cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predator–prey interactions: olfactory adaptations of generalist and specialist predators

Olfactory responses of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a generalist predator, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) (Pm), and a specialist predator, Peri- llus bioculatus (F.) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) (Pb) were investigated. Volatiles tested included 20 compounds emitted by undamaged potato plants (Sola- num tuberosum), plants that had been artificially damaged, or plants damaged by feeding by CPB larvae. 2 Coupled gas chromatography/electroantennogram detector (GC/EAD) recordings revealed five compounds for which reliable responses were recorded from CPB antennae: (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (6)-linalool, nonanal, methyl sali- cylate, and indole. Both Pm and Pb responded selectively to the same compounds as the CPB with exceptions: (1) (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate elicited reliable responses for both Pm and Pb, and (2) (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol were inactive for Pm and Pb under these conditions. Dose-response curves showed that CPB was at least 100 times more sensitive to (E)-2-hexen-1-ol than were the predators. Both predators were more sensitive to each of the other compounds than were CPB. Both CPB and Pm were attracted to a five component blend comprising (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (6)-linalool, nonanal and methyl salicylate. However, attraction of CPB to the blend occurred only with lower doses of (E)- 2-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. 3 These results show that the herbivore (CPB) has olfactory receptors which are more sensitive to constitutive host plant volatiles, e.g. green leaf volatiles, while both generalist (Pm) and specialist (Pb) predators are more sensitive to systemic volatiles produced in response to prey feeding.
A Recipe for Cookies: State Regulation of Consumer Marketing Information

The debate over the regulation of consumer marketing information so far has focused on what form any such regulation should take. Despite the lack of consensus on the basic framework for allocating rights to use consumer marketing information, there seems to be broad consensus that any regulation should be promulgated at the federal level. Privacy advocates have stressed uniform federal law as a solution to the potential for under-regulation by the states. Firms have advocated uniform federal law as a solution to the problems of over-regulation by some states and having to comply with multiple and inconsistent state laws. This paper argues that the focus on a uniform federal solution is misguided. Given the lack of consensus on a basic framework for allocating rights in this area, it would be counterproductive to straightjacket emerging technologies and business practices with a federal law. Rather, consumer marketing information is best regulated at the state rather than the federal level. A process of state experimentation, competition and evolution would allow discovery of appropriate and comprehensive responses to problems concerning consumer marketing information, in contrast to the growing patchwork of federal laws that inhibit the development of such responses. A state law approach will not lead to over-or under-regulation as some have predicted as long as merchants and consumers can contract for the applicable law and forum. Contractual choice of a jurisdiction that under-regulates privacy is constrained by market forces and by the political forces within that state. Enforcement of contractual choice of law and forum would allow firms and consumers to agree to the application of a particular state's law, thereby eliminating the costs of having to comply with inconsistent or excessively burdensome state laws.
A study of the axial velocities in an ammonia MPD thruster.

Axial velocities in ammonia MPD thrustor exhaust by measuring Doppler shifts of spectral lines emitted by plasma constituents
Valuing tradeoffs between agricultural production and wetland condition in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region

This study uses the directional output distance function, a multi-output economic production frontier model, to value the physical tradeoffs between agricultural production and wetland condition in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region Nanticoke River watershed. We combine detailed ecological indicator data to measure wetland condition with satellite imagery land use data on agricultural production in the watershed. Our estimation procedure adapts the bootstrap methods originally developed by Simar and Wilson (1998) for nonparametric efficiency estimates to the quadratic directional output distance function. We find substantial variation in tradeoff values across the watershed, which could be used to target wetland conservation efforts in the region.
An invariant-theoretic property of certain CR-mappings

Let Γ be a finite group of unitary matrices on ℂ n . For z ∈ ℂ n , the Hermitian symmetric polynomial has been used to construct group-invariant CR-mappings from the sphere to hyperquadrics. We show that the ensuing mappings always contain a complete system of fundamental invariants. This result gives a new algorithm for computing systems of fundamental invariants in invariant rings. A special instance for certain cyclic representations illuminates work by Loehr, Warrington and Wilf who made no mention of invariant theory.
A novel method for measuring the uniaxial mechanical properties of an epoxy resin during polymerization

