cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolated Anisocoria as a Presenting Stroke Code Symptom is Unlikely to Result in Alteplase Administration.

Abstract Background Acute stroke codes may be activated for anisocoria, but how often these codes lead to a final stroke diagnosis or alteplase treatment is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of anisocoria in stroke codes that ultimately resulted in alteplase administration. Methods We retrospectively assessed consecutive alteplase-treated patients from a prospectively-collected stroke registry between February 2015 and July 2018. Based on the stroke code exam, patients were categorized as having isolated anisocoria [A+(only)], anisocoria with other findings [A+(other)], or no anisocoria [A−]. Baseline demographics, stroke severity, alteplase time metrics, and outcomes were also collected. Results Ninety-six patients received alteplase during the study period. Of the 94 who met inclusion criteria, there were 0 cases of A+(only). There were 9 cases of A+(other) (9.6%). A+(other) exhibited higher baseline National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale scores compared to A− (17 versus 7; P = .0003), and no additional differences in demographics or alteplase time metrics. Final stroke diagnosis and other outcome measures were no different between A+(other) and A−. Of the A+ patients without pre-existing anisocoria, 5 of 6 (83%) had posterior circulation events or diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Conclusions In this exploratory analysis, zero patients with isolated anisocoria received alteplase treatment. Anisocoria as a part of the neurologic presentation occurred in 10% of alteplase patients, and was strongly associated with a posterior circulation event. Therefore, we conclude that anisocoria has a higher likelihood of leading to alteplase treatment when identified in the presence of other neurologic deficits.
An Innovative Way to Think About a Simulation Center’s Core Administrative Functions: Comparing Managing a Simulation Facility to a Restaurant

Abstract There are some aspects about operating a simulation facility that are simple and some that are complex. One might compare operating a simulation program to operating a restaurant. It is unlike any other educational endeavor that most academicians have ever ventured into. In fact, it is quite entrepreneurial. It takes an individual with a keen business sense to lead and manage a successful clinical simulation enterprise. However, as daunting and high tech as clinical simulation can be, producing a simulation program is still all about putting on a good show day in and day out, with customers’ experiences being only as good as their last experience. The mantra touted in the restaurant industry, “proper preparation prevents poor performance,” holds true for implementing a simulation program. The purpose of this chapter is to provide insights into the core administrative functions of a simulation program and to describe features that may need to be customized to fit an individual facility.
Empirically Supported Treatment Options for Children and Adolescents with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Integrating Network Models and Treatment Components

This review aims to provide an overview of recent neurodevelopmental network models of PTSD in youth as an avenue towards a better understanding of treatment options for this group. Present empirically supported psychosocial intervention components for youth exposed to trauma in the context of the neurodevelopmental network model of PTSD in youth. Key brain regions and regional connections implicated in childhood trauma may be targeted by the specific components taught in interventions. Intervention components may have differential use and effectiveness by community therapists and depending on patient presentation. Treatments for PTSD in youth are effective with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) techniques among the psychosocial treatment options endorsed for use. Researchers have begun to identify the most successful and commonly used components of treatments. The current review identifies components of CBT and EMDR, their potential for packaging to meet patient profiles and main presenting issues, and also discusses the augmentation of exposure techniques with D-cycloserine (DCS) and other options such as cue-centered therapy.
Electrical Isolation Performance of Microgasket Technology for Implant Packaging

High-channel-count neural interfaces are typically packaged by being permanently bonded to their packaged electronics followed by encapsulation. Such interfaces are often intimately integrated into neural tissue, their removal to replace the battery or upgrade electronics is not undesirable. Gaskets are widely used to provide liquid/electrical isolation and to seal the connection between two or more mating parts. Pressure-driven microgaskets are well established in the field of microfluidics. Although rematable microgaskets for fluidic interconnects exist, the use of microgaskets for electrical isolation have not been demonstrated. Our approach is to electrically isolate 2-D arrays of contact pads using a compressible silicone microgasket. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to quantify the electrical isolation of the microgasket on contact pads, which were formed in a polyimide flex circuit, as a function of frequency after being soaked in saline. Experiments have shown that the compressed sub-millimeter PDMSe microgasket can provide excellent isolation (i.e., >30 MΩ at 1 KHz) that is comparable to the other more conventional packaging methods, such as encapsulation in polydimethylsiloxane elastomer (PDMSe) or parylene-C. Our microgasket-based approach should be scalable to high channel counts and high channel densities enabling much smaller and higher-performance neural implants.
Performance of Patient-collected Specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Culture.

