cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying hotspots on the real-time web

We study the problem of automatically identifying ``hotspots'' on the real-time web. Concretely, we propose to identify highly-dynamic ad-hoc collections of users -- what we refer to as crowds -- in massive social messaging systems like Twitter and Facebook. The proposed approach relies on a message-based communication clustering approach over time-evolving graphs that captures the natural conversational nature of social messaging systems. One of the salient features of the proposed approach is an efficient locality-based clustering approach for identifying crowds of users in near real-time compared to more heavyweight static clustering algorithms. Based on a three month snapshot of Twitter consisting of 711,612 users and 61.3 million messages, we show how the proposed approach can efficiently and effectively identify Twitter-based crowds relative to static graph clustering techniques at a fraction of the computational cost.
STUDIES ON MENINGOCOCCUS INFECTION : IV. THE ANTIGENIC COMPLEX OF THE MENINGOCOCCUS-GROUP-SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE AND PROTEIN FRACTIONS.

Two group-specific substances, one a polysaccharide and the other a protein, have been isolated from the meningococcus and their serological properties are described. A discussion of these substances, together with the type-specific fraction, is given, and a relationship of these substances to certain serological phenomena is suggested.
Pharmacokinetic Basis for the Influence of Route of Administration on the Area Under the Plasma Concentration-Time Curve

A three-compartment open system is proposed to explain the influence of route of administration (i.e., intravenous versus oral) on the area under the plasma concentration-time curve. The hepatoportal system is treated as a compartment distinct from the vascular site being sampled. Computer analysis of the model using estimated pharmacokinetic parameters provided a successful prediction of the relative area under the plasma concentration-time curves after oral and intravenous administration of aspirin in man. It is shown also that the proposed model yields a plasma concentration-time curve after intravenous administration which may be described adequately by a biexponential equation under experimental conditions.
Dissociation of oxidized 80-S ribosomes by sodium deoxycholate.

Abstract 1. 80-S Ribosomes obtained from brine-shrimp gastrulae, sea-urchin eggs, and yeast were readily dissociated into two major subunits by sequential treatment with millimolar quantities of NaOCl or H 2 O 2 , and 0.5% sodium deoxycholate. 2. The ability of deoxycholate to dissociate NaOCl-treated ribosomes was shared by two other anionic detergents, sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium dodecyl sarcosinate. Several nonionic detergents were tested but none produced dissociations. Anionic deoxycholate analogues, sodium cholate for example, were likewise ineffective. 3. The extent of ribosome dissociation produced by deoxycholate was a function of the concentration of NaOCl and deoxycholate used, and the temperature and duration of incubation. Although elevated Mg 2+ concentrations prevented dissociation, the effect of the detergent could not be attributed simply to the removal of bulk Mg 2+ from the incubation medium. 4. Treatment of ribosomes with NaOCl alone did not alter their ultraviolet-absorption spectra, density gradient sedimentation profiles, or RNA and protein content when compared with controls, indicating that major changes in ribosome composition were not produced by the oxidizing agent. However, poly U-directed phenylalanine incorporation by 80-S ribosomes was greatly reduced after NaOCl treatment, suggesting that groups on the ribosome associated with poly U attachment or function were among those affected by the oxidation. 5. Polyribosomes and “loaded” monosomes were not degraded by NaOCl-deoxycholate treatment.
Molecular characterization of complement factor I reveals constitutive expression in channel catfish.

Abstract The complement system in vertebrates plays a crucial role in immune defense via recognition and removal of pathogens. Complement is tightly regulated by a group of both soluble and cell-associated proteins. Complement factor I is a soluble serine protease that regulates multiple pathways in complement activation. In this work, a complement factor I transcript was isolated and sequenced from channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) liver after screening expressed sequence tags. The full-length cDNA is comprised of 2284 bp in length, encoding a polypeptide of 668 amino acids. The complement factor I protein was found to be well conserved, with similar domain structures and architecture from fish to mammals. The catfish complement factor I exists as a single-copied gene in the catfish genome. Expression analysis revealed that the catfish complement factor I is constitutively expressed in all tissues and leukocyte cell lines tested, indicating its importance as a regulatory enzyme throughout channel catfish. While expression of complement factor I is often found to be in the liver in mammals, it is constitutively expressed in channel catfish and carp throughout in various tissues and organs.
Analysis of an ABA-responsive rice gene promoter in transgenic tobacco.

