cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SELECT3: A BASIC program for determining the consequences of using a selection procedure

SELECT3 is a BASIC program that allows the user to examine the results of using a particular selection proce­ dure. A pair of programs (SELECTl and SELECT2, Mullen, 1984) previously were developed to illustrate basic bivariate selection principles. SELECT3 comple­ ments these two programs: it calculates the mean criterion score obtained by selected job applicants as a function of the selection ratio (or predictor cutoff) and the selection procedure's validity coefficient, This program reproduces the results obtained through the use of the Naylor-Shine table (Naylor & Shine, 1965). In addition, SELECT3 cal­ culates a conservative estimate of the dollars saved per year per applicant hired. This approach to examining the consequences of using a selection procedure provides a means of translating the utility of a selection procedure into a dollars-and-cents metric (cf. Brogden & Taylor, 1950; Cronbach & Glesser, 1965; Schmidt, Hunter, McKenzie, & Muldrow, 1979). The techniques im­ plemented by this program could be useful to academi­ cians teaching industrial/organizational psychology courses, as well as to practitioners in applied settings. Input. After being prompted to enter names for the predictor and the criterion, the user is asked whether he/she knows the mean and standard deviation (SO) for the criterion; if so, the user is prompted to enter these statistics. Similar prompts then occur for the mean and SO of the predictor. While these values are not essential for the operation of this program, the inclusion of these means and SOs results in a more detailed output. Next, the user is prompted to enter the average yearly salary for entry-level applicants, and then to enter the va­ lidity coefficient for prediction. Finally, the user must enter either the selection ratio (i.e., the number of job openings divided by the number of applicants), or the predictor cutoff score (in Z score units). After one of these two numbers is input, the program will derive the other. Most of these input variables are generated by SELECTl
Morphology, niche segregation, and escape tactics in a sand dune lizard community

We examined patterns of co-existence for three species of scincid lizards (Sphenops sepsoides, Scincus scincus, and Chalcides ocellatus) in the simple sand dune habitat of North Sinai, Egypt. We first examined the morphological differences among the three species and compared their niche use and escape tactics in the context of their morphologies. Our results suggests that natural selection has favored two different phenotypes, Scincus scincus's long limbs with toe fringes and Sphenops sepspoides's extremely reduced limbs for sand locomotion. These two sand specialists, Sphenops sepsoides and Scincus scincus, shared microhabitats such as soft substrate and occurred further away from vegetation but showed strong separation in the surface temperatures at which they were active. The generalist species, C. ocellatus which lacked toe fringes and had relatively short limbs that were not reduced enough for fossorial movement, was found closer to vegetation and on harder substrates where such traits may be beneficial. Escape tactics may further strengthen habitat partitioning between desert generalists and sand specialists as C. ocellatus sprint to vegetation to escape predators whereas both sand specialists dive into the sand. Our results suggest that traditional ideas about predation risk may not apply to sand diving lizards as they may be able to venture far from vegetation refuges without increased vulnerability to predation.
Sequence and expression of the bpdC1C2BADE genes involved in the initial steps of biphenyl/chlorobiphenyl degradation by Rhodococcus sp. M5

The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the bpdC1C2BADE genes which encode the first three enzymes in the biphenyl (BP) degradation pathway of Gram+ Rhodococcus sp. M5 (formerly Arthrobacter M5) was determined. Except for the ferredoxin component (BpdB) of the initial BP dioxygenase, the predicted amino acid (aa) sequences of the remaining proteins are found to be more closely related to the counterpart proteins (TodC1C2BADE) present in the toluene-degrader, Pseudomonas putida F1, than those of three BP-degrading pseudomonads. The cloned bpd genes were verified by their expression in the Escherichia coli T7 RNA polymerase/promoter system. In E. coli, BpdA was able to complement TodC1C2B in indigo biosynthesis, although the M5 native or cloned BP dioxygenase does not carry out this reaction.
Maternal posture for cephalic version of breech presentation: a review of the evidence.

Abstract: Background: Maternal posture is commonly recommended to promote cephalic version of breech presentation during pregnancy, but the few studies conducted to examine the efficacy of this obstetric practice are inconclusive. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the research evidence base for postural management of breech presentation. Methods: This review critically examined the research on maternal posture for breech presentation using guidelines from the third United States Preventive Services Task Force. Database searches were conducted of Ovid Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, using the keywords “pregnancy,”“maternal posture,”“maternal position,”“postural management,”“breech,”“presentation.” Hand searches were conducted on reference citations from databases, and all research articles, commentaries, and reports of clinical cases were included. Results: Conceptual and methodological issues in the individual studies posed threats to internal validity in each study. Interpretation of the nonsignificant results in the research reports is debatable because the randomized controlled trials were underpowered, and flaws in each study challenged validity of the results. Meta-analysis of previous findings may be inappropriate. Conclusions: Further research based on explicit theory and improved methods, including sufficient sample size, is needed to determine whether maternal posture promotes cephalic version for pregnant women with breech presentation. (BIRTH 32:2 June 2005)
Two lysines in the forkhead domain of foxp3 are key to T regulatory cell function.