BACKGROUND Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture is necessary to determine antimicrobial resistance, but typically requires specimen collection by clinicians. We sought to determine the sensitivity of patient-collected specimens for N. gonorrhoeae culture. METHODS We performed N. gonorrhoeae cultures on paired clinician- and patient-collected specimens from the pharynx (n = 93), rectum (n = 88), endocervix/vagina (n = 89), and urethra/urine (n = 46). We calculated the percent concordance and the kappa statistics for paired-specimen results, and determined the test sensitivity for each specimen type using positivity of either specimen in a pair as a gold standard defining the presence of true infection. RESULTS At least 1 specimen was positive in 26%, 31%, 61%, and 3% of paired samples in the pharynx, rectum, urethra/urine, and endocervix/vagina, respectively. Patient- and clinician-collected results were highly concordant at the pharynx (95%; kappa = 0.85), rectum (99%; kappa = 0.97), urethra/urine (83%; kappa = 0.87), and endocervix/vagina (100%; kappa = 1.0; P ≤ .005 for all comparisons). Patient-collected pharyngeal and rectal swabs and urine were 92%, 96%, and 96% sensitive, while clinician-collected specimens at these anatomic sites were 87.5%, 100%, and 94% sensitive (P > .05 for all comparisons). Among 24 urine specimens held for 4-22 hours after collection, 100% yielded concordant N. gonorrhoeae culture results, compared to immediate processing. CONCLUSIONS Patient- and clinician-collected specimens are comparably sensitive for N. gonorrhoeae culture. These findings suggest that patient-collected specimens could be used to expand the availability of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance testing for both clinical and surveillance purposes.
Enhancement of superconductivity near the pressure-induced semiconductor–metal transition in the BiS2-based superconductors LnO0.5F0.5BiS2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)

Measurements of electrical resistivity were performed between 3 and 300 K at various pressures up to 2.8 GPa on the BiS2-based superconductors LnO0.5F0.5BiS2 (Ln=Pr, Nd). At lower pressures, PrO0.5F0.5BiS2 and NdO0.5F0.5BiS2 exhibit superconductivity with critical temperatures Tc of 3.5 and 3.9 K, respectively. As pressure is increased, both compounds undergo a transition at a pressure Pt from a low Tc superconducting phase to a high Tc superconducting phase in which Tc reaches maximum values of 7.6 and 6.4 K for PrO0.5F0.5BiS2 and NdO0.5F0.5BiS2, respectively. The pressure-induced transition is characterized by a rapid increase in Tc within a small range in pressure of ∼0.3 GPa for both compounds. In the normal state of PrO0.5F0.5BiS2, the transition pressure Pt correlates with the pressure where the suppression of semiconducting behaviour saturates. In the normal state of NdO0.5F0.5BiS2, Pt is coincident with a semiconductor–metal transition. This behaviour is similar to the results recently reported for the LnO0.5F0.5BiS2 (Ln=La, Ce) compounds. We observe that Pt and the size of the jump in Tc between the two superconducting phases both scale with the lanthanide element in LnO0.5F0.5BiS2 (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd).
Machine-Learning-Assisted First-Principles Calculations of Strained InAs 1 − x Sb x Alloys for Curved Focal-Plane Arrays

Curved focal-plane arrays offer significant advantages compared with their flat counterparts. However, the curving of the material induces strains which alter its optoelectronic properties. A comprehensive framework is presented for the computational investigation of the band gaps of ${\mathrm{InAs}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{x}$ alloys under various strain conditions that are relevant for manufacturing curved focal-plane arrays. The framework consists of both standard and hybrid functional density functional theory (DFT) calculations, finite-element analysis (FEA) calculations, and Gaussian process (GP) regression. The DFT calculations are used for investigating the change of the band gap of the material under various strain conditions. This dataset is then used for training a GP model which is utilized to assess the effects of strain across the device, based on the FEA simulations. The results show excellent predictive capabilities for the machine-learning model at a significantly reduced computational cost and are directly transferable to other device designs.
Electron Bunching in a Nonlinear Transmission Line-Driven Electron Beam

The nonlinear transmission line electron beam driver at the Air Force Research Laboratory produces a frequency agile modulated annular electron beam [1]. A linear kinetic bunching analysis is performed based on transmission line theory [2]. This analysis reveals that the axial length of the conical Friedman cathode lowers the maximum bunch amplitude, analogous to the effect of axial distance on the opening of a klystron bunching cavity. Additionally, the somewhat broadband nature of the NLTL pulse translates into a saw-tooth profile for the peak frequency of the electron beam as a function of axial distance down the drift tube. Most importantly, the direct relation between applied voltage and cathode current emission leads to in phase bunching in both current and velocity, which enhances the maximum bunching amplitude when compared to just voltage modulation. The purpose of this exploration is to inform the design of a relativistic klystron amplifier that uses the NLTL e-beam driver as a gun.
Compartmentalization of hepatitis C viral quasispecies

