cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF TRANSRADIAL VERSUS TRANSFEMORAL ACCESS FOR PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION IN STEMI PATIENTS: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED TRIALS

Transradial access (TRA) is increasingly being used for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in lieu of transfemoral access (TFA). We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the
Analysis of Public-facing Government Websites using an Interface Concept Metric and Participant Feedback

If government entities wish to effectively communicate with the public through their websites, these sites must make an excellent first impression. This ensures that individuals are accurately and easily receiving and processing information. Public-facing government websites often serve as the first impression of the entire organization. Evaluating the quality and effectiveness of these sites is a challenge. This paper describes and evaluates a metric used to score sites based on usability, accessibility, clarity, and public impression. To accomplish this, four government websites were analyzed and scored based on four user interface (UI) concepts. The combined score from all four concepts acts as the metric for each website. Through a participant study (N > 100), each site's metric score was evaluated based on viewer feedback. The participant ratings were compared with the metric score to determine if the combined sub-metric scores accurately represent user opinions. The Graphics over Text and Mobile sub-metrics were confirmed, while the Interactivity and Common Regions sub-metrics required some refinement. Overall, the participant study results aligned well (r2 = 0.8192) with each site's metric score. The implications of this interface concept-based metric and future applications are also discussed.
Additional records and stratigraphic distribution of the middle Eocene carettochelyid turtle Anosteira pulchra from the Uinta Formation of Utah, North America.

Background Anosteira pulchra is one of two species of the obligately-aquatic freshwater clade Carettochelyidae (pig-nosed turtles) from the Eocene of North America. Anosteira pulchra is typically rare in collections, and their distribution is poorly documented. The Uinta Formation [Fm.] contains a diverse assemblage of turtles from the Uintan North American Land Mammal Age. Whereas turtles are abundantly preserved in the Uinta Fm., A. pulchra has been reported only from a few specimens in the Uinta C Member. Methods We describe new records of Anosteira pulchra from the Uinta Basin and analyze the distribution of 95 specimens from multiple repositories in the previously published stratigraphic framework of the middle and upper Uinta Fm. Results Here we report the first records of the species from the Uinta B interval, document it from multiple levels within the stratigraphic section and examine its uncommon appearance in only approximately 5% of localities where turtles have been systematically collected. This study details and extends the range of A. pulchra in the Uinta Fm. and demonstrates the presence of the taxon in significantly lower stratigraphic layers. These newly described fossils include previously unknown elements and associated trace fossils, with new anatomical information presented. This study provides insight into the taxonomy of Anosteira spp. in the middle Eocene, and suggests the presence of a single species, though no synonymy is defined here due to limits in Bridger material.
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) nest protection reduces depredation and increases success, but annual variation influences its effectiveness

Habitat loss is the leading cause of species extinctions and is especially detrimental to habitat specialists. Freshwater turtles require specific habitat types at different points in their life cy...
Coach as CEO: developing a work-family balance taxonomy for sport executives

Much work in sport management demonstrates the importance of the work-life interface across positions in sport, including investigations of coaches, front office staff, and training staff. However,...
THE STELLAR AGES AND MASSES OF SHORT GAMMA-RAY BURST HOST GALAXIES: INVESTIGATING THE PROGENITOR DELAY TIME DISTRIBUTION AND THE ROLE OF MASS AND STAR FORMATION IN THE SHORT GAMMA-RAY BURST RATE

We present multi-band optical and near-infrared observations of 19 short γ-ray burst (GRB) host galaxies, aimed at measuring their stellar masses and population ages. The goals of this study are to evaluate whether short GRBs track the stellar mass distribution of galaxies, to investigate the progenitor delay time distribution, and to explore any connection between long and short GRB progenitors. Using single stellar population models we infer masses of log(M */M ☉) ≈ 8.8-11.6, with a median of log(M */M ☉) ≈ 10.1, and population ages of τ* ≈ 0.03-4.4 Gyr with a median of τ* ≈ 0.3 Gyr. We further infer maximal masses of log(M */M ☉) ≈ 9.7-11.9 by assuming stellar population ages equal to the age of the universe at each host's redshift. Comparing the distribution of stellar masses to the general galaxy mass function, we find that short GRBs track the cosmic stellar mass distribution only if the late-type hosts generally have maximal masses. However, there is an apparent dearth of early-type hosts compared to the equal contribution of early- and late-type galaxies to the cosmic stellar mass budget. Similarly, the short GRB rate per unit old stellar mass appears to be elevated in the late-type hosts. These results suggest that stellar mass may not be the sole parameter controlling the short GRB rate, and raise the possibility of a two-component model with both mass and star formation playing a role (reminiscent of the case for Type Ia supernovae). If short GRBs in late-type galaxies indeed track the star formation activity, the resulting typical delay time is ~0.2 Gyr, while those in early-type hosts have a typical delay of ~3 Gyr. Using the same stellar population models, we fit the broadband photometry for 22 long GRB host galaxies in a similar redshift range and find that they have significantly lower masses and younger population ages, with log(M */M ☉) ≈ 9.1 and τ* ≈ 0.06 Gyr, respectively; their maximal masses are similarly lower, log(M */M ☉) ≈ 9.6, and as expected do not track the galaxy mass function. Most importantly, the two GRB host populations remain distinct even if we consider only the star-forming hosts of short GRBs, supporting our previous findings (based on star formation rates and metallicities) that the progenitors of long and short GRBs in late-type galaxies are distinct. Given the much younger stellar populations of long GRB hosts (and hence of long GRB progenitors), and the substantial differences in host properties, we caution against the use of Type I and II designations for GRBs since this may erroneously imply that all GRBs which track star formation activity share the same massive star progenitors.
Next generation sequencing in patients with nephrolithiasis: how does it perform compared with standard urine and stone cultures?:

Background:Our aim was to compare microorganism detection between standard culture (Ctx) and next generation sequencing (NGS) in patients undergoing surgery for nephrolithiasis; we prospectively co...
Characterizing magnetic skyrmions at their fundamental length and time scales

Abstract A fundamental understanding of magnetic skyrmions and their potential application in small, fast, low-energy, and resilient future devices for information technologies requires a detailed understanding of the static and dynamic behavior of the underlying spin textures at fundamental magnetic length and time scales. This chapter provides a brief overview of the current state-of-the-art variety of magnetic characterization techniques with specific emphasis on magnetic skyrmions and other novel topological spin textures.
U.S. ELASTICITIES OF SUBSTITUTION AND FACTOR AUGMENTATION AT THE INDUSTRY LEVEL

We provide industry-level estimates of the elasticity of substitution (σ) between capital and labor in the United States. We also estimate rates of factor augmentation. Aggregate estimates are produced. Our empirical model comes from the first-order conditions associated with a constant–elasticity of substitution production function. Our data represent 35 industries at roughly the 2-digit SIC level, 1960–2005. We find that aggregate U.S. σ is likely less than 0.620. σ is likely less than unity for a large majority of individual industries. Evidence also suggests that aggregate σ is less than the value-added share-weighted average of industry σ's. Aggregate technical change appears to be net labor–augmenting. This also appears to be true for the large majority of individual industries, but several industries may be characterized by net capital augmentation. When industry-level elasticity estimates are mapped to model sectors, the manufacturing sector σ is lower than that of services; the investment sector σ is lower than that of consumption.
Utilization and Outcomes of Acute Revascularization Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Abstract Objectives Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus maybe candidates for acute revascularization treatments (intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy). Materials and Methods We analyzed the data from 62 healthcare facilities to determine the odds of receiving acute revascularization treatments in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected patients and determined the odds of composite of death and non-routine discharge with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected and non-infected patients undergoing acute revascularization treatments after adjusting for potential confounders. Results Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5–0.8, p = 0.0001). Among ischemic stroke patients who received acute revascularization treatments, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with increased odds of death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.8–5.1). The higher odds death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.9–2.3) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were observed in all ischemic stroke patients without any modifying effect of acute revascularization treatments (interaction term for death (p = 0.9) or death or non-routine discharge (p = 0.2). Conclusions Patients with acute ischemic stroke with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with a significantly higher rate of death or non-routine discharge among acute ischemic stroke patients receiving revascularization treatments.
Gel-water relationships in hydrophilic polymers: x-ray diffraction of fresh and frozen gels.

Summary X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained from fresh and frozen aqueous gels of agar, carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatin, and starch. Radial distribution functions, based on an averaged nonhydrogen atom of the 10% gel of each, indicated a closer nearest neighbor spacing of the atoms in gels of agar and carboxymethyl cellulose than in water or gels of the other two polymers. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the frozen gel was that of hexagonal ice at low concentrations of polymer, near cubic at intermediate to high concentrations, and vitreous at high concentrations. The near cubic and vitreous patterns are explained on the basis of the size of the subcrystalline grouping of water molecules.
Rapid treatment approach to human sexual inadequacy.

Abstract Use of a multidisciplinary therapy team in a rapid treatment approach to problems in sexual inadequacy has been used in the treatment of 16 couples with common sexual problems. Dual sex interviews are done on each couple, followed by a sexological examination. Then a 2½ day intense workshop is used to give group instructions in couple communication, sexual anatomy and physiology, sensate focus training, and coital instruction with individual practice sessions. Explicit audiovisual material is used. Results have been good, with symptom reversal in 14 couples and improvement in the other two. Total treatment time has required only 34 hours of physician time.
Gendered Money: Financial Organization in Women's Movements, 1880–1933 by Pernilla Jonsson and Silke Neunsinger

Women's movements for political and economic equality gained momentum in the United States and Europe in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Much has been written about these movemen...
Indecomposables of multiplicative fibrations

Given a multiplicative fibration F → j E → π B we study the module of indecomposables QH*(E; Z p ) for p a prime.
The transient appearance of collateral circulation during coronary spasm

This article reports a case of transient augmentation of collateral circulation due to spontaneous coronary arterial spasm during angiography. The patient's electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment depression during vasospastic attack; this depression differs from the typical change of the ST-segment elevation in coronary spasm without collateral circulation.
Mechanistic analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1347c, a lysine Nε-acyltransferase involved in mycobactin biosynthesis

Abstract Mycobactin acylation plays a crucial role in the ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to acquire intracellular iron during infection. M. tuberculosis Rv1347c, the lysine Ne-acyltransferase responsible for mycobactin acylation, represents a valid target for the development of novel anti-tubercular agents. Here we investigate the substrate specificity of Rv1347c, evaluate its kinetic mechanism and probe the contributions of active-site residues to catalysis. Our results confirm that Rv1347c demonstrates a preference for longer acyl-chains and suggest that mycobactin acylation occurs subsequent to mycobactin core assembly. Steady-state bisubstrate kinetics and dead-end inhibitor studies support a random sequential kinetic mechanism. Analysis of the pH dependence of kcat/Km revealed the presence of two groups that must be deprotonated for efficient catalysis. Mutagenesis of His130 and Asp168 indicated that both residues are critical for acyltransferase activity and suggests that His130 is responsible for general base activation of the e-amino group of lysine.
Optimizing the supply chain in reverse logistics

Supply chain planning systems in reverse logistics present the industry with new problems that demand new approaches. The specific problem ofthe reverse logistics for the end-of-life (EOL) products addressed in this study is to detennine the number of products to disassemble in a given time period to fulfill the demand of various components during that and subsequent time periods. We present a mathematical programming based model to solve the problem. When the problem is solved, it gives the number and thning of each product type to be disassembled in order to fuffill the demand of components needed at minimal disassembly and disposal costs. We illustrate the solution methodology with a case example.
Scalaradial derivatives from the nudibranch chromodoris youngbleuthi and the sponge spongia oceania

Abstract Three deacetylscalaradials ( 3 , 4 , and 5 ) were isolated from the nudibranch Chromodoris youngbleuthi . Two of these ( 4 and 5 ) were absent among the constituents of the sponge Spongia oceania on which the nudibranch feeds. The structures were elucidated by spectral methods.
Understanding prolonged cessation from heroin use: findings from a community-based sample.

AbstractBackground: There is abundant literature describing heroin initiation, co-morbidities, and treatment. Few studies focus on cessation, examining the factors that motivate and facilitate it.Methods: The CHANGE study utilized mixed methods to investigate heroin cessation among low-income New York City participants. This paper describes findings from qualitative interviews with 20 former and 11 current heroin users. Interviews focused on background and current activities, supports, drug history, cessation attempts, and motivators and facilitators to cessation. Results: Participants found motivation for cessation in improved quality of life, relationships, and fear of illness, incarceration and/or death. Sustained cessation required some combination of treatment, strategic avoidance of triggers, and engagement in alternative activities, including support groups, exercise, and faith-based practice. Several reported that progress toward goals served as motivators that increased confidence and facilitated...
Caffeine removal from growth media by microorganisms

Bacillus coagulans sowie 2 Pilze,Penicillium roqueforti und eineStemphylium-Spezies wurden auf Nahrboden isoliert, welche Kaffein als einzige Quelle fur Kohlenstoff und Stickstoff enthalten. Diese Mikroorganismen vermehren sich mit derselben Geschwindigkeit auf Kaffein- wie auf Nitratmedien. Dieser Kaffein-Katabolismus ware moglicherweise der Weg, um die Giftigkeit und mutagenen Wirkungen von Kaffein zu verhindern.
Hindlimb Ischemia-Reperfusion Increases Complement Deposition and Glycolysis

Background. Hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion (HIR) impairs cellular energy metabolism and causes local muscle injury possibly through free radical or complement-mediated mechanisms. Materials and methods. To determine the relationship among myocellular energetics, histopathological injury, and mediator activity, male Wistar rats underwent 4 h of Sham (n = 8), Unilateral (n = 8), or Bilateral (n = 8) hindlimb ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion. All rats underwent 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of their right gastrocnemius muscle to determine various high-energy phosphate ratios including ATP to P i (ATP/P i , a measure of energy status) and phosphocreatine to P, (PCr/P i , a measure of thermodynamic capacity). Gastrocnemius muscles were then harvested to determine muscle damage and complement membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition by immunohistochemical staining [grade 0 (none) to 3 (very severe) and to measure glutathione (GSH), DNA, and enzyme activities: β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, and citrate synthetase. Results. HIR was associated with significant declines in ATP/P i and PCr/P i (P < 0.001). Progressively more severe HIR (Sham, Unilateral, Bilateral) was associated with greater MAC deposition (0.0 ± 0.0, 1.0 ± 0.3, 1.5 ± 0.4, P = 0.06, mean ± SEM) and histological damage (0.0 ± 0.0, 0.9 ± 0.3, 1.3 ± 0.4, P < 0.05). GSH levels, β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and citrate synthetase activities were not affected by HIR, but phosphofructokinase activity increased (24.09 ± 2.42, 35.16 ± 5.26, 59.29 ± 9.82 mmol/mg of DNA/min, P < 0.05). Although GSH levels were not significantly altered, complement deposition was closely associated with skeletal muscle injury and compensatory changes in glycolysis. Alterations in myocellular bioenergetics after HIR closely paralleled complement deposition rather than GSH depletion. Conclusions. Therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling complement activity and assessment techniques based on bioenergetics may allow more precise determinations of the effects of HIR injury.
Interactive markov chains

Markov chains, and various generalizations of them, almost universally assume that the transition probabilities applying to a single individual are independent of the behavior of other individuals in the population. That is, there is no interaction among individuals. This is an extremely limiting assumption in modelling social processes. This paper concerns interactive Markov chains, defined as Markov chains in which transition probabilities are functions of population frequencies in the states.
Transesophageal echocardiography and adult cardiac operations

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) now is used widely as a monitoring technique during and after cardiac operations. Widespread adoption of the technique has provided a wealth of new information. This review analyzes the influence of TEE on the routine conduct of cardiac operations and on surgical decision making in specific areas. Its use in routine hemodynamic monitoring and problem solving, both intraoperatively and postoperatively, is discussed. Transesophageal echocardiography has a particular role in valve operations, in guiding and assessing the immediate results of mitral valve repair. It also has found application in the grading and operative management of the severely atheromatous aorta, the diagnosis and management of aortic dissection, and other aspects of surgery of the thoracic aorta. In addition, management in specialized areas, such as cardiopulmonary transplantation and the insertion and monitoring of ventricular assist devices, have also been helped by the information provided by TEE.
The Pigments in Three Cultivars of the Common Onion (Allium cepa)

SUMMARY The flavonoid and anthocyanin pigments were isolated and identified in three onion cultivars: Southport Yellow Globe, Southport White Globe, and Southport Red Globe. All three varieties contain quercetin-4′-glucoside, quercetin-3,4′-diglucoside, quercetin-4′,7-diglucoside, and quercetin-3-glucoside. In addition, Southport Yellow Globe contains quercetin, and Southport Red Globe contains quercetin and peonidin-3-arabinoside.
Augmentative and alternative communication: an evolving field*

The field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) continues to evolve and continues to undergo changes. A recent meeting of several members of the AAC community provided an opportunity to reflect upon current issues of concern. This paper extrapolates several common themes that emerged from discussions and four think tank articles, including integrated AAC services, interdisciplinary cooperation, AAC user involvement, and vocabulary selection. These four themes are discussed in terms of continuations and changes within the field since the first think tank in 1987. Cognitive science and AAC as well as the role of graphic symbols in the language acquisition process of individuals with severe intellectual disabilities emerged as new and challenging issues.
Leveraging Statistical Feature Points for Generalized Detection of Covert Timing Channels

Covert channels exploit network resources never intended for the purpose of communication in order to transfer messages undetectable by conventional security measures like intrusion detection systems and firewalls. Since covert communication provides a means to secretly transfer messages they pose a grave cyber security threat. Most research in detecting covert timing channels are focused on detecting a specific type of covert channel implementation and cannot be generalized to detect all covert channels. The most notable work in universal detection was published by Gianvecchio et al. In 2011. They evaluated the corrected conditional entropy (CCE) of the interpacket arrival time and then built a classifier based on those measurements. However, we show in this paper that the CCE fails to detect covert communications when the size of the covert message is short. Furthermore, we also show that it is not possible to train the classifier using these short covert messages, as the CCE is a parameter based on the statistical distribution of traffic, and smaller traffic samples may not adequately reflect the properties of the whole population. We also show that the variance of the CCE remains as a potential parameter for detecting covert traffic. Furthermore, we introduce the autocorrelation function of the traffic channel as an additional statistical parameter for detecting covert channels. Finally, we propose building an SVM (Support Vector Machine) classifier system using these parameters as the feature points for reliable and generalized detection of covert channels, which we show to have superior performance.
Extracting Quantitative Data from AFM Indentations on Soft, Heterogeneous Biomaterials

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a commonly used method for extracting mechanical information about samples ranging from soft biological matter to rigid semiconductors. AFM and other force spectroscopy techniques have been recently employed to examine how the elastic properties of metastatic cancer cells differ from their healthy counterparts and to study the contractile forces that cancer cells exert during the process of invasion through an extracellular matrix (ECM). As the samples being studied with AFM become more complex, novel analysis methods must be developed to produce meaningful and quantitative data, thus new strategies for fitting force-indentation data beyond the standard Hertz model are essential. We present a method of raw data fitting which determines the apparent Young's modulus as a function of indentation depth, providing sensitivity to sample heterogeneities such as subsurface elasticity effects. An improved AFM tip shape model is derived for a spherical apex with a smooth transition to a cone to provide a realistic representation of the experimental AFM tips used. A bonded two-layered elastic model is created to include the perturbations caused by a heterogeneous material, such as a cell embedded in ECM. This model allows for understanding the signal generated from subsurface components as well as the theoretical limits for determining the elastic properties of the underlying second layer. To validate this, we performed finite element analysis simulations and AFM indentations on polyacrylamide. We also show specific examples of how these analysis methods and finite element analysis can be employed to extract more information regarding the mechanical basis of cancer cell invasion into an ECM.
Weight Management Information Overload Challenges in 2007 HINTS: Socioeconomic, Health Status and Behaviors Correlates

Online users search the internet to locate necessary information for long-term weight management. However, some become frustrated or feel overwhelmed by the different kinds of weight management information. This phenomenon is known as information overload. The study used 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data to find that overweight people and older adults were more likely to report overweight information overload. Further, lower education levels, poor health conditions, feelings of sadness, health information received from friends, little confidence in their ability to find information, and not using complementary therapies were also significantly associated with information overload. In view of these findings, health care information vendors, policy makers, information specialists, and librarians could provide an effective way to deliver weight management information.
Guided Acoustic Phonon Modes in Layered Anisotropic Nanowires

Acoustic phonons play a critical role in energy transport in nanostructures. The dispersion of acoustic phonons strongly influences thermal conductivity. Recent observations show lower values of thermal conductivity in finite dimensional nanostructures than in the bulk material. In this work, we will present results for guided acoustic phonon modes in (a) a bilayered GaAs-Nb nanowire of rectangular cross section and (b) a trapezoidal Si nanowire. The former has been used for phonon counting in a nanocalorimeter for measuring thermal conductivity and the latter is commonly used in MEMS applications. A semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) analysis technique has been used to investigate the effects of layering, anisotropy, and boundaries on the dispersion of modes of propagation. Many interesting features of group velocities are found that show confinements around the corners, in the low velocity layer, and coupling of the longitudinal and flexural modes. These would strongly influence thermal conductivity and might provide means of nondestrutive evaluation of mechanical properties.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
“This Shattered Prison”: Bodily Dissolution, Wuthering Heights, and Joseph Maclise's Dissection Manuals

The nineteenth century marks a unique moment in the cultural “life” of the corpse. This paper links gothic fiction with the practice of human dissection to show how literature provides models of mo...
Enstatite chondrites and enstatite achondrites (aubrites) were not derived from the same parent body

Enstatite achondrites (aubrites) were not derived from known enstatite chondrites by melting and fractionation on one and the same parent body, for these and other reasons: (1) There is no satisfactory mechanism for fractionating metal plus troilite in enstatite chondrites to form these phases in different proportions and with different Ti contents in aubrites. (2) Many enstatite chondrites and aubrites are regolith or fragmental breccias, but clasts of one within the other have not been found. (3) Cosmic ray exposure ages of the two groups are difficult to explain if they are from the same parent body, but are easy to explain if they are from different parent bodies. Siderophile element abundances in metal from the Mt. Egerton meteorite, which consists of enstatite and metallic Fe, Ni, preclude it from being a complementary differentiate of the aubrites. Rather, it appears that Mt. Egerton was formed from the same source material as enstatite chondrites, but the components were mixed in different proportions.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Decrease Impulsive Behavior as Measured by an Adjusting Delay Procedure in the Pigeon

The inability to delay gratification (reinforcement or reward) is one index of impulsive behavior. In order to measure the willingness of pigeons to delay reinforcement, an adjustable delay schedule was developed that allowed daily approximations of an indifference point between immediate brief access to reinforcer and delayed, longer access to reinforcer. Acute administration of the anxiolytic alprazolam (5 mg/kg) decreased the length of delay tolerated before a larger reinforcement. Likewise, acute administration of the anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg) produced a similar, although not significant, effect. Neither acute nor five daily injections of 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A agonist, or WAY100635, a 5-HT1A antagonist, affected the length of the delay period. Chronic (17 day), but not acute injections of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), citalopram (10 mg/kg) and paroxetine (3 mg/kg) increased the delay period. When given in addition to 1 mg/kg of 8-OH-DPAT, but not 1 mg/kg WAY100635, the effect of fluoxetine was accelerated in that the increase in delay was observed earlier in the treatment. These data support the use of SSRIs to decrease impulsive behavior. Addition of a 5-HT1A agonist, but not a 5-HT1A antagonist, to the SSRI may hasten the therapeutic activity of the SSRI in treating impulsivity.
On the location in space of the zodiacal dust particles

Abstract If, as Peale has suggested, the Earth is surrounded by a geocentric dust cloud whose particles are diffusely concentrated towards the ecliptic plane, the possibility that these particles contribute appreciably to the zodiacal light must be seriously considered. However the absence of asymmetry of the brightness profiles of the zodiacal light as the observer moves with respect to the plane of symmetry indicates that this contribution must be small. It is shown that if Peale's suggestion is correct the geocentric contribution to the zodiacal light is not greater than 20 per cent under reasonable assumptions. The annual variations in the position of the zodiacal light axis (at ϵ ⩾ 135°) and of the photometric centre of the gegenschein give qualitative support to this conclusion; they also indicate that the plane of symmetry of the zodiacal cloud lies not in the ecliptic plane but in or close to the invariable plane of the solar system. The recently reported north-south asymmetry of the zodiacal light is attributed to a displacement of the Earth from the plane of symmetry of the zodiacal cloud and the magnitude of the asymmetry has been used to deduce the distribution of particles above the plane.
Oil concentration differences among sunflower achenes and feeding preferences of red-winged blackbirds

Abstract The effect of differences in oil concentration among sunflower achenes on consumption preferences exhibited by red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) were investigated. Male birds were given 2-cup tests between samples of intact (experiment 1) or hulled (experiment 2) seeds with various oil contents. The results showed that birds could discriminate among achenes when differences in oil concentration were as little as 5% (g/g). High-oil achenes were preferred. When hulls were removed, discrimination was significantly impaired. Oil differences among sunflower varieties and/or morphological characters associated with oil content (e.g. hull thickness) probably influence bird depredation.
Identification and deletion of sequences required for feline leukemia virus RNA packaging and construction of a high-titer feline leukemia virus packaging cell line.

Abstract Sequences required for specific encapsidation of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) genomic RNA have not yet been defined. Deletion of 107 nucleotides between the splice donor (SD) and thegagcoding region of a prototypic subgroup A FeLV, 61E, resulted in an approximately 200-fold reduction of packaged viral RNA. Virus particle production was not disrupted by the deletion, although viral infectivity was dramatically reduced. These data indicate that the 107-nucleotide sequence comprises a portion of the FeLV packaging signal. FeLV particles expressed from the deleted genome were able to efficiently package murine leukemia virus vectors, resulting in high-titer G418Rvirus production. This system can be easily adapted to produce FeLV particles that contain envelope proteins from other feline leukemia virus subgroups and will be broadly useful for studies of FeLV envelope/receptor interactions.
Rod and rod-driven function in achromatopsia and blue cone monochromatism.

Achromatopsia refers to a group of congenital, stationary retinal disorders in which there is an absence or paucity of functioning cones.1–3 Complete achromatopsia (ACHR), also called rod monochromatism, is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by reduced visual acuity, photophobia, nystagmus, deficits in color discrimination, and paradoxical pupillary constriction to dark.1–5 Hyperopia is common 1, 6, 7, although a broad distribution of refractive errors has been reported.8 Fundus appearance is typically normal 1–5, although exceptions have been reported.9, 10 Blue cone monochromatism (BCM) is an X-linked condition that shares many of the characteristics of autosomal recessive achromatopsia, sometimes exhibited with reduced severity.1–3, 11, 12 Refractive error, however, is typically myopic.8, 11, 13–15 Clinically, the Berson plates discriminate patients with BCM from patients with ACHR.16–18 In ACHR, rods are the only functional photoreceptor type, while in BCM, both rods and short wavelength sensitive cones are functional.12, 19 ACHR and BCM are typically regarded as stationary conditions, but in both there have been reports of adults with progressive retinal disease.10, 20–26 Achromatopsia is understood to be a channelopathy of the cone photoreceptors. The most common molecular causes are mutations in the cGMP-gated cation channel genes CNGA3 (OMIM600053) and CNGB3 (OMIM605080).7, 27–31 Less frequently, a mutation in the transducin protein GNAT2 (OMIM139340) has been associated with achromatopsia. 32, 33 The most common molecular causes of BCM are mutations in the opsin gene array of long and medium wavelength sensitive cone visual pigments located adjacently on the X-chromosome. (OMIM303700).25, 34 In both ACHR and BCM, cone and cone-driven electroretinogram (ERG) responses to full-field stimuli are markedly attenuated or non-detectable, whereas rod and rod-driven responses are typically reported to be normal or near normal.4, 6, 8, 9, 21, 26, 27, 35–40 Recently, however, abnormal rod-driven ERGs have been reported in some patients with CNGB3 achromatopsia 10 and BCM.23 Our own clinical observations also indicated abnormalities in rod and rod-driven ERGs in pediatric patients with achromatopsia and blue cone monochromatism. Therefore, we undertook an analysis of rod photoreceptor and postreceptor ERG components. Our goal was to identify possible mechanisms underlying the abnormalities.
Arabinogalactan from Western Larch, Part I; Effect of Uronic Acid Groups on Size Exclusion Chromatography

Abstract Arabinogalactan (AG) from Western larch has sometimes been reported to contain a small proportion of uronic acid units. This concept is supported and extended by the present work, which shows that these units occur in some AG molecules. Molecular assemblies which contain such molecules are consequently partially excluded from the stationary phase of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns when low ion strength eluent is used, and the degree of exclusion is a function of the number of acid units per assembly. In this way the ion exclusion effect provides a sensitive means of measuring low levels of uronic acid content in larch AG. Recognition of this effect helps resolve inconsistencies in the earlier AG literature. The dramatic effect which a few uronic acid groups have on the chromatographic behavior of AG implies possible differences in solution properties and biological activities between the charged and uncharged species.
Enhancement of Hydrogen Uptake Rates for Nb and Ta by Thin Surface Overlayers

It is shown that thin layers of Pd or Pt enhance the uptake rate of hydrogen into bulk Nb with almost every hydrogen atom that hits the surface passing into the bulk. A model for the kinetics is formulated showing that in a composite-system large uptake rates are achieved by combining the surface properties of Pd with the bulk properties of Nb, thereby resulting in a smaller barrier for migration into the bulk.
The design and evaluation of interstitial ultrasound applicators for controlled thermal treatment of localized tumors

This dissertation investigates the design and development of interstitial ultrasound applicators to provide localized and controlled heating of tissue for potential clinical implementation as an alternative thermal treatment of cancerous and benign diseases. Implantable ultrasound applicators were designed and fabricated using cylindrical piezoceramic transducers (1.5–2.5 mm o.d., frequency =6.5–7.5 MHz) in a direct-coupled configuration. Transducers were longitudinally sectioned to produce specific angular sectors of acoustic output (90°–360°). Applicators were also constructed using multiple transducer elements (3) with individual power control. An internal cooling mechanism (air or water) was implemented to remove excessive thermal energy from the inner transducer surface (h=700–4200 W/m 2 K ). Measurements of the relative acoustic intensity were used to characterize the efficiency, quality, and directivity of the ultrasound beam output. Thermal performance was experimentally evaluated through multiple heating trials in vivo (canine prostate, porcine liver, and thigh muscle),in vitro (porcine liver,muscle, and kidney), and in tissue-mimicking phantom for both hyperthermia and coagulative thermal therapy. Theoretical capabilities of these applicators were evaluated using biothermal computer simulations to model the acoustic output and resultant heating in tissue. In general, results demonstrated excellent thermal performance and control of heating in tissue. Directed and collimated thermal coagulation was produced in both the angular and axial expanse, and found to correspond to the active acoustic sector of the transducer. The use of multiple transducer elements provided active control of axial heating in the tissue. Increased levels of applied power (12–48 W) with transducer cooling substantially improved radial depths of coagulation (8–22 mm) and decreased sonication times (0.5–5 min). This ability to control and direct heating shows great potential for the treatment of localized tumors in sites such as the prostate, brain, liver, and breast, without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
Congenital Deficiency of the Pericardium

Deficiency of the parietal pericardium was demonstrated in seven patients at the Mayo Clinic. The defect was left-sided in all seven and large in five of the six patients who underwent thoracotomy. Diagnosis was established in one case by the demonstration of pneumopericardium after artificial pneumothorax was made for that purpose. Six of the group were male. In five patients without heart disease, the electrocardiogram revealed right-axis deviation and late development of the R deflection in precordial leads. The electrocardiogram may be of value in the diagnosis of congenital pericardial deficiency.
Individual, Class-Based, and Social Optimal Admission Policies in Two-Priority Queues

This paper considers the admission control problem for an M/M/1 queueing system serving two classes of customers. Class 1 customers have preemptive resume priority over class 2 customers. Within each class, the service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The system is controlled by accepting or rejecting arriving customers. There is a class-dependent reward and holding cost associated with each accepted customer. The goal is to minimize the expected total discounted net cost. We analyze and compare the optimal control policies under three criteria: individual optimization, class optimization, and social optimization. We show (i) the optimal policy is of either critical-number or switching-curve form under each optimization criterion, (ii) the class-optimal policy accepts more class 1 customers but less class 2 customers than the socially optimal policy, which has interesting socioeconomic implication, (iii) the individually optimal policy accepts more class 1 customers than the class-optimal ...
Constructive and destructive marital conflict, emotional security and children's prosocial behavior.

Background This study addresses the gaps in understanding the relationship between constructive and destructive marital conflict and children's prosocial behavior from a process-oriented perspective.
Fracture Toughness of Co4Sb12 and In0.1Co4Sb12 Thermoelectric Skutterudites Evaluated by Three Methods

Abstract Interstitially filled skutterudites are a promising class of state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials. Although thermoelectrics are exposed to significant thermal stresses, little information is known about the fracture toughness of interstitially doped skutterudites. This work explores the fracture toughness of undoped Co 4 Sb 12 and indium doped In 0.1 Co 4 Sb 12 skutterudites using three methods: (1) Vickers indentation fracture (VIF), (2) Vickers indent crack opening displacement (COD), and (3) single-edge vee-notched bend (SEVNB) in 4-point flexure. Indium addition to the icosahedral void-sites is verified by an observed increase in the crystal lattice parameter and strongly enhanced thermoelectric properties in the indium-doped samples. Fracture toughness values for Co 4 Sb 12 and interstitially doped In 0.1 Co 4 Sb 12 were found to be identical using both the COD and SEVNB methods indicating no interstitial embrittlement occurs due to indium void-site filling. Furthermore, it was found that there is no significant extrinsic toughening by crack bridging or other mechanisms and the toughness was insensitive to grain size variations. Fracture toughness values derived from the Vickers indentation fracture (VIF) method did not agree with the other two methods and it is recommended that the VIF method be avoided. The results indicate that the fracture toughness of skutterudites may be, at least in some cases, significantly lower (∼0.5 MPa√m) than previously reported and there may be concern over the durability of skutterudite-based power-producing thermoelectric modules if care is not taken to ensure adequate toughness.
An order-specific monoclonal antibody to Diptera reveals the impact of alternative prey on spider feeding behavior in a complex food web

Generalist predators have the capacity to restrict pest population growth, especially early in the season before densities increase. However, their polyphagous feeding habits sometimes translate into reduced pest consumption when they target alternative prey. An order-specific monoclonal antibody was developed to examine the strength of trophic connections between Diptera, a major category of non-pest prey, and linyphiid spiders in alfalfa. We report the development and characterization of a monoclonal antibody with order-level specificity to Diptera. This antibody elicited strong absorbance to 22 Diptera from 13 families, no false-positive reactivity to non-dipteran invertebrates, and antigen detection periods following prey consumption that were comparable between spiders. Over 900 field-collected females of the linyphiid spiders Erigone autumnalis and Bathyphantes pallidus were screened for Diptera antigen. Significantly more B. pallidus screened positive for Diptera (40%) compared to E. autumnalis (16%), indicating differential reliance on these prey. In parallel with the collection of spiders for gut-content analysis, prey availability was estimated at web sites. The two spiders exhibited different feeding responses to prey availability. Consumption of Diptera by B. pallidus was strongly correlated with Diptera abundance whilst the availability of other potential prey did not influence predation rates. Conversely, E. autumnalis did not prey upon Diptera in proportion to availability, but increased Collembola activity-density reduced dipteran consumption. Integration of molecular gut-content analysis with precise sampling of prey demonstrated how two closely related linyphiid spiders exhibit different feeding responses to the availability of prey under natural field conditions. Elucidating the feeding preferences of natural enemies is critical to effective incorporation of biological control by generalist predators in the management of agricultural pests.
Frequency and space representation in the inferior colliculus of the FM bat, Eptesicus fuscus.

The tonotopic organization and spatial sensitivity of 217 inferior collicular (IC) neurons of Eptesicus fuscus were studied under free field stimulation conditions. Acoustic stimuli were delivered from a loudspeaker placed 21 cm ahead of the bat to determine the best frequency (BF) and minimum threshold (MT) of isolated IC neurons. A BF stimulus was then delivered as the loudspeaker was moved horizontally across the frontal auditory space of the bat to locate the best azimuthal angle (BAZ) at which the neuron had its lowest MT. The stimulus was then raised 3 dB above the lowest MT to determine the horizontal extent of the auditory space within which a sound could elicit responses from the neuron. This was done by moving the loudspeaker laterally at every 5° or 10° until the neuron failed to respond. These measurements also allowed us to redetermine the BAZ at which the neuron fired maximal number of impulses. Electrodes were placed evenly across the whole IC surface and IC neurons were sampled as many as possible within each electrode penetration. Tonotopic organization and spatial sensitivity were examined among all 217 IC neurons as a whole as well as among IC neurons sequentially sampled within individual electrode penetrations. The whole population of 217 IC neurons is organized tonotopically along the dorsoventral axis of the IC. Thus, low frequency neurons are mostly located dorsally and high frequency neurons ventrally with median frequency neurons intervening in between. The BAZ of these 217 IC neurons tend to shift from lateral to medial portions of the contralateral frontal auditory space with increasing BF. Thus, the auditory space appears to have an orderly representation along the tonotopic axis of the IC. The lateral space is represented dorsally and the medial space ventrally. Nevertheless, tonotopic organization and spatial sensitivitty of sequentially isolated IC neurons within each electrode penetration may vary with the point of electrode penetration. This variation may be explained on the basis of the arrangement and thickness of each frequency lamina within the IC.