We have analyzed in transgenic tobacco the expression of a chimeric gene containing 5′ sequences of the rice rab-16B gene fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. This construct, a translational fusion (−482 to +184) including 14 amino acids of the RAB-16B protein, is expressed only in zygotic and pollen-derived embryos. In zygotic embryos, GUS activity begins to accumulate 10 days after flowering (daf), and increases until seed maturation at 25 daf. Immunological measurements of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in these seeds showed a close parallel between hormone levels and GUS activity. However, GUS activity could not be reproducibly induced by treatment of immature embryos with ABA (10 μM). Neither GUS activity nor GUS mRNA could be detected in leaves of transgenic tobacco even after ABA treatment. In contrast, GUS activity could be induced to high levels in pollen-derived embryos by treatment with ABA. Our results show that 482 bp of 5′ sequences of the rice rab-16B promoter can confer in transgenic tobacco developmentally regulated expression in embryos but not ABA-responsive expression in vegetative tissues.
Thyroid hemiagenesis with multinodular goiter: a case presentation and review of literature.

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare congenital abnormality in which one thyroid lobe fails to develop. It is frequently diagnosed at the time of assessment for another condition or during evaluation of other thyroid diagnoses. Similar disorders seen with normal thyroid development may present within a hemithyroid remnant. We present a case of an asymptomatic thyroid hemiagenesis and review recommendations within the literature concerning the diagnosis.
Reproduction and growth of Anthomastus ritteri (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) from Monterey Bay, California, USA

Anthomastus ritteri Nutting, 1909 is a deep-sea alcyonacean from the Pacific coast of California, USA, and Baja California, Mexico. Although descriptive studies exist, detailed information on the reproduction and life history of any species of Anthomastus or on deep-sea octocorals in general is sparse. Laboratory specimens of A. ritteri were studied with respect to their reproductive biology, timing of larval settlement, and growth rates. Collected A. ritteri colonies were dioecious larval brooders that exhibited continuous reproduction. Developing larvae were brooded in the siphonozooids, with large colonies capable of containing over 4000 oocytes and larvae. The demersal planula larvae were capable of settlement 2 days after release. The longest competency period recorded in the laboratory was 123 days. A Gompertz growth model was based on the size-specific growth rates of 15 colonies. Growth was slow for the first 1–2 years, but increased when colonies comprised three to four feeding polyps. Growth slowed in adult colonies, approaching an asymptotic size. In the model, A. ritteri approached asymptotic size between 25 and 30 years of age. This age is greater than those reported for tropical gorgonian colonies. These results agree with the general notion that growth rates are reduced and longevity increased in deep-sea species.
Prevalence and Correlates of Previous Hepatitis B Vaccination and Infection Among Young Drug-users In New York City

Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination coverage remains low among drug users. In 1997, ACIP made hepatitis B vaccine available for persons aged 0–18 years and many states began requiring HBV vaccination for entry into middle school; these programs might affect HBV vaccination and infection rates in younger DUs. We were interested in determining correlates of immunization among younger (<25 years) and older (25 and older) DUs. Methods: A community-based sample of 1,211 heroin, crack, and cocaine users 18 or older was recruited from Harlem and the Bronx. We assessed previous HBV vaccination and infection and correlates using bivariate analyses. Results: The sample was predominantly male (74.0%), aged ≥25 years (67.1%) and Hispanic (59.9%). In terms of socioeconomic status, 57.1% had less than a high school education, 84.5% had been homeless in their lifetime, and 48.0% had an illegal main income source. Among 399 DUs younger than 25 years of age, 30% demonstrated serological evidence of previous vaccination, 49.9% were susceptible to HBV at baseline, and 20% showed evidence of infection. In our model, previous HBV infection and vaccination status were associated with being 22 years old or younger (AOR = 1.40 and 1.66). Compared to susceptible individuals, those vaccinated were significantly less likely to be born in other countries (AOR = 0.50). Among 812 DUs 25 and older, 10.6% demonstrated serological evidence of previous vaccination, 59.2% were susceptible to HBV at baseline, and 30.2% showed evidence of infection. Conclusion: Existing interventions to increase HBV vaccination among adolescents should target high risk groups.
Penetration resistance as affected by shallow-cut land leveling and cropping

Land leveling is a form of soil disturbance that alters soil physical properties and is commonly conducted in fields cropped to rice (Oryza sativa L.) to facilitate more uniform distribution of irrigation water. Few studies have been conducted on the effects of shallow-cut land leveling on spatial variation of soil penetration resistance. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of shallow-cut land leveling and cropping on penetration resistance in a soil cropped in a rice-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation in the Mississippi River Delta region of eastern Arkansas, USA. The study area consisted of a 50 point grid occupying 0.36 ha of a larger field that was land leveled in April 2002. Penetration resistance (i.e., cone index, CI) was measured at 0.05 m intervals to 0.35 m with a penetrometer at each grid point before, immediately after, and roughly 1 year after land leveling. Land leveling increased (P < 0.05) CI at all depths and the variability associated with CI below the 0.05 m depth and disrupted the spatial variability and distributions of CI throughout the study area. Land leveling resulted in a 0.1 m shallower hard pan, which effectively reduced the soil volume for subsequent crop root growth by 50%. The shallower pan is agronomically significant because, despite being necessary in a rice cropping system to hold irrigation water, proper management for optimum yield of alternative non-flood-irrigated crops grown in rotation with rice will be challenging due to the altered soil physical condition following land leveling. Deep-tillage may be required following shallow-cut land leveling to help alleviate the poor soil physical condition for upland crops grown in rotation with rice.
A line voltage regulator having magnetic-amplifier control