Publisher Summary Studies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) variability within different compartments have yielded conflicting results. Some have found significant differences in variants within the liver, serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), while others have not. Large numbers of HCV clones from each isolate are sequenced in the chapter. Based on these detailed studies, significant differences in HCV quasispecies within the liver and serum were not found. Minor variants may be generated by nucleotide substitutions occurring because of lack of fidelity of the HCV RNA-dependent RNA (RdRp) polymerase or perhaps by the selection of variants, either by immune pressure or functional efficiency. An important implication of this finding is that it is acceptable for future studies of HCV-quasispecies diversity using serum from infected individuals rather than having to rely on the more difficult to obtain liver tissue compartments.
Making Process Visible: Scaffolding Learning with Reasoning-Congruent Representations

Reasoning-congruent representations help novices learn about the behavior of objects in a domain and provide a more profitable way for students to plan and implement solutions. We describe the use of visual representations in GIL, a tutor for LISP programming, and examine how this system implements the goals of a reasoning-congruent representation.
Unusual Shapes of the Placenta. Placenta Accreta

The usual round or oval outline of the placenta may be replaced by a wide spectrum of shapes which Shanklin has called “errors in outline”. On occasion, these abnormally shaped organs assume clinical significance but, on the whole it is difficult to be certain that they all represent truly pathologic events. Certainly, many are compatible with perfectly normal fetal development and in most instances of placentas with unusual shape, the progress of pregnancy or parturition is not endangered. These unusual shapes should perhaps better be considered as variations of the normal, and an infinite spectrum it is. Hyrtl has depicted many of these specimens in his magnificent atlas and Grosser has discussed views concerning the mechanism of formation of some of the abnormally shaped placentas. In recent years, less attention has been paid to this subject as it has become recognized that other placental disturbances are of greater significance to fetal development than is the shape of the placenta.
States of Bankruptcy

In the past several years, many states’ financial condition has been so precarious that some observers have predicted that one or more might default. As the crisis persisted, a very unlikely word crept into these conversations: bankruptcy. Should Congress provide a bankruptcy option for states, or would bankruptcy be a mistake? The goal of this Article is to carefully vet this question, using all of the theoretical, empirical and historical tools currently available. The discussion is structured as a “case” for bankruptcy, rather than an “on the one hand, on the other hand” assessment. But it seeks to be scrupulously fair, and reaches several conclusions that veterans of the public and scholarly debate may find surprising. The Article proceeds as follows. Part I briefly develops the theoretical basis for state bankruptcy. In Part II, I explore each of six key benefits of a state bankruptcy regime. I then turn in Part III to six principal objections, considering each in detail. After analyzing the response to New York City’s 1975 crisis and a number of states’ enactment of municipal oversight boards, Part IV focuses on the possibility of an analogous, federal oversight alternative to a more general bankruptcy statute. Although bankruptcy seems superior overall, the oversight strategy would offer some of the same benefits if Congress failed to enact a bankruptcy law before a state crisis materialized.
A Cross-Cultural Study in Risk Tolerance: Comparing Chinese and Americans

In this research we compare the risk preference attitudes and behavior between a sample of 470 Chinese workers and a sample of 2,671 Americans from the Survey of Consumer Finances. Our findings show that Chinese in our sample are more risk tolerant than Americans in their financial decisions, both in attitudes and behavior. Alternative explanations such as a lack of knowledge about the relationship between risk and return among the current generation Chinese are also explored. Theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed.
The shifting epistemologies of vulnerability in climate services for development: the case of Mali's agrometeorological advisory programme

The field of climate services for development (CSD) is growing rapidly, presented by donors and implementers as an opportunity to address the needs of the global poor, whether informing agricultural decisionmaking in rural communities, facilitating disaster preparedness or promoting public health. To realise this potential, however, CSD projects must understand the information needs of their intended users. This raises a critical epistemological challenge for CSD: how can we know who is vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and change, and why are they vulnerable to particular impacts? In this paper, we consider both the epistemological tension arising over the construction of vulnerability that emerges at the intersection of the physical and social science communities within CSD and a second, less-discussed epistemological stress surrounding how user identities are understood within the social science community engaged in CSD-related research and implementation. We illustrate these tensions through the example of a climate services programme that delivers agrometeorological advice to farmers in Mali, demonstrating the ramifications of these epistemological issues for the design and delivery of services that further development and adaptation goals.
The Oregon Public Health Policy Institute: Building Competencies for Public Health Practice

The Oregon Public Health Policy Institute (PHPI) was designed to enhance public health policy competencies among state and local health department staff. The Oregon Health Authority funded the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University to develop the PHPI curriculum in 2012 and offer it to participants from 4 state public health programs and 5 local health departments in 2013.The curriculum interspersed short instructional sessions on policy development, implementation, and evaluation with longer hands-on team exercises in which participants applied these skills to policy topics their teams had selected. Panel discussions provided insights from legislators and senior Oregon health experts.Participants reported statistically significant increases in public health policy competencies and high satisfaction with PHPI overall.
The Potential for State Attorneys General to Promote the Public's Health: Theory, Evidence, and Practice

