cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of vegetative growth and gene flow in Rhizopogon vinicolor and R. vesiculosus (Boletales, Basidiomycota)

We have collected sporocarps and tuberculate ectomycorrhizae of both Rhizopogon vinicolor and Rhizopogon vesiculosus from three 50 × 100 m plots located at Mary’s Peak in the Oregon Coast Range (USA); linear map distances between plots ranged from c . 1 km to c . 5.5 km. Six and seven previously developed microsatellite markers were used to map the approximate size and distribution of R. vinicolor and R. vesiculosus genets, respectively. Genetic structure within plots was analysed using spatial autocorrelation analyses. No significant clustering of similar genotypes was detected in either species when redundant samples from the same genets were culled from the data sets. In contrast, strong clustering was detected in R. vesiculosus when all samples were analysed, but not in R. vinicolor . These results demonstrate that isolation by distance does not occur in either species at the intraplot sampling scale and that clonal propagation (vegetative growth) is significantly more prevalent in R. vesiculosus than in R. vinicolor . Significant genetic differentiation was detected between some of the plots and appeared greater in the more clonal species R. vesiculosus with Φ Φ Φ ST values ranging from 0.010 to 0.078*** than in R. vinicolor with Φ ST values ranging from − − − 0.002 to 0.022** (* P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, *** P < 0.001). When tested against the null hypothesis of no relationship between individuals, parentage analysis detected seven likely parent/offspring pairs in R. vinicolor and four in R. vesiculosus (α α α = 0.001). Of these 11 possible parent/offspring pairs, only two R. vinicolor pairs were still supported as parent/offspring when tested against the alternative hypothesis of being full siblings (α = 0.05). In the latter two cases, parent and offspring were located at approximately 45 m and 28 m from each other. Challenges to parentage analysis in ectomycorrhizal fungi are discussed.
More Evidence Supporting the Ban of Ephedra Dietary Supplements

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2004 May, Volume 38 895 In this issue of The Annals, researchers from the Central Ohio Poison Control Center conducted a study to identify populations at increased risk for adverse events (AEs) secondary to ephedra weight-loss supplements.1 The researchers used information provided by individual callers to their poison center. The data were cross-tabulated in relationship to demographics such as patient weight, age, gender, and medical history.
Chromatin-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria is a major public health problem in many developing countries, with the malignant tertian parasite Plasmodium falciparum causing the most malaria-associated mortality. Extensive research, especially with the advancement of genomics and transfection tools, has highlighted the fundamental importance of chromatin-mediated gene regulation in the developmental program of this early-branching eukaryote. The Plasmodium parasite genomes reveal the existence of both canonical and variant histones that make up the nucleosomes, as well as a full collection of conserved enzymes for chromatin remodeling and histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Recent studies have identified a wide array of both conserved and novel histone PTMs in P. falciparum, indicating the presence of a complex and divergent "histone code." Genome-wide analysis has begun to decipher the nucleosome landscape and histone modifications associated with the dynamic organization of chromatin structures during the parasite's life cycle. Focused studies on malaria-specific phenomena such as antigenic variation and red cell invasion pathways shed further light on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in these processes. Here we review our current understanding of chromatin-mediated gene regulation in malaria parasites, with specific reference to exemplar studies on antigenic variation and host cell invasion.
Vacancy formation enthalpy at high pressures in tantalum

Using a mixed basis pseudopotential method, total energy calculations were performed to obtain the enthalpy of vacancy formation in Ta as a function of pressure, which is important for understanding the effects of pressure on mechanical properties. The vacancy formation enthalpy is found to increase from 2.95 eV at ambient pressures to 12.86 eV at 300 GPa, and the vacancy formation volume decreases from being 53 ± 5% of the bulk volume per atom at ambient pressure to 20 ± 2% at 300 GPa, for a 54-atom supercell. We also show that there is a strong correspondence between the vacancy formation enthalpy and the melting temperature in Ta.
Control of bovine hepatic fatty acid oxidation.

Fatty acid oxidation by bovine liver slices and mitochondria was examined to determine potential regulatory sites of fatty acid oxidation. Conversion of 1-[14C]palmitate to 14CO2 and total [14C]acid-soluble metabolites was used to measure fatty acid oxidation. Oxidation of palmitate (1 mM) was linear in both liver slice weight and incubation time. Carnitine stimulated palmitate oxidation; 2 mM dl-carnitine produced maximal stimulation of palmitate oxidation to both CO2 and acid-soluble metabolites. Propionate (10 mM) inhibited palmitate oxidation by bovine liver slices. Clofenapate, an inhibitor of fatty acid esterification, alone increased palmitate oxidation and was able to prevent the propionate-induced inhibition of palmitate oxidation by liver slices. Propionate (.5 to 10 mM) had no effect on palmitate oxidation by mitochondria, but malonyl Coenzyme A, the first committed intermediate of fatty acid synthesis, inhibited mitochondrial palmitate oxidation (inhibition constant = .3 microM). Liver mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.21) exhibited Michaelis constants for palmitoyl Coenzyme A and l-carnitine of 11.5 microM and .59 mM, respectively. Long-chain fatty acid oxidation in bovine liver is regulated by mechanisms similar to those in rats but adapted to the unique digestive physiology of the bovine.
Power trends and performance characterization of 3-dimensional integration for future technology generations

