cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive functions in long-term survivors of ovarian cancer.

Abstract Background Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer often undergo chemotherapy involving multiple agents. However, little is known about the incidence of cognitive adverse effects of chemotherapy in survivors of this disease. This cross-sectional study assessed neuropsychological functions in long-term survivors of ovarian cancer who were either in complete remission or with evidence of recurrent disease. Methods Forty-eight women diagnosed with ovarian cancer 5 to 10years prior to study enrollment underwent a brief neuropsychological evaluation; 22 patients were disease free and without history of recurrence (Group 1), and 26 patients had recurrent disease and were receiving treatment with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy (Group 2). Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two patient groups on tests of attention, memory, and executive functions. Group mean cognitive test scores were within the average range on all tests; however 28% of patients met criteria for cognitive impairment, a significantly higher frequency (p=0.03) than reported in healthy populations. Conclusions In this study, neuropsychological test performance did not differ significantly between ovarian cancer survivors who were in remission and patients with recurrent disease and receiving treatment. Cognitive impairment was evident in a subset of patients, although group means test scores were within the average range. Additional research using prospective longitudinal designs is needed to clarify the contribution of disease, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and other risk factors to cognitive outcome in this clinical population.
Active and Passive Mechanical Properties of Isolated Arterioles From STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: Effect of Aminoguanidine Treatment

Studies were performed to examine the effect of experimental diabetes (4–6 weeks duration) on both the passive elastic and active myogenic properties of isolated skeletal muscle arterioles. Studies were conducted on untreated streptozotocin (60 mg/kg)-induced diabetic rats and in similar rats treated daily with either amino-guanidine (25 mg/kg) or methylguanidine (25 mg/kg). First-order cremaster muscle arterioles were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized in the absence of intraluminal flow. Video microscopy was used to determine relationships between arteriolar diameter and intraluminal pressure both in the active and passive (0 mmol/l Ca2+−2 mmol/l EGTA superfusated) tes. The measurements were used to calculate active myogenic responses, arteriolar distensibility, and stress-strain relationships. Under passive conditions, arterioles from untreated diabetic animals appeared to be stiffer and less distensible compared with similar arterioles from control animals. Under active conditions, i.e., in the presence of extracellular Ca2+, arterioles from the untreated diabetic group showed impaired myogenic reactivity as evidenced by a significant ( P < 0.001) reduction in the negative slope of the pressure-diameter relationship over a physiological range of intraluminal pressures. Chronic treatment with aminoguanidine prevented the diabetes-induced changes in the active and passive properties of the isolated arterioles while treatment with methylguanidine appeared ineffective. Vasodilator responses to topically applied acetylcholine (10−8 to 5 × 10−6 mol/l) were significantly impaired in diabetic animals irrespective of treatment with aminoguanidine. The data indicate that experimental diabetes is associated with a decreased passive distensibility, or stiffening, of skeletal muscle arterioles that, in addition, may contribute to impaired active myogenic responses.
Regioselective Syntheses of [13C]4‐Labelled Sodium 1‐Carboxy‐2‐(2‐ethylhexyloxycarbonyl)ethanesulfonate and Sodium 2‐Carboxy‐1‐(2‐ethylhexyloxycarbonyl)ethanesulfonate from [13C]4‐Maleic Anhydride

The entitled monohydrolysis products, also known as α-ethylhexyl and β-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate (EHSS), of the surfactant diisooctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS) were synthesized in stable isotope-labelled form from [(13)C]4 -maleic anhydride. Sodium [(13)C]4 -1-carboxy-2-(2-ethylhexyloxycarbonyl)ethanesulfonate (α-EHSS) was prepared by the method of Larpent by reaction of 2-ethylhexan-1-ol with [(13)C]4 -maleic anhydride followed by regioselective conjugate addition of sodium bisulfite to the resulting monoester (38% overall yield). The regiochemical outcome of bisulfite addition was confirmed by a combination of (13)C/(13)C (incredible natural abundance double quantum transfer) and (1)H/(13)C (heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC)) NMR spectral correlation experiments. Sodium [(13)C]4 -2-carboxy-1-(2-ethylhexyloxycarbonyl)ethanesulfonate (β-EHSS) was prepared in four steps by reaction of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol with [(13)C]4 -maleic anhydride, regioselective sodium bisulfite addition, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-mediated esterification with 2-ethylhexan-1-ol, and p-methoxybenzyl ester deprotection with trifluoroacetic acid (13% overall yield). The regiochemical outcome of the second synthesis was confirmed by a combination of (1)JCC scalar coupling constant analysis and (1)H/(13)C (HMBC) NMR spectral correlation. The materials prepared are required as internal standards for the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS trace analysis of the degradation products of DOSS, the anionic surfactant found in Corexit, the oil dispersant used during emergency response efforts connected to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 2010.
Adventures in Outsourcing

This chapter features outsourcing partnership models specifically geared toward student affairs at various higher education institutions.
Light prevents exogenous 11-cis retinal from maintaining cone photoreceptors in chromophore-deficient mice.

Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) is an early-onset childhood blinding disease.1–3 Mutations to proteins involved in the visual cycle, a process wherein the chromophore (11-cis retinal) for visual pigments is regenerated, have been implicated in several forms of LCA. LCA2 is a predominant form and associated with defective RPE65,4 a retinal pigment epithelium protein that is critical in the conversion of the visual chromophore from an all-trans to an 11-cis form.5–7 Recent studies on patients with LCA2 have noted early loss of visual acuity, in particular no observed blue color vision, and thinning of the fovea, consistent with early loss of cones.8–11 A mouse model for LCA2 in which RPE65 has been knocked out (Rpe65−/−) has been generated by Redmond et al.12 In this mouse, 11-cis retinal is not synthesized, visual pigments are not formed,12 and cones degenerate rapidly.13 Rohrer et al.14 further observed abnormal localization of both the middle- and short-wavelength sensitive (M- and S-, respectively) cone opsins within the first three weeks after birth before cone degeneration. Usually, cone opsins are predominantly localized in the cone outer segments; however, cone opsins in Rpe65−/− mice are distributed throughout the cone cell from the outer segments to the synapse pedicles. Interestingly, cone opsin localization and cone cell survival can be improved with early administration of 11-cis retinal when maintained in the dark.14–16 Another retinal analog, 9-cis retinyl acetate which is converted to 9-cis retinal,17 also improves cone morphology and function in similar mouse models.18 These results suggest that receptor-ligand (cone opsin-11-cis retinal) interactions can help prevent cone photoreceptor cell death. They also suggest the potential of such a ligand as a useful therapeutic agent in preserving cone cell integrity and function for patients with LCA2. However, the mice were maintained in the dark after treatment; this treatment protocol may have optimized the effectiveness of 11-cis retinal because 11-cis retinal and the pigments generated with 11-cis retinal and cone opsins are both highly light-sensitive.19 If the 11-cis form of the molecule is important, then photoisomerization might be destructive and would limit the efficacy of 11-cis retinal as a potential therapeutic agent for LCA2. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of 11-cis retinal treatment to a mouse model for LCA, Rpe65−/−Rho−/− mice, under cyclic light conditions. We show that there was no improvement of cone cell health and function after treatment under cyclic light conditions.
Three-dimensional non-cohesive earthen dam breach model. Part 1: Theory and methodology

An erosion and force/moment equilibrium based three-dimensional dam breach model is developed for the non-cohesive earthen dam overtopping breach problem. The breach location can be anywhere along the dam. The model considers the topography of the entire dam site. Three-dimensional slope stability along the main direction of flow in the breach channel is checked. A second order hybrid-type of total variation diminishing finite-difference scheme is proposed to simulate the dam breach outflow by solving the two-dimensional shallow water equations. The scheme is shown to accurately reproduce supercritical, subcritical, and transcritical flows for the following analytical or experimental cases: one-dimensional theoretical dam break with initially dry and wet beds, steady flow over a bump, hydraulic jump, one-dimensional dam break with a bottom slope, and two-dimensional dam break with bottom and side slopes. Applications to a simple breach channel show that calculated flows match the broad-crested weir formula and reasonably fit the grids.
Geology and MER target site characteristics along the southern rim of Isidis Planitia, Mars

[1] The southern rim of the Isidis basin contains one of the highest densities of valley networks, several restricted paleolake basins, and the stratigraphically lowest (oldest) terrain on Mars. Geologic mapping in Viking, MGS/MOC, and MOLA data, Odyssey/THEMIS data, and other multispectral data products supports the presence of extensive fans of debris and sediments deposited along the inner rim of the Isidis basin where large valleys enter the lowlands. Additional processes subsequent to the period of intense fluvial activity, including mass flow analogous to some glacial processes, have contributed to the materials accumulated on the margins of the Isidis basin. These have occurred along preexisting channels and valleys at the termini of major channels where they enter the plains along the highland-lowland boundary. If the abundant valley networks in highland terrains are the result of runoff accompanied by saturated groundwater flow, as has been suggested in previous studies of ancient fluvial highland terrains, then the extreme age and abundance of early valley networks in the Libya Montes highland rocks should have resulted in deposition of materials that record evidence for the long-term presence of water in the form of aqueous alteration of polycrystalline constituents. The material deposited along the basin margin is likely to consist of ancient altered highland rocks in several physical states (weathered, rounded, and angular) exposing both weathered and altered surfaces, and exposures of alteration profiles in fractured faces and unweathered material from rock interiors. Debris fans shed off the southern rim of Isidis Planitia should contain materials that have experienced possible saturated groundwater flow, residence within paleolake basins, and derivative materials deposited during the most fluvially intensive part of Martian geologic history. Many of these materials have also been reworked by ice-related processes. In situ measurements of the ancient crustal materials, in the form of rocks within the debris fans, and the weathered condition of the rocky material are potential sources for mineralogical evidence of climatic conditions in earliest Martian geologic history. The absence of alteration within rocks would, on the other hand, support the hypothesis that fluvial runoff during the earliest history of Mars was geologically brief rather than long-term and that long-term saturated groundwater flow was not present. Determination of the presence or absence of alteration would have corresponding implications for hypotheses requiring the long-term presence of aqueous solutions (i.e., complex organic compounds and life). A proposed MER site along the margin addresses realistic field science objectives of the Mars Exploration Rover mission and the current goals of the Mars Exploration Program. In situ measurements may be important in deriving estimates of the longevity and intensity of past wetter climates.
The effect of age and sex on the relationship between crevicular fluid flow and gingival inflammation in humans.

