cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and atrial fibrillation: Data from wearable fitness trackers

Background Regular physical activity is an important determinant of cardiovascular health and quality of life. Previous investigations examining the association between exercise and atrial fibrillation (AF) have been limited by self-reported, retrospectively collected activity data. Objective The purpose of this study was to objectively quantify differences in daily physical activity among individuals with and those without AF using electronic wearable activity trackers. Methods Daily exercise data were directly obtained from wrist-worn activity trackers (Fitbit, San Francisco, CA) among participants in the Health eHeart (HeH) study. Average daily step count was compared between individuals with and those without AF both before and after adjusting for comorbidities. AF severity was quantified using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy of Life (AFEQT) survey. Results Among 171,284 HeH study participants, 3333 individuals (234 with AF [7%]) submitted activity data. In unadjusted analysis, AF participants ambulated an average of 723 fewer steps per day (95% confidence interval [CI] 292–1154; P = .001) compared to individuals without AF. After adjustment for demographics and comorbid diseases, participants with AF demonstrated 591 fewer steps per day (95% CI 149–1033; P = .009). Among AF patients, AF severity was associated with less physical activity. For each single point decrease in AFEQT score (corresponding to more symptomatic AF), physical activity decreased by a mean 24 steps per day (95% CI 1–46; P = .04). Conclusion Objective, automatically collected step count data demonstrate that individuals with AF engage in significantly less average daily physical activity. In addition, worsening AF symptom severity is associated with reduced daily exercise.
Interdisciplinary Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors introduce key features of interdisciplinary evaluation of autism spectrum disorder. The Comprehensive-Developmental Approach (CDA) is identified as a useful framework for conducting interdisciplinary evaluation. The CDA emphasizes the role of cohesive team functioning as critical for assessment work with families. Principles of evidence-based assessment and diagnostic instruments that meet evidence-based guidelines are identified. Links between interdisciplinary evaluation and intervention planning are described, including possibilities for “co-treatment” by interdisciplinary teams after the evaluation is complete. Strengths and limitations of interdisciplinary evaluation and intervention are introduced and authors conclude that interdisciplinary collaboration is worthwhile. The chapter concludes with a case study that illustrates interdisciplinary evaluation within a school setting.
Acute ethanol administration produces larger spatial and nonspatial memory impairments in 29-33 month old rats compared to adult and 18-24 month old rats.

Abstract The average age of the population in many countries is continuing to increase. Older people continue to consume alcohol, often in a binge like fashion. Previous research has demonstrated that older human subjects and aged animal subjects have an increased sensitivity to the effects of ethanol on a variety of behaviors. However, it has yet to be determined if acute ethanol exposure impairs spatial and/or nonspatial memory to a greater extent in aged rats compared to adult rats. In the current studies we trained male rats ranging in age from young adult (2 months of age) to aged rats (29–33 months of age) in the standard nonspatial task followed by the standard spatial task in the Morris water maze. Only animals deemed “cognitively-spared”, that is aged animals that learn as well as young animals, were administered one of two doses of moderate ethanol and had their memory tested 30 min later. Acute ethanol administration produced similar performance impairments in spatial and nonspatial memory in all cognitively-spared animals except for the 29–33 month old animals which showed a significantly greater cognitive impairment in both tasks. In addition, blood ethanol levels were similar across all ages. The present work adds to the growing literature on the selective effects of acute ethanol exposure in aged animals.
Pain Management and Education for Ambulatory Surgery: A Qualitative Study of Perioperative Nurses.

Abstract Background Ambulatory surgery presents unique challenges regarding adequate pain management and education. Studies have documented issues with transfer of information and patient comfort. Our objective was to explore perioperative nurses’ perspectives of current practices and challenges with pain management and education. Materials and methods We used a qualitative descriptive design and conducted four focus group interviews, with 24 total participants from two perioperative areas of an academic medical center, using a standardized script. Using qualitative analysis software, two investigators reviewed the data and coded major themes and subthemes. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies guidelines were followed for reporting the data. Results We identified four major themes impacting current perioperative pain management and education practices: communication among the perioperative care team, sources of nurses’ frustrations in the perioperative setting, patient expectations for pain, and nurse-driven pain management and education. Nurses highlighted their work became easier with adequate information transfer and trust from physicians. Frustrations stemmed from surgeon, system, and patient factors. Nurses often use their clinical experience and judgment in managing patients throughout the perioperative period. Furthermore, nurses felt patients have limited pain education and stressed education throughout the surgical care pathway could improve overall care. Conclusions Perioperative pain management, assessment, and education practices are inconsistent, incomplete, and sources of frustrations according to participants. Participant experiences highlight the need for improved and standardized models. Patient pain education should use a multidisciplinary approach, beginning at the point of surgery scheduling and continuing through postoperative follow-up.
Asian LGBTQ+ Sexual Health: an Overview of the Literature from the Past 5 Years