The Attorneys General of the 50 states have considerable legal authority to protect the public’s health, yet their role in the development of health policy is often under-appreciated or misunderstood. This article analyses state Attorneys’ General current powers and provides a logic model that illustrates how the use of these powers can lead to the protection and promotion of the public’s health. The article then provides four brief case studies, to demonstrate how state Attorneys General have used their varied powers to influence policy-making and benefit the public’s health. In addition, this article offers a roadmap for research that could be conducted to better understand the association between state Attorneys’ General actions and the protection of the public’s health. The article concludes with a series of recommendations intended to enhance state Attorneys’ General ability to protect the public’s health, along with suggestions for future research in this area.
Mining the Breast Cancer Proteome for Predictors of Drug Sensitivity

Approximately 20 drugs have been approved by the FDA for breast cancer treatment, yet predictive biomarkers are known for only a few of these. The identification of additional biomarkers would be useful both for drugs currently approved for breast cancer treatment and for new drug development. Using glycoprotein expression data collected via mass spectrometry, in conjunction with statistical models constructed by elastic net or lasso regression, we modeled quantitatively the responses of breast cancer cell lines to ~90 drugs. Lasso and elastic net regression identified HER2 as a predictor protein for lapatinib, afatinib, gefitinib and erlotinib, which target HER2 or the EGF receptor, thus providing an internal control for the approach. Two additional protein datasets and two RNA datasets were also tested as sources of predictor proteins for modeling drug sensitivity. Protein expression measured by mass spectrometry gave models with higher coefficients of determination than did reverse phase protein array (RPPA) predictor data. Further, cross validation of the elastic net models shows that, for many drugs, the prediction error is lower when the predictor data is from proteins, rather than mRNA expression measured on microarrays. Drugs that could be modeled effectively include PI3K inhibitors, Akt inhibitors, paclitaxel and docetaxel, rapamycin, everolimus and temsirolimus, gemcitabine and vinorelbine. Strikingly, this modeling approach with protein predictors often succeeds for drugs that are targeted agents, even when the nominal target is not in the dataset.
Dielectric Properties and Relaxation of Bi2Ti2O7

The dielectric properties of Bi2Ti2O7 were explored as a function of temperature and frequency. A comparison between the dielectric response of the well-known Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92 (BZN) pyrochlore and the recently available Bi2Ti2O7 sintered ceramic revealed considerable differences, which indicate that chemical disorder, and not atomic displacement on its own, is chiefly responsible for the dielectric relaxation in bismuth pyrochlores. A low-frequency (<10 kHz) and relatively high-temperature (~125 K) dielectric relaxation was observed in Bi2Ti2O7. An Arrhenius function was used to model the relaxation behavior and yielded an activation energy of 0.162 eV and an attempt jump frequency of ~1 MHz. This response is consistent with space charge polarization and not the result of dipolar or ionic disorder.
Structure of a low‐melting‐temperature anti‐cholera toxin: llama VHH domain

Variable heavy domains derived from the heavy-chain-only antibodies found in camelids (VHH domains) are known for their thermal stability. Here, the structure of A9, an anti-cholera toxin VHH domain (K d = 77 ± 5 nM) that has an unusually low melting temperature of 319.9 ± 1.6 K, is reported. The CDR3 residues of A9 form a β-hairpin that is directed away from the former VH–VL interfacial surface, exposing hydrophobic residues to the solvent. A DALI structural similarity search showed that this CDR3 conformation is uncommon.
Distortions from the Tetragonal HfCuSi2-Type Structures to the Orthorhombic GdCuAs1.15P0.85-Type Structures in REMX2 (RE = Rare Earth; M = Cu, Ag; X = P, As, Sb): Mismatch between the Sizes of the M and X Atoms

The RECuAs2-xPx phases undergo symmetry-breaking transitions from tetragonal HfCuSi2-type structures (P4/nmm space group) to orthorhombic GdCuAs1.15P0.85-type structures (Pmmn space group) upon substitution of arsenic by phosphorus. According to Landau theory, the distortions correspond to the B1g irreducible representation and can be continuous. The P4/nmm → Pmmn transitions are not caused by a Peierls-like instability of the square As/P nets but result from a structural adaptation for the smaller P atoms. The stability of the tetragonal RECuAs2-xPx and other REMX2 structures with respect to the orthorhombic distortion can be characterized by a relative interatomic distance in the As/P or X layer. Although the tetragonal phases have small relative As/P−As/P or X−X interatomic distances, the orthorhombic phases have larger distances.
Metabolic effects of glucose starvation in animal cell cultures.