Background The forkhead box transcription factor, Foxp3, is master regulator of the development and function of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells that limit autoimmunity and maintain immune homeostasis. The carboxyl-terminal forkhead (FKH) domain is required for the nuclear localization and DNA binding of Foxp3. We assessed how individual FKH lysines contribute to the functions of Foxp3 in Treg cells.
Variation in Brood Sex Ratios of Texas Rio Grande Wild Turkeys

Abstract We evaluated brood sex ratio (BSR) variation in Rio Grande wild turkeys (RGWT; Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) in the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains of Texas, USA, during 2005–2006. Offspring sex was determined from DNA extracted from tissue biopsies of embryos from unhatched eggs or vascular tissue from eggshells of hatched and depredated eggs. Sex ratio across all eggs was 56.3% male (135/240; χ21 = 3.75, P = 0.053). We found that mean population growth rate based on a population simulation with BSR at unity averaged 1.02 (range = 0.924–1.058), whereas it declined to 0.978 (range = 0.816–1.037) using BSR estimates from our study. Although our statistical analyses did not detect BSRs different from unity in BSR, our simulation modeling demonstrated that BSR variation caused biologically significant differences in mean population growth rates. Even though the biological mechanism controlling primary sex ratio remains unknown, our estimates of BSR should allow managers to more reliably pre...
Experimental myasthenia gravis in congenic mice. Sequence mapping and H-2 restriction of T helper epitopes on the α subunits of Torpedo californica and murine acetylcholine receptors

Immunization of mice with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo electric organ (TAChR) causes a disease similar to human myasthenia gravis (experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis, EAMG). Susceptibility to EAMG correlates with the H-2 haplotype. In this study we used overlapping synthetic peptide corresponding to the complete sequences of the alpha subunits from TAChR and murine muscle AChR (MAChR) to map T helper epitopes in congenic murine strains of different H-2 haplotype. C57BL/6 and BALB/B mice (highly susceptible to EAMG) and BALB/c and CB17 mice (less susceptible to EAMG), immunized with TAChR, developed similar anti-TAChR antibody titers and L3T4+ (T helper) cell sensitization. Different sequence segments of the TAChR alpha subunit were recognized by L3T4+ cells from strains of H-2b and H-2d haplotype. The sequence segments recognized by the H-2d strains have the highest predicted propensity to form amphipatic alpha helices, while those recognized by the H-2b strains do not. We investigated whether in EAMG T helper cells cross-react with autologous AChR sequences, and a true break of the tolerance occurs. Overlapping synthetic peptides, corresponding to the complete sequence of MAChR alpha subunit, were used to test L3T4+ cell from mice immunized with TAChR. L3T4+ cell strains did not cross-react with any murine peptide sequence, while L3T4+ cells from H-2d mice were strongly stimulated by the peptide sequence Ma alpha 304-322, which is very similar to the homologous Torpedo peptide.
Civic Engagement and Internet Use in Local Governance: Hierarchical Linear Models for Understanding the Role of Local Community Groups

Civically and politically interested individuals often use the Internet to facilitate and augment their civic and political participation. At the local level, such people also use the Internet to c...
How to define system improvement and deterioration for a repairable system

The problem of how to define system improvement and deterioration for a repairable system has long been of interest to those who are engaged in reliability analysis. A model-free definition of system behavior is provided. Various properties of the definition are studied. A new model is proposed for a repairable system. >
Induction of autophagy, a promising approach for treating liver injury.

Recent investigations have demonstrated a complex interrelationship between autophagy and cell death. A common mechanism of cell death in liver injury is tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytotoxicity. To better delineate the in vivo function of autophagy in cell death, we examined the role of autophagy in TNF-induced hepatic injury. Atg7Δhep mice with a hepatocyte-specific knockout of the autophagy gene atg7 were generated and cotreated with D-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). GalN/LPS-treated Atg7Δhep mice had increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels, histological injury, numbers of TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling)-positive cells and mortality as compared with littermate controls. Loss of hepatocyte autophagy similarly sensitized to GalN/TNF liver injury. GalN/LPS injury in knockout animals did not result from altered production of TNF or other cytokines. Atg7Δhep mice had accelerated activation of the mitochondrial death pathway and caspase-3 and -7 cleavage. Increased cell death did not occur from direct mitochondrial toxicity or a lack of mitophagy, but rather from increased activation of initiator caspase-8 causing Bid cleavage. GalN blocked LPS induction of hepatic autophagy, and increased autophagy from beclin 1 overexpression prevented GalN/LPS injury. Autophagy, therefore, mediates cellular resistance to TNF toxicity in vivo by blocking activation of caspase-8 and the mitochondrial death pathway, suggesting that autophagy is a therapeutic target in TNF-dependent tissue injury.
The Relationship Between Dogmatism Scores and Performance Ratings Among Adult Educators

