cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field performance and fitness of an olive fruit fly parasitoid, Psyttalia humilis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), mass reared on irradiated Medfly

Adult Psyttalia humilis (Silvestri) were produced from irradiated larvae of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), at the USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Moscamed biological control laboratory, San Miguel Petapa, Guatemala, and shipped to the USDA-ARS, SJVASC, Parlier, from September 2008 to January 2009 for biological control of olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), in California. In total, 230,908 individuals were shipped to California and 202,328 were released in the field, a 12.4% mortality rate from shipment to release. Thirteen sample sites were located in nine counties; 11 sites received parasitoids from September 2008 to January 2009 (range: 3114–55,826 per site). Olive fruit fly population density, as measured by adult traps, varied greatly among sites and sample dates – ranging from 10,000 fruit collected, across all sites and sample dates, showed parasitism ranging from 0–17%. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the fitness of P. humilis reared on irradiated and fertile C. capitata. Results showed no difference in parental size, progeny produced during a 48 h period, or the number female: male offspring produced; there were significantly fewer eggs in the dissected ovaries of irradiated than fertile female P. humilis. Continuous flight in different air temperatures and air speeds for female and male parasitoids showed no difference in female or male P. humilis reared on irradiated C. capitata or female P. humilis reared on fertile olive fruit fly. Results are discussed with respect to the establishment and effective use of P. humilis for control of olive fruit fly in California’s varying climatic regions where olives are grown.
Geotaxis in protozoa I. A propulsion-gravity model for Tetrahymena (Ciliata).

Abstract A propulsion-based model for negative geotaxis of ciliated protozoa is presented which views geotaxic reorientation as the unbalancing of gyrational torque by a sedimentation torque. The balanced gyrational torque results from the location of the propulsive center of effort forward of the body center of mass. When gravity is ignored, the propulsive forces generating the gyrational moments may be confined to an envelope surrounding the cell. The effect of gravity is to induce sedimentation of the body-plus-envelope system. Viscous resistance to this sedimentation at the envelope “surface” is transmitted to the beating cilia whose net constant energy output must now deal with a new source of dissipation (not “present” when gravity was ignored) which is maximal in the downswing portion of the gyration cycle. In such a manner sedimentation resistance acts as a counter torque to the downswing gyrational moment of force and an enhancing torque to the upswing moment thereby generating a net upward reorientation of the gyrational axis. Upon addition of the translational component of propulsion, the negative geotaxis behavior pattern is completed. The forward location of the center of effort which provides the basic validity indicator for the model is verified by observations from the ciliate Tetrahymena .
Integration of microsphere resonators with bioassay fluidics for whispering gallery mode imaging

Whispering gallery mode resonators are small, radially symmetric dielectrics that trap light through continuous total internal reflection. The resonant condition at which light is efficiently confined within the structure is linked with refractive index, which has led to the development of sensitive label-free sensing schemes based on whispering gallery mode resonators. One resonator design uses inexpensive high index glass microspheres that offer intrinsically superior optical characteristics, but have proven difficult to multiplex and integrate with the fluidics for sample delivery and fluid exchange necessary for assay development. Recently, we introduced a fluorescence imaging approach that enables large scale multiplexing with microsphere resonators, thus removing one obstacle for assay development. Here we report an approach for microsphere immobilization that overcomes limitations arising from their integration with fluidic delivery. The approach is an adaptation of a calcium-assisted glass bonding method originally developed for microfluidic glass chip fabrication. Microspheres bonded to glass using this technique are shown to be stable with respect to fluid flow and show no detectable loss in optical performance. Measured Q-factors, for example, remain unchanged following sphere bonding to the substrate. The stability of the immobilized resonators is further demonstrated by transferring lipid films onto the immobilized spheres using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. Bilayers of DOPC doped with GM1 were transferred onto immobilized resonators to detect the binding of cholera toxin to GM1. Binding curves generated from shifts in the whispering gallery mode resonance result in a measured Kd of 1.5 × 10−11 with a limit of detection of 3.3 pM. These results are discussed in terms of future assay development using microsphere resonators.
An efficient synthesis of dihydrocoumarins

Abstract Dihydrocoumarins are obtained in 40 to 60% yields in one step by heating acrylic esters with an excess of a phenol in the presence of base catalysts.
A Dicarboxylic Fatty Acid Derivative of Paclitaxel for Albumin-Assisted Drug Delivery