A new sample configuration for measuring tensile mechanical properties during cure is described. The method utilizes a soft rubber membrane to physically constrain a sample in a uniaxial geometry. Using this method in combination with a Dynastat mechanical spectrometer, it was possible to follow the polymerization of an epoxy resin from the liquid to the glassy state in a single experiment. The results of a uniaxial dynamic mechanical characterization of a curing epoxy resin are presented.
A Miniature and Low-Cost Robotic Fish for Ethorobotics Research and Engineering Education: I—Bioinspired Design

The development of underwater biomimetic robots has recently become an active research topic due to their stealth, performance, and maneuverability. In this two-part paper, we present the system design and characterization of a multipurpose, miniature, bioinspired low-cost robotic fish implemented in a fun-science activity for pre-high school students at the New York Aquarium; the activity is aimed at igniting K-12 students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to attract them toward engineering careers. The robot features a servomotor-actuated modular caudal fin for selection of swimming modality and thrust optimization. The thrust produced by various caudal fin geometries is experimentally quantified, reported, and discussed. In addition to its applications in K-12 education, this robotics platform is utilized for several robot-live fish interaction studies, where the effect of robot leadership in fish shoals is investigated.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Depression in later-life Puerto Rican primary care patients: the role of illness, stress, social integration, and religiosity

Background: Older Puerto Ricans belong to two rapidly growing demographic groups known to have high rates of depression: the aging and Hispanic populations. Studies of depression in Puerto Ricans have primarily focused on the impact of demographic factors and health. This study expands previous research, examining the relationships between depression and social stressors, social support, and religiosity, for Puerto Rican primary care patients aged 50 and older. Patients: Participants included 303 Puerto Ricans from six primary care clinics in a northeastern city. Methods: Patients completed in-person interview in Spanish. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview indicated depressive disorders meeting DSM-IV criteria. Bivariate and multivariate relationships between depression and demographics, health, social stress and support, and religiosity were explored. Results: One fifth of participants met DSM-IV criteria for major depression or dysthymia. Participants with the lowest income, more recent migration, and poor subjective health were significantly more likely to be depressed. In addition, rates of depression increased steeply for patients caring for grandchildren and those with personal or family legal problems. Seeing few relatives each month and needing more instrumental, emotional, or financial support were also related to higher rates of depression. Unexpectedly, low objective illness severity correlated with increased depression, whereas religiosity and religious participation had no relationship to depression. Conclusions: The findings presented here indicate the potential for social stressors and inadequate supports to substantially increase the risk of depression in older Puerto Ricans in primary care settings. Further studies should explore incorporating these social risk factors into improved prevention, clinical detection, and culturally sensitive treatment of older depressed Puerto Ricans.
A Sensitive Microtiter Test for Detecting Rheumatoid Factor in Children

Serologic tests helpful in confirming rheumatoid arthritis in adults are most often negative in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Since rheumatoid factors (RF) have been shown to have iso- as well as hetero-antigenic specificities, this study was designed to determine whether a test employing human gamma globulin with a number of isoantigenic determinants would permit more frequent detection of RF. Human O, Rh + RBC were sensitized with an incomplete anti-D antibody (Ri) known to be positive for a number of Gm isoantigens. Dilutions of sera (heated at 56°C for 30 min) were made in V-bottomed microtiter plates, 0.1% (Ri) cells added, the plates centrifuged and tilted 35° from the verticle for 20–30 min before reading. Sera from children with no disease, acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and JRA were tested with sensitized sheep cells (SSC), the Hyland latex slide test, and (Ri) cells. A titer of 1 : 32 was considered positive for the SSC and (Ri) tests. The finding confirm those of others showing a low but definite incidence of RF in normal children. The (Ri) rest detected RF more frequently in JRA than the SSC and latex tests. The data suggest: (1) the (Ri) test may be helpful in the differential diagnosis between ARF and JRA, and (2) with the significantly (p < 0.005) higher percentage of (Ri) positive reactors in the JRA group that this test may be a more sensitive laboratory aid than those presently available for confirming JRA.
Unusual translocations t(2;6) and t(?;22) in a child with acute myelocytic leukemia