3-D technology promises higher integration density and lower interconnection complexity and delay. At present, however, not much work on circuit applications has been done due to lack of insight into 3-D circuit architecture and performance. One of the purposes of realizing 3-D integration is to reduce the interconnect complexity and delay of 2-D, which are widely avowed as the barriers to the continued performance gain in the future technology generations. Therefore, in this paper, we present a stochastic 3-D interconnect model, study the impact of 3-D integration on circuit performance and power consumption. We show that 3-D structures effectively reduce the number of long delay nets, significantly reduce the number of repeaters, and dramatically improve the circuit performance. With 3-D integration, circuits can be clocked at frequencies much higher (double, even triple) than with 2-D. However, we also show that the impacts of vertical wires on chip area and interconnect delay can be limiting factors on the vertical integration of device layers; and that 3-D integration offers limited relief of power consumption.
Playing Princess: Preschool Girls’ Interpretations of Gender Stereotypes in Disney Princess Media

Through their 11 official princesses, Disney circulates powerful and consistent messages regarding gender norms and roles. Inspired by the princesses’ ubiquity in the lives of young girls, we examined how preschool girls interpreted gender-role stereotypes in Disney Princess media both through their pretend play behaviors and their discussions of the princesses. Participants included 31 3- to 5-year-old girls who represented an array of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and who came from four classes at two preschools in rural New England. Data collected from a variety of methods, including pretend play observations, semi-structured interviews, and parent questionnaires revealed participants’ stereotypical beliefs about the princesses and their adherence to gendered behaviors when enacting the princesses. Thematic analyses identified four themes that defined the participants’ princess play: beauty, focus on clothing and accessories, princess body movements, and exclusion of boys. The implications of gendered princess play are discussed in relation to the social cognitive theory of gender development and differentiation. Based on the outcomes of our study, parents and educators might reconsider the type and amount of media they provide their children, acknowledging the effects of these images on their children’s behaviors and understandings of gender.
Amplitude growth due to random, correlated kicks

The authors note that there appears to be good knowledge of the second moment for general stochastic processes due to stochastic cooling theory, but the form of the first moment is known only for extremely wideband (short correlation times) processes, such as gas scattering. In the present work, an attempt is made to derive an expression relating the expected single particle amplitude growth to the noise autocorrelation function and to obtain, thereby, the form of M/sub 1/ for narrowband processes (long correlation time). >
The Confusion Limit on Astrometry with the Space Interferometry Mission

An important requirement for the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) is to carry out precision astrometry in crowded fields. This capability is crucial, for example, to accurately measure proper motions of bright stars in nearby galaxies. From such measurements, one can obtain distance estimates, explore the dynamics of these systems, and measure the mass of the Milky Way itself. In this paper, we investigate errors introduced by confusion, i.e., the presence of objects other than the targeted star in the SIM field of view (FOV). Using existing Hubble Space Telescope images of fields in M31, the LMC, and the Galaxy, we simulate the background within the SIM FOV and estimate the errors in the measured position of the target star. Our simulations account for the error contribution from photon statistics. We also study the effects of pointing imperfections when a field is revisited, which result in errors in the measured proper motion. We use the simulations to explore the measurement accuracy of several SIM key programs that will require crowded field astrometry. In M31, the error in the absolute position of the targets could be significant for all but the brightest targets. Our results also indicate that, in the case of the brightest targets in M31 and for all likely target magnitudes in the other cases, confusion-induced proper-motion errors are well within the SIM requirements. However, targets that vary in flux between measurements can be susceptible to enhanced proper-motion errors. We also find that, for an on-source integration time of 1 hr, photon noise is larger than or of comparable magnitude to the confusion-induced position error for bright targets and dominates over proper-motion error in most cases.
Assessment protocol for identifying preferred social consequences

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit deficits in social behavior. Because social consequences may be ineffective or evoke undesirable behavior, teaching interventions for this population may rely heavily on edible or activity reinforcers. This report describes a method, appropriate for young children with ASD, for rapidly identifying social reinforcers and assessing relative preferences among social consequences. The free-operant behavior of three such children was analyzed in three Social Consequence conditions that alternated with an Extinction condition. The results identified some social consequences that functioned as reinforcers and others to which the child was relatively indifferent. The implications of this study may be particularly pertinent for teaching behavior, like joint attention skills, that is maintained by social reinforcers in the natural environment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Setting Planned Leadtimes in Serial Production Systems with Tardiness Costs

