels without much manipulation. Clinical follow-up with a neurological exam was performed at one month and six months. Results A total of 52 patients were enrolled in this study. Baseline demographics and aortic arch types encountered are listed in Table I. The 3D RCA catheter readily engaged the brachiocephalic vessels in 50/52 patients (96.0 %) in our cohort of patients undergoing carotid angiography. Of the 52 patients, 43 subsequently underwent carotid stenting and shuttle sheath placement was facilitated by initial engagement of the relevant common carotid artery with the 3D RCA catheter. There was one transient neurologic complication that resolved by 5 days in a patient that underwent carotid stenting. Conclusions The 3D RCA catheter can be used with a high success rate to engage the brachiocephalic vessels in all 3 arch types, including a bovine arch during carotid angiography and facilitates shuttle sheath placement for carotid stenting. It requires less manipulation and therefore may be a more operator friendly approach. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake by Subcellular Particles from Adipose Tissue Cells

Microsomal particles prepared from isolated rat adipose cells take up D-glucose more rapidly than L-glucose. The rate of D-glucose uptake, but not that of L-glucose, is stimulated by incubation of the intact cells with insulin at concentrations as low as 10 microunits per milliliter before disruption and preparation of the microsomes.
Cyclic nucleotides and protein kinase systems in the developing chick retina and pigment epithelium.

Abstract During embryonic development of the chick neural retina, cyclic nucleotide levels are relatively uniform but rise abruptly at the time of hatching. The rise is thus not temporally correlated with features of morphological development such as outer segment elongation but rather with the onset of actual visual function. In the pigment epithelium, the cyclic AMP level declines throughout the embryonic period studied and does not rise at hatching. Cyclic GMP levels are much lower in both retina and pigment epithelium but rise several-fold at hatching. A binding protein si observed for cyclic AMP in the retina prior to outer segment development; cyclic GMP binding is considerably lower. Retinal ATP-kinase activity is high throughout the embryonic period studied and is stimulated up to 6-fold by 1 μM cyclic AMP and by 100 μM cyclic GMP. The major rise in GTP-kinase activity correlates temporally with photoreceptor outer segment sevelopment and may be involved intimately in the visual process.
Can we have a distinctive theory of memory

The current status of the concept ofdistinctiveness as applied to memory research is discussed. In spite of the fact that distinctiveness is difficult to define, an increasing number of memory phenomena have been explained in terms of distinctiveness. These phenomena are grouped into four classes, which vary in how distinctiveness is operationalized. Distinctiveness has different effects on memory performance, depending on how it is defined, suggesting that the concept of distinctiveness has been overapplied. In addition, current theoretical explanations of the effects of distinctiveness on memory fail to specify what the different definitions of distinctiveness have in common, and fail to encompass adequately the broad range of phenomena to be explained. A limited theory of distinctiveness is proposed, in order to explain why conceptually incongruent material is remembered well.
Stiffened plates and cylindrical shells under interactive buckling

Cylindrical shells are often reinforced with stiffeners in the form of stringers or rings depending upon whether they are subject to axial or hoop compression. The presence of stiffeners not only enhances the buckling capacity but also reduces the imperfection-sensitivity of the shells. Because of the resistance offered by the stiffeners to radial movement, ‘local’ buckling modes whose nodal lines do not coincide with the location of the stiffeners are simply eliminated. This has the effect of minimizing the nonlinear modal interactions which are the source of imperfection-sensitivity in unstiffened shells.
Tests of Time Reversal Invariance in Nuclear and Particle Physics

There is a theorem that states that there can be no null test of time-reversal invariance (T symmetry) in exclusive reactions; that is, T symmetry does not require any single observable to vanish. This theorem is extended to inclusive reactions. Also, a general argument, that an experimental observable vanishes from T symmetry if a corresponding operator changes sign under time reversal, is shown to be invalid.
Dimethylaminoethanol (deanol): effect on apomorphine-induced stereotypy and an animal model of tardive dyskinesia.

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) was administered acutely to rats subsequently injected with apomorphine. A dose of 80 mg of DMAE had no effect on the severity of apomorphine-induced stereotypy. However, 160 mg of DMAE significantly diminished the severity of apomorphine-induced stereotypy. This dose of DMAE did not significantly alter spontaneous locomotor activity. DMAE did not reduce apomorphine-induced stereotypy in animals previously exposed to haloperidol and presumed to have postsynaptic dopamine receptor supersensitivity. These results with DMAE are contrasted with the effects of choline chloride, and suggest that choline chloride may be more effective than DMAE at augmenting striatal cholinergic activity.
Linear function neurons: Structure and training

Three different representations for a thresholded linear equation are developed. For binary input they are shown to be representationally equivalent though their training characteristics differ.