As a part of a larger research undertaking concerned with identify ing variables which contribute to high performance among adult educators, particularly Extension personnel, this study was ad dressed to an examination of the relationship between dogmatism (open-closed-mindedness) and job performance. Data were col lected by mail questionnaires from 486 out of 503 (96.6%) county Extension workers with major responsibility for adult education programs in agriculture in five states. Dogmatism was measured by the Rokeach Dogmatism Scale (Form E) included in the ques tionnaire. Performance was determined by supervisor ratings using the paired comparison technique.The data revealed a slight negative relationship (gamma = -.19) between dogmatism and performance. This relationship was affected by the age and level of education of the respondents. Open-minded agents tended to be rated higher in performance than the close-minded.
Identifying the Target Cell in Primary Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Infection: Highly Activated Memory CD4+ T Cells Are Rapidly Eliminated in Early SIV Infection In Vivo

It has recently been shown that rapid and profound CD4(+) T-cell depletion occurs almost exclusively within the intestinal tract of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques within days of infection. Here we demonstrate (by three- and four-color flow cytometry) that this depletion is specific to a definable subset of CD4(+) T cells, namely, those having both a highly and/or acutely activated (CD69(+) CD38(+) HLA-DR(+)) and memory (CD45RA(-) Leu8(-)) phenotype. Moreover, we demonstrate that this subset of helper T cells is found primarily within the intestinal lamina propria. Viral tropism for this particular cell type (which has been previously suggested by various studies in vitro) could explain why profound CD4(+) T-cell depletion occurs in the intestine and not in peripheral lymphoid tissues in early SIV infection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that an acute loss of this specific subset of activated memory CD4(+) T cells may also be detected in peripheral blood and lymph nodes in early SIV infection. However, since this particular cell type is present in such small numbers in circulation, its loss does not significantly affect total CD4(+) T cell counts. This finding suggests that SIV and, presumably, human immunodeficiency virus specifically infect, replicate in, and eliminate definable subsets of CD4(+) T cells in vivo.
The role of acupuncture in pain management

Acupuncture has been used as a therapeutic modality for more than 3000 years, but it is only since the 1970s that a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia (AA) has developed. This growth in understanding of AA has paralleled the scientific advances made in uncovering the physiology of pain perception. Similar to many ancient healing traditions, acupuncture has accumulated a wealth of anecdotal experiences documenting its clinical effectiveness for a variety of problems. Although acupuncture has survived the test of time, medicine today demands more, and ultimately acupuncture must withstand the scrutiny of science if it is to become a mainstay in the treatment of pain. Given the explosion of interest within the scientific and clinical medical community in acupuncture, it is fortunate that a substantial body of evidence to support the efficacy of acupuncture exists, in contrast to many other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. This article outlines understanding to date of the underlying physiologic mechanisms of AA, then reviews current use of acupuncture in pain management for some common musculoskeletal conditions seen in clinical practice.
A process planning strategy for multi-axis hybrid manufacturing process

This paper outlines a process planning strategy for a multi-axis hybrid manufacturing process that includes a metal deposition system and a multi-axis CNC machining system to rapidly manufacture precision metal parts. Different from the current layered manufacturing processes of which build direction is fixed throughout the process, the orientation of the part can affect the non-support buildability in the multi-axis hybrid manufacturing process. However, each orientation that satisfies the buildability and other constraints may not be unique. In this case, the final optimal orientation is determined based on build time. The build time computation algorithm for multi-axis hybrid system is presented in this paper. To speed up the exhaustive search for the optimal orientation, a multi-stage algorithm is developed to reduce the search space. A case study is used as an example to show the process planning strategy.
Effective Capacity Optimization with Layered Transmission for Multicast in Wireless Networks

Effective capacity is an effective technique in devising and evaluating the capability of a time-varying wireless channel to support data transmissions with diverse statistical quality of service (QoS) guarantees. In this paper, we propose an efficient framework to optimize and analyze the effective capacity for mobile multicast over broadcast fading . Our analyses identify the fundamental tradeoffs among the system throughput, delay statistical QoS guarantees, and reliability in terms of the effective capacity, QoS exponent, and average loss-rate threshold, respectively. The QoS exponent specifies the exponentially decaying rate of the violation probability against the queue-length/delay bound, playing a key role in statistical QoS guarantees, while the average loss-rate threshold upper-bounds the tolerable loss level for all multicast receivers. The tradeoff is achieved by optimizing the effective capacity via channel-aware rate adaptation subject to the specified QoS exponent and average loss-rate threshold. For rate adaptation, we employ the layered multicast transmissions, implemented by either the time-sharing (TS) or superposition-coding (SPC) techniques, to handle the heterogeneous qualities over channels across multicast receivers, and develop a novel pre-drop scheme to implement the more flexible rate control. Our simulations demonstrate the tradeoff between the effective capacity and QoS metrics, and show the superiority of our derived optimal schemes as compared to the other suboptimal schemes.
The basal ganglia in extrapyramidal dysfunction