We investigate the problem of determining optimal planned leadtimes in serial production systems in which the actual procurement and processing times may be stochastic. The objective is to minimize the sum of inventory holding costs and job tardiness costs given a customer specified due-date. We present a general solution procedure for two stage serial systems, which for most cost structures and leadtime distributions is a single-pass algorithm. We also indicate how the procedure can be extended to N-stage systems. We present computational results which provide some insight into the characteristics of optimal safety time policies.
A Systematic Review of Factors Utilized in Preconception Health Behavior Research

This systematic review critically synthesizes the literature focusing on factors related to preconception health behaviors (PCHBs) among childbearing age women in the United States, developed countries, and developing countries. Ovid Medline and CINAHL databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 1998 and 2008 relating to PCHB. Six major categories of factors were identified: frequency of alcohol intake prior and during pregnancy, glycemic control/diabetes management, physical activity before and during pregnancy, pregnancy planning behavior, cystic fibrosis carrier screening, and other risk factors. A critical finding of this review is that knowledge, awareness, and beliefs of preconception care do not lead to preconception health practice. Younger preconceptional women and women with children were less likely to engage in PCHB. However, women with advanced postgraduate education were more likely to practice preconception care. There is an urgent need to educate young preconceptional women regarding the importance and benefits of practicing preconception care.
A patient-centered early warning system to prevent readmission after colorectal surgery: a national consensus using the Delphi method.

Background Warnings of deteriorating condition provided to patients at hospital discharge are highly subjective, based on conventional wisdom, and lack systematic implementation. We conducted a standardized Delphi process to achieve national consensus on warning indicators and recommended action plans for patients after colorectal surgery. Study Design Expert panel eligibility was determined by pre-established criteria. A preliminary meeting was held at a national surgical conference followed by 5 rounds of email questionnaires and 1 teleconference using the Delphi method. Consensus was defined when at least 70% of the experts rated a symptom as 4 or more on a 5-point Likert scale (agree or strongly agree). Results Eleven experts were recruited to participate in the national consensus panel. A consensus was reached at Round 5. Experts identified 10 symptoms that indicate patients should notify their physician: "wound drainage," "wound opening," "wound redness or changes in the skin around the wound," "no bowel movement or lack of gas/stool from an ostomy for more than 24 hours," "increasing abdominal pain," "vomiting," "abdominal swelling," "high ostomy output and/or dark urine or no urine," "fever greater than 101.5°F," and "not being able to take anything by mouth for more than 24 hours." Two additional symptoms should alert the patient to seek emergency care: "shortness of breath or inability to breathe" and "chest pain." Conclusions Expert consensus on discharge warning signs and appropriate action plans are identified for patients after colorectal surgery. The result of this study will help develop a more sophisticated patient-centered discharge tool for surgical patients.
Factitious Illness—Red Flags for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician

Factitious illness occurs when a caregiver exaggerates, falsifies, and/or induces symptoms of illness in a child. Emergency care providers are often in a unique position to evaluate these children and may be the first to recognize that factitious illness is present. The varied and unusual presentations of this entity present diagnostic challenges for the medical provider. Using a case-based approach, this article identifies important red flags that should alert the emergency care clinician to consider the possibility that a child is the victim of factitious illness.
Hardwood biochar and manure co-application to a calcareous soil

Biochar may affect the mineralization rate of labile organic C sources such as manures via microbial community shifts, and subsequently affect nutrient release. In order to ascertain the positive or negative priming effect of biochar on manure, dairy manure (2% by wt.) and a hardwood-based, fast pyrolysis biochar were applied (0%, 1%, 2%, and 10% by wt.) to a calcareous soil. Destructive sampling occurred at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 months to monitor for changes in soil chemistry, water content, microbial respiration, bacterial populations, and microbial community structure. Overall results showed that increasing biochar application rate improved the soil water content, which may be beneficial in limited irrigation or rainfall areas. Biochar application increased soil organic C content and plant-available Fe and Mn, while a synergistic biochar-manure effect increased plant-available Zn. Compared to the other rates, the 10% biochar application lowered concentrations of NO3-N; effects appeared masked at lower biochar rates due to manure application. Over time, soil NO3-N increased likely due to manure N mineralization, yet soil NO3-N in the 10% biochar rate remained lower as compared to other treatments. In the presence of manure, only the 10% biochar application caused subtle microbial community structure shifts by increasing the relative amounts of two fatty acids associated with Gram-negative bacteria and decreasing Gram-positive bacterial fatty acids, each by ∼1%. Our previous findings with biochar alone suggested an overall negative priming effect with increasing biochar application rates, yet when co-applied with manure the negative priming effect was eliminated.
Effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide on steroid secretion and plasminogen activator activity in granulosa cells of the hen.