Closely regulated supply voltages decrease maintenance, improve reliability, and simplify the design of electron tube and semiconductor circuits. There has existed a need for an alternating-voltage regulator which is effective for simultaneous variations in line voltage, load, and frequency, and which has a degree of reliability beyond that associated with electron-tube regulating circuits. Such a regulator, having a 3-kilovolt-ampere (kva) 115-volt 60-cycle rating is described. A power circuit consisting of a saturable reactor and a buck-boost transformer are controlled in a feedback loop by means of a cascaded 2-stage magnetic amplifier. Reference current is provided by a thermistor network and a silicon-carbide varistor is employed as a current preamplifier. These elements are insensitive to frequency over a ±5-per-cent range. The field of application for this type of regulator includes loads within the range of 1 to 20 kva where extremely fast regulation is not essential.
Abstract 4394: Salinomycin downregulates PDGFRβ and c-Myc in human medulloblastoma.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood brain tumor and approximately one-third of patients with MB tumors remain incurable. In a goal of search for more effective therapeutic agents to treat MB, we tested the effects of salinomycin, an anti-coccidial drug showing inhibitory effects on breast cancer stem cells with more than 100-fold potency than paclitaxel, in MB cells in vitro. In this study, we first determined the cytotoxicities of salinomycin in MB cells in vitro using cell based assays and demonstrated that salinomycin inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell death and cell cycle arrest in MB cells. We then analyzed the effects of salinomycin on the expression of some key mediators involved in cell death and cell cycle progression and demonstrated that salinomycin up-regulates the expression of cyclin A and down-regulates the expression of Bcl-2 and p21 in MB cells. Finally, we examined the effects of salinomycin on the expression of PDGFRβ and c-Myc, two potential critical therapeutic targets in MB, and found that it suppresses the expression of c-Myc and PDGFRβ in MB cells. Our data suggest that salinomycin may be used as a novel therapeutic agent to treat patients with MB. Citation Format: Erxi Wu. Salinomycin downregulates PDGFRβ and c-Myc in human medulloblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4394. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4394
Differences between strychnine and penicillin epileptogenesis suggest a laminar organization of neocortical inhibition

Abstract Transient foci of epileptiform alteration in neuronal population activity were induced by microinjection of strychnine sulfate into different layers of cat striate cortex. Potentials evoked by visual field-specific photic stimulation were recorded from microelectrodes at the injection site and in adjacent laminae. Epileptogenesis, characterized by an enhancement of the normal primary response followed by the development of a large late potential, occurred only with strychnine injections into superficial pyramidal layers 2 and 3. By contrast, stellate layer 4 has been shown to be most susceptible to epileptogenic effects of penicillin and bicuculline. Since disinhibitory convulsants should be most effective where their actions antagonize the prevalent type of inhibition, these findings suggest that there may be a laminar segregation of neocortical inhibition, possibly glycine-mediated in layers 2–3 and probably gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated in layer 4.
The spoiled pleasure of giving in to temptation

Satisfying one’s desires is typically a pleasurable experience and thus a source of momentary happiness. Getting happy in the here and now, however, may be more complicated when people yield to temptations—desires that conflict with personal self-regulatory goals so that they have reason to resist them. Using data from a large experience sampling study on everyday desire, we show that people receive considerably smaller gains in momentary happiness from enacting tempting as compared to nontempting desires. We further demonstrate that this “spoiled pleasure” effect can largely be explained by self-conscious emotions, as statistically accounting for guilt, pride, and regret as mediators reduced the observed hedonic gap to nonsignificance. The present findings challenge the assumption that the costs associated with temptation lie only in the future.
High fat, high sucrose diet causes cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction due in part to oxidative post-translational modification of mitochondrial complex II