The goal of this review is to provide an overview of recent research about the sexual health of Asian LGBTQ+ in Asia and the Asian diaspora. This includes research about sexual health communication and health care, attitudes and values, and mental health among LGBTQ+ Asians. HIV/AIDS risk and prevention among gay men, men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women dominates the current research landscape. Studies on sexual health care and communication have shown that Asian LGBTQ+ individuals are often reluctant to disclose their sexual orientation to healthcare providers and to family due to relatively conservative family values and homonegative attitudes throughout Asia and the Asian diaspora. This may be related to internalized homophobia and transphobia, experiences of sexual violence, and poor mental health outcomes for many Asian LGBTQ+ individuals. While many studies have recently been conducted examining Asian LGBTQ+ sexual health, there are gaps in the literature about sexual minority cisgender women, transgender men, adolescents, and asexual individuals. Future research should also take a more holistic approach to Asian LGBTQ+ sexual health, rather than primarily focusing on disease risk.
A Needed Ethnography, With Needless Descriptions: A Review of “The Privileged Poor”: Anthony Abraham Jack. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2019; 288 pp. $27.95

As colleges and universities continue to make concerted efforts to increase the enrollment of students from low-socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds, including offering no-loan financial aid policies su...
Foodservice Management Educators' Perspectives on Nutrition and Menu Planning in Student-Operated Restaurants.

Abstract Objective Explore how student-operated restaurant (SOR) managers consider and apply nutrition principles and menu planning in SORs. Design Nineteen SOR managers in the US were recruited to complete an online survey and participate in a 30–60-minute interview. Interviews were conducted via video conference and explored the menu and nutritional characteristics of the SOR at each facility. Setting SORs across the US. Participants Managers of SORs. Phenomenon of Interest Menu and nutrition characteristics and their use in SORs. Analysis Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software. Results Thematic analysis revealed nutrition in practice, nutrition philosophy, and menu planning as the 3 major themes. Nutrition in practice captured the role of nutrition in menu planning, special diets, and healthy options. Nutrition philosophy subthemes explored issues such as the purpose of the SOR experience and instructor perspective on nutrition. Menu planning subthemes addressed issues regarding the menu development process, including menu planning that was student-driven and faculty-driven. Conclusions and Applications Approaches to menu planning had varying degrees of student involvement. Although nutrition was stated as a consideration in menu planning, most programs did not include formalized nutrition criteria as part of the SOR curriculum.
Marital dissolution, marital discord, and C-reactive protein: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Objective Inflammation is one biological pathway through which marital dissolution and marital discord may increase risk for chronic disease. The present study was conducted to investigate the cross-sectional association between marital dissolution, marital discord, and C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation, in a probability sample of Irish adults aged 50 years or older. Method Data were drawn from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine (a) the association between marital dissolution and CRP values (N = 2,545), (b) the association between marital discord and CRP values (N = 1,949), and (c) whether these associations were moderated by gender. Subsequent models adjusted for demographic characteristics and health variables. Results With respect to marital dissolution, individuals who were separated or divorced had significantly higher CRP relative to married individuals. With respect to marital discord, gender significantly moderated the association between marital discord and CRP, such that marital discord was significantly and positively associated with CRP for men, whereas this association was not statistically significant for women. Results for marital dissolution and marital discord remained statistically significant when adjusting for demographic characteristics and health variables. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to document a significant cross-sectional association between marital dissolution, marital discord, and CRP, incremental to demographic and health covariates, in a non-American probability sample. Results indicate that inflammation may be one pathway by which marital dissolution and marital discord contribute to risk for disease and early death. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Post-immigration factors affecting retention in HIV care and viral suppression in Latin American and Caribbean immigrant populations in the United States: a systematic review.

Objectives To reduce disparities in HIV care outcomes among Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) immigrants living with HIV in the U.S., it is necessary to identify factors influencing HIV care in this population. A systematic review that provides a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing retention in HIV care and viral suppression among LAC immigrants living with HIV in the U.S. is lacking. This systematic review used the Immigrant Health Services Utilization theoretical framework to provide an understanding of these factors. Design We searched for peer-reviewed publications in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ASSIA, from January 1996 to June 2020. Results A total of 17 qualitative (n = 10) and quantitative (n = 7) studies were included in the review. The most commonly reported general and immigrant-specific factors appearing in studies were undocumented immigration status, HIV stigma, homophobia, cultural norms, values and beliefs, family and social support, language barriers, structure, complexity and quality of the U.S. healthcare delivery system, and patient-provider relationship. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of considering immigrant-specific factors along with general factors to improve the provision of HIV care services and HIV care outcomes among LAC immigrant populations.
How to Critique & Grade Contract Drafting Assignments