The rapid advances in knowledge of basal ganglia circuitry and function in recent years have allowed the construction of a functional scheme to explain many facets of known pathologic states. The dichotomy of Parkinson's disease; akinesia with increased tone, and the mirror effects in Huntington's disease; hemiballismus and tardive dyskinesia, hyperkinesia with decreased tone are explained as due to two outputs of the system with an intervening inhibitory neuron which reverses the sign. The two outputs control different motor functions; pallidothalamic involved primarily with movements and nigrobrainstem involved primarily with muscle tone.
INERTIAL COUPLING IN DISPERSED POTENTIAL FLOW—USE OF THE METHOD OF IMAGES

Abstract Net first and second dipole reflections are computed for several finite and infinite arrays of cylinders or spheres held stationary in a uniform potential flow. The polarizability and resistivity, from which the macroscopic properties of a two-phase flow with corresponding microstructure can be derived, are deduced for the infinite arrays. Finite arrays resemble infinite ones apart from edge and end effects, which are small for some geometries. The added mass coefficient for a regular monolayer of spheres is obtained and shown to be very close to Smythe's (1964) solution for a sphere in a circular tube. Similar agreement is obtained between the solutions for a cubical array of spheres and for a row of spheres in a circular tube.
Uncommon pathways of metabolism among lactic acid bacteria

A small number of lactic acid bacteria possess the ability to derive energy from organic molecules not utilized by the vast majority of representatives of this large group of microorganisms. Thus, strains of Lactobacillus casei and enterococci readily grow at the expense of substrates such as gluconate, malate and pentitols. Transport of gluconate and pentitols is catalysed by phosphotransferase systems unique to these bacteria. Similarly, the initial steps in pentitol dissimilation are mediated by enzymes found only in Lb. casei and Streptococcus avium.
Influence of Copper Ions on Adherence of Vitreous Coatings to Stainless Steel

An investigation was made of the effect of copper oxide in promoting the adherence of vitreous coatings to AISI type 321 stainless steel. It was found that copper ions in the coating produced a significant increase in adherence on both pickled and sandblasted surfaces but that the effect of the copper decreased with increased firing temperature and increased firing time for the pickled specimens. X-ray examination of specimens revealed that the copper ions were reduced to metallic copper near the interface during firing; however, examination of sections with the metallographic microscope showed no selective corrosion of the stainless-steel surface. It was observed that the curve obtained when plotting the copper oxide content of the coating against the adherence index was of the same type as that obtained for cobalt oxide on ingot iron.
Masked Abilities and Compatibilism

An object’s disposition to A in circumstances C is masked if circumstances C obtain without the object Aing. This paper explores an analogous sense in which abilities can be masked, and it uses the results of this exploration to motivate an analysis of agents’ abilities in terms of dispositions. This analysis is then shown to provide the resources to defend a version of the Principle of Alternate Possibilities against Frankfurt-style counterexamples. Although this principle is often taken to be congenial to incompatibilism concerning free action and determinism, the paper concludes by using the dispositional analysis of abilities to argue for compatibilism, and to show why the ‘master argument’ for incompatibilism is unsound.
Activity of Antibiotics against Mycobacterium Species Commonly Found in Laboratory Zebrafish

AbstractThe Zebrafish Danio rerio is a popular vertebrate model organism used in a wide range of research fields. Importance is placed on Zebrafish health and the maintenance of disease-free laboratory fish so that experimental studies are not inadvertently affected. Mycobacteriosis, a common infection of laboratory Zebrafish, is caused by several Mycobacterium species. Little is known regarding the potential of antibiotic treatment for Zebrafish mycobacteriosis; however, treatment of infected Zebrafish may be appropriate to maintain valuable strains. Here, we investigated, in vitro, the antibiotic susceptibility of both rapid- and slow-growing isolates of Mycobacterium species from laboratory Zebrafish. Antibiotic testing was carried out using a commercially available 96-well microtiter plate format. Results indicated that some but not all antibiotics tested were effective at inhibiting mycobacterial growth and that susceptibility varied among species and strains. Tigecycline, tobramycin, clarithromycin,...
Striatal precursors adopt cortical identities in response to local cues