Abstract Cultures of animal cells that have been deprived of glucose or grown in media containing one of several other sugars in lieu of glucose have an enhanced ability to transport radio-labeled glucose. We have investigated the metabolic fate of radio-labeled glucose under these starvation conditions and have observed marked alterations in the accumulation products. These alterations are most prominent in the class of nucleotide sugars. The implications of these observed changes to possible changes in surface architecture and cell phenotype are discussed.
An integrated methodology to predict the likelihood of spurious actuation of AC circuits due to fires in commercial nuclear power plants

Abstract Research efforts by the nuclear power industry and, most recently, its regulatory agency, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC), have provided information useful for risk-informed analysis of the effects of spurious actuation (“hot shorting”) of alternating current (AC) electrical circuits at nuclear power plants. The results from these efforts have been integrated into a methodology to predict the likelihood of spurious actuation of AC circuits due to fires in commercial nuclear power plants.
Bahiagrass crop coefficients from eddy correlation measurements in central Florida

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is a warm-season grass used primarily in pastures and along highways and other low maintenance public areas in Florida. It is also used in landscapes to some extent because of its drought tolerance. Bahiagrass can survive under a range of moisture conditions from no irrigation to very wet conditions. Its well-watered consumptive use has not been reported previously. In this study, bahiagrass crop coefficients (Kc) for an irrigated pasture were determined for July 2003 through December 2006 in central Florida. The eddy correlation method was used to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ETc) rates. The standardized reference evapotranspiration (ETo) equation (ASCE-EWRI standardization of reference evapotranspiration task committee report, 2005) was applied to calculate ETo values using on site weather data. Daily Kc values were estimated from the ratio of the measured ETc and the calculated ETo. The recommended Kc values for bahiagrass are 0.35 for January–February, 0.55 for March, 0.80 for April, 0.90 for May, 0.75 for June, 0.70 for July–August, 0.75 for September, 0.70 for October, 0.60 for November, and 0.45 for December in central Florida. The highest Kc value of 0.9 in May corresponded with maximum vapor pressure deficit conditions as well as cloud free conditions and the highest incoming solar radiation as compared to the rest of the year. During the summer (June to August), frequent precipitation events increased the cloud cover and reduced grass water use. The Kc annual trend was similar to estimated Kc values from another well-watered warm-season grass study in Florida.
The Process of Black Suburbanization

Thesis. 1975. Ph.D. cn--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning.
Serotonergic functioning in depressed abused children: clinical and familial correlates.

Abstract Background: The goal of this study was to examine serotonergic functioning and concomitant clinical and familial correlates in depressed abused children. Methods: L-5-Hydroxytryptophan ( L-5-HTP) (0.8 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to 10 depressed abused (MDD-AB), 10 depressed nonabused (MDD-NA), and 10 normal control nonabused (NC-NA) children. The children in the two nonabused cohorts represent a small matched subset of children from a larger interlocking study of the psychobiology of depression. Blood samples for prolactin and cortisol were collected from 30 min before to 2.5 hours after L-5-HTP infusion. Results: The MDD-AB children secreted significantly more prolactin post-L-5-HTP than the children in the other two groups. There were no differences in baseline prolactin or any of the cortisol measures. Total prolactin post-L-5-HTP was significantly correlated with clinical ratings of aggressive behavior (rho = .48). In addition, children with a family history positive for suicide attempt (MDD-AB: n = 7; MDD-NA: n = 5; NC-NA: n = 2) secreted significantly more prolactin post-L-5-HTP than children with no family history of suicide. Conclusions: Dysregulation in the serotonergic system in abused children appears to be related to both familial and experiential factors.
Woody vegetation and channel morphogenesis in low-gradient, gravel-bed streams in the Ozark Plateaus, Missouri and Arkansas

Woody vegetation affects channel morphogenesis in Ozark streams of Missouri and Arkansas by increasing local roughness, increasing bank strength, providing sedimentation sites, and creating obstructions to flow. Variations in physiographic controls on channel morphology result in systematic changes in vegetation patterns and geomorphic functions with increasing drainage basin area. In upstream reaches, streams have abundant bedrock control and bank heights that typically are less than or equal to the rooting depth of trees. In downstream reaches where valleys are wider and alluvial banks are higher vegetation has different geomorphic functions. At drainage areas of greater than 100–200 kM2, Ozarks streams are characterized by longitudinally juxtaposed reaches of high and low lateral channel migration rates, referred to as disturbance reaches and stable reaches, respectively. Whereas stable reaches can develop stable forested floodplains (if they are not farmed), disturbance reaches are characterized by dynamic vegetation communities that interact with erosion and deposition processes. Disturbance reaches can be subdivided into low-gradient and high-gradient longitudinal zones. Low-energy zones are characterized by incremental, unidirectional lateral channel migration and deposition of gravel and sand bars. The bars are characterized by prominent bands of woody vegetation and ridge and swale topography. Channel monitoring data indicate that densely vegetated bands of woody vegetation formed depositional sites during bedload-transporting events. The same floods caused up to 20 m of erosion of adjacent cutbanks, scoured non-vegetated areas between vegetation bands, and increased thalweg depth and definition. In high-energy (or riffle) zones, channel movement is dominantly by avulsion. In these zones, vegetation creates areas of erosional resistance that become temporary islands as the channel avulses around or through them. Woody vegetation on islands creates steep, root-defended banks that contribute to narrow channels with high velocities. Calculation of hydraulic roughness from density and average diameter of woody vegetation groups of different ages indicates that flow resistance provided by vegetation decreases systematically with group age, mainly through decreasing stem density. If all other factors remain constant, the stabilizing effect of a group of woody vegetation on a gravel bar decreases with vegetation age.
Carpal development and morphology in archontan mammals