In a study on 120 subjects (60 males and 60 females) between the ages of 12 and 69 years, it was found that the relationship between gingival inflammation and crevicular fluid flow was not affected by age or sex. Because of their relationship to gingival disease, the effect of age and sex on crevicular pH, urea content, and concentration and crevice depth were also examined. Whereas, aging had no significant effect, sex may have had a slight effect since males exhibited slightly deeper pockets and a higher crevicular pH at most levels of inflammation. However, this may be due to poorer home care in males. The results have confirmed the inflammation-crevicular fluid relationship in a large number of adults of both sexes and add support for the use of crevicular fluid flow measurements as an objective technique for monitoring gingival inflammation.
A self-tuning, self-protecting, self-healing session state management layer

Management of semi-persistent state, such as user-session state, is one factor that complicates failure management in clustered three-tier Internet applications (Jacobs, 2003). We observe that the specific properties of user-session state can be exploited to design a lightweight state storage layer that offers many of the same ease-of-management and ease-of recovery properties as stateless components such as Web servers. We describe SSM, a self-tuning, self-protecting, and self-healing session state management layer that provides a storage and retrieval mechanism for semi-persistent, serial-access user session state. SSM is fast, scalable, fault-tolerant, and recovers instantly from individual node failures. Any SSM node may be rebooted at any time and there is no special recovery code, so the performance cost of "eager" recovery is near zero, simplifying recovery policy management when SSM is integrated into a larger system.
A perceptually-relevant model-based cyber threat prediction method for enterprise mission assurance

Cyber attacks remain elusive and are increasingly effective. Information security professionals regularly monitor network resources and cyber security websites with an interest in understanding how such threats expose their enterprise's vulnerabilities and dependencies. However, information must be persistently and purposefully examined from a multitude of resources in order to establish context and situational awareness. This in turn, enables organizations to perceive, anticipate and counteract threats before they occur and helps assure their ability to accomplish their missions. Global information must be transformed into timely and local actionable knowledge. To achieve this, cyber event data coupled with knowledge of the semantic interrelationships between other location, object, agent, and event entities need to be factored to facilitate a clearer understanding of the total cyber landscape. In this work, we introduce an ontology driven framework comprising of a dynamic knowledge base, a functional and self-updating mission model, and the associated information and complex event processing capabilities. We focus the description of the system on cyber mission information needs, whereby collection, processing, management and mission model updates are based on cyber-related information from a variety of resources including commercial news, blogs, wikis, and social media sources. The result is a dynamic capability for cyber mission management that provides proactive, on demand cyber information to analysts, professionals, policy makers, and support personnel.
A Refined Method of Deriving Reduced Order Models of Induction Machines

A refined method of deriving non-linear, reduced order models of induction machines is presented and evaluated. This method differs from the classical method of neglecting stator transients (p? terms) in that only the fast components of the stator flux linkages are neglected when solving for the slower rotor variables. The accuracy of the refined model is assessed by comparing its transient characteristics with those of a detailed model and the standard reduced order model obtain by neglecting the stator transients. It is shown that the refined model more closely approximates the lower frequency characteristics of the induction machine following both large and small disturbances than the standard reduced order model.
Graphical user interface for functional neuromuscular stimulation system

The work described here is the graphical user interface, written in Visual C++, to customize a neural network used in Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation (FNS), a rehabilitative technology for individuals with neuromotor disorder. We are implementing the pattern shaper algorithm as a digital neural network in an FPGA-based system for low power, mobile clinical trials. The graphical user interface allows the user to easily compare various parameter sets of the pattern shaper algorithm.
Gated binding of ligands to proteins