One of the early steps in the regionalization of the CNS is the subdivision of the forebrain into dorsal and basal telencephalic ventricular zones. These ventricular zones give rise to the cortex and striatum respectively, in the mature brain. Previous work suggests that while neural precursors are able to move within both the dorsal cortical and basal striatal ventricular zones, they are unable to cross the boundary area between them. To determine if the regional identities of the cells in these ventricular zones are restricted, cells from the basal striatal ventricular zone were either transplanted back into their original environment or into the dorsally adjacent cortical ventricular zone. Use of in vitro explants of mouse telencephalon demonstrated that striatal precursors are able to integrate heterotopically within 12 hours of being placed onto the surface of cortical ventricular zone. To examine whether heterotopically placed neural precursors have phenotypes appropriate to their host or donor environment, in vivo transplants in rats were performed. Striatal ventricular zone cells transplanted to a striatal environment adopt morphologies and axonal projections characteristic of striatal cells. In contrast, striatal ventricular zone cells transplanted in vivo to a cortical environment acquired morphologies and axonal projections specific to cortex. These findings suggest that within forebrain, position-specific cues play an instructive role in determining critical aspects of regional phenotype.
Complex pattern of Mycobacterium marinum gene expression during long-term granulomatous infection

During latent infection of humans with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, bacteria persist in the asymptomatic host within granulomas, organized collections of differentiated macrophages, and other immune cells. The mechanisms for persistence remain poorly understood, as is the metabolic and replicative state of the microbes within granulomas. We analyzed the gene expression profile of Mycobacterium marinum, the cause of fish and amphibian tuberculosis, during its persistence in granulomas. We identified genes expressed specifically when M. marinum persists within granulomas. These granuloma-activated genes were not activated in vitro in response to various conditions postulated to be operant in tuberculous granulomas, suggesting that their granuloma-specific activation was caused by complex conditions that could not be mimicked in vitro. In addition to the granuloma-activated genes, the bacteria resident in granulomas expressed a wide range of metabolic and synthetic genes that are expressed during logarithmic growth in laboratory medium. Our results suggest a dynamic host-pathogen interaction in the granuloma, where metabolically active bacteria are kept in check by the host immune system and where the products of granuloma-specific bacterial genes may thwart the host's attempt to completely eradicate the bacteria.
Hypertonic activation of the renal betaine/GABA transporter is microtubule dependent

Hypertonic activation of the renal betaine/GABA transporter is microtubule dependent. Background Epithelial cells in the renal inner medulla accumulate osmolytes such as betaine to maintain normal cell volume during prolonged extracellular hypertonic stress. Betaine accumulation is the result of activation of transcription of the BGT1 transporter gene followed by increased betaine transport. Methods We studied the possible role of microtubules in this adaptive mechanism using renal cells in culture. Results In cultured renal cell lines [Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and mouse inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD-3)], up-regulation of BGT1 activity was maximal after 24 to 30 hours in growth medium made hypertonic (510 mOsm/kg) by the addition of sucrose or NaCl. Up-regulation was reversed within 24 to 36 hours after returning cells to isotonic medium. Both cycloheximide (20 μmol/L) and nocodazole (20 μmol/L) blocked the hypertonic up-regulation of BGT1. Nocodazole was partially effective even when added 16 to 20 hours after the switch to hypertonic medium. Recovery from nocodazole action was rapid, and there was full activation of BGT1 transport within three to six hours after nocodazole removal, suggesting rapid trafficking to the cell surface once microtubules repolymerized. Hypertonic activation of BGT1 transport was detected in an isolated membrane fraction and was blocked by cycloheximide but not by nocodazole. Confocal microscopy confirmed the increased abundance of BGT1 proteins in the plasma membrane of hypertonic cells and showed that BGT1 remained intracellular during nocodazole treatment. Conclusions Hypertonic activation of BGT1 in renal cells requires de novo protein synthesis and microtubule-dependent trafficking of additional transporters to the cell surface. The apparent resistance of membrane BGT1 to nocodazole blockade is likely due to the presence in the membrane fraction of an increased intracellular pool of active BGT1 transporters.
Chemokine expression patterns differ within anatomically distinct regions of the genital tract during Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Untreated infections with Chlamydia trachomatis commonly result in ascending infection to fallopian tubes and subsequent immune-mediated tubal pathology in females. The proposed immune-mediated injury may be associated with the increased recruitment of CD4 cells to the upper genital tract (GT) (oviducts) in comparison to the lower GT (cervix) during infection, as shown in animal models. To understand the mechanisms responsible for this biased recruitment of CD4 cells within the GT, we characterized chemokine expression patterns in the upper and lower GTs in mice during infection with the murine pneumonitis biovar of Chlamydia trachomatis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of supernatants from GT homogenates revealed that the levels of the Th1-associated chemokines CXCL9 (monokine induced by gamma interferon), CXCL10 (interferon-inducible protein 10), and CCL5 (RANTES) were significantly higher in the upper GT than in the lower GT after infection, while the CCL3 (macrophage inflammatory protein 1α) level was not increased. In contrast, the level of chemokine CCL11 (eotaxin) was significantly elevated in the lower GT later in the course of infection. Increased levels of mRNA confirmed the selective differences in chemokine expression within the upper and lower GTs. The increased levels of Th1-inducible chemokines in the upper GT were not due to differences in the magnitude of infection or progesterone pretreatment. These data demonstrate that the upper and lower regions of the GT respond differently to Chlamydia infection.
Off-site movement of surface-applied simazine from a citrus orchard as affected by irrigation incorporation