Abstract Background : Diet-induced obesity leads to metabolic heart disease (MHD) characterized by increased oxidative stress that may cause oxidative post-translational modifications (OPTM) of cardiac mitochondrial proteins. The functional consequences of OPTM of cardiac mitochondrial proteins in MHD are unknown. Our objective was to determine whether cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in MHD due to diet-induced obesity is associated with cysteine OPTM. Methods and results : Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) or control diet for 8 months. Cardiac mitochondria from HFHS-fed mice ( vs. control diet) had an increased rate of H 2 O 2 production, a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, a decreased rate of complex II substrate-driven ATP synthesis and decreased complex II activity. Complex II substrate-driven ATP synthesis and complex II activity were partially restored ex-vivo by reducing conditions. A biotin switch assay showed that HFHS feeding increased cysteine OPTM in complex II subunits A (SDHA) and B (SDHB). Using iodo-TMT multiplex tags we found that HFHS feeding is associated with reversible oxidation of cysteines 89 and 231 in SDHA, and 100, 103 and 115 in SDHB. Conclusions : MHD due to consumption of a HFHS “Western” diet causes increased H 2 O 2 production and oxidative stress in cardiac mitochondria associated with decreased ATP synthesis and decreased complex II activity. Impaired complex II activity and ATP production are associated with reversible cysteine OPTM of complex II. Possible sites of reversible cysteine OPTM in SDHA and SDHB were identified by iodo-TMT tag labeling. Mitochondrial ROS may contribute to the pathophysiology of MHD by impairing the function of complex II. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Mitochondria: From Basic Mitochondrial Biology to Cardiovascular Disease".
The Phonetic History of Korean Numerals

The purpose of this paper is, first, to survey the history of the linguistic study of Korean numerals. Secondly, drawing from dialectal information, Old and Middle Korean, and employing the facts of Korean historical linguistics, the proto-Silla (not proto Korean) numerals will be reconstructed. If some Korean Altaic etymologies conflict with the facts from Korean historical linguistics, the Altaic etymologies rather than the facts from Korean historical linguistics will be abandoned. This is a necessary procedure because the tendency in Korean and Western scholarship is that, no matter how much Korean historical linguistics advances, its findings are often ignored as soon as the discussion turns to Korean-Altaic linguistic comparisons.
Compatibility path based binding algorithm for interconnect reduction in high level synthesis

This paper describes a register and functional unit (FU) binding algorithm in high level synthesis. Our algorithm targets the reduction of multiplexer inputs. Since multiplexers connect multiple inputs to FUs or registers, the multiplexer count is a good indicator of the interconnect complexity. Reducing the number of multiplexer inputs results in reducing interconnect cost. Specifically, our algorithm constructs a weighted and ordered compatibility graph, and binds operations that form a long path in the graph together. As a result, operations with many flow dependencies and common inputs are bound to same FU, leading to a small number of FU inputs. In addition, the operation variables generated by a single FU are assigned to the same register so that connections between FUs and registers are reduced. We have implemented our algorithm within a MATLAB to Verilog conversion tool, and applied it to a suite of benchmark programs. Our experimental results have shown that the proposed scheme achieves 11.8%, 43.6% and 58.8% multiplexer input count reduction on average over weighted bipartite matching algorithm, k-cofamily algorithm and left edge algorithm, respectively. To assess the impact on interconnect reduction, we have generated layouts of the circuits from our Verilog description. It is shown that our approach delivers a 10.1% reduction in total wire-length of global interconnects with minor area overhead of register and FUs in comparison to the best previously proposed scheme.
Fully-passive and wireless detection of very-low-power brain signals

A fully-passive and wireless neurosensing system is presented for acquisition of very-low-power brain signals. The system can detect neuropotentials as low as 50μVpp in frequency-domain. This is an improvement of up to 22dB in sensitivity compared to previously reported neuropotentials. Importantly, it implies reading of most known and useful brain signals. Currently, the system can also recover neuropotentials down to 200μVpp in time-domain. This remarkable sensitivity is enabled by: (a) an anti-parallel diode pair (APDP) implanted mixer that performs harmonic mixing with high conversion efficiency, and (b) a pair of highly-coupled interrogator and implanted antennas. The proposed neurosensing system creates transformational health-status monitoring possibilities for a very wide range of applications.
Calcium currents of olfactory bulb juxtaglomerular cells: profile and multiple conductance plateau potential simulation.

Abstract The olfactory glomerulus is the locus of information transfer between olfactory sensory neurons and output neurons of the olfactory bulb. Juxtaglomerular cells (JGCs) may influence intraglomerular processing by firing plateau potentials that support multiple spikes. It is unclear what inward currents mediate this firing pattern. In previous work, we characterized potassium currents of JGCs. We focus here on the inward currents using whole cell current clamp and voltage recording in a rat in vitro slice preparation, as well as computer simulation. We first showed that sodium current was not required to mediate plateau potentials. Voltage clamp characterization of calcium current (I Ca ) determined that I Ca consisted of a slow activating, rapidly inactivating (τ 10%-90% rise 6–8 ms, τ inactivation 38–77 ms) component I cat1 , similar to T-type currents, and a sustained (τ inactivation >>500 ms) component I cat2 , likely composed of L-type and P/Q-type currents. We used computer simulation to test their roles in plateau potential firing. We robustly modeled I cat1 and I cat2 to Hodgkin-Huxley schemes (m 3 h and m 2 , respectively) and simulated a JGC plateau potential with six conductances: calcium currents as above, potassium currents from our prior study (A-type I kt1 , D-type I kt2 , delayed rectifier I kt3 ), and a fast sodium current (I Na ). We demonstrated that I cat1 was required for mediating the plateau potential, unlike I Na and I cat2 , and its τ inactivation determined plateau duration. We also found that I kt1 dictated plateau potential shape more than I kt2 and I kt3 . The influence of these two transient and opposing conductances suggests a unique mechanism of plateau potential physiology.
OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS CONDITIONS IN GAS-ASSISTED INJECTION MOLDING