Carpal morphology and development in bats, colugos, tree shrews, murids, and sciurids were studied in order to homologize carpal elements. Prenatal coalescence of discrete cartilaginous templates with a loss of a center of ossification appears to be the most common method of reducing carpal elements in these mammals. Only bats and colugos showed postnatal ossification between discrete elements as a method of reducing carpal elements. Carpal morphology of tree shrews is more diverse than previously reported. Ptilocercus shows a highly derived carpal morphology that may be related to its relatively greater arboreality. Dendrogale exhibits what is most likely the ancestral tupaiid carpal morphology. Carpal morphologies of Tupaia, Urogale, and Anathana are identical to each other. Carpal morphology differs between megachiropterans and microchiropterans. These differences may be related to different aerodynamic constraints between the suborders. The carpal morphology of microchiropterans is diverse and may reflect different adaptive regimes between microchiropteran families. Carpal morphology of the colugos shows both megachiropteran and microchiropteran characters. The function of these characters in colugos and bats (stabilization of the carpus in dorsiflexion) is proposed to be similar, although the locomotor roles may be quite different between these taxa. J. Morphol. 235:135–155, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Encoding and decoding communication competencies in project management – an exploratory study

Abstract This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study of project managers' competency in two core communication processes – encoding and decoding. Using data collected from 186 cross-functional project team members from a variety of industries during nationwide project management workshops, stepwise regression analyses explored the association of project managers' decoding and encoding, with team members' satisfaction and productivity. Results show a significant communication–performance relationship. Specifically, project managers' competency in decoding and encoding are significantly associated with team member satisfaction, while project managers' encoding is significantly associated with project team productivity. Implications and future directions for both researchers and practicing project managers are discussed.
Quantitative structure activity study of a series of substituted 0,0-dimethyl 0-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioates and 0-analogs

The lethality of seven 0,0-dimethyl 0-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioates and their corresponding oxons has been determined in adult, male mice. The anticholinesterase potency of the oxons for bovine, erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase has also been determined. The LD50 values in mg/kg were: methylparathion, 33.1; fenitrothion, 988; chlorothion, 794; decapthon, 331, 0,0-dimethyl 0-(3 ethyl-4-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate, 1396; 0,0-dimethyl 0-(3-isopropyl-4-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate, 1379, and 0,0-dimethyl 0-(3,5-dimethyl-4-nitropenyl) phosphorothioate, 630. The lethality values for the 0-analogs were: methyl paraoxon, 21.8; fenitrooxon, 120; chloroxon, 280; dicapthoxon, 102; dimethyl-3-ethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate, 191; dimethyl-3-isopropyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate, 321; dimethyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate, 630. The pI50 values for inhibition of bovine red blood cell cholinesterase by the oxons were: methyl paraoxon, 7.2; fenitrooxon, 6.2; chlorooxon, 7.0; dicapthoxon, 7.1; dimethyl-3-ethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate, 6.0; dimethyl-3-isopropyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate, 6.0; and dimethyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate, 5.4. All the substitutions on the 4-nitrophenyl nucleus decreased toxicity whereas conversion of the phosphorothioates to oxons increased toxicity. The substituted oxons were all less toxic than methyl paraoxon while the substituted phosphorothioates were all less toxic than methyl parathion.
Audiogenic Seizure Susceptibility Induced in C57B1/6J Mice by Prior Auditory Exposure

Pronounced susceptibility to audiogenic seizures was produced in highly resistant C57B1/6J mice after earlier exposure to a loud electric bell. There is a critical period between initial acoustic presentation and subsequent testing for susceptibility; this suggests a minimum age and a minimum lapse of time during which this "priming" is effective.
Differentiation in PASCAL-SC: type GRADIENT

Abstract : In scientific computation, there is often need for the derivatives as well as the values of functions defined by computer programs. Here, it is shown how automatic differentation can be carried out in a modern computer language which permits user-defined operators and data types. The specific language used is PASCAL-SC, and differentation is implemented for variables of type GRADIENT vector of first partial derivatives with respect to the independent variables. Calculations of the results of operators or functions applied to GRADIENT variables are carried out according to the well-known rules for evaluation and differentiation of sums, differences, products, and so on. Since the differentiation is performed at compile time, the code produced is comparable in compactness and execution time to that obtained if numerical approximations are used for derivatives, and the theoretical and practical problems associated with numerical differentiation are avoided. PASCAL-SC source code is given for the necessary operators and standard functions, and it is shown how to prepare code for arbitrary differentiable functions to add to the library if desired. The effectiveness of the use of type GRADIENT is shown by an example of the solution of a system of nonlinear equations by Newton's method. (Author)
Soliton oscillations in DNA.