Abstract In the San Joaquin Valley of California the presence of preemergence herbicides in runoff water from citrus orchards during winter rainfall can cause surface water and groundwater contamination. In 1999 and 2000 this study was conducted in a citrus orchard to evaluate the effect of irrigation incorporation with rotor sprinklers on simazine losses in runoff water. Four treatments included the application of simazine at 2.0 kg ai ha−1 without irrigation incorporation and the application of simazine at 2.0 kg ai ha−1 with three levels of irrigation incorporation (0.5, 1.25, and 1.75 cm of water). Simulated rainfall with 3.5 cm of water was then applied on the plots to generate surface runoff. Simazine concentrations in runoff water from the first simulated rainfall event averaged 0.85, 0.77, 0.45, and 0.30 mg L−1 for treatments without irrigation incorporation and for those receiving 0.5, 1.25, and 1.75 cm of water incorporation, respectively; simazine concentration in runoff water from the second e...
Acute-onset cervical spine pain and neurologic deficit in a previously healthy young woman.

(2006). Acute-Onset Cervical Spine Pain and Neurologic Deficit in a Previously Healthy Young Woman. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 46-48.
The Absent Presence of Gender in Webcomics

All images from existing works have been traced and simplified for presentation here, to explore the discourses of gender and sexuality represented by characters across webcomics. Images without ci...
God's Being Is in Time: Bonhoeffer's Theological Appropriation of Heidegger

The purpose of this paper is to bring an aspect of the argumentative structure of Act and Being to bear on the scholarly discussion of Bonhoeffer’s relationship to Martin Heidegger. The aspect of Act and Being in question is Bonhoeffer’s strategy of treating theology in terms of three conceptual levels: epistemology (concepts having to do with knowledge and faith), anthropology (concepts having to do with human existence), and theology proper (concepts having to do with God and revelation). Looking at secondary scholarship with these conceptual levels in mind, it is clear that most work on Bonhoeffer and Heidegger has concentrated on issues of epistemology and especially anthropology. Such a focus suggests that Bonhoeffer critically engages with Heidegger only in terms of the concepts that theology shares with philosophy. But attention to the three levels of conceptuality operant in Act and Being shows that he continues this critical engagement even as he turns to properly theological concerns. Specifically, he extends Heidegger’s emphasis on temporality into the concepts of God and revelation, arguing that, in the incarnation, God’s being enters time.
Modeling of flowable slurry electrodes with combined faradaic and nonfaradaic currents

Abstract Flowable slurry electrodes have received increased interest recently for use in electrochemical energy storage and water treatment systems. In an electrochemical cell these flowing electrodes can simultaneously support both faradaic currents (through reactions occurring at the slurry/solution interface) and nonfaradaic currents (through charging of the double layer capacitance of each slurry particle as it passes through the cell). In this paper, a model based on a three-dimensional set of macrohomogeneous equations that combines the effects of both types of current is developed. The model equations are applicable to flow battery, electrochemical flow capacitor, and flow-electrode capacitive deionization systems. Using this modeling approach, the performance of slurry electrodes in symmetric electrochemical cells is examined. Scaling techniques are applied to the equations in order to permit the prediction of the steady-state current that can be achieved from a slurry electrode as a function of cell dimensions, slurry properties, flow rate, reaction kinetics, and the potential applied across the cell. Depending on the values of four dimensionless combinations of the pertinent variables (the capacitive Graetz number, the nondimensional exchange current density, the conductivity ratio, and the flow behavior index) slurry electrodes are then shown to operate in one of four distinct operational regimes. Lastly, the variation of the physical extent of the reaction zone (i.e. electroactive zone extension) with respect to the relative magnitude of advection is characterized.
Fabrication and Characterization of Evanescent Microwave Probes Compatible With Atomic Force Microscope for Scanning Near-Field Microscopy