This article represents the transcribed proceedings of Professor Robin Boyle’s speech given in May 2008, for the Center for Transactional Law and Practice at Emory University School of Law, at a conference entitled “Teaching Drafting and Transactional Skills - the Basics and Beyond.” Prof. Boyle’s presentation at the conference described course content for her upper-level seminar on contract drafting. She also suggests ways to critique students’ contracts submitted for coursework.
Amplifying the Solution: Variations on the Miracle Question

This chapter discusses how amplifying the solution and making variations in the miracle question can help finding the solution. Solution development is a process, often used as a means to an end. It might be noted that goal setting is not unique to strategic solution- focused therapy; most models of therapy emphasize the importance of goal setting of some kind. In some approaches, the desired endpoint is the same for everyone; in others, the goals are individualized. But without a goal of some kind, the therapy lacks direction. The client who has no goal is like the customer who goes to the airline counter requesting a ticket but who has no particular destination in mind. The destination determines which ticket the passenger receives; in the same way, the goal influences what happens in treatment. Without a destination, neither the passenger nor the client is going anywhere. The therapist's task is to inquire about the solution. There are a number of ways of doing this. Sometimes a simple question, such as, “What do you want from coming here?” elicits the desired information. More often, however, the answer continues to be vague, and additional inquiry is needed. Interview techniques derived from “the miracle question” can be extremely useful in eliciting solution information. Thus clarity about the solution is just as important as clarity about the problem. Just as vague problems need elaboration, vague goals and wishes become significantly more achievable when translated into clear and specific solutions.
Breaking walls and building hopes

Purpose – This paper aims to share progress in communication, fundraising, and collaboration in a small college library setting. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of an opinion piece. Findings – Small victories have the potential to culminate as widespread change. Originality/value – While the specific accomplishments might not be unique, the author is incredulous that a pattern of achievements can make a library feel so transformed.
Impact of Ultrasonic Frequency on Aqueous Sonoluminescence and Sonochemistry

A comprehensive investigation of ultrasonic frequency and its role in sonochemical activity and sonoluminescence (SL) has been performed. SL spectra and intensity were examined at four frequencies (205, 358, 618, and 1071 kHz) and in the presence of varying argon and oxygen saturation ratios. A series of high-energy reactions induced by the extreme temperatures and pressures obtained within a microbubble during acoustic cavitation contribute to the broad continuum characteristic of SL spectra. Chemical reactivity was also measured at all four frequencies. 1,4-Dioxane decomposition and hydrogen peroxide formation were chosen as representative sonochemical processes. A 358 kHz value was the optimal frequency for maximum SL intensity and chemical reaction rates. The impact of a hydroxyl radical scavenger, bicarbonate ion, on SL intensity and H2O2 formation was also examined. Results from this investigation indicate that nonlinear bubble implosions play a more significant role at lower frequencies whereas hig...
MMTV-Cre transgenes can adversely affect lactation: considerations for conditional gene deletion in mammary tissue.

CRE-loxP-mediated inactivation and activation of genes in mouse mammary epithelium have been widely used to study genetic pathways in normal development and neoplastic transformation in vivo. In 1997, we generated three distinct mouse lines carrying an identical MMTV-Cre transgene (lines A, D, and F). Because the presence of CRE recombinase can adversely affect the physiology of nonmammary cells, we explored whether transgenic females display lactational defects. Whereas dams from line D nurse their pups and display overtly normal mammary development, line A shows some impairment during lactation and females from line F completely fail to nurse their litters. The ability to nurse a litter correlates with the extent of alveolar development and differentiation. This study demonstrates the importance of including appropriate “Cre-only” controls and provides guidelines to avoid problems in data interpretation.
Green: a flexible UML class diagramming tool for eclipse

Green is a live round tripping UML class diagram editor plug-in for Eclipse, originally designed with the intention of focusing CS1/CS2 students on modeling and design. Green's ease of use and flexible features has allowed it to grow into a robust tool providing end users with an easy to use application satisfying their individual class diagramming needs. Green's live round-tripping capability allows users to generate (Java) code from UML class diagrams and generate diagrams from (Java) code and have them both update each other as any changes are made.This demo will demonstrate the main features of Green, including forward and reverse engineering, live round-tripping, incremental exploration, and the various aspects of relationship semantics. Since Green is an ongoing project, demonstrations of additional features not in this list may also be included.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Bacterial Communities in Sediments from an Infiltration Basin Receiving Highway Runoff

The bacterial community diversity of highway runoff-contaminated sediment that had undergone 19 years of acetate-based de-icing agents addition followed by three years of acetate-free de-icing agents was investigated. Analysis of 26 sediment samples from two drilled soil cores by means of 16S rDNA PCR generated 3,402 clones, indicating an overall high bacterial diversity, with no prominent members within the communities. Sequence analyses provided evidences that each sediment sample displayed a specific structure bacterial community. Proteobacteria-affiliated clones (58% and 43% for the two boreholes) predominated in all samples, followed by Actinobacteria (12% and 16%), Firmicutes (7% and 12%) and Chloroflexi (7% and 11%). The subsurface geochemistry complemented the molecular methods to further distinguish ambient and contaminant plume zones. Principal component analysis revealed that the levels of Fe(II) and dissolved oxygen were strongly correlated with bacterial communities. At elevated Fe(II) levels, sequences associated with anaerobic bacteria were detected in high levels. As iron levels declined and oxygen levels increased below the plume bottom, there was a gradual shift in the community structure toward the increase of aerobic bacteria.
Index theory for the boundaries of complex analytic varieties.

Abstract A result of boundary p-index is presented for a vector bundle on a complex analytic variety with boundary. A characterization of which odd-dimensional, real submanifolds of [unk]N are boundaries of complex subvarieties (respectively submanifolds) in [unk]N is given.
Effects of cation siting and spin–spin interactions on the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of Cu2+ exchanged X Faujasite zeolite

Abstract Copper(II) exchanged Na X Faujasite zeolite was cation exchanged at levels from one Cu(II) in 30 unit cells (0.033 Cu(II)/UC) to 38 Cu(II) per unit cell (38 Cu/UC) and was examined by continuous wave and two-pulse and three-pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at temperatures from 10 K to 300 K. In this work exchange of Cu 2+ into X Faujasite zeolite is shown by EPR spectral and pulsed EPR relaxation measurements to begin into site I′, where it lies coordinated to a hexagonal prism face with Si:Al ratios of predominantly 4:2 and 5:1. Spin–spin interactions influence EPR g -value averaging, spin–spin relaxation, and spin spectral diffusion in a manner highly dependent on Cu exchange. Spin–lattice relaxation is relatively independent of exchange. The marked increase observed in spin–spin relaxation and g -value averaging at 8 Cu/UC and an effective Cu–Cu distance of 1.2 nm can be understood in terms of filling sodalite cages with an average of 1 Cu 2+ each.
A note on isometries over local or finite fields

Abstract Let K be a finite or a local field of characteristic ≠ 2 . We give a new proof, in a slightly more general case, for the following classical theorem of Milnor. If two unitary operators of a quadratic space over K have the same irreducible minimal polynomial, then they are conjugate via a unitary operator. Our arguments are short and elementary.
A new criterion for the continuous operation of supersettlers in the bottom feeding mode

By considering the hydrodynamic interaction between the suspension and the concentrated sediment in an inclined settler operation continuously in the bottom feeding mode, a new upper bound is derived for the maximum value of the volumetric feed rate which can be tolerated under a given set of conditions. This criterion is distinct from the familiar Ponder-Nakamura-Kuroda formula which results from applying simple kinematic arguments.
The scope trials: Variation in sensitivity to scope and WTP with directionally bounded utility functions

Abstract Sensitivity to scope refers to the property that willingness to pay for an environmental amenity is an increasing function of the scope of the amenity. Measurements of the degree of sensitivity to scope are commonly proposed as a test for the reliability of contingent valuation studies. We evaluate the traditional scope test using neoclassical utility functions that are directionally bounded. We provide a formal definition of sensitivity to scope, and show that directionally bounded utility functions can produce arbitrarily small degrees of sensitivity to scope. We conclude that a failure to satisfy existing scope tests should not be used as a prima facie basis for rejecting contingent valuation studies. This does not imply that small degrees of sensitivity to scope should always be viewed as acceptable. Rather, the results of scope tests should be considered more carefully, with attention given to the substitutability of market and non-market goods.
A Facile Layer‐by‐Layer Approach for High‐Areal‐Capacity Sulfur Cathodes

A layer-by-layer cathode is developed for high-areal-capacity Li-S batteries via a facile approach. Benefitting from the unique structure and favorable adsorption properties of the carbon layers, the fabricated cathodes display high capacity with superior rate and cycling performance. An areal capacity of as high as 11.3 mA h cm(-2) is achieved with a six-sulfur-layer cathode.
The prediction of power and efficiency during near-maximal rowing.