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of vasoactive intestinal pep tide (VIP) on steroidogenesis and plasminogen-activator (PA) activity in isolated granulosa cells of the largest preovulatory (F1) follicle of the hen. Vasoactive intestinal peptide, but not avian pancreatic polypeptide, the chicken VIP fragment (16-28) or the VIP congener, PHM-27, induced a dose-related increase in progesterone and androgen secretion, with an apparent median effective dose (ED50) of 5.9 x iOand 5.7 x 10� M, respectively. The effects of ViP were, at least in part, mediated by the adenylyl cyclase system in that cotreatment of cells with VIP and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), potentiated the steroidogenic effects. How- ever, the time course of action for VIP on steroidogenesis was considerably slower than that for the gonadotro- pin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and this was attributed to a slower induction of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-mono- phosphate (cAMP) formation within granulosa cells. Finally, VIP was found to be a potent inhibitor of PA ac- tivity, and this inhibition was potentiated by coincubation of ViP with JBMX. We suggest that, in the hen, VIP has a direct and speczfic action on both steroidogenesis and PA activity, and that these actions are medi- ated, at least in part, by the adenylyl cyclase system. The comparatively slow induction of cAMP formation by VIP suggests that this pep tide is involved in the control of cell differentiation and development rather than the ovulatory process.
Spontaneous recovery of photosensitivity by turkey breeder hens given prolonged exposure to long day lengths

Three experiments were done to examine spontaneous photosensitivity (SP) and the associated renewal of egg production in Large White turkey breeder hens. In experiment 1, hens were photostimulated with 16 h of light:8 h of dark in December for 54 wk. In experiment 2, SP was examined in a different season than experiment 1. One group of hens was recycled and then photostimulated with 16 h of light:8 h of dark for 23wk. Another group of hens was not recycled and received 16 h of light:8 h of dark throughout the experiment. Egg production was used to assess SP in both experiments 1 and 2. Experiment 3 was designed to produce SP and renewed egg production during prolonged exposure (64 wk) to constant, long day lengths and to evaluate circulating thyroid hormones immediately prior to the renewal of egg production. Egg production was recorded daily to assess SP, and blood samples were taken weekly for radioimmunoassay for thyroid hormones. In both experiments 1 and 2, there was SP and renewed egg production, and this occurred in the fall season. Egg production increased gradually from less than 5% to a peak of 67% (experiment 1) and 38% (experiment 2) in November. In experiment 3, SP occurred in the fall, and egg production increased gradually and was similar to control hens from 8 wk of lay to the end of the experiment. Both groups also had similar declines in egg production following a decrease in photoperiod at wk 24 of the experiment. In the 8-wk period preceding the onset of laying, there were no significant differences between control and SP hens in plasma thyroid hormone levels. In both groups, there was a significant time effect for plasma triiodothyronine, expressed as a parabolic pattern of change. It was concluded that for turkey hens maintained in prolonged and constant long day lengths that SP and renewal of egg production occurs in the fall season. This response was independent of season of photostimulation, did not alter photoresponsiveness to shorten day lengths, and was preceded by a parabolic increase in plasma triiodothyronine.
Treatment strategies for pelvic organ prolapse: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Introduction and hypothesis To compare the relative cost effectiveness of treatment decision alternatives for post-hysterectomy pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Microfluidic single-cell real-time PCR for comparative analysis of gene expression patterns

Single-cell quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) combined with high-throughput arrays allows the analysis of gene expression profiles at a molecular level in approximately 11 h after cell sample collection. We present here a high-content microfluidic real-time platform as a powerful tool for comparatively investigating the regulation of developmental processes in single cells. This approach overcomes the limitations involving heterogeneous cell populations and sample amounts, and may shed light on differential regulation of gene expression in normal versus disease-related contexts. Furthermore, high-throughput single-cell qRT-PCR provides a standardized, comparative assay for in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying human pluripotent stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.
Sources of carbonaceous aerosols over the United States and implications for natural visibility

emissions, captures most of the variance in the observations (R 2 = 0.84 for EC, 0.67 for OC) with a low bias of 15% for EC and 26% for OC. Multiple linear regression to fit the IMPROVE data yields best estimates of 1998 U.S. sources of 0.60 Tg year 1 EC and 0.52 Tg year 1 OC from fossil fuel; 0.07 Tg year 1 EC and 0.89 Tg year 1 OC from biofuel; 0.08 Tg year 1 EC and 0.60 Tg year 1 OC from wildfires; and 1.10 Tg year 1 OC from vegetation. We find that fires in Mexico and Canada contributed 40–70% of annual mean natural EC in the United States for 1998 and 20–30% of annual mean natural OC. Transpacific transport from Asian pollution sources amounted to less than 10% of the natural EC and less than 2% of the natural OC; in contrast to ozone, we find that intercontinental transport of anthropogenic carbonaceous aerosols does not enhance significantly the natural background. IMPROVE observations and model simulations for the summer of 1995 show that Canadian fire emissions can produce large events of elevated EC and OC in the southeastern United States. Our best estimates of mean natural concentrations of EC and OC in the United States, using a model simulation with climatological monthly mean fire emissions, are 2–3 times higher than the default values recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for visibility calculations, except for OC in the eastern United States (16% lower). INDEX TERMS: 0305 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801); 0345 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Pollution—urban and regional (0305); 4801 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Aerosols (0305); KEYWORDS: carbonaceous aerosols, natural visibility, natural aerosol concentrations, trans-Pacific transport of aerosol, transboundary transport of aerosol, biomass burning aerosol
Biomedical Ontology MeSH Improves Document Clustering Qualify on MEDLINE Articles: A Comparison Study

Document clustering has been used for better document retrieval, document browsing, and text mining. In this paper, we investigate if biomedical ontology MeSH improves the clustering quality for MEDLINE articles. For this investigation, we perform a comprehensive comparison study of various document clustering approaches such as hierarchical clustering methods (single-link, complete-link, and complete link), bisecting K-means, K-means, and suffix tree clustering (STC) in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability. According to our experiment results, biomedical ontology MeSH significantly enhances clustering quality on biomedical documents. In addition, our results show that decent document clustering approaches, such as bisecting K-means, K-means and STC, gains some benefit from MeSH ontology while hierarchical algorithms showing the poorest clustering quality do not reap the benefit of MeSH ontology
No Man Is an Island: Reducing Diagnostic Delays in Undocumented Foreign-Born Persons Is Needed to Decrease the Risk of Tuberculosis Transmission

No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.…—John Donne, Meditation XVII, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions
Immunologic studies of hollow-fiber dialyzer extracts.

: Testing failed to detect free isocyanates in dialyzer rinses or significant levels of immunoglobulin E antibodies to isocyanate-protein conjugates in the serum of individuals reacting during hemodialysis with dialyzers containing Cuprophan membranes. Extended immunization of rabbits with Limulus lysate-reactive material from dialyzer rinses demonstrated antigenic activity of the rinse that appears to originate from cotton linters used in hollow-fiber membranes. The possibility that an immunologic response to these antigens may be a mechanism in adverse reactions to hemodialysis is discussed.
Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography of the uterine cervix during pregnancy

Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound evaluation of the uterine cervix were compared in a study of 186 pregnant women. An empty bladder made transabdominal ultrasound measurement of the cervix more difficult, while bladder filling resulted in significant lengthening of the transabdominal cervical measurement. In contrast, transvaginal ultrasound cervical measurement was possible in all but 1 patient. Normal transvaginal ultrasound cervical measurements were significantly shorter on average than transabdominal cervical measurements, but compared closely with prior transabdominal ultrasound studies in which bladder filling was carefully controlled. Significant cervical shortening was not noted in most patients with a clinical diagnosis of incompetent cervix.
On the correlation structure of multiplicity M scaling functions and wavelets

Studies the autocorrelation and cross-correlation structure of the scaling and wavelet functions associated with compactly supported orthonormal wavelet bases. These correlation structures play an important role in both wavelet-based interpolation and in answering the question of existence of scale-limited signals. It is shown how to efficiently compute the correlation functions approximately at the M-adic rationals. Furthermore, when the tight frame is, in particular, an orthonormal wavelet basis, it is shown that the approximations involved in the computation of the samples of the correlations cancel in a manner to make the computations exact. For the case of orthonormal wavelet bases, an attempt is made to give a complete description of the zeros at the M-adic rationals. An interesting fact that arises from the analysis is that all the correlation functions possible have infinitely many zeros in their support. >
Object permanence in five-month-old infants

Abstract A new method was devised to test object permanence in young infants. Five- month-old infants were habituated to a screen that moved back and forth through a 180-degree arc, in the manner of a drawbridge. After infants reached habituation, a box was centered behind the screen. Infants were shown two test events: a possible event and an impossible event. In the possible event, the screen stopped when it reached the occluded box; in the impossible event, the screen moved through the space occupied by the box. The results indicated that infants looked reliably longer at the impossible than at the possible event. This finding suggested that infants (1) understood that the box continued to exist, in its same location, after it was occluded by the screen, and (2) expected the screen to stop against the occluded box and were surprised, or puzzled, when it failed to do so. A control experiment in which the box was placed next to the screen provided support for this interpretation of the results. Together, the results of these experiments indicate that, contrary to Piaget's (1954) claims, infants as young as 5 months of age understand that objects continue to exist when occluded. The results also indicate that 5-month-old infants realize that solid objects do not move through the space occupied by other solid objects.
The structure of state covariances and its relation to the power spectrum of the input