Gas-assisted injection molding has been widely used to provide promising solutions to problems in conventional molding. With additional process parameters introduced, optimization in gas-assisted injection molding is much more complex than in conventional injection molding. This paper proposes an automated design methodology for gas-assisted injection molding with robustness in consideration. By introducing a definition of gas penetration cost, the optimization problems dealing with multiple quality issues can be modeled as constrained optimization problems, with the gas penetration cost as main objective function and other quality quantities as constraints. A direct search-based optimization procedure, the Complex method, is used to optimize a bounded single-criterion problem. To illustrate the proposed methodology, a case study is carried out on simulation results.
Gain and recovery dynamics of lithographically-defined quantum dot amplifiers

We directly measure the optical gain and threshold current of lithographically-defined quantum dots. A peak groundstate gain of 1.8 cm−1 is determined. We also measure the recovery dynamics of the groundstate with the device biased above and below transparency using ultrafast differential transmission spectroscopy.
Functional Analysis of Mosquito-Borne Flavivirus Conserved Sequence Elements within 3′ Untranslated Region of West Nile Virus by Use of a Reporting Replicon That Differentiates between Viral Translation and RNA Replication

We have developed a reporting replicon of West Nile virus (WNV) that could be used to quantitatively distinguish viral translation and RNA replication. A Renilla luciferase (Rluc) gene was fused in-frame with the open reading frame of a subgenomic replicon in the position where the viral structural region was deleted, resulting in RlucRep. Transfection of BHK cells with RlucRep RNA yielded two distinctive Rluc signal peaks, one between 2 and 10 h and the other after 26 h posttransfection. By contrast, only the 2- to 10-h Rluc signal peak was observed in cells transfected with a mutant replicon containing an inactivated viral polymerase NS5 (RlucRep-NS5mt). Immunofluorescence and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assays showed that the levels of viral protein expression and RNA replication increased in cells transfected with the RlucRep but not in those transfected with the RlucRep-NS5mt. These results suggest that the Rluc signal that occurred at 2 to 10 h posttransfection reflects viral translation of the input replicon, while the Rluc activity after 26 h posttransfection represents RNA replication. Using this system, we showed that mutations of conserved sequence (CS) elements within the 3' untranslated region of the mosquito-borne flaviviruses did not significantly affect WNV translation but severely diminished or completely abolished RNA replication. Mutations of CS1 that blocked the potential base pairing with a conserved sequence in the 5' region of the capsid gene (5'CS) abolished RNA replication. Restoration of the 5'CS-CS1 interaction rescued viral replication. Replicons containing individual deletions of CS2, repeated CS2 (RCS2), CS3, or RCS3 were viable, but their RNA replication was dramatically compromised. These results demonstrate that genome cyclization through the 5'CS-CS1 interaction is essential for WNV RNA replication, whereas CS2, RCS2, CS3, and RCS3 facilitate, but are dispensable for, WNV replication.
Quantifying light absorption by organic carbon in Western North American snow by serial chemical extractions

Light-absorbing particulates (LAPs) in snow, namely black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and iron oxides, can reduce snow albedo and influence regional and global climate. Partitioning light absorption by LAPs to BC and non-BC (i.e., OC and iron oxides) is important yet difficult due to both technical limitations and the complicated nature of LAPs. In this work, we applied serial chemical extractions on LAP samples acquired from snow samples in western North America to study the light absorption by different types of OC. We also estimated the light absorption due to iron oxides. Based on these chemical analyses, we then compared our estimation of the non-BC light absorption with that from an optical method. The results suggest that humic-like substances (sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-soluble), polar OCs (methanol-soluble), and iron oxides are responsible for 9%, 4%, and 14% (sample means) of the total light absorption, respectively, in our samples, though it should also be noted that there is great variance in these means. The total light absorption due to non-BC LAPs estimated by chemical methods is lower than that estimated by optical method by about 10% in all sampling regions. Reasons for this difference are explored.
Dual-band circularly-polarized microstrip antenna for Ku/Ka band statellite communication arrays