The relationship between power and gross efficiency during near-maximal rowing, and physiological measures of strength, power, aerobic and anaerobic capacities and United State Rowing Association (USRA) performance tests (independent variables) was investigated among collegiate male rowers. Criterion measures of rowing power and gross efficiency were measured in a moving-water rowing tank, using an oar instrumented with strain gauges to assess force and a potentiometer to assess oar position. Bivariate correlation analysis (n = 28) indicated no relationship between the independent variables and rowing gross efficiency (P > 0.05). Rowing power [mean (SD) 483.4 (34.75) W] was significantly related to inboard leg extension strength (IL strength, r = 0.63), outboard leg extension strength (r = 0.45), combined leg extension strength (r = 0.45), and time to complete the USRA 2000-m simulated rowing race (r = −0.52; P < 0.05). Stepwise regression using resampling cross-validation of 15 random samples (21 subjects per sample selected from a total group of 28 intercollegiate oarsmen) indicated that predictors of rowing power were IL strength and blood lactate following a peak oxygen uptake rowing test with significant multiple correlations of R = 0.61 to 0.86 (P < 0.05). The standard error of estimate (SEM) ranged from 18.1 to 29.9 W, or 5.3 (0.77)% of the criterion value. Cross-validation with a hold-out group (seven subjects per sample) was performed for each equation and correlations ranged from R = 0.14 to 0.97 (SEM = 8.0 to 38.9 W). In conclusion, data from the present study suggest that to increase rowing power, training should emphasize leg strength and anaerobic training to decrease the level of lactate accumulated during rowing.
Month-wise estimates of tobacco smoking during pregnancy for the United States, 2002-2009

The timing of prenatal exposure to tobacco cigarette smoking can be crucial for the developing fetus. Pushing the field beyond prior pregnancy trimester-focused smoking estimates, we estimated month-specific prevalence proportions for tobacco cigarette smoking among pregnant and non-pregnant women of the United States, with consideration of tobacco dependence (TD) as well. In advance, we posited that pregnancy onset might prompt smoking cessation in early months, before the end of the 1st trimester, and that TD might account for sustained smoking in later months, especially months 8–9, when there are added reasons to quit. Estimates are from the 2002–2009 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health Restricted-Data Analysis System (R-DAS), with large nationally representative samples of US civilians, including 12–44 year old women (n ~ 70,000) stratified by pregnancy status and month of pregnancy, with multi-item assessment of TD as well as recently active smoking. Age was held constant via the Breslow-Day indirect standardization approach, a methodological detail of potential interest to other research teams conducting online R-DAS analyses. Among 12–44 year old women in Month 1 of pregnancy, as well as non-pregnant women, just over one in four was a recently active smoker (26–27 %), and approximately one-half of these smokers qualified as a TD case (52 %). Corresponding estimates for women in Month 3 were 17.6 % and two-thirds, respectively, lending some support for our advance hypotheses. Nonetheless, our a priori TD hypothesis about Months 8–9 seems to be contradicted: an increased concentration of TD among smokers surfaced early in pregnancy. Evidence of a possible ameliorative pregnancy effect on smoking prevalence as well as TD’s effect on smoking persistence might be seen quite early in pregnancy. Substitution of a month-specific view for the traditional trimester view sheds new light on how pregnancy might shape smoking behavior before the end of trimester 1, with TD seeming to thwart a public health goal of 100 % cessation, early in pregnancy.
Excitation of Cerebellar Interneurons by Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors

Cerebellar basket and stellate neurons (BSNs) provide feed-forward inhibition to Purkinje neurons (PNs) and thereby play a principal role in determining the output of the cerebellar cortex. During ...
Monotonicity functional for a transient mathematical model of oxygen depletion during Photodynamic therapy

Accurate and computationally inexpensive energy density functional are highly desirable in the simulation of biochemical systems. A molecular "energy" integral functional for the reaction diffusion equation of the triplet oxygen [3O 2 ] in the pseudo state equilibrium during treatment with Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is defined, and its monotonicity is analyzed. When the functional is evaluated on the solution of an existing mathematical model of a spheroid that represents the real physical system of a cell during PDT treatment, it gives a time dependent monotonically decreasing expression energy.
Multi-Location Study of Soil Enzyme Activities as Affected by Types and Rates of Manure Application and Tillage Practices

Significant amounts of manure are produced in the USA; however, information on the changes in ecosystem services related to soil biogeochemical cycling for agroecosystems supported with organic amendments such as manure is limited. A multi-location field study was initiated in Colorado (CO), Kansas (KS) and Kentucky (KY), USA in loam soils to evaluate the effects of manure and tillage practices on enzyme activities that are key to biogeochemical cycling such as β-glucosidase (C cycling), α-galactosidase (C cycling), β-glucosaminidase (C and N cycling) and phosphomonoesterases (P cycling). The treatments were as follows: (i) two years of beef manure applications to a fine sandy loam at different rates (control: 0, low: 34 kg N ha−1 and high: 96 kg N ha−1) and tillage practices in CO; (ii) three years of beef manure applications to a silt loam at different rates (0, low: 67 kg N ha−1 and high: 134 kg N ha−1) and tillage practices in KS and; (iii) three years of poultry and dairy manure applications to a silt loam with different tillage practices at the same rate (403 kg N ha−1) in KY. Tillage practices (none vs. conventional) had no effect on the enzyme activities. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) grouped all enzyme activities with the high beef manure application rate after the first year in CO at 0–5 cm. By the second year, the low and high beef manure rates differed in enzyme activities for the KS soil with no difference between the low rate and control in CO. Since the first year of the KY study, acid phosphatase activity was greater in the poultry treated soil compared to dairy or the control; whereas, C cycling enzyme activities were similar in soil treated with dairy or poultry manure. For all studies, PCAs for soil samples from 5–10 cm depth did not reveal treatment separation until the second year, i.e., only high application rate differed from the other treatments. Results of the study indicated significant responses in C and P cycling enzyme activities to manure applications within two years, suggesting potential benefits to soil biogeochemical cycling essential for the productivity of agroecosystems supported with organic fertilizers.
Evidence That Luminant and Equiluminant Motion Signals are Integrated by Directionally Selective Mechanisms