The design and microfabrication of silicon co-axial evanescent microwave probes (EMP) compatible with atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging was discussed. Scanning EMP (SEMP) imaging is suitable for nondestructive surface and subsurface characterization of materials over a wide frequency range-between 0.1 GHz and 140 GHz. The microfabricated EMP consists of a silicon V-shaped cantilever beam, a co-axial tip, and aluminum co-planar waveguides. The coaxial tip has an apex radius of ∼80 A. The tip itself is oxidation-sharpened heavily-doped silicon surrounded by an oxide layer that acts as insulator and covered with an aluminum co-axial layer. The tip apex is electrically connected to a strip of aluminum that forms the active part of the waveguide. The design and microfabrication procedure are described. Mechanical and electrical characterizations are discussed. Contact mode and SEMP surface measurement results are reported. The first ever simultaneous contact AFM and scanning near-field microwave microscopy (SNMM) surface imaging are presented. Using the microwave measurement along with the AFM imaging opens up a new window to see inside the materials and sets the stage for hyperspectral imaging of organelles of biological objects as well as electronic devices and structural materials.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Asexual colony multiplication by fragmentation; an important mode of genet longevity in the Carboniferous bryozoan Archimedes

Bases of attachment of Archimedes colonies are very rare, but many colonies show evidence of origination from a pre-existing set of branches. The evidence consists of spiralled supports (axial screws) originating from fragments of pre-existing sets of branches, proximal taper of colonies or axial screws to a diameter smaller than that of bases of attachment, early stages of new colonies originating from the whorl margins of older colonies, and sets of laterally fused colonies. In the most favorable environments Archimedes populations were dominated by a few genets that consisted of hundreds to perhaps thousands of genetically identical colonies.The ability to reproduce by colony fragmentation was probably an important cause of Archimedes' abundance in the Chesterian seas of eastern North America, especially where it occurred in dense populations in the lee of submarine carbonate shoals. Colony fragmentation, the importance of which is becoming increasingly recognized in modern corals and bryozoans, was also of importance in Paleozoic seas.
International Policy and Roma Education in Europe: Essential Inputs or Centralized Distractions?

This article examines the case of Roma inclusion in education as a study of the ways in which international policy can and cannot bring change at the local level. I first reflect on the numerous international organizations and initiatives to improve the educational outcomes of Roma, and to reduce segregation and other non-inclusionary practices. Given these actions—and their relatively small impact—I identify both benefits and drawbacks of international efforts to achieve Roma inclusion and improve education outcomes. I conclude that international organizations provide significant inputs for Roma inclusion, but also serve as centralized distractions that foster extremely high expectations and thus great disappointment with the results. Cet article examine le cas de l’inclusion des Roms dans le systeme educatif comme moyen d’evaluer la mesure dans laquelle la politique internationale peut effectuer des changements a l’echelle locale. Ma reflexion porte d’abord sur les nombreux organismes internationaux et les multiples initiatives qui visent l’amelioration de l’education aux Roms, et la reduction de la segregation et autres pratiques non-inclusives. Compte tenu de ces demarches—et de leur impact relativement petit—j’identifie tant les bienfaits que les desavantages des efforts internationaux qui essaient d’augmenter l’inclusion des Roms et ameliorer leur education. Je conclus que les organismes internationaux contribuent de facon considerable a l’inclusion des Roms, mais qu’ils servent egalement de distractions centralisees qui favorisent des attentes extremement elevees et ainsi, une grande deception quant aux resultats.
Methods for Gene Transfer to Synovium

Development of methods for gene transfer to synoviocytes was borne from the idea that gene therapy could be used to more effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis (EU) and other joint disorders (1). Current pharmaceutical modalities in use against RA have limited effectiveness because of problems related to inefficient targeting of drugs to the joint, as well as inefficacies of the drugs themselves. Drug delivery to the joint by traditional oral, iv, and intramuscular routes, depends on passive diffusion of the drug from the synovial vasculature into the joint space (2). Thus, high systemic concentrations of the drug are necessary to achieve therapeutic intra-articular drug levels; in chronic RA, perfusion of the synovium may be compromised (3), driving required systemic drug levels even higher. This is of major concern, as the pharmaceuticals used to treat this disease are associated with serious side effects. Further compounding these problems is the chronic nature of RA, which requires lifelong treatment with high dosages of these drugs.
Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation

Over the last decade, radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) has become an accepted treatment modality for unresectable primary and metastatic liver tumors. It can be performed either percutaneously, laparoscopically, or via an open approach. With experience, indications and selection criteria have been determined for each tumor type. RFA has become the first-line therapy for unresectable HCC before chemotherapy or chemoembolization. It is also used as a bridge to transplantation. The purpose of RFA for unresectable colorectal liver metastasis is to debulk the liver in these patients who are predicted to die of liver failure owing to tumor progression. Neuroendocrine liver metastases benefit from debulking with RFA because of the frequent presence of debilitating symptoms from hormonal oversecretion. A selected group of patients with non-HCC, nonneuroendocrine, and noncolorectal liver metastases and without evidence of extrahepatic disease on imaging studies may benefit from debulking of the liver involvement with RFA and when other conventional modalities have failed. RFA provides effective local tumor control with minimal morbidity and short hospital stay. Recent studies also suggest a survival advantage of RFA for colorectal liver metastases and HCC.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