We study the relationship between power spectra of stationary stochastic inputs to a linear filter and the corresponding state covariances, and identify the structure of positive-semidefinite matrices that qualify as state covariances of the filter. This structure is best revealed by a rank condition pertaining to the solvability of a linear equation involving the state covariance and the system matrices. We then characterize all input power spectra consistent with any specific state covariance. The parametrization of input spectra is achieved through a relation to solutions of an analytic interpolation problem which is analogous, but not equivalent, to a matricial Nehari problem.
The problem of ontology for spontaneous collapse theories

The question of how to interpret spontaneous collapse theories of quantum mechanics is an open one. One issue involves what link one should use to go from wave function talk to talk of ordinary macroscopic objects. Another issue involves whether that link should be taken ontologically seriously. In this paper, I ague that the link should be taken ontologically seriously; I argue against an ontology consisting solely of the wave function. I then consider three possible links: the fuzzy link, the accessible mass density link, and the mass density simpliciter link. I show that the first two links have serious anomalies which render them unacceptable. I show that the mass density simpliciter link, in contrast, is viable.
A Physical Monism: Time as the Sole Component of the Universe

"The idea of the measuring rod and the idea of the clock contained with it in the theory of relativity do not find their exact correspondence in the real world. It is also clear that the solid body and the clock do not in the conceptual edifice of physics play the part of irreducible elements, but that of composite structures, which may not play any independent part in theoretical physics." Albert Einstein. In modern physics study, applied perspectives in approach logically result ubiquitiously in the definition of existing of themselves constructions that connect with a physical reality only on the fact of perception of the initial phenomenon, the remainder built of conceptual entities and applied with the notion that if test of theory intersects with the empirical that it has a proposed validity. Thus any false notion providing a semblance of explanation can be pursued, possibly to false and acceptable constructions. Nearly, the total of all current pursuits involve elaborations of this type, parented from Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, which holds, though does not adhere, to, as a starting point immediate perceptions of time and distance/a geometry and energy/motion to approximate nature. This approach fails when a unity, unified concept is pursued, and common sense in the terms of ordinarily conceived plane geometry, ideas of elapsed time becomes replaced with dualisms, pluralities to account in logical addition for construed phenomenon (of which direct empirical testimony is again absent). Thus, with the current immediate sense notions of time and space a vast abstractness emerges that can give rise to question about initial ontology and epistemology. In this presentation, I wish to make and elucidate the components of an analogy that has taken many forms in the historical pursuit of scholarship (e.g. monism verses dualism), and to support a new argument, related to the above stated notion in the quotation from Albert Einstein, that the world construed, of the measuring rod and the clock as basic elements which do not find their exact correspondence in the real world, can also be construed with an exact correspondence to the real world with the element of commonly known, and applied to the inanimate, time from which distance and perspective can be gotten. It is also in this case that philosophical and/or scientific entailments of notions result in both philosophical and scientifically different, distinct and mutually exclusive results. A mistaken notion, not necessarily philosophical, concerning the perception of a difference in notions, (though essential in order to originate the pursuit), in the cognitive construction of a "clock" and, that which, may actually exist, and is assumed inherent to nature, is challenged.
Multimodality Imaging of the Gallbladder: Spectrum of Pathology and Associated Imaging Findings

A wide variety of inflammatory and neoplastic processes may affect the gallbladder. Gallstones are commonly encountered, and can result in both acute and chronic cholecystitis. Advanced acute cholecystitis can lead to a variety of complications, each with unique imaging findings. Adenomyomatosis and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis can result in gallbladder wall thickening which may mimic carcinoma. Polyps are frequently encountered and are typically benign. However, some imaging features of polyps are more suggestive of suspected carcinoma and necessitate surveillance or intervention. Gallbladder carcinoma usually presents as a subhepatic mass with liver invasion, generally portending a poor prognosis. Congenital anomalies, torsion, and traumatic injury are additional less-common entities that may affect the gallbladder. This article will describe the various diseases that affect the gallbladder and discuss the associated imaging appearances across multiple modalities.
Hybridization and Reproductive Performance in Gulls of the Larus glaucescens-occidentalis Complex

The Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) and the Western Gull (L. occidentalis occidentalis) hybridize along the Pacific Coast from Cape Flattery, Washington, south through central Oregon. A hybrid index, based on plumage and soft part colors, was used to study the distribution of morphotypes (e.g., pure and hybrid birds), mating patterns and reproductive performance at eight sympatric and two allopatric colonies. Mate choice appears to be weakly positive-assortative. In 1989 in the hybrid zone, L. o. occidentalis experienced significantly greater reproductive performance, measured as clutch size and egg volume difference, than either L. glaucescens or mixed pairs containing at least one hybrid individual. Although the hybrid zone has expanded somewhat in recent times, the midpoint of the zone and the relative proportion of morphotypes has remained stable. The hybrid zone is situated on a marine-ecotone. Within the hybrid zone, relative reproductive performance of L. o. occidentalis and hybrids may shift between years, whereas L. glaucescens may experience poor reproductive performance in all years. The selection-hybridization balance hypothesis may best explain the L. glaucescens-occidentalis hybrid zone.
Field Tests with In-Furrow and Seed Treatments of Systemic Insecticides on Cotton at Stoneville, Mississippi12

Systemic insecticides were evaluated for effect on insect control, plant stand, early fruiting, and yield of cotton in 1966 and 1967. Granular formulations of disulfoton, phorate, Allied Chemical GC-6506 (dimethyl p -(methylthio) phenyl phosphate), Hercules 13462 ( O,O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with N -(1-mercaptoethyl) succinimide), Niagara NIA-10242 (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate), and Union Carbide UC-21149 (2-methyl-2-(methylthio) propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl) oxime) applied with the seed at planting gave good initial control of tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds); UC-21149 gave the best residual control. Seed treated with Azodrin® (3-hydroxy- N -methyl- cis -crotonamide dimethyl phosphate), disulfoton, methomyl, Hercules 13462, and NIA-10242 gave fair to good initial control of thrips. Populations of other insect species did not become a problem. The treatments reduced stands in some tests but not in others. The control of thrips that was achieved with the systemic insecticides resulted in earlier fruiting of plants in 3 of the 6 tests, but yields increased as a result in only 1 test.
A Methodology to Rapidly and Effectively Assess the Reliability of Conceptual Advanced Rocket Engines

A methodology for the rapid reliability anal ysis of conceptual engines has been developed using available failure data. The method uses similarity analysis to characterize the effect of new components in the conceptual engines, to the two main failure end states of liquid rocket engines: Instantaneo us Catastrophic Failure (ICF), or rapid disassembly, and Non -explosive Benign Failure (NBF) or safe shutdown . Using analysis of similar conceptual advanced engine technologies affects on reliability the component risks are adjusted and aggregated to estim ate a top -level risk for a conceptual engine. In addition, the effect s of engine size variation and operational parameters on reliability are estimated .
Analysis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in detection of pesticide residues in vegetables

Objective:To analyze the effect of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in detection of pesticide residues in vegetables.Methods: 5 known pesticide standards were detected by GC-MS continuously after dilution to calculate the detection limit,and 4 kinds of vegetables were randomly selected for pesticide residues detection by GC-MS and GC simultaneously for comparison test.Results: Compared to GC,GC-MS had better sensitivity and accuracy,the difference of the two methods had statistical significance(P0.05).GC-MS was more suitable for detection of pesticide residues in vegetables.Conclusion: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the detection of pesticide residues in vegetables has better effect.
Non-albicans Candida Vulvovaginitis: Treatment Experience at a Tertiary Care Vaginitis Center.

ObjectivesThe aims of this study are to analyze a cohort of women with vulvovaginal symptoms and positive cultures for non-albicans Candida (NAC) to determine whether yeast was responsible for their symptoms and to evaluate the mycological effectiveness of various regimens.MethodsThis observational
The essential SH-groups in folate reductase.

The number of essential SH-groups per amethopterin binding site has been determined in several preparations of folate reductase derived from a subline of S-180 cells grown in vitro . The content of folate reductase in terms of amethopterin binding sites varied in the different preparations between 15 and 20 mµmoles per milligram of protein and was based on titrations with amethopterin. In every preparation two SH-groups per binding site were essential for enzymatic activity and amethopterin binding. These two were protected against 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) by TPNH, folate, and amethopterin and by low temperatures. The remainder of the SH-groups, which varied in different preparations, could not be protected and reacted with SH-reagent without interfering with the enymatic activity or amethopterin binding capacity. Folate reductase was found to be sensitive to inactivation by urea, which also accelerated the reaction with the SH-reagent. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author wishes to express her appreciation to Mrs. L. Kenny and Miss E.-M. Suolinna for assistance in this study. This investigation was supported in part by research grant CA-04175 from the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. Public Health Service.
Parental Snoring and Environmental Pollutants, but Not Aeroallergen Sensitization, Are Associated with Childhood Snoring in a Birth Cohort.