Three experiments tested whether motion information for nonequiluminant (luminant) and equiluminant dots affects direction judgments when both types of stimuli are moving simultaneously in the same display. The motion directions for the two sets of dots were manipulated to produce four direction differences (0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees). The equiluminant dots were moved in a perfectly correlated fashion, but the percentage of correlated motion for the luminant dots was varied. When subjects judged whether the directions of the equiluminant and luminant dots were the same or different, performance for the conditions with 0 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees difference improved as the percentage of correlated luminant motion increased. The same result occurred for a control display that contained two sets of luminant dots. However, for the 30 degrees difference, performance was at chance level for the control display, but dropped below chance for the equiluminant-luminant display. When subjects indicated just the direction of the luminant dots, judgments were not affected by equiluminant motion. Judgments for the equiluminant dots also were accurate, except for the conditions with 30 degrees difference; these responses were biased by the luminant motion, indicating some form of motion capture. The interactive effects are discussed in terms of a directionally selective mechanism that combines equiluminant and luminant motion signals.
Modeling the viscoplastic micromechanical response of two-phase materials using Fast Fourier Transforms

Abstract A viscoplastic approach using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method for obtaining local mechanical response is utilized to study microstructure–property relationships in composite materials. Specifically, three-dimensional, two-phase digital materials containing isotropically coarsened particles surrounded by a matrix phase, generated through a Kinetic Monte Carlo Potts model for Ostwald ripening, are used as instantiations in order to calculate the stress and strain-rate fields under uniaxial tension. The effects of the morphology of the matrix phase, the volume fraction and the contiguity of particles, and the polycrystallinity of matrix phase, on the stress and strain-rate fields under uniaxial tension are examined. It is found that the first moments of the stress and strain-rate fields have a different dependence on the particle volume fraction and the particle contiguity from their second moments. The average stresses and average strain-rates of both phases and of the overall composite have rather simple relationships with the particle volume fraction whereas their standard deviations vary strongly, especially when the particle volume fraction is high, and the contiguity of particles has a noticeable effect on the mechanical response. It is also found that the shape of stress distribution in the BCC hard particle phase evolves as the volume fraction of particles in the composite varies, such that it agrees with the stress field in the BCC polycrystal as the volume of particles approaches unity. Finally, it is observed that the stress and strain-rate fields in the microstructures with a polycrystalline matrix are less sensitive to changes in volume fraction and contiguity of particles.
High-energy (neodymium) laser pyrolysis of U.S. coals

Abstract As part of a study exploring conditions that influence coal pyrolysis, the effects of neodymium laser heating upon five different rank coals have been studied. Gaseous products from neodymium-laser pyrolysis of all coal types can be explained by condensation reactions during the cooling of high-temperature systems. The use of neutral or reducing atmospheres (helium, hydrogen or deuterium at two atmospheres) does not significantly alter the product distributions, although some deuteration of products was observed. High-speed photography was used to determine the dynamics of the laser interactions.
Multiple endonucleases improve MALDI-MS signature digestion product detection of bacterial transfer RNAs

Individual transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs) in a complex mixture can be identified by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) detection of their signature digestion products. Signature digestion products are endonuclease digestion products whose mass-to-charge value is unique thus corresponding to only a single tRNA. To improve the effectiveness of this approach, we have expanded the applicable endonucleases and examined the use of multiple endonucleases for tRNA identification. The purine specific endonucleases RNase T1 and RNase TA generate the largest number of predicted signature digestion products. Experimentally, MALDI-MS analysis of endonuclease digests from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis finds that any two endonucleases used in combination increases tRNA identification by about 25% over the number identified with a single endonuclease. Using three endonucleases, RNase T1, RNase A, and RNase TA, further improves the number of tRNAs identified by 10-15% over those found with two endonucleases. Limitations in the MALDI-MS approach for complex mixtures were revealed in this study, suggesting that the direct MALDI-MS analysis of signature digestion products is more effective for organisms having 30 or less unique tRNAs.
The Role of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Susceptibility Locus D19S884 Allele 8 in Maternal Glycemia and Fetal Size

Context: The high incidence of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome in Western societies and their impact on quality of life emphasize the importance of identifying underlying susceptibility loci for metabolic diseases. The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) susceptibility locus D19S884 allele 8 (A8) is associated with measures of insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and other metabolic phenotypes in PCOS families. We now investigate the role of D19S884 A8 in pregnancy. Objective: Using the multiethnic Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome cohort, we assessed the associations of D19S884 A8 with measures of maternal glycemia and fetal size. Design: We tested for association of maternal D19S884 A8 with maternal outcomes (fasting, 1-h, and 2-h plasma glucose, and fasting and 1-h C-peptide from an oral glucose tolerance test) and fetal and maternal D19S884 A8 with fetal outcomes (birth weight, length, head circumference, sum of skin folds, fat mass, cord C-peptide, and 2-h neonat...
Supporting selective undo in a code editor

Programmers often need to revert some code to an earlier state, or restore a block of code that was deleted a while ago. However, support for this backtracking in modern programming environments is limited. Many of the backtracking tasks can be accomplished by having a selective undo feature in code editors, but this has major challenges: there can be conflicts among edit operations, and it is difficult to provide usable interfaces for selective undo. In this paper, we present Azurite, an Eclipse plug-in that allows programmers to selectively undo fine-grained code changes made in the code editor. With Azurite, programmers can easily perform backtracking tasks, even when the desired code is not in the undo stack or a version control system. Azurite also provides novel user interfaces specifically designed for selective undo, which were iteratively improved through user feedback gathered from actual users in a preliminary field trial. A formal lab study showed that programmers can successfully use Azurite, and were twice as fast as when limited to conventional features.
Fully nonlinear hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations related to plasticity

In this paper, we study systems of two fully nonlinear partial differential equations in one space dimension, of the form U{sub t}+F(U{sub x})+O, where U=U(x,t){element_of}{Re}{sup 2}. The nonlinearity F : {Re}{sup 2}{r_arrow} {Re}{sup 2} is homogeneous of degree one, i.e. F({alpha}V)={alpha}F(V), for all {alpha}>O, and is smooth away from the origin. A model example is provided by F(V)+AV+b{vert_bar}V{vert_bar}, where A is a 2x2 matrix and b{var_epsilon}{Re}, which was studied. 4 refs., 5 figs.
Magnitude of the inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass and its relation to adverse clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces an inflammatory response believed to contribute to postoperative morbidity. We hypothesized that the magnitude of the inflammatory response following CPB would be associated with adverse clinical outcomes.¶Methods: Twenty-nine patients had plasma TNF, IL-6, IL-8, elastase, histamine, complement C5a, and complement C3a measured by ELISA before, during, and after cardiac operations employing CPB. Inflammatory mediator levels were analyzed with respect to outcomes.¶Results: Mediator levels peaked at 4 h post-CPB and either returned to baseline or substantially decreased by 24 h. Patients with peak mediator levels above the median for the group as a whole were classified as 'hyper-responders'; those with levels below the median were classified as 'normal responders'. While IL-8, C3a, and IL-6 levels were independently associated with adverse outcomes, TNF, histamine, and C5a levels were not. Elastase levels trended towards adverse outcomes. IL-8 'hyper-responders' experienced significantly greater postoperative weight gain and had higher IL-8 levels at 24 h (p<0.05), with trends towards renal impairment and protracted supplemental oxygen requirements. C3a 'hyper-responders' strongly trended towards increased bleeding, delayed extubation, greater postoperative weight gain, and decreased levels of independent functioning at discharge (p≤0.10). IL-6 'hyper-responders' experienced significantly more postoperative bleeding, delayed extubation, and higher IL-6 levels at 24 h compared to 'normal responders' (p<0.05). They strongly trended towards greater postoperative weight gain and decreased levels of independent functioning at discharge (p≤0.10).¶Conclusions: Patients who have an exaggerated inflammatory response to CPB tend to bleed more, require more respiratory support, demonstrate greater capillary leak via weight gain, and display a decline in independent functioning relative to normal responders. Thus, it appears that the magnitude of the inflammatory response to CPB adversely influences clinical outcomes.
Clear cell carcinoma of the uterine endocervix with an in situ component

In the past all clear cell carcinomas of the female genital tract were thought to arise from mesonephric remnants. Recently increasing evidence has related their origin to mullerian rather than mesonephric epithelium. One of the main reasons that has been advanced to support their mesonephric origin has been their occurrence in the uterine cervix and vagina, sites of mesonephric remnants. However, no clear evidence for mesonephric origin of clear cell carcinoma of the cervix and vagina has been ever provided. In contrast, there is substantial evidence that diethylstilbestrol-related clear cell carcinomas of the cervix and vagina are mullerian in origin. We report here a case of an exophytic clear cell carcinoma with an in situ component, involving the endocervical epithelium. The in situ lesion clearly indicates mullerian origin of the tumor, which occurred in the absence of prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol. This supports the general agreement that clear cell carcinomas of the cervix are mullerian in origin, whether diethylstilbestrol-related or not.
Fiberendoscopy: removal of a retained sewing needle from the stomach.