The binding of ligands to proteins often occurs at rates that approach the diffusion-controlled limit1. For spherical molecules with negligible interactions apart from isotropic reactivity on contact, the diffusion-controlled rate constant is KD≡ 4πRD, where R is the distance between molecular centres at contact and D is the relative translational diffusion constant1–3. Deviations from this limiting rate due to interaction potentials4,5, hydrodynamic interactions6,7 and static geometric features of the binding sites8–13 have previously received much attention. Here, we point out another possible cause of such deviations, the dynamic modulation of binding site accessibility due to internal motions of the protein. Such motions may occur, for example, in proteins such as lysozyme, in which the active site cleft opens and closes in a stochastic manner14,15.
Reconstruction of scalp defects with the radial forearm free flap

Background: Advanced and recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp and forehead require aggressive surgical excision often resulting in complex defects requiring reconstruction. This study evaluates various microvascular free flap reconstructions in this patient population, including the rarely utilized radial forearm free flap. Patients and methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing free flap surgeries (n=47) of the scalp between 1997 and 2011 were included. Patients were divided primarily into two cohorts: a new primary lesion (n=21) or recurrence (n=26). Factors examined include patient demographics, indication for surgery, defect, type of flap used, complications (major and minor), and outcomes. Results: The patients were primarily male (n=34), with a mean age of 67 years (25–91). A total of 58 microvascular free flap reconstructions were performed (radial forearm free flap: n=28, latissimus dorsi: n=20, rectus abdominis: n=9, scapula: n=1). Following reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap, duration of hospitalization was shorter (P=0.04) and complications rates were similar (P=0.46). Donor site selection correlated with defect area (P<0.001), but not with the extent of skull defect (P=0.70). Larger defect areas correlated with higher complications rates (P=0.03) and longer hospitalization (P=0.003). Patients were more likely to require multiple reconstructions if referred for a recurrent lesions (P=0.01) or received prior radiation therapy (P=0.02). Conclusion: Advanced and recurrent malignancies of the scalp are aggressive and challenging to treat. The radial forearm free flap is an underutilized free flap in the reconstruction of complex scalp defects.
Presentation of the 2013 Charles Schuchert Award of the Paleontological Society to Bridget S. Wade

The Charles Schuchert Award is presented to a person under 40 whose work early in his or her career reflects excellence and promise in the science of paleontology, and thus reflects the objectives and standards of the Paleontological Society. Dr. Bridget S. Wade is the 2013 recipient of the Charles Schuchert Award. Since receiving her Ph.D. Bridget has produced outstanding achievements in micropaleontology and paleoceanography. She is internationally recognized for her research on Paleogene climate and oceanography, Cenozoic planktonic foraminiferal taxonomy, evolution, and extinction. She has broadened her research skills through numerous collaborations and work at multiple institutions, including Leeds University (B.Sc., Advanced Research Fellowship), the University of Edinburgh (Ph.D.), Cardiff University (NERC Postdoctoral Fellowship), Rutgers University (Lindemann Research Fellowship), and Texas A&M University (Assistant Professorship). She recently was appointed to a Professorship in the Department of Earth Sciences at University College, London. Since receiving her Ph.D. in 2001, Bridget's research quality and productivity have been consistently high, having published a total of 41 papers in high profile, peer reviewed journals and among these she is the lead author on 15 papers. Her research integrates geology, foraminiferal taxonomy and biostratigraphy with stable isotope geochemistry, astrochronology, and magnetostratigraphy, the latter of which enables high-resolution age stratigraphic control. Bridget's extensive field work includes ocean drilling and piston coring cruises, field work in Cyprus, Italy, Tanzania, Mozambique, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Australia, and various regions of the U.S. has provided detailed links between biotic, paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic events that occurred during the Cenozoic. Her research has led to significant improvements in the Cenozoic time scale and increased accuracy and resolution of the timing of evolution, extinction and acme events for Cenozoic planktonic foraminifera. Bridget is a leading contributor to studies of critical intervals of climate change during the Cenozoic. Some of Bridget's more …
Automatically labeling video data using multi-class active learning

Labeling video data is an essential prerequisite for many vision applications that depend on training data, such as visual information retrieval, object recognition, and human activity modelling. However, manually creating labels is not only time-consuming but also subject to human errors, and eventually, becomes impossible for a very large amount of data (e.g. 24/7 surveillance video). To minimize the human effort in labeling, we propose a unified multiclass active learning approach for automatically labeling video data. We include extending active learning from binary classes to multiple classes and evaluating several practical sample selection strategies. The experimental results show that the proposed approach works effectively even with a significantly reduced amount of labeled data. The best sample selection strategy can achieve more than a 50% error reduction over random sample selection.
Realtime Reconfiguration of Networks Through A Semantic Web

Between all core and access data networks exists a broadband distribution layer, useful for interconnections of sites and perhaps coalitions of forces. Realtime deployment and reconfiguration of broadband wide-area transport is an important problem, and current solutions have modestly pursued admission controls or addition of functionality to routers ? approaches that will limit interoperability and scalability. We are developing management tools to adapt network infrastructure in realtime by application-awareness. We propose to treat network operations and management transactions as language artifacts and solve the problem of service delivery symbolically and intelligently. In particular, our intent is traverse the following domain ontologies: from requirements to specifications, from specifications to configuration, and among various geographic coordinate systems. This has involved an ongoing search for telecommunications-related ontologies and the willingness to develop our own. This research activity is aligned with the Worldwide Consortium for the Grid, with its interest in network centric operations, and the "Valued Information at the Right Time" initiative at the Naval Postgraduate School, whose published work involves adaptation of flight plans with respect to weather using semantic reasoning techniques. This paper will discuss results and lessons learned from a software testbed for network management through semantic reasoning in largely an open source environment.
Effect of prosthetic mitral valve geometry and orientation on flow dynamics in a model human left ventricle

Abstract Pulsatile flow dynamics through bileaflet (St Jude and Duromedics), tilting disc (Bjork-Shiley and Omniscience), caged ball (Starr-Edwards), pericardial (Edwards) and porcine (Carpentier-Edwards) mitral valves in a model human left ventricle (LV) were studied. The model human ventricle, obtained from an in situ diastolic casting, was incorporated into a mock circulatory system. Measurements were made at various heart rates and flow rates. These included the transvalvular pressure drop and regurgitation in percent and cm 3 beat −1 . The effect of valve geometry and the orientation of the valve with respect to the valve annulus was analyzed using a flow visualization technique. Qualitative flow visualization study indicates certain preferred orientations for the tilting disc and bileaflet valve prostheses in order to obtain a smooth washout of flow in the LV chamber.
A community coalition board creates a set of values for community-based research.

Background Researchers generally agree that communities should participate in the community-based research process, but neither a universally accepted approach to community participation nor a set of guiding principles exists. Context The Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center was established in 1999 with the support of a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its partners include a low-income, predominantly African American community, six public agencies, and two other academic institutions. A Community Coalition Board was established to represent the partners. The majority of the board is community members; it serves in a governance rather than an advisory capacity, with the community acting as the senior partner in interactions with the medical school, the agencies, and other academic institutions. Methods
Crosstalk pessimism reduction with path base analysis

Commercial crosstalk analysis tools are widely used for timing verification of LSI, but they analyze the worst case of crosstalk effect in any theoretical cases, which is really pessimistic. Some works have been done to reduce the pessimism based on deterministic method like logical correlation or timing window correlation. In this paper, a novel and practical crosstalk analysis introducing probability of simultaneous multiple aggressors' noise injection timing into crosstalk analysis methods with not only net based but also path based profiling is proposed. With the methods more than 50% pessimism reduction can be obtained in addition to net based approach.
Technology to Promote and Increase Physical Activity in Heart Failure

Regular physical activity is firmly recommended as part of a multifaceted approach to heart failure (HF) self-management. Unfortunately, research indicates that most patients are less likely to engage in and adhere to such activities. The widespread use of information and communication technology tools and resources offers an innovative and potentially beneficial avenue for increasing physical activity levels in HF patients. This article presents specific ways in which advances in information and communication technologies, including Internet- and mobile-based communications, social media platforms, and self-monitoring health devices, can serve as a means to broadly promote increasing levels of physical activity to improve health outcomes in the HF population.
Three-Dimensional Password for More Secure Authentication

Current authentication systems suffer from many weaknesses. Textual passwords are commonly used; however, users do not follow their requirements. Users tend to choose meaningful words from dictionaries, which make textual passwords easy to break and vulnerable to dictionary or brute force attacks. Many available graphical passwords have a password space that is less than or equal to the textual password space. Smart cards or tokens can be stolen. Many biometric authentications have been proposed; however, users tend to resist using biometrics because of their intrusiveness and the effect on their privacy. Moreover, biometrics cannot be revoked. In this paper, we present and evaluate our contribution, i.e., the 3-D password. The 3-D password is a multifactor authentication scheme. To be authenticated, we present a 3-D virtual environment where the user navigates and interacts with various objects. The sequence of actions and interactions toward the objects inside the 3-D environment constructs the user's 3-D password. The 3-D password can combine most existing authentication schemes such as textual passwords, graphical passwords, and various types of biometrics into a 3-D virtual environment. The design of the 3-D virtual environment and the type of objects selected determine the 3-D password key space.
Assessing ecological responses to catastrophic amphibian declines: Patterns of macroinvertebrate production and food web structure in upland Panamanian streams

As part of the Tropical Amphibian Declines in Streams (TADS) project, we estimated macroinvertebrate production and constructed quantitative food webs for four headwater stream reaches in the Panamanian uplands: two that had experienced massive amphibian declines and two with unaffected amphibian populations. As expected for forested headwaters, allochthonous materials were the dominant energy source. Total macroinvertebrate biomass and production ranged from 231 to 360 mg ash-free dry mass m 22 and from 3.1 to 4.4 g ash-free dry mass m 22 yr 21 , respectively, and did not appear influenced by the presence or absence of amphibians. However, macroinvertebrate functional structure differed between pre- and post-decline sites, with shredder production significantly higher in pre-decline sites and scrapers significantly higher in post-decline sites. Taxonomic differences between pre- and post-decline sites were also evident. There was a shift in scrapers from smaller-bodied taxa (e.g., Psephenus) in pre-decline sites to larger-bodied groups (e.g., Petrophila) in post-decline sites. Detrital pathways were dominant in these systems, with shredders and collectors accounting for most energy flow. However, scrapers were well-represented and they were food-limited in these systems, particularly in the presence of larval amphibians at pre-decline sites. Ecological effects of catastrophic amphibian declines ranged from subtle shifts in taxonomic composition and functional structure of remaining consumers to changes in the availability and relative importance of autochthonous energy sources.
Student design processes in capstone projects: preliminary findings

This work-in-progress describes an NSF CAREER Award to study the design processes students use in their senior capstone projects. This multi-disciplinary project compares process characteristics to project outcomes across several engineering disciplines. Data are collected through design journals, background surveys, direct observation, and external review of project outcomes. The project objectives are to determine which design process characteristics tend to be associated with positive (or negative) project outcomes. A pilot study is underway in a mechanical engineering capstone course at Montana State University. The paper presents preliminary analysis results of the data collected on 16 design teams of 3-4 students.
Vibrational spectroscopy of isolated copper(II) complexes with deprotonated triglycine and tetraglycine peptides

The gas-phase vibrational predissociation spectra of deprotonated copper–triglycine ([Cu + G3-3H]−) and deprotonated copper–tetraglycine ([Cu + G4-4H]2−), a known water oxidation catalyst, are presented. Unambiguous determination of the coordination structure in these complexes is made by comparison of the experimental spectra with calculations. We found both complexes to have an approximately square planar geometry in which all the amide groups are deprotonated and coordinating to the Cu center. Our experimentally determined structure for [Cu + G3-3H]−, in which the terminal carboxylate and amine groups provide the additional coordination interaction, agrees with previous studies. However, the [Cu + G4-4H]2− complex is found to have the carboxylate group coordinated to the Cu center rather than NH2, as determined in previous solution-phase studies. Our results also highlight the sensitivity of the amidate CO stretch frequencies to the charge and coordination environment in these complexes. The observed experimental frequencies alone are capable of providing qualitative information on the interactions present in these species.
When Boys Wear Pink: A Gendered Color Cue Violation Evokes Risk Taking

A primary way to signal gender differences starting in infancy is via a clothing color cue (pink is for girls, not boys). We examined whether a violation of this seemingly innocuous gendered prescription would lead to differential decision making regarding infants’ health and well being. In Experiment 1, participants were given an adaptation of the Asian Disease Problem (Tversky & Kahneman, 1981) describing a flu outbreak expected to affect male infants, who were dressed in pink or blue. Participants tended to choose the risk-averse treatment for boys in blue, consistent with Tversky and Kahneman’s theorizing and findings. In contrast, participants tended to opt for the risk-taking treatment for boys in pink, consistent with research highlighting people’s tendency to place lower subjective value on the lives of individuals who belong to socially devalued groups. Experiment 2 ruled out a possible expectancy effect with a different natural category. We discuss the reification of clothing color for demarcating masculinity as a societal attempt at policing gender and situate the findings in a cognitive consistency framework.
Approximating Model Probabilities in Bayesian Information Criterion and Decision-Theoretic Approaches to Model Selection in Phylogenetics

A priori selection of models for use in phylogeny estimation from molecular sequence data is increasingly important as the number and complexity of availablemodels increases.The Bayesian informationcriterion (BIC) and the derivative decisiontheoretic(DT) approachesrely onaconservativeapproximationtoestimatethe posteriorprobabilityofagivenmodel.Here, we extended the DT method by using reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo approaches to directly estimate model probabilities for an extended candidate pool of all 406 special cases of the general timereversible + Γ family. We analyzed 250 diverse data sets in order to evaluate the effectivenessof the BIC approximationfor model selection under the BIC and DT approaches. Model choice under DT differed between the BIC approximationand direct estimationmethods for 45% of the data sets(113/250), anddifferingmodel choice resultedinsignificantlydifferentsetsoftrees inthe posteriordistributions for 26% of the data sets (64/250). The model with the lowest BIC score differed from the model with the highest posterior probability in30% of the data sets (76/250). When the data indicate a clear model preference, the BIC approximationworks wellenoughtoresultinthesamemodelselectionaswithdirectlyestimatedmodelprobabilities,butasubstantialproportion of biologicaldata setslack this characteristic,which leadsto selectionofunderparametrized models.
The Poverty of (Monocausal) Theory: A Comment on Charles Tilly's Durable Inequality

Durable Inequality is a very ambitious work of social theory by one of our fore- most sociologists. In many ways, it builds upon the grand master theorists of the nineteenth century through a language of the present. It is like the more structuralist versions of Marx. For Marx, however, class relations and class in- equality have different dynamics and different characteristics, depending on historically variable modes of production. For Tilly, inequality refers to relations between paired and unequal categories that have differential access to value- producing resources. And for Tilly, again in contrast to Marx, categorical in- equality is perpetuated-is durable-in large measure because of various spec- ified organizational properties and dynamics. There are no contradictions for Tilly, no dynamics of change that are internal to his model or vary by the spe- cific historical conditions that one is attempting to analyze. This is, indeed, sur- prising for a scholar so identified with historical sociology. In Tilly's formula- tion, the characteristics and dynamics through which categorical inequality creates durable inequality appears transhistorical. It is not inequality under cap- italism that seems to be Tilly's focus, but, rather, a universal theory of inequal- ity across time. Another similarity between Tilly and Marx is their common concern with and attention to social relationships, rather than individuals. Unlike Marx, howev- er, Tilly focuses on relationships between categories within organizations, ar- guing that too much attention has already been given to individuals in research on inequality. "Durable inequality depends heavily," Tilly writes, "on the insti- tutionalization of categorical pairs" (8). He denies that people who occupy and activate organizational categories can cause social inequality, or that policies oriented toward social change can substantially affect it. As a consequence, he rejects the idea that the actual people who occupy these categories and whose practices construct them under concrete historical, cultural and organizational conditions are relevant to his theoretical model. It is for this reason that I also see Durable Inequality as resembling the more pessimist versions of Weber, in which the structures of unequal, categorical
Effects of safety belt laws on safety belt use by American High School Seniors, 1986-2000

Problem: This manuscript evaluates the effects of enactment of state laws that required safety belt use in various U.S. states between 1986 and 2000. Method: Safety belt use was assessed using nationally representative cross-sectional samples of high school seniors; evaluation of the effects of laws used data from over 2,000 high school seniors before and about 3,300 after the laws took effect in 20 states. Results: Belt use was found to increase significantly between 1986 and 2000, and the laws contributed significantly to that increase. Increases were similar for students differing by gender, race/ethnicity, parent education, grades, truancy, evenings out per week, miles driven per week, and an index of illicit drug use. Discussion: The data show that although the laws have increased belt use, use is not universal and continued efforts are needed. Impact on Research, Practice, and Policy: This study shows that many teenagers fail to use belts when there is a secondary use law; an implication is that primary laws would be more efficacious in increasing use among this vulnerable population. D 2004 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212‐2 inhibits generation of inflammatory mediators by IL‐1β‐stimulated human astrocytes

Activated glial cells have been implicated in the neuropathogenesis of many infectious and inflammatory diseases of the brain. A number of inflammatory mediators have been proposed to play a role in glial cell-related brain damage; e.g., free radicals such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and chemokines. Our laboratory has been interested in the effect of psychoactive drugs and their derivatives on the production of these mediators. Cannabinoids have been shown to possess immunomodulatory as well as psychoactive properties. We previously have shown that interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated human astrocytes, but not microglia, produce NO. In this study, we investigated the effects of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 on the production of several key inflammatory mediators by human fetal astrocytes activated by IL-1beta. Expression of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 was detected on human astrocytes. WIN55,212-2 (10(-5) M) potently inhibited inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and corresponding NO production by IL-1beta-stimulated astrocytes. The CB1 and CB2 receptor-specific antagonists SR141716A and SR144528, respectively, partially blocked this suppressive effect. In addition, treatment of astrocytes with WIN55,212-2 downregulated in a concentration-dependent manner IL-1beta-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release. Treatment with WIN55,212-2 also inhibited production of the chemokines CXCL10, CCL2 and CCL5 by IL-1beta-activated astrocytes. These findings indicate that WIN55,212-2 inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators by IL-1beta-stimulated human astrocytes and suggest that comparable agents may have therapeutic potential for the management of brain inflammation.
Tor1 regulates protein solubility in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Accumulation of insoluble protein in cells is associated with aging and aging- related diseases; however, the roles of insoluble protein in these processes are uncertain. The nature and impact of changes to protein solubility during normal aging are less well under- stood. Using quantitative mass spectrometry, we identify 480 proteins that become insoluble during postmitotic aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and show that this ensemble of insolu- ble proteins is similar to those that accumulate in aging nematodes. SDS-insoluble protein is present exclusively in a nonquiescent subpopulation of postmitotic cells, indicating an asym- metrical distribution of this protein. In addition, we show that nitrogen starvation of young cells is sufficient to cause accumulation of a similar group of insoluble proteins. Although many of the insoluble proteins identified are known to be autophagic substrates, induction of macroautophagy is not required for insoluble protein formation. However, genetic or chemi- cal inhibition of the Tor1 kinase is sufficient to promote accumulation of insoluble protein. We conclude that target of rapamycin complex 1 regulates accumulation of insoluble proteins via mechanisms acting upstream of macroautophagy. Our data indicate that the accumulation of proteins in an SDS-insoluble state in postmitotic cells represents a novel autophagic cargo preparation process that is regulated by the Tor1 kinase.
Does Disclosure of Terminal Prognosis Mean Losing Hope? Insights from Exploring Patient Perspectives on Their Experience of Palliative Care Consultations