A 13-month-old female with middle and upper lobe pneumonia showed a high WBC count with 99% blasts. From hematologic studies the condition was diagnosed as acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). In spite of aggressive chemotherapy, the patient died. Unstimulated peripheral blood culture and bone marrow cells revealed a translocation between a chromosome #2 and #6. An interstitial segment of 2q had been translocated to 6p. A chromosome #22 was also abnormal, having acquired a dark band around the long arm.
Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Lymphedema

Background Recent reports have demonstrated that lymphedema can occur after even minor pertubation of the axillary region such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The impact of breast reconstruction on the development of lymphedema, however, remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction on the risk of developing lymphedema.
Health Concerns for Native American Youth: A Culturally Grounded Approach to Health Promotion

SUMMARY This study examined the health behaviors of Native American youth in the Northeastern region of the United States. In particular, the study documented behaviors that put youth at risk for cancer such as dietary practices and recreational tobacco use. Data were also collected on the cultural identification of the youth. Some links were found between cultural identification and health behaviors. Culturally grounded preventive health interventions led to improved health behavior with Native youth at some sites but not others.
POLLINATION IN LUPINUS NANUS SUBSP. LATIFOLIUS (LEGUMINOSAE)

Floral morphology and phenology and the timing of stigmatic receptivity and pollen viability were studied to elucidate the mechanisms by which self-pollination in Lupinus nanus subsp. latifolius is minimized under natural conditions. Pollen germination and pollen tube growth suggest that a physiological self-incompatibility system does not exist. Instead, self-pollination is minimized by protandry and by a collar of peristigmatic hairs, which initially inhibit access of autologous pollen to the stigma. These hairs subsequently wilt, permitting self-pollination of unvisited flowers. Pollen germinates in vivo one day before substantial metabolic enzyme activity can be detected. Citric acid cycle enzymes are not detectable in pollen, but those of anaerobic metabolism are. Beginning on the second day postanthesis, stigmatic secretions exude from weak areas on lateral walls of the elongate epidermal papillae, welling up in the interstices between these cells. This contrasts with the stigmas of other papilionoid legumes, in which secretions accumulate beneath the cuticle covering the stigmatic cells, and the often-thin cuticle must be ruptured before pollen and exudate can come into contact. MANY ANNUAL LUPINES are self-compatible, in contrast to their mostly self-incompatible perennial congeners; however, there may be exceptions to this generalization. Harding, Mankinen, and Elliott (1974) tested progeny of the rare double-recessive pink-flowered color morph of Lupinus nanus subsp. latifolius (Benth.) Dunn, an annual species, and reported outcrossing rates of 70-100% in different populations, concluding that this subspecies might be self-incompatible; other subspecies studied were clearly self-compatible. However, our
When Performance Management Fails - Forensic Case Studies from the Front Lines

What gets measured gets managed and becomes the driver for employee performance. Performance Management Systems are a systematic approach to managing employees that links their efforts with the strategy of the organization by creating performance metrics that are salient, measurable, and aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. These metrics then serve as the focus for management processes such as hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation. However, metrics can lead to failures when they are ineffectively managed, such as when employees take safety shortcuts in order to meet more salient productivity expectations. This paper presents an overview of Performance Management Systems, situations where they can fail if not implemented systematically, and two forensic case studies that illustrate these failures.
Low molecular weight heparins: an emerging new class of glycosaminoglycan antithrombotics.