AIDS was first described in clinical terms in the United States in 1981, and in 1983, the cause was determined to be infection with a transmittable human retrovirus, eventually named human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Globally, an estimated 35.3 (32.2 to 38.8) million people were living with HIV in 2012, with 2.3 (1.9 to 2.7) million new HIV infections globally, and 1.6 (1.4 to 1.9) million AIDS deaths in 2012 (http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/en/media/unaids/contentassets/documents/epidemiology/2013/gr2013/UNAIDS_Global_Report_2013_en.pdf). This pandemic has highlighted the utility of laboratory diagnostics and its relevance to patient care and treatment monitoring. The concern for transmission via blood products motivated the development of an antibody test in 1985 (1). The current versions of these enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays detect IgG seroconversion within a median of 3 to 4 weeks after infection (2). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) came into use, starting with AZT monotherapy, in 1985, and eventually the available number and classes of drugs expanded, which led to a better understanding of viral dynamics. Currently, the standard for managing HIV-1 infected individuals is combination therapy with three or more drugs (http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescent-arv-guidelines/0). During this phase of active drug development, viral load testing became the standard of care for managing response to therapy. With advances in therapy, long-term (years) suppression of viral load became possible, but selective drug pressure eventually led to drug resistance. The use of genotypic and occasionally phenotypic resistance testing to accurately direct changes in nucleotides that imply resistance to drug therapy is routine in HIV clinical practice. This chapter will focus on the available molecular tests for diagnosis, monitoring, and management of HIV-1 infected individuals.
Abstract 41: Designation as “Unfit For Open Repair” is Associated with Poor Outcomes Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive method of repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with a lower perioperative morbidity and mortality compared to open repair (oAAA). In many cases, EVAR is offered to patients who otherwise are not candidates for oAAA. This study attempts to describe the short and long term outcomes of patients undergoing EVAR who are consideredunfit for oAAA with moderate sized aneurysms (<6..5cm diameter). Methods: We analyzed 1,653 elective EVARs within the Vascular Study Group of New England (2003-2011), a regional quality improvement collaborative across 21 hospitals and 87 surgeons in New England. Endpoints included in-hospitalmajor adverse events (MAEs) and one, three, and five-year mortality. Logistic regression was used to develop a prediction model for being deem unfit for open repair. Multivariate predictors of survival were determined using Cox Proportional Hazards. Results: Of 1,653 EVARs, 309 (18.7%) were performed in patients deemed unfit for open repair. These patients were more likely to be over 80 years of age, have advanced cardiac disease,COPD, and a larger aneurysms. Patients deemed unfit for open repair had andhigher rates of cardiac complications (7.8% vs 3.1%, p<0.01) and pulmonary complications (3.6 vs. 1.6, p<0..01). Patients unfit for open repair had poorer survival rates at 1 (93% vs.. 96%), 3 (73% vs. 89%) and 5 years (61% vs. 80%) compared to those appropriate for open repair (logrank p<0.01). The effect of "unfit for open" designation remained significant (HR 1.6, 96% CI 1.2-2.2, p<0.01), even when adjusted for patient characteristics and aneurysm size. Conclusions: Clinical provider assessment provides insight into both short and long-term efficacy of EVAR, even when adjusting for age and comorbidities. Patients in whom open repair is felt to be too "high-risk" may not benefit from EVAR unless their risk of rupture is very high. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Abstract 44: Osteopontin, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality: The Heart and Soul Study

Background: Osteopontin is a glycoprotein found primarily in bone which is also abundant in atherosclerotic plaques and calcified valves. Prior studies demonstrate that serum osteopontin levels are associated with cardiovascular (CV) mortality in subjects with stable angina, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between osteopontin and CV events in outpatients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: We measured osteopontin levels in 981 outpatients with prevalent CHD who were recruited between 2000 and 2002 from 12 clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area. We used proportional hazard models to evaluate the association between osteopontin and CV events. Results: During a mean follow-up of 6.4 ± 3.1 years, 300 subjects experienced the combined outcome of any CV event (myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke or CV mortality). After adjustment for traditional CV risk factors, subjects with osteopontin in the highest quartile had 1.9 times the risk of a CV event compared to those in the lowest quartile (adjusted HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.9, p=0.001), and each standard deviation increase in osteopontin was associated with a 30% increase in risk (adjusted HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5, p<0.001). This association was only minimally attenuated after adjustment for markers of calcific valvular disease (mitral annular calcification, aortic sclerosis), and other known markers of vascular calcification (calcium, phosphorus, FGF-23, MGP1, feturin A, adiponectin, leptin, and PTH), inflammation (C-reactive protein), and prognostic markers (NT-proBNP) (adjusted HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p=0.007). Conclusions: Higher osteopontin levels are strongly associated with cardiovascular events in subjects with prevalent CHD. This association is not explained by extensive measures of inflammation, valvular disease, or vascular calcification. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif