cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Curvature of Universal Bundles of Banach Algebras

Given a Banach algebra we construct a principal bundle with connection over the similarity class of projections in the algebra and compute the curvature of the connection. The associated vector bundle and the connection are a universal bundle with attendant connection. When the algebra is the linear operators over a Hilbert module, we establish an analytic diffeomorphism between the similarity class and the space of polarizations of the Hilbert module. Likewise, the geometry of the universal bundle over the latter is studied. Instrumental is an explicit description of the transition maps in each case which leads to the construction of certain functions. These functions are in a sense pre-determinants for the universal bundles in question.
Legislating abortion care.

Legislative policies that require a physician to misrepresent the risks of abortion to patients and to show the patient an ultrasound and those that allow physicians not to provide referral for abortion create a conflict between the physician's obligations to the patient and to the law.
A gut microbial factor modulates locomotor behaviour in Drosophila

While research into the biology of animal behaviour has primarily focused on the central nervous system, cues from peripheral tissues and the environment have been implicated in brain development and function1. There is emerging evidence that bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain affects behaviours including anxiety, cognition, nociception and social interaction1-9. Coordinated locomotor behaviour is critical for the survival and propagation of animals, and is regulated by internal and external sensory inputs10,11. However, little is known about how the gut microbiome influences host locomotion, or the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. Here we report that germ-free status or antibiotic treatment results in hyperactive locomotor behaviour in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Increased walking speed and daily activity in the absence of a gut microbiome are rescued by mono-colonization with specific bacteria, including the fly commensal Lactobacillus brevis. The bacterial enzyme xylose isomerase from L. brevis recapitulates the locomotor effects of microbial colonization by modulating sugar metabolism in flies. Notably, thermogenetic activation of octopaminergic neurons or exogenous administration of octopamine, the invertebrate counterpart of noradrenaline, abrogates the effects of xylose isomerase on Drosophila locomotion. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated role for the gut microbiome in modulating locomotion, and identify octopaminergic neurons as mediators of peripheral microbial cues that regulate motor behaviour in animals.
Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) Observations of Stream Interaction Regions in 2007 – 2016: Relationship with Heliospheric Current Sheets, Solar Cycle Variations, and Dual Observations

We have conducted a survey of 575 slow-to-fast stream interaction regions (SIRs) using Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) A and B data, analyzing their properties while extending a Level-3 data product through 2016. Among 518 pristine SIRs, 54% are associated with heliospheric current sheet (HCS) crossings, and 34% are without any HCS crossing. The other 12% of the SIRs often occur in association with magnetic sectors shorter than three days. The SIRs with HCS crossings have slightly slower speeds but higher maximum number densities, magnetic-field strengths, dynamic pressures, and total pressures than the SIRs without an HCS. The iron charge state is higher throughout the SIRs with an HCS than the SIRs without an HCS, by about $1/3$ charge unit. In contrast with the comparable phases of Solar Cycle 23, slightly more SIRs and higher recurrence rates are observed in the years 2009 – 2016 of Cycle 24, with a lower HCS association rate, possibly attributed to persistent equatorial coronal holes and more pseudo-streamers in this recent cycle. The solar-wind speed, peak magnetic field, and peak pressures of SIRs are all lower in this cycle, but the weakening is less than for the comparable background solar-wind parameters. Before STEREO-B lost contact in October 2014, 151 SIR pairs were observed by the twin spacecraft. Of the dual observations, the maximum speed is the best correlated of the plasma parameters. We have obtained a sample of plasma-parameter differences analogous to those that would be observed by a mission at Lagrange points 4 or 5. By studying several cases with large discrepancies between the dual observations, we investigate the effects of HCS relative location, tilt of stream interface, and small transients on the SIR properties. To resolve the physical reasons for the variability of SIR structures, mesoscale multi-point observations and time-dependent solar-wind modeling are ultimately required.
A Prospective Study of Alcohol Use Patterns and Short-Term Weight Change in College Freshmen.

Background The transition to college is a developmentally sensitive time in which freshmen are at high risk for engaging in heavy drinking and experiencing changes in weight and body composition. The study tested prospective associations among drinking patterns (weekly drinks, heavy drinking occasions/month) and alcohol calorie intake on weight and waist circumference change over the first year of college. Methods College freshmen (N = 103) were randomly selected from a pool of eligible students to participate at the beginning of the academic year. The sample was comprised of 52% males, 46% of individuals identifying as racial or ethnic minority, and 45% students with at-risk drinking as defined by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption questions. Students engaging in daily risky drinking (n = 2) were excluded. Participants attended 3 visits during the academic year during which they provided weight and waist circumference measurements and completed assessments about drinking, dietary intake, and physical activity. Results Weight gain (>2.3 kg) occurred in 28% of participants. In linear mixed models, drinking patterns and alcohol calorie intake were not associated with weight or waist circumference changes within individuals, when controlling for demographic and energy balance variables. Drinking patterns and alcohol calorie intake did not account for differences in anthropometric measurements between participants, when controlling for covariates. Conclusions Alcohol use did not explain the anthropometric changes observed in a sample well represented by freshmen engaging in risky drinking (and excluding those with daily risky drinking) during the academic year. Drinking may not contribute to short-term weight gain among freshmen.
The role of fatigue in functional outcomes for youth with chronic pain.

Background As a complex multidimensional construct, fatigue may play an important role in the physical and psychosocial functioning of youth with chronic pain. Based on a model previously tested in adults, the current study similarly utilized patient-reported outcomes measurement system (PROMIS) to examine how fatigue contributes to functional outcomes for youth with chronic pain. The model tested self-reported ratings of pain intensity, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance as predictors of outcomes (mobility, pain-related interference and school functioning) as mediated by ratings of fatigue. Methods Two hundred and eighty-five youth with chronic pain ages 8-17 years and their caregivers, completed surveys as part of their initial clinical evaluation at a tertiary paediatric pain clinic. Study measures included: paediatric PROMIS domains (mobility, pain interference, sleep disturbance, fatigue and depressive symptoms), Paediatric Quality of Life school functioning and pain intensity. All mediated effects were calculated via a 1,000-draw bootstrap estimation method in Mplus. Results Fatigue was found to be a statistically significant mediator of the effects of pain intensity, sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms on outcomes of pain interference, mobility and school functioning. While pain intensity was found to independently contribute to mobility and pain interference, depressive symptoms did not show significant effects on any outcome beyond its association with fatigue. Sleep disturbance predicted pain interference while fatigue predicted school functioning. Conclusions Findings suggest that fatigue is an important intervening factor for functional outcomes among youth with chronic pain. Targeting fatigue may be effective in optimizing school functioning and reducing the deleterious effects of depressive symptoms. Significance This cross-sectional study highlights fatigue as a potential clinical target by applying a path analytic model to understand its possible significance and distinction from overlapping constructs such as pain intensity, depression and sleep disturbance. Further study of fatigue may be important in understanding its importance in treatment of paediatric chronic pain.
Intraperitoneal (IP) port cytology after completion of primary therapy for advanced stage ovarian cancer: A novel approach to a “second look”

Abstract Objective To determine whether IP port cytology predicts early recurrence and/or poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer who have completed primary therapy. Methods A prospective study of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer undergoing IP port removal after debulking followed by IV/IP chemotherapy was performed. Ports were flushed with 10 cc of normal saline into ThinPrep fixative to be analyzed for cytology. Results were correlated with clinical factors and cancer outcomes. Survivals were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using log-rank analysis. Results Effluent from 53 IP ports was analyzed, and patients were followed for a median of 62 months. Mean age was 58.5, with the majority of patients being white (90%), with stage 3 (62%), serous histology (87%). Seven (13.2%) patients had positive IP cytology. POS and NEG groups were similar with regard to age, BMI, stage, grade, and GOG status. Patients with POS results had increased risk of recurrence HR 3.2 (95%CI 0.4, 28.9), and death HR 6.5 (95%CI 0.7, 58.8), and were more likely to recur before 12 months, 71% vs. 22% (p = 0.007). Compared to NEG, POS conferred a shorter median survival with PFS of 32 vs. 7 months (p = 0.02) and OS of 84 vs. 42 months (p = 0.04). Conclusions IP port cytology is predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with ovarian cancer. This inexpensive test may serve as an adjunct to imaging and tumor markers to determine disease status at the completion of treatment. Further study should investigate how this may impact management.
Study Protocol for a Home-based Obesity Prevention Program in Latino Preschool Children.

PURPOSE This paper describes the study design for ANDALE Pittsburgh, a culturally-appropriate, family-based intervention to promote a healthy weight in Latino preschool children. METHODS/DESIGN The study was organized into two major phases: Phase I: Conduct focus groups with 30 Latino parents of preschool children to inform the development of a culturally-appropriate intervention; Phase II: Test the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention with 50 families. Participants were recruited from an emerging Latino community through community gatherings, flyers, and word of mouth. Six promotoras (females >18 years, active in community) received 25 hours of training using the intervention curriculum finalized after Phase I. Promotoras delivered the home-based intervention to families over 10, 90-minute weekly sessions that included education, practice, and action (i.e., goal setting). Behavior modification constructs and strategies (e.g., goal setting, problem solving, social support), and building of self-efficacy through healthy recipe preparation and physical activity breaks, were also included. Outcomes (e.g., child BMI) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Process evaluation assessed fidelity, dose, reach, recruitment, and contextual factors using multiple data sources and mixed methods. DISCUSSION The ANDALE Pittsburgh study will expand the body of knowledge on interventions to promote a healthy weight in Latino preschool children living in an emerging Latino community. If successful, this approach will be evaluated in a future, larger-scale intervention and provide a potential model to help to address and prevent obesity in this population.
Blood pressure measurement using a flexible piezo-composite ultrasonic transducer (Conference Presentation)