Low molecular weight heparins are a relatively new class of therapeutic agent. Imprecisely defined as heparin derived glycosaminoglycans, they are derived from native heparins by varying methods and are physically characterized by a lower average molecular weight than is present indigenously. Their role may also include prophylaxis against venous thrombosis formation in a general (nonsurgical) medical population at high risk, as an anticoagulant-antithrombotic during dialysis (or other extracorporeal circulations), and as therapy for established deep venous thrombosis
Component stimuli, pairing, spatial separation, and identification of a stimulus complex

Two halves of Boring’s unambiguous figure of an old woman were presented simultaneously (overlapping in time) or successively (not overlapping in time) and positioned so that when they appeared simultaneously the unambiguous figure of an old woman would have been reported. Simultaneous and successive presentations separated by relatively short time intervals increased the likelihood of the subsequently presented ambiguous figure being identified as an old woman relative to a successive presentation separated by a relatively long time interval. Because physical separation of the two halves is analogous to physical separation of eye fixation points, this result, more than previous ones, supports the idea that perseveration of the effects of prior fixations contributes to the object character of perception.
Sickle Cell Anemia, the First Molecular Disease: Overview of Molecular Etiology, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Approaches

The root cause of sickle cell disease is a single β-globin gene mutation coding for the sickle β-hemoglobin chain. Sickle hemoglobin tetramers polymerize when deoxygenated, damaging the sickle erythrocyte. A multifaceted pathophysiology, triggered by erythrocyte injury induced by the sickle hemoglobin polymer, and encompassing more general cellular and tissue damage caused by hypoxia, oxidant damage, inflammation, abnormal intracellular interactions, and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, sets off the events recognized clinically as sickle cell disease. This disease is a group of related disorders where sickle hemoglobin is the principal hemoglobin species. All have varying degrees of chronic hemolytic anemia, vasculopathy, vasoocclusive disease, acute and chronic organ damage, and shortened life span. Its complex pathophysiology, of which we have a reasonable understanding, provides multiple loci for potential therapeutic intervention.
Critical Reflection in a Social Studies Methods Semester.

This paper reports on an investigation of the extent, nature, and development of critical reflection among three preservice teachers in a semester-long secondary social studies methods course. An a...
What constitutes too long of a delay? Determining the cortisol awakening response (CAR) using self-report and PSG-assessed wake time.

Summary The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a burst of cortisol in response to awakening from sleep that is superimposed on the circadian rhythm of cortisol. Determination of the CAR is contingent on the timing of sample collection: a delay between waking and collection of the first sample may affect the rise of the CAR, and could explain equivocal findings reported in the literature. We evaluated the impact of a delay between wake time and collection of waking cortisol samples on the CAR. Two methods were used to identify wake time: polysomnography (PSG) and self-report (S-R). Participants (total n = 207, mean age 74.0 ± 7.2 years) included bereaved older adults (n = 35), caregivers (n = 50), patients with insomnia and co-morbid medical disorders (n = 68), and the healthy older adults (n = 54). We used ANOVA to test if a delay >15 min affected the CAR. We also fitted cubic spline models to assess expected cortisol levels, the expected CAR, and the expected decrease in CAR. Wake times measured by PSG and S-R did not differ significantly. Large delays were observed (for both PSG and S-R) between wake time and collection of the waking cortisol sample (24.8 ± 32.2 min for PSG and 28.3 ± 49.2 min for S-R). Both statistical methods indicated that a delay >15 min between wake time and first cortisol sample collection significantly affected the CAR (p's
Investigation of the Matching Hypothesis The Case of Major League Baseball

This article uses panel data on Major League Baseball managers to perform a direct test of the matching hypothesis. This study uses measures of manager and team performance that are more efficient than those previously used to test the matching hypothesis in the context of Major League Baseball. The study also uses a new variable that proxies the effect manager-team matches have on output. Using these variables allows a direct test of the matching hypothesis. Estimation of both the fixed effect and random effects models reveal that the quality of a manager-team match is an important determinant of production.
Worsening angle closure glaucoma and choroidal detachments subsequent to closure of a carotid cavernous fistula