ABSTRACT: Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent chemotherapy for many cancers but it suffers from very poor solubility. Consequently, the TAXOL formulation uses copious amounts of the surfactant Cremophor EL to solubilize the drug for injection, resulting in severe hypersensitivity and neutropenia. In contrast to Cremophor EL, presented is a way to solubilize PTX by conjugation of a dicarboxylic fatty acid for specific binding to the ubiquitous protein, serum albumin. The conjugation chemistry was simplified to a single step using the activated anhydride form of 3-pentadecylglutaric (PDG) acid, which is reactive to a variety of nucleophiles. The PDG derivative is less cytotoxic than the parent compound and was found to slowly hydrolyze to PTX (∼5% over 72 h) in serum, tumor cytosol, and tumor tissue homogenate. When injected intravenously to tumor-bearing mice, [3H]-PTX in the TAXOL formulation was cleared rapidly with a half-life of 7 h. In the case of the PDG derivative of PTX, the drug is quickly distributed and approximately 20% of the injected dose remained in the vasculature experiencing a 23 h half-life. These improvements from modifying PTX with the PDG fatty acid present the opportunity for PDG to become a generic modification for the improvement of many therapeutics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association
Model or measurements? A discussion of the key issue in Chapman and Pollack’s critique of Hamza et al.’s re-evaluation of oceanic heat flux and the global power

Chapman and Pollack (C and P)[2007, Int J Earth Sci] criticize Hamza et al. [2007, Int J Earth Sci] for using actual heat flux measurements in young oceanic crust instead of values from 1-D cooling models. The rationalization of C and P and previous authors is that hydrothermal circulation causes the discrepancy between model and measurement. However, the discrepancy between model values and measured heat flux exists over the entire ocean floor and is opposite to the perturbations that hydrothermal circulation would superimpose on a conductive system [Hofmeister and Criss (2005) Tectonophysics 409:199–203]. The error lies in force-fitting a 1-D cooling model to the 3-D oceanic crust [Hofmeister and Criss (2005) Tectonophysics 395:159–177]. Shortcomings of the 1-D model include mathematical errors, such as use of volumetric rather than linear thermal expansivity to describe contraction which, by assumption, is limited only to the Z -direction [Hofmeister and Criss (2006) Tectonophysics]. This 3× error, traceable to McKenzie and Sclater [1969, Bull Vocanol 33–1:101–118], accidentally provides good agreement of model values with globally averaged seafloor depths for young, but not old ages, and is the sole rationale for using the simplistic cooling model. There is no justification for selective substitution of erroneous 1-D model values for measurements only for the younger half of the 3-D oceanic crust, as stridently and arbitrarily promoted by C and P. Hamza et al. [2007, Int J Earth Sci], in contrast, use the scientific method, which calls for discarding models that do not well describe physical phenomena. The remainder of this report summarizes the shortcomings of cooling models, particularly the half-space cooling (HSC) model touted by C and P, and explains how hydrothermal circulation affects heat flux. We focus on the basics, as these have been misunderstood. With the key issues of C and P being erroneous, it is not necessary to address their remaining comments, many of which enumerate the vote for an imagined, gargantuan circulation of hot fluid through oceanic basins that is somehow warmed without removing heat from the rocks. The use of “consensus” to belittle valid challenge is the enemy of the scientific method.
Robust nonlinear position control of BLDC motor with friction

In this paper, the Control Lyapunov Function (CLF) approach is used for position control of permananent magnet BLDC motors. A nonlinear dynamic DC motor model including the nonlinear friction torque is used. The closed loop control used guarantees the system's stability and achieves the desired behaviour. The robustness of the control method is also proven in regards to the system parameters and to the control parameters which makes it a versatile method with only few control parameters.
An example concerning quasi-Newton estimation of a sparse hessian

An example is given which shows that certain quasi-Newton methods for sparse optimization problems can be unstable.
Importance of systematic review of rotating projection images from Tc99m-sestamibi cardiac perfusion imaging for noncardiac findings.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that the observed incidence of important noncardiac findings (NCFs) on myocardial perfusion imaging increases significantly when readers systematically review all rotating projectional images. METHODS: We prospectively studied NCF reported from a population of 7658 stress cardiac perfusion studies using a single-agent same-day protocol by a review of rotating projectional images. The incidence of NCF was evaluated for both an ensemble of general clinical readers and for a subset of readers who systematically review all rotating projectional images. The clinical validation of NCF was determined first from an evaluation of the electronic medical record and then after direct communication with the primary physicians. RESULTS: NCF incidence for general clinical readers was 0.08%, increasing significantly to 0.82% for readers who systematically review all rotating projectional images (P=0.0013). The spectrum of pathology was diverse, particularly including significant findings such as previously unknown cancers. A total of 53 NCFs were detected, of which clinical follow-up found a corresponding diagnosis in 35 cases (66%). Of these, 43% were previously known, 20% new, and 37% false positives. Thirty-four percent of all NCF had no follow-up, mainly because of lack of additional diagnostic tests. CONCLUSION: NCFs are infrequent but often clinically important findings, whose detection is significantly enhanced by systematic reviews of all rotating projectional images.
Examination of near-wall hindered Brownian diffusion of nanoparticles: Experimental comparison to theories by Brenner (1961) and Goldman et al. (1967)

Multilayered distributions of hindered mean square displacement (MSD) for nanoparticles are measured in the near-wall region within 500 nm from the solid surface using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, an evanescent wave microscopic imaging technique. Examined particles are yellow-green (505/515) polystyrene fluorescent nanospheres of 100, 250, and 500nm radii with a specific gravity of 1.055. To ensure the measurement accuracy, special care is taken to minimize photobleaching of fluorescent particles by adding neutral density filters to optimally reduce the excitation power. The experimental results for parallel MSDs to the solid surface validate the theory of hindered diffusion [A. J. Goldman, R. G. Cox, and H. Brenner, “Slow viscous motion of a sphere parallel to a plane—I: Motion through a quiescent fluid,” Chem. Eng. Sci. 22, 637 (1967)] of spheres based on viscous slow-down in the near-wall region. It is also reported that the effect of adding sodium chloride up to 10mM to the solut...
The Reformation and Bible Criticism

MODERN Bible criticism is commonly regarded as having its origin in the Reformation period. It was then after the long medieval period of scholastic exegesis with its emphasis on the four-fold sense of Scripture, that the importance of penetrating to the literal meaning was realized anew. The principle was not original with the reformers, having served as the basis of interpretation among the exegetes of the school of Antioch in the fifth century. But the revival of literal interpretation by the reformers marks the beginning of the modern critical approach to the study of the Bible.
Aspergilus flavus and aflatoxin in Iowa corn before harvest

Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin were detected in ears of Iowa corn on plants before harvest in 1975. Presence of the fungus was associated with kernel injury caused by the second generation European corn borer. Amounts of aflatoxin B1 in corn from a limited number of selected ears ranged from 1 part per billion to 1560 parts per billion with a mean of 430 parts per billion.
The Dynamic Response of Turbulent Dihedral V Flames: An Amplification Mechanism of Swirling Flames

The authors analyze the dynamic response of swirl-stabilized flames submitted to upstream acoustic perturbation. Extensive measurements were performed in an optically accessible single-nozzle gas turbine combustor operating on natural gas-air at inlet temperatures of 200 and 300 °C over a range of equivalence ratios from 0.55 to 0.70, a range of inlet velocities from 60 to 100 m/s, and swirl angles of 30° and 45°. Temporal oscillations of inlet velocity and heat release rate in the whole flame were measured using the 2-microphone method and global OH*, CH*, and CO2* chemiluminescence emission intensities, respectively, whereas spatially resolved measurement of heat release rate was made using time-averaged CH* chemiluminescence flame images. For the dihedral V flames, amplification characteristic of the flame transfer function was observed. This effect is, unlike the amplification mechanism of a small laminar flame, controlled by the relative ratio of the two length scales, disturbance convective waveleng...
Catalytic carbon-carbon sigma bond activation: an intramolecular carbo-acylation reaction with acylquinolines.

Carbon−carbon sigma-bond activation is a contemporary challenge for organometallic chemistry and catalysis. Herein, we disclose a new alkene carboacylation reaction initiated by quinoline-directed, rhodium-catalyzed C−C σ bond activation. The alkene carboacylation allows for the construction of all-carbon quaternary centers, with a broad substrate scope, providing access to carbocyclic and heterocyclic ring systems in good to excellent yields.
Mus81 endonuclease localizes to nucleoli and to regions of DNA damage in human S-phase cells.

Mus81 is a highly conserved substrate specific endonuclease. Human Mus81 cleaves Holliday junctions, replication forks, and 3′ flap substrates in vitro, suggesting a number of possible in vivo func...
T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract T-cell subsets were measured in the peripheral blood of 33 patients with heart failure from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, 22 patients with heart failure from other causes, and 33 normal controls. Mean T-suppressor cell percentage was 30% in normals, 21% in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy whose duration of symptoms was P = 0.005), and 26% in those with symptoms for > 1 year ( P = 0.05). Similarly, percentage of T-suppressor cells in the group with heart failure from causes other than idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was significantly lower (23%; P = 0.005) in those with short duration of symptoms. When both heart failure groups were combined those with symptoms for P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis identified duration of symptoms and age as the only independent predictors of T-suppressor cell frequencies. Decreased percentage of T-suppressor cells in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy may be an epiphenomenon related to duration of heart failure. This should be taken into account in assigning an etiologic mechanism for T-suppressor cells in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Signal Transduction and Hormone-dependent Internalization of the Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone Receptor in Cells Lacking Gq and G11

The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor was expressed in embryonic fibroblasts from mice lacking the alpha subunits of Gq and G11 (Fq/11 cells) to determine whether G protein coupling is necessary for agonist-dependent receptor internalization. Neither TRH nor agonists acting on endogenous receptors increased intracellular calcium unless the cells were co-transfected with the alpha subunit of Gq. In contrast, temperature-dependent internalization of [3H]MeTRH in Fq/11 cells was the same whether Gqalpha was expressed or not. A rhodamine-labeled TRH analog and fluorescein-labeled transferrin co-localized in endocytic vesicles in Fq/11 cells, indicating that endocytosis took place via the normal clathrin pathway. Cotransfection with beta-arrestin or V53D beta-arrestin increased TRH-dependent receptor sequestration. Fq/11 cells were co-transfected with the TRH receptor and a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-beta-arrestin conjugate. GFP-beta-arrestin was uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm of untreated cells and quickly translocated to the periphery of the cells when TRH was added. A truncated TRH receptor that lacks potential phosphorylation sites in the cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus signaled but did not internalize or cause membrane localization of GFP-beta-arrestin. These results prove that calcium signaling by the TRH receptor requires coupling to a G protein in the Gq family, but TRH-dependent binding of beta-arrestin and sequestration do not.
A blackboard architecture for model-based reasoning and plan refinement in real-time process control

Abstract This article presents an architecture of a model-based and knowledge-based system for real-time supervisory control of chemical process systems. This architecture incorporates the following key features: (1) a temporal reasoning strategy based on time-stamped data arriving from the process; (2) the use of an on-line process model to assist in the decision-making process; (3) a blackboard system for the communication between various knowledge sources; (4) a meta-level decision maker to coordinate the action of these knowledge sources in an orderly and priority-driven fashion, and (5) the concept of continued operational plan refinement to meet the overall goals of the process operation in the presence of continuously changing external environmental stimuli. The proposed architecture has been implemented using an object-oriented programming environment offered through extensions to the C language. Some results on application to the control of an autoclave curing process are given in this paper. The main contribution of this paper is a layout of the system architecture and a demonstration of the advantages resulting from the integration of traditional knowledge-based control implemented using expert operators with model-based control that utilize a simulation model of the process.
Efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation in patients with complex partial seizures.

Summary: A clinical trial of chronic intermittent vagal stimulation in five patients suggests that the procedure may be safe and effective as adjunctive treatment of medically intractable seizures of partial onset. Patients tolerated well the implantation of the neurocybernetic prosthesis and the vagal stimulation without serious physiological or lifestyle changes. Stimulation of the vagus nerve either reduced the seizure frequency or decreased the duration or intensity of seizures. Adverse side effects were limited to a tingling sensation in the throat and hoarseness during stimulation. A major complication was mechanical interruption of the wire-electrode circuitry, with consequent cessation of stimulation. The small number of patients and the relatively short follow-up period make this a pilot study, but the results are promising.
Considerations for the effective mentoring of STEM women of color faculty at a striving private technical university

Underrepresentation of women of color, WoC (African American, Latina American, and Native American) faculty, in STEM disciplines at predominately major-group institutions in the U.S., is of great concern. Of faculty positions, at the end of the first decade of this century, American-Indian women held 0.6 percent, Latinas held 4.0 percent, Asian-American women held 6.7 percent, and African-American women held 7.0 percent while European-American women held 78.2 percent [12]. Delgado and Stefanek [6], Thomas and Hollenshead [14], and Cooper and Stephens [3] point out WoC faculty's unique challenges in higher education. Compared to their majority-group female colleagues, WoC face additional barriers based on the intersections of race/ethnicity and gender. They live with multiple marginality [2,5,16,15]. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) STEM WoC faculty's representation is dismal even as some continue to be denied tenure. This situation provides impetus for this National Science Foundation-funded ADVANCE project whose underlying objective is to examine barriers to STEM WoC faculty's career success. The lack of effective mentoring contributes to the STEM WoC faculty's low retention and advancement rate. Therefore, there is a need for RIT to establish a mentoring program that takes STEM WoC faculty's unique circumstance into consideration.
Growth and bone mineralization in children born prematurely.

To study the growth and bone mineralization of children born prematurely. A cohort of healthy children who were born prematurely with birth weight less than 1.5 kg were compared by weight and height to a national reference. Bone mineral status of preterm infants was compared with children who were born at term gestation. The average follow-up was 7 years. A sample of children who were born prematurely was recalled from an infant nutrition study. Children born at term gestation who had similar body weight for age were recruited from the community. Bone mineral evaluation was conducted in a group of 20 children born prematurely with birth weight less than 1.5 kg and in 15 children born at term gestation. Body weight for age was similar between the groups. All children were born of appropriate size for gestational age at birth. All children had their body weight and height measured. Comparisons for growth assessment status were made with the NHANES III database and published standards. Dietary intakes and food frequency were analyzed. The bone mineral status was measured at two sites, lumbar spine and distal third radius bone. The average age was 7 years, with a range of 5 to 9 years. Compared with the reference population, children who were born prematurely on the average had lower weights, heights and body mass index. Preterm children had a lower lumbar bone mineral content than term children, 12.8±3.0 and 14.7±2.2 g cm−1 (P<0.05). The lumbar bone mineral density was lower in the preterm group than in the term group, 0.525±0.062 and 0.574±0.073 g cm−2, respectively (P<0.04). Three of the preterm children had a history of fracture whereas none of the term children reported any fractures. Children who were born prematurely with birth weights less than 1.5 kg tend to be significantly smaller for age and have lower lumbar spinal bone mineral content and density compared with children born at term gestation.
Surgical complications with open treatment of mandibular condylar process fractures

Abstract Purpose: This study assessed the surgical complications after open treatment for fractures of the mandibular condylar process. Patients and Methods: A total of 178 patients with unilateral fractures of the mandibular condylar process, 85 treated closed and 93 treated open, were included in this study. A tabulation of surgical findings and intraoperative and postoperative complications was prospectively performed. Standardized animating facial photographs were obtained at several postsurgical intervals and were examined and scored by a prosthodontist and an orthodontist for signs of facial nerve palsy and the quality of the surgical scar. Standard statistical methods were used to assess differences between open and closed treatment groups. Results: There were very few intraoperative or postoperative complications. At the 6-week point, 17.2% of patients treated open had some weakness of their facial nerve. This had resolved by 6 months. The scars were judged either wide or hypertrophic in 7.5% of cases. Conclusions: Based on this study, surgical complications of open treatment of condylar process fractures that lead to permanent dysfunction or deformity are uncommon. © 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Analysis of the Thomas-Fermi-von Weizsäcker Equation for an Infinite Atom Without Electron Repulsion

The equation $$\left\{ { - \Delta + |\psi (x)|^{2p - 2} - |x|^{ - 1} } \right\}\psi (x) = 0$$ in three dimensions is investigated. Uniqueness and other properties of the positive solution are proved for 3/2<p<2. There are two physical interpretations of this equation forp=5/3: (i) As the TFW equation for an infinite atomwithout electron repulsion; (ii) The positive solution, ψ, suitably scaled, is asymptotically equal to the solution of the TFW equation for an atom or moleculewith electron repulsion in the regime where the nuclear charges are large andx is close to one of the nuclei.
The space fortress game

Space Fortress was developed in the Cognitive Psychophysiology Laboratory as an experimental task for the study of complex skill and its acquisition. The development process was long and iterative. The first step was the development of a computer-controlled task with game-like qualities. This was followed by a series of modifications and additions that were incorporated into the game and evaluated. The goals were (1) to create a complex task that is representative of real-life tasks, (2) to incorporate dimensions of difficulty that are of interest based on existing research on skill and its acquisition, and (3) to keep the task interesting and challenging for the subjects during extended practice. Earlier versions of the game were used in previous experiments (Mane et al. 1983a; 1983b; 1984; Mane 1984). The version of the game that is described below was used by all the participants of the Learning Strategies project.
The effects of phonotactic constraints on lexical processing in bilingual and monolingual subjects

Two questions of bilingual language processing are addressed: (1) Does the fluent bilingual have one unified language processing system, used for processing both languages, or two processing systems, one for each language? (2) If the bilingual has two processing systems, are both activated during language processing (the Interaction Hypothesis) or is one selectively deactivated according to language mode (the Independence Hypothesis)? These questions are addressed with respect to the bilingual's use of phonotactic constraints during lexical processing. The results of judgment tasks and lexical decision tasks conducted with English—German bilinguals indicate that the bilingual has a knowledge of two sets of phonotactic constraints and support the hypothesis that both sets of constraints are simultaneously available to the bilingual during processing.
Retaining Green Pigments on Thermally Processed Peels-on Green Pears

The interest in developing peels-on thermally processed (canned) green pears has prompted the investigation of retaining green pigments during thermal processes. Use of zinc ions as a processing aid for the retention of green pigment and surface pretreatment to remove waxy layer and a part of the top cuticle layer of the peels for enhancing reactions of zinc ions with chlorophylls in peel tissues were studied. Whole pears or pear chunks were subjected to zinc treatment during presoaking in 5200 ppm Zn 2+ solutions for 60 min or blanching at 94 °C for 6, 12, and 18 min in a 1300, 2600, or 5200 ppm Zn 2+ solution for identifying the most appropriate procedures for retaining green peel pigments. Pears were then thermally processed in glass jars at 94 °C for 20 min after commercial canning. Canned pears were subjected to an accelerated shelf life test in rooms set at 10 °C, 21 °C, and 38 °C under fluorescent light. CIELAB L*, a*, and b* color values of pear samples were monitored during storage up to 35 wk. Results showed that surface pretreatment is essential for ensuring the reactions of zinc ions with green pigments, thus retaining green pigment during thermal treatment. Blanching pears in zinc solution containing about 1300 ppm Zn 2+ was effective in obtaining attractive green-colored canned pears. Hue angle and -a* (greenness) values of canned pears were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with blanching time and zinc concentration in blanching solutions, and remained stable over 19 wk of storage under intensive illumination at all 3 temperatures. The technology used zinc ions as a processing aid, thus significantly minimizing the zinc content in the final processed pears.
Breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

The aim of breast reconstruction is to adhere to the principles of oncologic management and to reconstruct breasts to the patient's satisfaction, both aesthetically and psychologically.
Mapping convergence points in the initial emergency response to 9/111

In response to extreme events, researchers have recognised the convergence of volunteers, emergency responders, and other individuals and organisations. In 2000, geographer Paul Routledge presented the concept of convergence spaces as a theoretical means to explain social movements. In applying this concept, this paper explores the geographic space in which organisations and individuals converged immediately following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. The paper begins to answer the question of whether there were in fact any patterns of convergence among the locations utilised by organisations responding to the attacks. Using data collected from field documents, these geographic locations are mapped over 12 days to help identify possible patterns of clustering. Results of this analysis will begin to provide researchers, policy makers and practitioners with a better understanding of how emergency response evolves geographically following an event.
A Civil Art: The Persuasive Moral Voice of Oscar Romero

When moral or religious teachings have public and political effects, analysis usually focuses on the message, but attention to the manner in which the teachings are communicated is equally important in understanding their power to influence the course of events. Oscar Romero's particular style of moral discourse was remarkably effective for three reasons: First, his moral reasoning resonated with Salvadoran identity. It was intelligible within those reigning assumptions about national history and territory that could actually move a public to action. Second, his moral judgments were timely. Romero sought to discern what was possible for the Salvadoran public at a given moment. Third, Romero had integrity as public figure. He lived in such a way that his life, and especially his death, became an exemplary embodiment of the larger religious narrative that both grounded his ethics and gave meaning to the nation.
DSM-IV vs DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for toddlers with autism.

Purpose: To evaluate prevalence rates of autism and autism symptomatology in toddlers using DSM-IV vs DSM-5 criteria.Method: Two thousand seven hundred and twenty-one toddlers at risk for a developmental disability participated. DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria were applied and overall prevalence using each set of criteria was established. Groups were also compared on BISCUIT-Part 1 scores to determine if groups differed on autism symptomatology.Results: DSM-5 resulted in 47.79% fewer toddlers being diagnosed with ASD compared to those on the DSM-IV. Toddlers diagnosed according to DSM-5 exhibited greater levels of autism symptomatology than those diagnosed with DSM-IV, but the latter group still exhibited significant levels of autism symptomatology.Conclusion: The proposed DSM-5 will result in far fewer persons being diagnosed with ASD. These results replicate findings from two previous studies, with older children/adolescents and adults. As a result of these new criteria, far fewer people will qualify for need...
Large-angle magnetization dynamics measured by time-resolved ferromagnetic resonance

A time-resolved ferromagnetic resonance technique was used to investigate the nonlinear magnetization dynamics of a thin film in response to a sequence of large-amplitude field pulses. The magnetic field pulse sequence was set at a repetition rate equal to the magnetic system's resonance frequency. Both inductive and optical techniques were used to observe the resultant magnetization dynamics. We compared data obtained by this technique with conventional pulsed inductive microwave magnetometry. The results for damping and frequency response obtained by these two different methods coincide in the limit of a small-angle excitation. However, when applying large-amplitude field pulses, there was a substantial increase in the apparent damping. Analysis of vector-resolved magnetic second-harmonic generation data indicate that the increase in damping is correlated with a decrease in the spatial homogeneity of the magnetization dynamics. This suggests that unstable spin wave generation occurs in the limit of large-amplitude dynamics.
Multirate flowing fluid electric conductivity logging method

The flowing wellbore electric conductivity logging method involves the replacement of wellbore water by de-ionized or constant-salinity water, followed by constant pumping with rate Q, during which a series of fluid electric conductivity logs are taken. The logs can be analyzed to identify depth locations of inflow, and evaluate the transmissivity and electric conductivity (salinity) of the fluid at each inflow point. The present paper proposes the use of the method with two or more pumping rates. In particular it is recommended that the method be applied three times with pumping rates Q, Q /2, and 2Q. Then a combined analysis of the multi-rate data allows an efficient means of determining transmissivity and salinity values of all inflow points along a well with a confidence measure, as well as their inherent or far-field pressure heads. The method is illustrated by a practical example.
An Initial Comparison of Methods for Representing and Aggregating Experimental Uncertainties involving Sparse Data.

This paper discusses the handling and treatment of uncertainties corresponding to relatively few data samples in experimental characterization of random quantities. The importance of this topic extends beyond experimental uncertainty to situations where the derived experimental information is used for model validation or calibration. With very sparse data it is not practical to have a goal of accurately estimating the underlying variability distribution (probability density function, PDF). Rather, a pragmatic goal is that the uncertainty representation should be conservative so as to bound a desired percentage of the actual PDF, say 95% included probability, with reasonable reliability. A second, opposing objective is that the representation not be overly conservative; that it minimally over-estimate the random-variable range corresponding to the desired percentage of the actual PDF. The performance of a variety of uncertainty representation techniques is tested and characterized in this paper according to these two opposing objectives. An initial set of test problems and results is presented here from a larger study currently underway.
Sex and Relationship Variables as Predictors of Sexual Attraction in Cross-Sex Platonic Friendships between Young Heterosexual Adults

This study examined factors associated with sexual attraction in close, platonic, cross-sex friendships. Male (n = 83) and female (n = 103) heterosexual undergraduates were surveyed about their relationships with their closest current platonic cross-sex friend. Results suggest that sexual attraction is often present in cross-sex friendships, common to both sexes, and is more frequently evidenced by males. Regression analysis revealed that the variables of sex, loving, previous romantic involvement and the interaction of loving and (bio-logical) sex all accounted for significant amounts of variance in predicting sexual attraction, while liking, relationship duration and current romantic status did not. Loving accounted for the most variance in predicting sexual attraction.
Lineage factors and differentiation states in lung cancer progression

Lung cancer encompasses a heterogeneous group of malignancies. Here we discuss how the remarkable diversity of major lung cancer subtypes is manifested in their transforming cell of origin, oncogenic dependencies, phenotypic plasticity, metastatic competence and response to therapy. More specifically, we review the increasing evidence that links this biological heterogeneity to the deregulation of cell lineage-specific pathways and the transcription factors that ultimately control them. As determinants of pulmonary epithelial differentiation, these poorly characterized transcriptional networks may underlie the etiology and biological progression of distinct lung cancers, while providing insight into innovative therapeutic strategies.
Rapidly evolving adaptations to host ecology and nutrition in the soapberry bug

With reciprocal rearing experiments, we tested the hypothesis that adaptive differences in host-use traits among soapberry bug populations have a genetic basis. These experiments were conducted with two host races from Florida, an ‘ancestral-type’ one on a native host plant species and a ‘derived’ one on a recently introduced plant species (colonized mainly post-1950), on whose seed crops this insect depends for growth and reproduction. Compared to the native host species, the introduced host produces larger seed crops over a much briefer annual period. Its seeds are also significantly higher in lipids and lower in nitrogen. The bug populations exhibit greater juvenile survivorship on their ‘home’ hosts; that is, the derived population survives better on seeds of the introduced host than does its ancestral-type counterpart, and vice versa. Regardless of the rearing host, populations from the introduced host lay much smaller eggs, and fecundity measures show a more complex pattern than does survivorship: the ancestral-type population produces eggs at the same rate on each host, while the derived population is less fecund on the native host and exhibits enhanced fecundity on the introduced host. These results indicate that the population differences are evolved rather than host-induced. They appear to be adaptive responses to host differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of seed availability and nutritional quality, and show that increased performance on the alien host has evolved with surprising speed and magnitude, with concomitant reductions in performance on the original host.
Deployment of a large-scale soil monitoring geosensor network

We provide an overview of our practical experience with developing a distributed sensor network to monitor soil response to climate change and increase our understanding of the complex interactions of the surrounding ecological, biogeochemical and meteorological processes. The network consists of seven sites with unique topographical, and land-use characteristics, spread across a large area in the state of New Hampshire (US). The system was designed to measure soil moisture, soil CO2 efflux and make other ancillary measurements (air temperature, precipitation, wind speed etc.). The system design encompasses sensor and hardware selection, customization and the overcoming design constraints such as the need to operate a power hungry sensing system at remote locations with access only to solar power. The data we collect streams to the web as an outreach and teaching resource, provides input to ecosystem models used to predict how ecosystems in the region will respond to climate and land-use change, and directly monitors soil properties and processes in a changing climate.
The anatomic relationship of the brachial plexus and axillary artery to the glenoid. Implications for anterior shoulder surgery

Iatrogenic brachial plexus injury is an uncommon but potentially severe complication of shoulder reconstruction for instability that involves dissection near the subscapularis muscle and potentially near the brachial plexus. We examined the relationship of the brachial plexus to the glenoid and the subscapularis muscle and evaluated the proximity of retractors used in anterior shoulder surgical procedures to the brachial plexus. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were exposed by a deltopectoral approach. The subscapularis muscle was split in the middle and dissected to reveal the capsule beneath it. The capsule was split at midline, and a Steinmann pin was placed in the equator of the glenoid rim under direct visualization. The distance from the glenoid rim to the brachial plexus was measured with calipers with the arm in 0 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of abduction. The brachial plexus and axillary artery were within 2 cm of the glenoid rim, with the brachial plexus as close as 5 mm in some cases. There was no statistically significant change in the distance from the glenoid rim to the musculocutaneous nerve, axillary artery, medial cord, or posterior cord with the arm in various degrees of abduction. Retractors placed superficial to the subscapularis muscle or used along the scapular neck make contact with the brachial plexus in all positions tested.
Agency and Omniscience

It is said that faith in a divine agent is partly an attitude of trust; believers typically find assurance in the conception of a divine being's will, and cherish confidence in its capacity to implement its intentions and plans. Yet, there would be little point in trusting in the will of any being without assuming its ability to both act and know, and perhaps it is only by assuming divine omniscience that one can retain the confidence in the efficacy and direction of divine agency that has long been the lure of certain religious traditions.
Genomic heterogeneity in the density of noncoding single-nucleotide and microsatellite polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum

The density and distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genome has important implications for linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, and the level of simple-sequence microsatellite polymorphisms has important implications for the use of oligonucleotide hybridization methods to genotype SNPs. To assess the density of these types of polymorphisms in P. falciparum, we sampled introns and noncoding DNA upstream and downstream of coding regions among a variety of geographically diverse parasites. Across 36,229 base pairs of noncoding sequence representing 41 genetic loci, a total of 307 polymorphisms including 248 polymorphic microsatellites and 39 SNPs were identified. We found a significant excess of microsatellite polymorphisms having a repeat unit length of one or two, compared to those with longer repeat lengths, as well as a nonrandom distribution of SNP polymorphisms. Almost half of the SNPs localized to only three of the 41 genetic loci sampled. Furthermore, we find significant differences in the frequency of polymorphisms across the two chromosomes (2 and 3) examined most extensively, with an excess of SNPs and a surplus of polymorphic microsatellites on chromosome 3 as compared to chromosome 2 (P=0.0001). Furthermore, at some individual genetic loci we also find a nonrandom distribution of polymorphisms between coding and flanking noncoding sequences, where completely monomorphic regions may flank highly polymorphic genes. These data, combined with our previous findings of nonrandom distribution of SNPs across chromosome 2, suggest that the Plasmodium falciparum genome may be a mosaic with regard to genetic diversity, containing chromosomal regions that are highly polymorphic interspersed with regions that are much less polymorphic.
The “Mouse That Roared”: Agenda Setting in Canadian Pesticides Politics

Issue redefinition and venue shopping have been identified as key strategies for enacting agenda and policy change, but much work remains to be done in elaborating these processes. I argue that an important aspect of issue redefinition involves shifting not only the image of an issue but also the bases for considering those issues—what I call policy principles. Policy principles are the core values, beliefs, or guidelines attached to policies that help direct decision making. The emergence and acceptance of new principles by the public and policymakers can be a vital source of policy change, at times having far greater consequences for policy than redefining an issue. Venue shopping is also a multifaceted undertaking involving efforts by policy entrepreneurs and advocacy groups to keep issues out of venues they would rather not participate in as well as move decision making to new arenas. Moreover, while the literature suggests that shifting venues is usually a sensible strategy, sometimes venue shopping can backfire. A case study of the municipal movement to restrict the nonessential use of lawn and garden pesticides in Canada illustrates these theoretical points and shows the applicability of agenda setting models to contexts outside the United States.
Prolactin Secretion is Increased in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Before the onset and during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal counterpart of multiple sclerosis (MS), prolactin levels were found to be elevated and bromocriptine was found to attenuate the attacks. This study was designed to determine whether patients with MS show evidence of hyperprolactinemia. Twelve patients with MS and twelve healthy controls were studied at baseline and with TRH stimulation, a provocative test for prolactin secretion. Compared to matched controls, patients with MS had slightly but significantly higher prolactin levels at baseline (10.2±1.6 vs 6.4 4±0.57 ng/ml, P=0.042), however, values were within the normal range. The prolactin levels post TRH were significantly higher in patients with MS: peak prolactin level was higher in patients than controls (57.08±6.144 vs 32.94±4.92 ng/ml, P=0.006). The area under the curve of prolactin was also higher in patients than in controls (3421.87±394.53 vs 2317.62±257.22 ng/ml, P=0.030). These findings are compatible with da...