Longitudinal-acoustic-wave oscillations on circular and linear segments of DNA are analyzed for a Boussinesq model which includes both the effects of dispersion and of anharmonicity. Expressions are obtained for the frequency spectra of anharmonic (soliton) modes. These results may help to explain details of the microwave absorption spectra of DNA.
Prevention of nitroglycerin tolerance with diuretics

Abstract Tolerance to prolonged nitroglycerin (NTG) may be due to drug-induced intravascular expansion. To test the hypothesis that concomitant diuretics may reduce volume expansion and thus prevent NTG tolerance, we studied 23 healthy volunteers randomized to hydrochlorthiazide or placebo before and during 74-hour continuous NTG exposure. Venodilator response to NTG was tested serially with venous forearm plethysmography. In the preNTG patch phase venodilator response was similar in both the placebo and diuretic groups. Venodilator capacity was compared after “acute” (2-hour) and “chronic” (74-hour) NTG exposure with NTG patches. Attenuation to NTG was seen in the placebo group, but NTG venodilator activity was fully maintained in the diuretic group. These data suggest that diuretics may be helpful in the prevention of NTG tolerance.
EDI Adoption and Implementation: An Examination of Perceived Operational and Strategic Benefits, and Controls

In recent years, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has revolutionized the way in which businesses conduct their trading activities. Even though the popularity and potential attached to EDI is growing rapidly, knowledge regarding the nature of EDI benefits and EDI control practices is very limited. This paper reports the results of a survey of EDI users that explores these key implementation issues. This study focuses on organizational factors that are associated with EDI adoption and implementation. Findings indicate that organizations experience both operational and strategic benefits from EDI. Customer‐initiated EDI users recognized slightly greater EDI strategic benefits than did other users. Also, long‐time users recognized both strategic and operational benefits in greater proportions than did more recent users, and smaller firms more often cited better customer service and convenience (as strategic and operational benefits, respectively) from implementing EDI. An examination of control practices rev...
Particle fluctuations within sub-regions of an N-particle, three-dimensional fluid: Finite-size effects and compressibility

Abstract We derive an expression which relates fluctuations in particle number, in the thermodynamic limit with fluctuations within a sub-region of an N -particle, three-dimensional, simple fluid. The accuracy of our result is tested against simulation results for a three-dimensional, hard-sphere fluid at a low, moderate, and high density state and we find agreement within the uncertainties of the simulation when restrictions associated with the result are enforced. Also, we demonstrate that the bulk isothermal compressibility can be accurately determined directly from fluctuation data obtained from simulations. Our expression yields a quantitative description of the (explicit) size effects associated with fluctuations within sub-regions of an N -particle system. The approach used in this paper is an extension of the approach used in a previous paper [J.J. Salacuse, Physica A 379 (2007) 372] associated with two-dimensional fluid systems.
Acoustic effects of Q-switched Nd:YAG on crystalline lens

A Q-switched Nd:YAG can be used to cause photodisruption of human crystalline lens. The nature of the acoustic transients that result from photodisruption of crystalline lens are presented in this paper, and a relationship between the laser energy and acoustic pressures is established.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dispersal - limited biodiversity of tropical insular streams.

Numerous species are adapted for colonization of insular fresh waters by using different mechanisms of active and passive dispersal, especially among oceanic islands at low latitudes. Over time, similar animal communities have assembled in many tropical streams and rivers on isolated islands. These freshwater communities are characterized by a relatively low number of species of fishes, decapods, gastropods and insects that typically have complex life cycles including passive, long-distance dispersal. These species often disperse during marine phases with drifting larvae or by rafting and aerial transport of resistant, dormant stages. Active dispersal is sometimes effective for relatively short-distance movements from one island’s streams to another island’s nearby drainage basin within an archipelago (a “stepping-stones” dispersal pattern). Identifying distinct differences among aquatic communities on “true oceanic” islands of different ages and geologic histories requires a longterm biogeographic perspective including the degree of spatial isolation of populations and differences in rates of speciation. Consequently, the total biodiversity of insular streams is a complex combination of dispersal from multiple sources of species from continents and other islands, as well as evolution of new endemics. Recolonization of streams following natural disturbances and the impacts of introduced species result in dynamic changes in species accumulation and turnover in these insular freshwater ecosystems. Analysis of dispersal to islands provides general perspectives on managing fragmented habitats, especially the effects of invasive species that also shed light on factors affecting the equilibrium composition of animal communities in island-like ecosystems on continents.
Physical activity levels in young adult Hispanics and Whites: Social cognitive theory determinants