A sewing needle stuck in the prepyloric gastric wall was successfully removed by use of the duodenofiberscope.
The nature of death and the death of nature: The impact of mortality salience on environmental concern

According to terror management theory, individuals are motivated to distinguish themselves from the rest of nature because doing so facilitates the denial of human mortality. However, based on an integration of terror management and contingencies of self-worth perspectives, the present research hypothesized that existential insecurities about death may differentially influence environmental concern depending on whether or not an individual derives self-esteem from environmental action. Results demonstrated that heightened mortality awareness led to less concern for the environment among those not deriving self-esteem from an environmental domain, but fostered environmental concern among those who do acquire self-esteem from environmental action. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Stereo rendering of rain in real-time

The rendering of photorealistic rain has been previously studied for monoscopic viewing. We extend the monoscopic statistical rain models to simulate the behavior and distribution of falling rain for stereo viewing. Our goal is to be able to render in real-time frame rates. In this investigation we ignore the complex issues of scene illumination and concentrate on the parameters that produce a realistic rain distribution. Using the concept of retinal persistence we render a visible falling raindrop as a linear streak. To speed rendering we use pre-computed images of such rain streaks. Rain streak positions for the left- and right-eye views are created by generating random numbers that depend on the view volume of the scene. We permit interactive but controlled modification of rain parameters such as density and wind gusts. We compare our approach to the use of existing 2D-3D conversion methods. The results demonstrate that using commercial 2D-3D converters are not sufficient in producing realistic stereo rain effects. Future research will concentrate on including complex lighting interactions.
Mg2+ and Mn2+ modulation of Ca2+ transport and ATPase activity in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles.

Abstract Kinetic experimentation was used to characterize the Mg 2+ and Mn 2+ modulation of Ca 2+ transport and ATPase activity in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. In addition to its participation in the ATP·Mg complex as substrate for the ATPase, Mg 2+ is an activator of phosphoenzyme progression to hydrolylic cleavage. It is shown that this activation is due to Mg 2+ occupancy of an allosteric site easily accessible on the outer surface of the vesicles, rather than to participation in an antiport mechanism. The Mg 2+ site is distinct from the Ca 2+ binding sites which are involved in activation of enzyme phosphorylation by ATP, and Ca 2+ translocation. The role of Mg 2+ is quite specific, inasmuch as phosphoenzyme decay is much slower if the Mg 2+ allosteric site is occupied by Ca 2+ . Conversely, competive occupancy of the Ca 2+ sites by Mg 2+ does not permit enzyme phosphorylation by ATP. Intermediate characteristics between Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ are displayed by Mn 2+ which is well able to stimulate phosphoenzyme cleavage by occupancy of the Mg 2+ allosteric site, and is also able (although at much slower rates) to activate enzyme phosphorylation, and undergo active transport by occupancy of the Ca 2+ sites.
A Dilemma About Necessity

The problem of the source of necessity is the problem of explaining what makes necessary truths necessarily true. Simon Blackburn has presented a dilemma intended to show that any reductive, realist account of the source of necessity is bound to fail. Although Blackburn's dilemma faces serious problems, reflection on the form of explanations of necessities reveals that a revised dilemma succeeds in defeating any reductive account of the source of necessity. The lesson is that necessity is metaphysically primitive and irreducible.
Portfolio choice of government incentives: the case of commercialization of a new coal-based technology

Economic and financial incentives have become accepted tools for the implementation of government policies, such as encouraging the widespread use of new technologies that offer significant economic and political benefits at the macroeconomic level but are not well perceived by managers at the micro level due to significant retrofitting costs. This study, using portfolio and real investment theories, develops a quantitative methodology for selecting the optimal mix of incentives based on financial and operating factor sensitivities of the targeted firms in an uncertain environment. The proposed methodology overcomes several shortcomings of previous studies. The study applies the suggested method to a recent DOD/DOE (1995)/g project data that estimates the net benefits of a new coal-based technology. The results show that government policies based on a combination of incentives are more effective than individual incentive-based policies. The empirical analysis of firms, which account for the 163 boiler sites in the sample, reveals that the optimal incentive package is weighted about 2:1 in favor of tax incentives versus research and development subsidies.