The objective of this study was to determine whether atopy and other clinical and environmental variables predict the risk of childhood habitual snoring (HS) in a birth cohort born to atopic parents. Participants completed clinical evaluations and questionnaires at ages 1–4 and age 7. HS was defined as snoring ≥3 nights/week. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure was estimated using land-use regression. The association between early (≤age 4) and current (age 7) allergic disease, environmental exposures, and snoring at age 7 was examined using adjusted logistic regression. Of the 609 children analyzed the prevalence of HS at age 7 was 21%. Early tobacco smoke exposure [environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)] [odds ratio (OR) 1.79, 95% CI (confidence interval) 1.12–2.84], rhinitis (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06–2.92), wheezing (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.05–2.53), maternal HS (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.36–3.18), and paternal HS (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.14–3.00) were significantly associated with HS at age 7. Current TRAP (OR 1.93, 95% ...
Distinguishing the protonation state of the histidine ligand to the oxidized iron‐sulfur cluster from the mitoNEET family of proteins

The iron-sulfur cluster located in the recently discovered human mitoNEET protein (and related proteins) is structurally similar to the more well-known ferredoxin and Rieske clusters. Although its biological function is uncertain, the iron-sulfur cluster in mitoNEET has been proposed to undergo proton-coupled electron transfer involving the histidine ligand to the cluster. The cluster is also released from the protein at low pH. This contribution reports density functional calculations to model the structures, vibrations, and Heisenberg coupling constants (J) for high-spin (HS), broken symmetry (BS) singlet, and extended broken symmetry (EBS) singlet states of the oxidized iron-sulfur cluster from mitoNEET. This work suggests that J values or 15 N isotopic frequency shifts may provide methods for determining experimentally whether the histidine ligand to the oxidized iron-sulfur cluster in human mitoNEET and mitoNEET-related proteins is protonated or deprotonated.
Understanding the Relationship of Trauma, Substance Use, and Resilience Among Religiously Affiliated University Students

ABSTRACTThis study examined patterns of association between experiencing 12 traumatic life events, resilience, and substance use at a conservative church-affiliated university. The authors used data (N = 278) from a Health Risk and Protective Factors Study that was conducted during the 2012 spring semester. Initial bivariate analysis indicated several significant positive and negative associations between three of the traumatic life event variables and alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use within the past year and between two of the traumatic life event variables and alcohol use within the past 30 days. Preliminarily, resilience was only inversely associated with amphetamine use within the past year for men. When examined further using partial correlations to clarify these relationships while controlling for resilience, strong significant positive associations were found specifically between experiencing a disaster-type event and alcohol use within the past year and within the past 30 days for men only. Ove...
From Ethylene Gas to UHMWPE Component: The Process of Producing Orthopedic Implants

This chapter focuses on the processes involved in the production of orthopedic implants. There are three steps involved in producing the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implants. First, the UHMWPE must be polymerized from ethylene gas. Second, the polymerized UHMWPE, in the form of resin powder, needs to be consolidated into a sheet, rod, or near-net shaped implant. Finally, in most instances, the UHMWPE implant needs to be machined into its final shape. A small subset of implants are consolidated into their final form directly, in a process known as direct compression molding (DCM), without need of additional machining. Each of these three principal steps produces a subtle alteration of the properties of UHMWPE. These steps have led to the development of three highly specialized industries to address different stages of the production pipeline. Polymer resin producers, such as Ticona, focus on the polymerization of medical grade UHMWPE resin, whereas a separate industry of converters has evolved to address consolidation of UHMWPE into semi-finished stock materials, catering to the needs of orthopedic manufacturers. The task of implant design, UHMWPE selection, implant machining, packaging, sterilization, and distribution typically fall within the purview of orthopedic manufacturers. The choice of conversion method (and converter) is at least as important a decision as the choice of resin for an UHMWPE component because both factors introduce a subtle change in the morphology and material properties of the consolidated polymer.
Techniques and results of aortic arch hybrid repair

Hybrid reconstruction of the aortic arch has been widely used to extend the indications of endovascular repair in patients with arch and thoracic aneurysms involving the supra-aortic trunks. This technique includes procedures performed using cervical incision, median sternotomy, or both. Hybrid approach can potentially avoid or limit the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest, which is a requirement with conventional total or hemi-arch replacement. For aneurysms involving the distal arch, extra-anatomical cervical bypasses are usually sufficient to create a suitable landing zone. For the proximal arch, debranching requires a median sternotomy with partial clamping of the aorta with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. A total arch replacement technique with frozen elephant trunk can also be used in patients with no suitable landing zones in the ascending aorta. Large systematic review of the literature reveals 93 % technical success and 12 % mortality. Complications included stroke, paraplegia, and retrograde dissection in 8 %, 4 %, and 5 %, respectively, with an overall endoleak incidence of 17 %. The outcomes are comparable to contemporary results of total open and total endovascular repairs.