The psychosocial determinants of health-impairing physical inactivity among Hispanic populations have not been well explored nor have systematic comparisons been made with White populations using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) measures. Three exercise-relevant efficacy measures (task, scheduling, and response efficacy), three exercise-relevant expectancy measures (physical health, psychological health, and self-evaluative), and self reports of activity levels were obtained from 20-year-old male and female Hispanics (n = 94) and Whites (n = 94). Activity levels for the two groups were analyzed in separate regression analyses that included the six SCT measures and gender as predictors. The set of seven predictors accounted for 51% of the variance in self-reported activity levels in each analysis. For young adult Hispanics, task efficacy, response efficacy, mental-health expectancies, and self-evaluative expectancies predicted activity level. For young adult Whites, scheduling efficacy and self-evaluative exp...
Preauricular approach to infratemporal fossa

We present an approach to the skull base that allows access to both the infratemporal fossa and the middle cranial fossa with minimal morbidity. This approach is different from most of the previously described approaches in that it uses a preauricular incision, preserves the facial nerve, and avoids the mastoid bone. It involves dividing the zygomatic arch and displacing it inferiorly, dividing the malar eminence (zygoma) and displacing it anteriorly, and cutting the coronoid process and retracting it superiorly with the attached temporalis muscle. Reconstruction is accomplished by using the temporalis muscle or a pericranial flap to cover the dura, a free fat graft to fill the space left by tumor excision, and by wiring the zygomatic arch and malar eminence into their original positions. Case reports of both benign and malignant lesions are presented.
Upper airway inflammatory diseases and bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Inflammatory processes of the upper airway may alter the responsiveness of the lower airway. For example, bronchial hyperresponsiveness may be seen in patients with allergic rhinitis. This could represent coexistent but unrecognized asthma, but also suggests that IgE-dependent inflammation may occur in the lower airway that can increase bronchial hyperresponsiveness without at the same time precipitating obvious obstruction. Clearly, allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for asthma. A second example of the interaction of upper airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity are reports that viral upper respiratory tract infections may cause otherwise healthy persons to respond abnormally to inhaled histamine or irritants for several months after the infections. These same viruses usually precipitate attacks in patients with asthma, who already have hyperresponsive airways. Both of these examples suggest that inflammatory processes occurring totally or primarily in the upper airway may participate in the pathogenesis of lower respiratory tract hyperresponsiveness and asthma.
Deformation studies of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blends by mechanical‐vibrational spectroscopy

We have analyzed the deformation behavior of compatible and incompatible polystyrene (PS) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blends by a combination of mechanical and vibrational spectroscopy. Macroscopic properties and segmental orientation were found to be sensitive to molecular weight, strain rate, and temperature of measurement above the glass-transition temperature. Considerably different orientation functions were found for the PS and PVME components. For the experiments carried out above the Tg of the blends, the deformation behavior measured was consistent with expectations of a rubbery network.
Sequestration requirements for the degradation of 125I-labeled beta nerve growth factor bound to embryonic sensory neurons

Nerve growth factor interacts with responsive cells by binding to cell surface membrane receptors. There are two different receptors on both embryonic sensory and sympathetic neurons, a high-affinity (type I) receptor and a lower-affinity (type II) receptor. Sequestration, which we have defined as bound nerve growth factor that becomes inaccessible to the external milieu with time, occurs through the type I receptor on both sensory and sympathetic neurons. We describe here a process subsequent to sequestration involving internalization and degradation of bound nerve growth factor and showing that bound nerve growth factor is not degraded under the following conditions: (1) low temperature, ie 4 degrees C; (2) when a large excess of unlabeled nerve growth factor is added concomitantly with the labeled nerve growth factor and the temperature is raised from 4 degrees C to 37 degrees C; (3) when metabolic inhibitors sodium fluoride and dinitrophenol are added concomitantly with the labeled nerve growth factor and the temperature is raised from 4 degrees to 37 degrees C. On the other hand, conditions that allow bound nerve growth factor to be degraded are the following: (1) incubation of the sensory nerve cells at low temperature (ie, 4 degrees C) only in the presence of labeled nerve growth factor, then raising the temperature to 37 degrees C; (2) when sodium fluoride and dinitrophenol are added when the temperature is raised to 37 degrees C; (3) when excess unlabeled nerve growth factor is added when the temperature is raised to 37 degrees C. These studies are consistent with the idea that nerve growth factor has to bind to the cells in order to be degraded; however, binding is not sufficient for degradation to occur. Second, the bound nerve growth factor must be sequestered in order to be degraded. Third, the process of internalization of the bound nerve growth factor, unlike sequestration, is not an energy-dependent process. Thus, it seems reasonable to suggest the following steps for the interaction of nerve growth factor with responsive cells: binding to a cell surface membrane receptor, followed by sequestration of the bound nerve growth factor, and finally, internalization of the sequestered nerve growth factor.