The design of an antenna element for concurrent Ku-band and Ka-band operation is presented. The antenna element is designed on multi-layered PCB, as part of a phased array system with direct RF integrated circuits (RFICs) integration. Full-wave 3D electromagnetic simulations are presented.
The history of avian extinction and forest conversion on Puerto Rico

Abstract During the process of human settlement and development from 1508 to 1980, the island of Puerto Rico was deforested at a geometric rate. By 1900 less than 1% of its forests remained, though the shading canopy of the coffee plantations, covering nearly 9% of the island, contained remnant dominant individual trees. Concurrent with deforestation, the island's inhabitants selectively persecuted larger birds. These factors combined to produce at least an 11·6% avian extinction rate during the period. Finally, this study illustrates that deforestation is an important ultimate factor behind species loss, but notes that humans are the primary proximate one.
The Russian 1996 Presidential Election: Referendum on Democracy or a Personality Contest?

Abstract Assessments of the 1996 Russian presidential election have produced a cacophony of theories concerning the factors that led to Boris Yeltsin's victory over his second-round opponent, Gennaddii Zyuganov. As scholars have attempted to put the development of Russian elections into perspective, many have used this election as a means of unearthing the factors that may prove vital for the sustenance of democracy. Examining survey data collected in Russia during the spring of 1997 and comparing it with other pre- and post-election data, we find that the election can be understood as reflecting short term performance, candidate images and economic orientations rather than a profound referendum on the type of political system preferred by the Russian people.
Apparent synaptic dopamine deficiency induced by withdrawal from chronic cocaine treatment

Abstract The effects on motor behavior and forebrain dopamine (DA) synaptic function of withdrawal from chronic cocaine treatment were examined with simultaneous activity monitoring and microdialysis in nucleus accumbens. Rats exhibited behavioral sensitization to daily 30 mg/kg i.p. cocaine. After 18 days of daily cocaine and 7 days of withdrawal, dialysate DA and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels were reduced 36–38%, consistent with a synaptic DA deficiency.
Theory of trapped-ion-temperature-gradient-driven turbulence and transport in low-collisionality plasmas

A novel theory for the nonlinear evolution of the trapped‐ion‐temperature‐gradient‐driven mode, based on the turbulent trapping of resonant ions in the electrostatic potential of the waves, is proposed. A statistical description is adopted whereby the self‐consistent evolution of the two‐point correlation function of the trapped‐particle distribution function is followed in phase space. Threshold‐dependent, non‐steady‐state turbulence (nonlinear instability) is shown to develop when the decay of the correlation function is overcome by a source term that derives its free energy from the relaxation of the average distribution function. This nonlinear instability leads to anomalous thermal and particle transport that in turn reconfigure the equilibrium temperature and density profiles in such a way as to return the system toward its marginal point. Expressions for the nonlinear dispersion relation and threshold, as well as estimates of the thermal and particle transport level, are derived. The estimated flux levels are sufficiently high as to make any significant departure away from marginality unlikely. The scenario outlined serves to underscore the desirability for pellet injection in experimental devices such as the Compact Ignition Tokamak [Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 32, 1921 (1987)] that operate in the very low ion collisionality regime where this mode would be expected to become relevant. As with a number of recent theories, the present work further reinforces the notion that unfavorably drifting trapped particles pose a serious menace to confinement and suggests inboard, off‐axis radio‐frequency heating as one means of reducing the size of this population, at least for the case of those energetic trapped particles created during auxiliary heating.
Integration of Extracellular and Intracellular Calcium Signals via Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR)

Ca2+, both as a first and a second messenger, is closely involved in the modulation and regulation of numerous important cellular events, such as cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Fine-tuned Ca2+ signaling is achieved by its reversible or irreversible binding to a repertoire of Ca2+ signaling molecules. Among them, the extracellular calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) senses Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) in the milieu outside of cells where Ca2+ serves as a first messenger. An array of naturally-occurring mutations in CaSR has been found in patients with inherited disorders of Ca2+ homeostasis, leading to abnormal intracellular responses toward [Ca2+]o.In the present study, we have computationally predicted and experimentally characterized the metal-binding properties of five Ca2+-binding pockets within the extracellular domain of CaSR. Two complementary methods of grafting approach and the subdomain approach were used to probe site specific and cooperative metal binding as well as metal induced conformational change. Based on our results, a model has been proposed to explain the distinct CaSR-mediated responses toward diseases related-abnormally “high” or “low” extracellular Ca2+ levels. We here further demonstrate that the cytosolic terminal is essential for proper intracellular Ca2+ response to external signals.
Physician assistant and nurse practitioner utilization in radiation oncology within an academic medical center.

Abstract Purpose: To assess the utilization of physician extenders working in radiation oncology in an academic medical center and to identify opportunities to improve their utilization. Methods and Materials: A workload analysis and patient flow analysis were conducted on physician extenders employed by the University of Michigan Health System Radiation Oncology Department in order to better understand their utilization and impact on patient flow. Results: Nearly half (46%) of physician extender time was spent performing indirect patient care. Physician extenders performed most (84.3%) of the first encounters for follow-up appointments; however, these patients were seen independently by physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) only 51% of the time. Physician extenders perceived their utilization within the department would be improved with well-defined position goals (80%), less clerical work (40%), more involvement in treatment planning (40%), more training (40%), and more involvement with new patient consults (20%). Physicians felt the utilization of physician extenders could be improved by providing more training (33%), increased physician extender involvement in treatment planning (22%), increased physician extender involvement in new patient consults (11%), and increased autonomy (11%). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of collecting data to allow for evaluation of PA and NP performance and utilization. We have highlighted a unique methodology for analyzing physician extender duties and workflow that could be employed by other organizations and medical practices, regardless of specialty, to examine PA and NP deployment and to identify opportunities to optimize their utilization.
Evaluation of a new staging classification and a Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score (PSDSS) in 229 patients with mucinous appendiceal neoplasms with or without peritoneal dissemination

Introduction Most classifications of mucinous appendiceal neoplasms (MAN) do not take into consideration the type of primary tumor or the burden of peritoneal disease. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective evaluation of 229 patients with MAN. The severity of their disease was analyzed with the Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score (PSDSS) on a five-point scale that included: (1) the primary appendiceal tumor, (2) the type of peritoneal dissemination, and (3) the burden of disease. Overall survival was analyzed according to five tiers of estimated disease severity based on the above parameters. Results There were 19, 67, 59, 43, and 41 patients with PSDSS 0, I, II, III, and IV, respectively. One hundred seventy-three patients underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Overall survival was 80.0 months in this group with 5-year survival of 100%, 79.2%, 23.3%, and 6.9% in patients with PSDSS I, II, III, and IV, respectively (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, sex and PSDSS stage were identified as independent predictors of survival. Conclusions The PSDSS appears to be an important prognostic indicator in patients with MANs with or without peritoneal dissemination and may improve selection of patients for appropriate therapy from the time of diagnosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:656–660. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discourse Analysis A Sociocultural Perspective

Discourse analysis is one of the principal methodologies of sociocultural research in education. sociocultural research focuses on understanding how cognitive, social, cultural, affective, and communicative factors influence instruction. we review how sociocultural theory conceptualizes teaching and learning, some fundamental constructs of both the theory and the methodology, and the basic guidelines for discourse analysis. we discuss the applications of sociocultural theory and discourse analysis to remedial and special education by focusing on three areas of research: the social construction of disability, contingent instruction between adults and learners, and miscommunication between adults and working class or minority students.
A Theory of Household Automobile Allocation Decisions

A theory of the decision-making behavior of urban households in allocating the use of their automobiles among essential travel purposes is developed. This theory begins to assess interdependence of household members with respect to their tripmaking behavior. The nature of trips to be made is predetermined by fixing the extent to which essential purposes must be served. Also, limits on household automobile availability and the importance of trip timing are recognized. Mathematical programs are developed based upon the assumption that households attempt to minimize travel costs in terms of both time and money required to achieve essential purposes subject to constraints on automobile availability.
Reduction of N‐(Phenylsulfonyl)pyrroles with Sodium Cyanoborohydride in Trifluoroacetic Acid.

The reaction mentioned in the title converts the N-phenylsulfonylindols (I) to the corresponding indolines (II).
An accurate scheme for the numerical solution of the time domain electric field integral equation

Time domain integral equation (TDIE) based methods for the solution of electromagnetic scattering and radiation problems have steadily increased in popularity. The accuracy of TDIE techniques remains largely unstudied. Though methods for improving the accuracy and convergence properties of the spatial discretization of TDIEs can be based on well-known frequency domain method of moments (MoM) techniques, temporal discretization methods are still poorly understood. In this work, a band-limited interpolation function (BLIF) is used as the temporal basis function to improve this state of affairs. It is shown that TDIE solutions created using BLIFs for temporal interpolation converge exponentially to the solution provided by the MoM with the amount of work required to produce them. In addition, unlike the method presented by Weile, Shanker, Ergin, and Michielssen (see Antennas and Propagation International Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, 2000), the method presented here is shown to work on both the electric and magnetic field integral equations.
Current Status of Gadolinium Toxicity in Patients with Kidney Disease

Gadolinium-based contrast (GBC) agents have recently been the subject of intense interest for physicians across numerous specialties. These agents are widely used as contrast for magnetic resonance imaging and have been generally considered safe. Early on, phase III trials and small studies in low-risk patients suggested a benign renal profile; however, more recent studies raised the possibility of nephrotoxicity, although it is not clear whether it approaches the incidence of nephropathy associated with iodinated radiocontrast. In 2006, reports of a rare systemic fibrosing condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) were recently linked to exposure of patients with advanced kidney disease to GBC agents. Analysis of the data suggests that certain GBC agents are more likely to be associated with NSF. Also, not all patients with kidney disease are at risk for developing NSF, only those with advanced acute or chronic kidney disease. Avoidance of GBC exposure is the best approach for high-risk patients. When GBC is required to obtain optimal images, use of low dosages of more stable macrocyclic agents is safer and preferred. This article reviews the current status of GBC agents as nephrotoxins and causes of NSF and provides opinions on how to use these agents in patients with underlying kidney disease.
Pyrophosphate, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Vascular Calcification

To the Editor: In their editorial on vascular calcification, Demer and Tintut1 incorrectly state that pyrophosphate reduces calcification by inhibiting alkaline phosphatase. Actually, the opposite is true. Alkaline phosphatase promotes calcification by reducing pyrophosphate levels. Pyrophosphate is a substrate for alkaline phosphatase,2 and …
Religious involvement and depressive symptoms among Mexican-origin adults in California.

A burgeoning literature has documented generally salutary relationships between various aspects of religious involvement and mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms. However, few of these studies have focused on Latinos (Hispanics), who now constitute the largest ethnic minority population in the United States. Our work addresses this gap in the literature. A number of hypotheses concerning main and contingent effects of religious attendance, salience, and consolation-seeking are developed and tested, using data on a large (N=3,012) sample of Mexican-origin adults drawn in the Fresno, CA area in 1995–1996. An initial inverse association between religious attendance and depressive symptoms disappears with controls for supportive social ties. However, an apparently salutary association between religious salience and depression persists despite all statistical controls; this relationship is present among both men and women, but it is significantly stronger for women. Contrary to expectations, there are signs that religious involvement may exacerbate the deleterious effects of discrimination and acculturation stress on depressive symptoms. A number of study implications, limitations, and directions for future research is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patellofemoral Contact Pressures and Lateral Patellar Translation after Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

BackgroundOvertensioning of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstructions may lead to adverse surgical outcomes.HypothesisIncreasing tension on a medial patellofemoral ligament graft will increase patellofemoral contact forces and decrease lateral patellar translation.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsPatellofemoral contact pressures were measured in 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees before and after transection of the medial patellofemoral ligament and after a standardized reconstruction surgery. Contact pressures were measured at 3 knee angles (30°, 60°, and 90°) and under 3 levels of tension applied to the graft (2, 10, and 40 N). For each condition, patellar translation was measured at 30° of knee flexion as a 22-N lateral force was applied.ResultsGraft tension of 2 N restored normal translation, but 10 N and 40 N significantly restricted motion (5.2 mm and 1.9 mm, respectively). Compared with the intact knee, medial patellofemoral contact pressures significantly increased (P < .05) when 40...
Shared ancestry influences community stability by altering competitive interactions: evidence from a laboratory microcosm experiment using freshwater green algae

The impact of biodiversity on the stability of ecological communities has been debated among biologists for more than a century. Recently summarized empirical evidence suggests that biodiversity tends to enhance the temporal stability of community-level properties such as biomass; however, the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship remain poorly understood. Here, we report the results of a microcosm study in which we used simplified systems of freshwater microalgae to explore how the phylogenetic relatedness of species influences the temporal stability of community biomass by altering the nature of their competitive interactions. We show that combinations of two species that are more evolutionarily divergent tend to have lower temporal stability of biomass. In part, this is due to negative ‘selection effects’ in which bicultures composed of distantly related species are more likely to contain strong competitors that achieve low biomass. In addition, bicultures of distantly related species had on average weaker competitive interactions, which reduced compensatory dynamics and decreased the stability of community biomass. Our results demonstrate that evolutionary history plays a key role in controlling the mechanisms, which give rise to diversity–stability relationships. As such, patterns of shared ancestry may help us predict the ecosystem-level consequences of biodiversity loss.
Nucleus accumbens inhibits specific motor but not nonspecific classically conditioned responses

A classical leg flexion conditioning paradigm was used to elicit specific motor responses, as well as nonspecific responses requiring less involvement of the motor system, in cats. Stimulating and lesioning the nucleus accumbens differentially affected these two types of responses. The specific conditioned responses, leg flexion and vocalization, were suppressed by stimulation and enhanced by lesions of the nucleus accumbens. The nonspecific responses, changes in respiration rate and amplitude, and in heart rate, were affected inconsistently or not at all. This suggests a role for the nucleus accumbens in the inhibition of motor components of learned emotional responses, and is consistent with hypotheses holding that the nucleus accumbens gates the access of the limbic system to motor systems.