Abstract Background: A primary barrier to physician disclosure of terminal prognosis is concern that patients will lose hope. Inpatient palliative care (IPC) teams are especially posed to mediate this barrier, but little is known about patient perceptions and experience of IPC. Objective: This study aimed to elicit seriously ill patients' perspective and experience of an IPC consultation, and to explore patient attitudes toward information derived from the consultation. Methods: An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted at a large nonprofit community hospital in the Los Angeles area. An established IPC team conducted individualized consults with patients and families within 24 hours of referral. Eligible participants were English-speaking adults, aged 18 or over, who had received an IPC consultation within the previous week during their hospitalization. Purposive recruitment of patients was conducted by the IPC social worker. Interviews were conducted at bedside using a semistructured interview prot...
Electrostatic Preclusion of Droplet Adhesion in a Microchannel

In many multiphase fluidic processes, such as in petroleum extraction and biochemical analysis involving microscale conduits, the lodging of immiscible droplets often leads to disastrous flow blockage. Without a thin-film lubrication layer surrounding the adhered droplets, a significantly higher threshold pressure gradient is required to reinitiate bulk flows. In this work, we investigate the surface tension-driven thin-film drainage process that leads to droplet adhesion and study how electrostatic repulsion between a charged droplet interface and a charged conduit wall can prevent direct contact between the two. We report on our multiphysics computational results of an oversized gas droplet in a water-filled flow microchannel under the influence of surface tension and interfacial electrostatic forces.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Probabilistic Aspects of Sequence Repeats and Sequencing by Hybridization

Sequence repeats are studied in two different contexts: Repeats between two (or more) DNA sequences are employed for sequence comparison; repeats within a single DNA sequence determine whether a sequence is uniquely recoverable from “sequencing by hybridization”.
Optoelectronic Switching Applied to Radar Steering

The present trend in radar design is towards wide instantaneous bandwidth and sharing of multiple functions (search, tracking, and electronic warfare) into a single aperture that operates over multiple bands. This redesign necessitates a rethinking of present day beam steering/control approaches. Specifically, researchers are now actively pursuing microwave optical delay lines as replacement for coax lines.
Molecular Surfaces, van der Waals Radii and Electrostatic Potentials in Relation to Noncovalent Interactions

We investigate two questions relating to the use of electrostatic potentials in interpreting and predicting noncovalent interactions. First, is the molecular surface defined by the 0.001 au contour of the electronic density a reasonable one, in terms of its relationship to the van der Waals radii of the component atoms? Second, how does the electrostatic potential vary with distance in different directions from the nuclei of covalently-bonded atoms? We address these questions computationally, at the density functional B3PW91/6-31G(d,p) level.
Synchronization System for Next Generation Light Sources

An alternative synchronization technique – one that would allow explicit control of the pulse train including its repetition rate and delay is clearly desired. We propose such a scheme. Our method is based on optical interferometry and permits synchronization of the pulse trains generated by two independent mode-locked lasers. As the next generation x-ray sources will be driven by a clock signal derived from a mode-locked optical source, our technique will provide a way to synchronize x-ray probe with the optical pump pulses.
Latino Attitudes About Surrogate Representation in the United States

Objective Determine the effects of linked fate, group identification, perceptions of discrimination, and acculturation on Latino attitudes about surrogate representation, which occurs when elected officials represent people outside of their electoral constituency. Methods Analysis of public opinion data to determine whether Latinos feel that Latino-elected officials from other states represent them and assess which Latinos are more or less likely to feel this way. Results Linked fate and identifying primarily with one's national origin group, instead of as an American, enhance the perception of surrogate representation. Less-acculturated Latinos are also more likely to look to surrogates for representation. Perceiving that one has been a victim of discrimination, on the other hand, alienates Latinos from co-ethnic representatives, making them less likely to feel represented by surrogates. Conclusion Many Latinos without descriptive representation still feel represented via surrogates, but high rates of perceptions of discrimination are a cause for concern.