Blood pressure is recognized as an important sign for managing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. It is thus important and essential to continuously monitor blood pressure in our daily life. In this study, a novel flexible piezo-composite ultrasonic transducer is reported for continuous blood pressure monitoring in radial artery. The flexible transducer is theoretical designed and fabricated by using PZT-5H/PDMS 1-3 composite. The performance of blood pressure monitoring is characterized, which is based on detecting blood vessel diameter variations in the cardiac cycle.
Zur Zukunft der Nationalphilologien: Europäische Kontexte und weltliterarische Aspekte

In a time of intensified interdisciplinary research, of expanding translation activities and an internationalized book market, one wonders what is happening in the academic fields of national philologies. ‘Subsidarity’ – a term used by social scientists who deal with political federal structures – can illustrate the relation between national and European or global literary studies. Furthermore, the terms Erfahrungsraum (‘realm of experience’) and Erwartungshorizont (‘horizon of expectation’) used by the historian Reinhart Koselleck can also help to explain this relationship.
Going Global: Utilizing Instructional Geocaching to Enhance Students' Global Competency.

Within contemporary society, technology has taken on an integral role in the way we come to know and understand the world. In recognition of that reality, an increasing number of educators have beg...
A Human-Computer Interface For Smart Wheelchair Control Using Forearm EMG Signals

With the increase in the aging population and people with disabilities, caused by heredity, disease, or injury, the demand for assistive devices is growing. Considerable research has been devoted in recent times on developing assistive technologies based on mobile robots to create what is now known as “smart wheelchairs.” One of the main challenges is how the user interfaces with the smart wheelchair for its smooth control. These smart wheelchairs typically consist of a powered commodity wheelchair, a computer, and a network of sensors. The common interface of a joy stick is problematic because it requires certain motor skills, which may be lacking in elderly and in people with disabilities. We have been developing a new smart wheelchair that comprises of a standard power wheelchair as the testbed, a joystick interface for manual control, an on-board computer, a laser scanner, and an EMG signal reading device. Its goal is to offer the elderly and the physically handicapped, concentrating on the portion who have sufficient motor control skills in their forearm, another way to control a power wheelchair without the means of a joystick. This paper focuses on efficiently using electromyography (EMG) to measure and utilize muscle signals for control of the wheelchair. The proposed system aims to help the user navigate within their environment, indoor or outdoor, as well as provide a capable HMI. The paper focuses on the growth of a user-friendly HCI in its application of making customizable mobilization for users on any commercial powered wheelchair. The simulation results show the potential of the system’s capabilities to recognize EMG-based signals for better mobility in an indoor, open office environment.
Retrospective cohort study of changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate for patients prescribed a low carb diet.

Purpose of review Obesity and diabetes contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerate the loss of kidney function. Low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) are associated with weight loss and improved diabetes control. Compared to the typical Western diet, LCDs contain more protein, so individuals with CKD are not included in studies of LCDs. Therefore, there are no studies of LCDs for weight loss and their effects on kidney function. Recent findings Obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia can be detrimental to kidney function. LCDs may improve kidney function in patients with obesity and diabetes because they are associated with weight loss, improve blood sugar control, and decrease endogenous insulin production and exogenous insulin requirements. Summary In this study, for patients with mildly reduced and moderately to severely reduced kidney function who were prescribed an LCD, their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was either unchanged or improved. For those with normal or elevated eGFR, their kidney function was slightly decreased. For those without diabetes, greater weight loss was associated with improved eGFR. Future studies should prospectively measure low carbohydrate dietary adherence and physical activity and directly measure changes in GFR and albuminuria for participants with CKD before and during that diet.
Hopf-type representation formulas and efficient algorithms for certain high-dimensional optimal control problems

Solving high-dimensional optimal control problems and their corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equations is an important but challenging problem. In particular, handling optimal control problems with state-dependent running costs presents an additional challenge. In this paper, we consider a class of optimal control problems whose running costs consist of a quadratic on the control variable and a convex, non-negative, piecewise affine function on the state variable. We provide the analytical solution for this class of optimal control problems as well as a Hopf-type representation formula for the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equations. Finally, we propose efficient numerical algorithms based on our Hopf-type representation formula, convex optimization algorithms, and min-plus techniques. We also present several high-dimensional numerical examples, which demonstrate that our algorithms overcome the curse of dimensionality. As such, our proposed methods have the potential to serve as a building block for solving more complicated high-dimensional optimal control problems in real-time.
Estrogen Inhibits Epithelial Progesterone Receptor-dependent Progestin Therapy Efficacy in a Mouse Model of Cervical Cancer.

While the uterine cervix responds to the female sex hormone change, the role of progesterone in cervical cancer is poorly understood. It has been shown that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) regresses cervical cancer in the transgenic mouse model expressing human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E6 and E7 oncogenes. As MPA interacts most strongly with progesterone receptor (PR), we reasoned that PR would contribute to MPA-induced regression of cervical cancer. We also hypothesized that estrogen influences the therapeutic activity of MPA because it promotes cervical cancer growth in the same mouse model. In the present study, we found that the deletion of Pgr in the cervical cancer cells ablated the MPA's therapeutic effect in the HPV transgenic mouse model. We also discovered that estrogen attenuated cancer regression by MPA in the same model system. These observations indicate that MPA can effectively regress cervical cancer only when cancer cells express PR and estrogen levels are low. Our results suggest that, if translatable, MPA should be administered when estrogen levels are low in patients with PR-positive cervical cancer.
The character degree simplicial complex of a finite group

Abstract The character degree graph Γ ( G ) of a finite group G has long been studied as a means of understanding the structural properties of G. For example, a result of Manz and Palfy states that the character degree graph of a finite solvable group has at most two connected components. In this paper, we introduce the character degree simplicial complex G ( G ) of a finite group G. We provide examples justifying the study of this simplicial complex as opposed to Γ ( G ) , and prove an analogue of Manz's Theorem on the number of connected components that is dependent upon the dimension of G ( G ) .
Applied Behavioral Science Goes to Scale: A Review of Biglan’s The Nurture Effect

Take Baer, Wolf, and Risley’s dimensions of behavior analysis (1968), sprinkle in Wolf’s social validity (1978), garnish with Hayes’ ACT (2004) while taking it to scale using Seekins and Fawcett’s recommendations (1989) and you get The Nurture Effect. If that’s not a recipe for a behavior analytic homerun, I clearly don’t understand behavior analysis. Anthony Biglan has cooked up this recipe—adding his own public health and prevention science zest—throughout his career. The resulting compendium of his work is impressive to any social scientist, public health advocate, or epidemiologist. It is thereby a treat to read Biglan’s account and views on the shaping of our culture and what must be done to turn degeneration around to a prosocial and healthy evolution. We have the science, the data, and the know-how to make big changes to our lives and our world. The Nurture Effect is perfect for inclusion in any survey level behavioral science course, and would make for a great resource in advanced courses on community interventions or behavioral systems. Likewise, this book is a strategic way to introduce someone to the field of behavioral science, if not ABA. (As I indicated at the beginning of this review, I will be suggesting that students hoping to pursue a career in our field share this book with their family and friends.) The accessible writing, colorful examples, and personal descriptions of behavioral science paint our field in a way we have not yet seen in a popular press book. If there are any regrets regarding the book, it is simply that “behavior analysis” was not specifically referenced. Outside of the terms “Association for Behavior Analysis” or “Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,” “behavior analysis” appears only once in the 226 pages of Biglan’s text. Moreover, Biglan references Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis only three times in the entire book. Counting the frequency of the term, “behavior analysis,” may seem petty, but the low occurrence is unfortunate, as a large and diverse audience will likely read this book. The Nurture Effect is nevertheless very supportive of behavior analysis—Biglan is a behavior analyst, after all—but naive readers won’t associate the content with this term. Nonetheless, Skinner advocated that we teach function before form (1957); hooking readers with the promise of behavioral success would be a fantastic outcome of The Nurture Effect. Only time will tell whether this outcome is realized. With The Nurture Effect, Biglan has provided the perfect primer for the rest of us to launch behavioral science beyond the pages of our safe and friendly behavioral journals. Let’s do our best—and our part, as behavior analysts—to nurture the momentum from this book to improve lives, as well as the world.
The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: Evolution of a Powerful Role

Today's women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP) role is the product of more than three decades of growth and change. As the role has evolved, both professional and public perceptions have not always kept up with the latest developments in the nature and scope of the role. It's important for nurses today to understand the differences in advanced practice roles and how advanced practice nurses will continue to shape future trends in health care delivery.
Influence of handrim wheelchair propulsion training in adolescent wheelchair users, a pilot study

Ten full-time adolescent wheelchair users (ages 13-18) completed a total of three propulsion trials on carpet and tile surfaces, at a self-selected velocity, and on a concrete surface, at a controlled velocity. All trials were performed in their personal wheelchair with force and moment sensing wheels attached bilaterally. The first two trials on each surface were used as pre-intervention control trials. The third trial was performed after receiving training on proper propulsion technique. Peak resultant force, contact angle, stroke frequency, and velocity were recorded during all trials for primary analysis. Carpet and tile trials resulted in significant increases in contact angle and peak total force with decreased stroke frequency after training. During the velocity controlled trials on concrete, significant increases in contact angle occurred, as well as decreases in stroke frequency after training. Overall, the use of a training video and verbal feedback may help to improve short-term propulsion technique in adolescent wheelchair users and decrease the risk of developing upper limb pain and injury.
Parallel longest common subsequence using graphics hardware

We present an algorithm for solving the Longest Common Subsequence problem using graphics hardware accel- eration. We identify a parallel memory access pattern which enables us to run efficiently on multiple layers of parallel hardware by matching each layer to the best sub-algorithm, which is determined using a mix of theoretical and experimental data including knowledge of the specific hardware and memory structure of each layer. We implement a linear-space, cache-coherent algorithm on the CPU, using a two-level algorithm on the GPU to com- pute subproblems quickly. The combination of all three running on a CPU/GPU pair is a fast, flexible and scalable solution to the Longest Common Subsequence problem. Our design method is applicable to other algorithms in the Gaussian Elimination Paradigm, and can be generalized to more levels of parallel computation such as GPU clusters.
Diode laser measurements of the band strengths of nu(3) and nu(6) in (C-12)H3D

A diode laser spectrometer has been used to measure line strengths for 143 transitions in the nu(6) fundamental band of (C-12)H3D near 9 microns. These line-strength measurements have been used to derive a band strength for nu(6) and nu(3). The band strength derived for nu(6) is 61.7 + or - 1.8/sq cm/atm and that for nu(3) is 49.3 + or - 1.4/sq cm/atm at 295 K.
Re-visiting the field: Collaborative archaeology as paradigm shift

AbstractThe emphasis of the JFA on field methods resonates strongly with current disciplinary interest in multivocality and participatory research. In this new epistemology of inclusiveness, communities play an active role in the production of archaeological knowledge as well as in the conservation of cultural heritage. From the perspective of archaeologists trained in the U.S. who conduct research in Latin America, we historicize changes in the triadic relationship among archaeologists, contemporary communities, and things of the past. This examination focuses on the evolving social context of archaeological practice. The social milieu within which archaeology is conducted is explored further by reference to a recent survey of archaeologists that elicited comments on grand challenges to archaeology. A few examples of the many forms that an engaged archaeology might take are offered from the Maya region. Although collaborative research poses challenges that emerge as communities entangled with archaeologi...
Ancient DNA from the Schild site in Illinois: Implications for the Mississippian transition in the Lower Illinois River Valley

Archaeologists have long debated whether rapid cultural change in the archaeological record is due to in situ developments, migration of a new group into the region, or the spread of new cultural practices into an area through existing social networks, with the local peoples adopting and adapting practices from elsewhere as they see fit (acculturation). Research- ers have suggested each of these explanations for the major cultural transition that occurred at the beginning of the Mississippian period (AD 1050) across eastern North America. In this study, we used ancient DNA to test competing hypotheses of migration and accultura- tion for the culture change that occurred between the Late Woodland (AD 400-1050) and Mississippian (AD 1050-1500) periods in the Lower Illinois River Valley. We obtained sequences of the first hypervariable seg- ment of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) from 39 individuals (17 Late Woodland, 22 Mississippian) interred in the Schild cemetery in western Illinois, and compared these lineages to ancient mtDNA lineages present at other sites in the region. Computer simula- tions were used to test a null hypothesis of population continuity from Late Woodland to Mississippian times at the Schild site and to investigate the possibility of gene flow from elsewhere in the region. Our results suggest that the Late Woodland to Mississippian cultural transi- tion at Schild was not due to an influx of people from elsewhere. Instead, it is more likely that the transition to Mississippian cultural practices at this site was due to a process of acculturation. Am J Phys Anthropol
Spatial hole burning suppression for the distributed feedback laser diode with an asymmetric grating Gap structure

We propose and design an asymmetric grating distributed feedback (DFB) laser with a grating gap at its center. The below and above threshold analyses show that this kind of laser will be lasing at the Bragg wavelength independent of the grating gap length with an output spectrum similar to those of λ/ 4 phase-shifted DFB lasers. However, the proposed structure shows a uniform photon and carrier distribution in the grating gap region, and therefore, spatial hole burning, which is the bottle-neck for the phase-shifted DFB laser design, is greatly suppressed. By simulation, it is demonstrated that with the same grating coupling efficiency, the proposed laser will share similar threshold current and efficiency as those of λ/ 4 phase-shifted DFB lasers, but as the biased current increases, reaching 100 mA the former keeps the single mode operation with more than 30 dB side mode suppression ratio while the λ/ 4 phase-shifted laser becomes multi-mode. Fabrication of the proposed laser structure does not involve extra complexity. It is much easier to implement compared to the other techniques used to suppress the spatial hole burning effect.
Hypervelocity collisions into continental crust composed of sediments and an underlying crystalline basement: comparing the Ries (~24km) and Chicxulub (~180km) impact craters

Abstract The Chicxulub and Ries impact craters were excavated from layered continental terrains that were composed of carbonate-bearing sedimentary sequences and underlying crystalline silicate basement materials. The Chicxulub and Ries impact events were sufficiently large to produce complex peak-ring impact craters. The walls of transient craters and excavation cavities, with diameters of 12–16 km for the Ries and 90–100 km for Chicxulub, collapsed to form final crater diameters of ∼24 and ∼180 km, respectively. Debris from both the sedimentary and crystalline layers was ejected during crater formation, but the bulk of the melting occurred at depth, in the silicate basement. The volume of melt and proportion of melt among shock-metamorphosed debris was far larger at Chicxulub, producing a central melt sheet ∼3 km in depth. The central melt sheet was covered with melt-bearing polymict breccias and, at the Ries, similar breccias (crater suevites) filled the central cavity. Also at the Ries (and presumably at Chicxulub), large hill-size megablocks of crystalline basement material were deposited near the transient crater rim. Blocks and megablocks of sedimentary lithologies were ejected into the modification zone between the peak ring and final crater rim, while additional material was slumping inward during crater growth, and buried beneath a fallout deposit of melt-bearing polymict breccias. The melt and surviving clasts in the breccias are dominantly derived from the deeper, basement lithologies. At greater distances, however, the ejecta is dominated by near-surface sedimentary lithologies, large blocks of which landed with such high energy that they scoured and eroded the pre-existing surface. The excavation and ejecta pattern produced lithological and chemical variations with radial distance from the crater centers that evolve from basement components near the crater centers to sedimentary components far from the crater centers. In addition, carbonate (and anhydrite in the case of Chicxulub) was vaporized, producing environmentally active gases. The vaporized volume produced by the Ries impact event was too small to dramatically alter the evolution of life, but the vaporized volume produced by the Chicxulub impact event is probably a key factor in the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary mass extinction event.
COMPETITION AS A CONTROL MECHANISM IN SUBALPINE MEADOWS

Interspecific competition in a stable subalpine meadow was investigated experimentally. Vegetation responds to gradients of moisture and disturbance which control species composition. Moisture and snow melt patterns produce a productivity gradient that affects the importance of competition in this vegetation mosaic. Reciprocal transplant and selective removal experiments demonstrated that the intensity of competition is directly related to productivity and that seedlings are more susceptible to competitive effects than are established plants. Competition may reduce diversity in stable, productive habitats, while disturbance and stress limit diversity directly. Habitats of moderate productivity and minor disturbance have maximum diversity. The experiments and observations combine to suggest that habitat heterogeneity and local disturbance interact to control biotic interference and that the relative importance of each varies
In vitro transcription of the Leptomonas seymouri SL RNA and U2 snRNA genes using homologous cell extracts

Abstract A cell-free transcription system for the spliced leader (SL) RNA gene of the trypanosomatid Leptomonas seymouri has been developed. Accurately initiated transcription was achieved using cell extracts and a template in which the transcribed region of the SL RNA was replaced with a guanosine-less sequence (G-less cassette). The extract was also able to direct accurate initiation of RNA from an L. seymouri tagged U2 snRNA gene, which may be expressed via a transcriptional apparatus shared by the SL RNA gene. In vivo transcription analysis was used previously to define essential sequence components of the SL RNA gene promoter (Hartree D, Bellofatto V. Mol Biochem Parasitol 1995;71:27–39). A substitution mutation in the upstream promoter element (bp −50 to −70) markedly reduced transcription in vitro as did deletion of this and the middle promoter element (bp −30 to −40). Thus, the in vitro transcription system correctly responds to promoter mutations and is useful for investigating SL RNA and snRNA gene expression.
N-WASP Generates a Buzz at Membranes on the Move

The fast-growing ends of actin filaments push against membranes to create cell-surface protrusions and to propel the movement of membrane vesicles. Co et al. (2007) now show that the neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP) mediates dynamic attachment between membranes and the growing ends of actin filaments to sustain membrane movement.
Adaptive Phase Modulation for Multiphoton Microscopy

Tissue structures present index mismatches at a variety of spatial scales that can aberrate the focal volume and thus blur cellularly resolved multiphoton images acquired within biological tissues and live animals. We are investigating the extent to which adaptive phase modulation can be used to reconstruct the point-spread-function (PSF) and enable deeper and clearer multiphoton imaging into biological tissues. To do this, a Ti:Sapphire beam is reflected off of a reflective spatial light modulator conjugate to the objective pupil plane. The excitation PSF is directly imaged with a separate objective mounted perpendicular to the optic axis. We find that the fluorescence signal increases with increasing size of the scattering structures. Resolution degradation, however, reaches a maximum with scatterer spatial frequencies at one tenth of the maximal frequency allowed by the focusing objective NA. PSF aberrations from tissue structures can be somewhat compensated by modulating the phase at the back aperture using Zernike polynomials as a basis set for increasing overall image brightness. In this scheme two fitness measurements are required for each Zernike order. Initial results through tissue sections show that spherical aberration is a problem, but not the only problem. (Research supported by NIH/NCI R01 CA116583.)
Attention extracts signal in external noise: A bold fmri study

On the basis of results from behavioral studies that spatial attention improves the exclusion of external noise in the target region, we predicted that attending to a spatial region would reduce the impact of external noise on the BOLD response in corresponding cortical areas, seen as reduced BOLD responses in conditions with large amounts of external noise but relatively low signal, and increased dynamic range of the BOLD response to variations in signal contrast. We found that, in the presence of external noise, covert attention reduced the trial-by-trial BOLD response by 15.5-18.9% in low signal contrast conditions in V1. It also increased the BOLD dynamic range in V1, V2, V3, V3A/B, and V4 by a factor of at least three. Overall, covert attention reduced the impact of external noise by about 73-85% in these early visual areas. It also increased the contrast gain by a factor of 2.6-3.8.
A protocol to maintain a minimum spanning tree in a dynamic topology

We present a distributed protocol for updating and maintaining a minimum-weight spanning tree (MST) in a network with changing topology. The protocol can respond to multiple link/node failures and recoveries that can occur at arbitrary times. Given that an arbitrary finite number of topological changes occur during a period, the protocol finds the MST corresponding to the latest network, within finite time after the last change. The message complexity of the protocol is O(m|E|+k|V|) when k link recoveries and m link failures occur, where |V| and |E| are the total number of nodes and links, respectively.
The role of technicians in managing computerized drug-drug interaction alerts in community pharmacies and the relationship to pharmacist managers' attitudes

Background: Community pharmacies are where identification and prevention of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) typically occur. Technicians have been shown to play some role in the initial screening of DDIs in community pharmacies. Objectives: To examine the role of technicians in the management of DDI alerts in community pharmacies and the possible relationship to the attitudes of pharmacy managers toward DDI alerts. Methods: A national survey of pharmacist managers in 3,000 community pharmacies was conducted. Data collected included demographics, workload issues, handling of DDIs, and pharmacists' attitudes toward computerized DDI alerts. Results: Of questionnaires returned, 736 could be used. Technicians were more often allowed or sometimes allowed to override lower level DDI alerts without prior review by a pharmacist. However, some pharmacies (2.1%) allowed or sometimes allowed technicians to override interactions with the highest potential clinical significance. Stores with the highest use of technology were less likely to allow technicians to override insignificant interactions. Stores that allow technicians to override clinically significant interactions were less confident in their program's ability to provide meaningful alerts and more likely to agree that alerts are a waste of time and that the volume of alerts makes differentiating important from unimportant DDIs more difficult. Conclusions: Pharmacy technicians play a limited role in the management of DDI alerts, but could be used to help ensure that a patient's profile of medications is up-to-date and determine whether the patient had already been receiving the combination without notable problem.
Regulation of pyrimidine formation in Pseudomonas lundensis.

The regulation of pyrimidine formation in the food spoilage agent Pseudomonas lundensis ATCC 49968 by pyrimidines was examined. In P. lundensis cells grown on glucose as a carbon source, the enzyme...
Results following simultaneous mobilization of the maxilla and mandible for the correction of dentofacial deformities: Analysis of 100 consecutive patients

Abstract The intraoperative, immediate postoperative, early postoperative, and preliminary results of the long-term stability following simultaneous mobilization of the maxilla and mandible are presented. These results were accrued on the basis of an analysis of 100 consecutive cases.
Saturable absorption properties of multi-core nonlinear fiber arrays

The saturable absorption performance of several one dimensional and two dimensional multi-core fiber array couplers are investigated as a function of the number of the fiber cores. The results indicate that the performance of all these saturable absorbers are comparable and not much is gained, if any, by increasing the number of cores. Hence, rather than using complex multi-core fiber saturable absorbers, one can benefit from the simpler two-core fiber setup to get the desired output mode-locked pulses. This observation is supported by the comparable pulse characteristics obtained from the simulation of a generic mode-locked fiber laser cavity.
Limitation on the density-equation approach to many-electron problems

The density equation proposed by Nakatsuji assumes a matrix form when a basis set is introduced. The matrix equation is shown to have highly degenerate solutions for almost any value of the energy, and thus to provide little useful information in the absence of $N$-representability constraints. The imposition of such constraints is also considered, and approximate constraints are predicted to be of little value.
Episodic fluid expulsion from geopressured sediments

Numerical simulation of fluid explusion from geopressured sediments using a one-dimensional finite difference model shows that large volumes of fluid can be transported through a fractured seal during short-lived (<100 year) expulsion events. In this model, abnormal fluid pressures are maintained by an impermeable seal. When the fluid pressure exceeds 85% of the lithostatic pressure, a vertical fracture opens in the seal, providing a permeable pathway from the geopressured sediments into the overlying section. Fluid pressure in the seal decreases as fluid flows through the fracture, closing the fracture as sediments in the seal compact. Once the fracture closes, the seal remains impermeable until fluid flowing from deeper in the section increases fluid pressure to the fracture criteria, a process that takes 10 000–500 000 years. Fractures emplaced in relatively incompressible seals, such as compacted and/or cemented sediments, remain open for 20–50 years; fluid fluxes through the seal integrated over the life of these events are 1−5×107 kg/m2, and temperatures in the overlying sediments are increased by 5–20°C. These temperature anomalies decay to less than half their original value in 300 years, suggesting that the thermal anomalies observed in wells that are attributed to fluid expulsion formed in response to a very recent or currently active event.
The Origins and Implications of Language Effects in Multilingual Surveys: A MIMIC Approach with Application to Latino Political Attitudes

The study of Latino public opinion has renewed interest in the relationship between language and survey response. However, extant research generally relies on statistical methods that cannot distinguish between two related yet distinct types of language effects in Latino surveys: (1) differences in attitude and (2) differences in measures of attitude. The former reflects varied levels of a latent attitude between English and Spanish interviewees. The latter—formally known as Differential Item Functioning (DIF)—refers to linguistic differences in the interpretation of survey items, which lead Latino respondents to misreport their level of attitude. This paper proposes Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes models to decouple these two types of language effects. Using this modeling framework, I examine language differences in measures of subjective and factual political attitudes from the Latino National Survey (2006). I find that the language of interview systematically colors Latinos’ interpretation of survey items, even after controlling for measurement error and individual differences in the latent variable being assessed. I then show through an applied analysis how ignoring language DIF can yield misleading inferences about hypothesized relationships between variables. Together, these findings highlight a need for greater theoretical work on the psychological origins of language effects in multilingual political surveys.
Efficiently instantiating view-objects from remote relational databases

View-objects are complex objects that are instantiated by delivering a query to a database and converting the query result into a nested structure. In relational databases, query results are conventionally retrieved as a single flat relation, which contains duplicate subtuples in its composite tuples. These duplicate subtuples increase the amount of data to be handled and thus degrade performance. In this article, we describe two new methods that retrieve a query result in structures other than a single flat relation. One method retrieves a set of relation fragments, and the other retrieves a single-nested relation. We first describe their algorithms and cost models, and then present the cost comparison results in a client-server architecture with a relational main memory database residing on a server.
Measured and calculated mobilities of cluster ions drifting in helium and in nitrogen

Abstract New experimental results are presented for the mobilities of (1) the H 3 O + (H 2 O) 3 cluster ion drifting in He (the reduced zero-field mobility K 0 (0) is 11.5 ± 0.4 cm 2 V −1 s −1 , (2) NO + (CH 3 COCH 3 ) n cluster ions drifting in He ( K 0 (0) = 7.5 ± 0.4 cm 2 V −1 s −1 for n = 2, K 0 (0) = 7.3 ± 0.5 cm 2 V −1 s −1 for n = 3), and (3) the NO + (CH 3 CN) 2 cluster ion drifting in N 2 ( K 0 (0) = 1.70 ± 0.06 cm 3 V −1 s −1 ). These results together with other recently reported cluster ion mobilities in He are quantitatively explained using the hard-sphere collision model by von Helden et al. ( J. Phys. Chem. 97 (1993) 8182–8192). The role of ion-induced dipole interactions is investigated and shown to be minor for the mobilities of all but the smallest ions in He. The existing data on cluster-ion mobilities in N 2 , including the result here, are systematized. As a result of the stronger polarizability of N 2 , the hard-sphere collision model does not agree with the data, and a better explanation is obtained using a simple model that includes ion-induced dipole interactions. The size of the cluster has only a minor effect on the mobility in N 2 . The remaining discrepancies between the measured and calculated results are attributed to ion-quadrupole or dipole induced-dipole interactions.
The influence of acetylcholine on the binding of atropine to bovine serum albumin.

The effect of acetylcholine on atropine binding to native bovine serum albumin and to p-hydroxymercuribenzoate-treated bovine serum albumin was studied by various methods. Depending on the pH, the nature of the buffer, and the molar proportion of the two drugs, atropine binding was differently influenced by acetylcholine, which either decreased or increased the binding. The facilitating action of acetylcholine on atropine binding could be attributed to an alteration of the reactivity of the—SH group of the protein.