Carotid cavernous fistulas are abnormal communications between the cavernous sinus and the external or internal carotid arteries. Although rare, closure of carotid cavernous fistulas can lead to immediate ocular complications. To our knowledge, our case represents the first report of worsening angle closure glaucoma and choroidal detachments over an extended period of two months subsequent to closure of a carotid cavernous fistula. A 70-year-old female with a history of primary angle closure glaucoma presented with 4 mm of proptosis, resistance to retropulsion, tortuous corkscrew blood vessels and an orbital bruit of the right eye. Diagnostic cerebral angiogram showed a small indirect Barrow type D right carotid cavernous fistula. Transarterial embolization was planned but repeat cerebral angiography prior to the procedure demonstrated spontaneous partial closure of the carotid cavernous fistula and the procedure was aborted. One month later, our patient was noted to have worsening vision and choroidal detachments of the right eye. She declined further testing and was thus started on self-administered manual carotid jugular compressions. One month later, she developed progressive worsening of her choroidal detachments and angle closure. She eventually opted for surgical intervention but repeat cerebral angiography showed significant thrombosis of the carotid cavernous fistula and no intervention was warranted. Examination two months later showed complete resolution of the choroidal detachments and open angles of both eyes. Our patient demonstrated worsening angle closure glaucoma and choroidal detachments after spontaneous closure of her carotid cavernous fistula had been noted. Ocular complications, including acute angle closure, have been reported to occur immediately after closure of carotid cavernous fistulas, but not over months as in our patient. It is imperative that individuals who have undergone apparent closure of a carotid cavernous fistula be carefully monitored for worsening ocular complications.
Physiological, anatomical, and behavioral changes after acoustic trauma in Drosophila melanogaster

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a growing health issue, with costly treatment and lost quality of life. Here we establish Drosophila melanogaster as an inexpensive, flexible, and powerful genetic model system for NIHL. We exposed flies to acoustic trauma and quantified physiological and anatomical effects. Trauma significantly reduced sound-evoked potential (SEP) amplitudes and increased SEP latencies in control genotypes. SEP amplitude but not latency effects recovered after 7 d. Although trauma produced no gross morphological changes in the auditory organ (Johnston’s organ), mitochondrial cross-sectional area was reduced 7 d after exposure. In nervana 3 heterozygous flies, which slightly compromise ion homeostasis, trauma had exaggerated effects on SEP amplitude and mitochondrial morphology, suggesting a key role for ion homeostasis in resistance to acoustic trauma. Thus, Drosophila exhibit acoustic trauma effects resembling those found in vertebrates, including inducing metabolic stress in sensory cells. This report of noise trauma in Drosophila is a foundation for studying molecular and genetic sequelae of NIHL.
Pauli-like magnetic susceptibility in emeraldine base polyaniline

Magnetic susceptibility measurements on emeraldine base (EB) polyaniline are found to exhibit a Pauli-like behavior up to a temperature of 475 K. A simple albeit physically realistic model involving spin-pairs is shown to lead to such a dependence on temperature. The analysis of the data indicates that polarons in EB are created in pairs and that the intra-pair interactions encompass a broad distribution of antiferromagnetic exchange couplings. The results on EB are further shown to have essential implications for a correct interpretation of the magnetic susceptibility data in doped conducting polymers.
A Perilous Progress: Economists and Public Purpose in Twentieth-Century America. By Michael A. Bernstein. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2001. Pp. 358. $39.50.

Reflecting on economists' distinguished record in allocating the economy's scarce military resources during the Second World War, Michael Bernstein writes: â€œIt is one of the great ironies of this history that a discipline renowned for its systematic portrayals of the benefits of unfettered, competitive markets would first demonstrate its unique operability in the completely regulated and controlled economy of total war.â€ Not to let readers miss the point, Bernstein prefaces this remark by noting that it was â€œstatism,â€ not â€œindividualismâ€ that had set the historical context in which â€œthe high hopes â€¦ of generations of professionalizers could be realizedâ€ (p. 89).
In Transition: The William M. Brish Library at Hagerstown Community College

Hagerstown Junior College, founded in 1946, became Hagerstown Community College in 1998 and, at that time, opened a new Learning Resources Center in which the library occupies the entire second floor. This article details some of the administrative decisions that guide the services of the re-designed library and some of their plans for the future.
Nanosecond UV resonance Raman examination of initial steps in α-helix secondary structure evolution

For most proteins the primary sequence encodes the native structure as well as the dynamics of the folding process. Recent theoretical models propose complex energy landscapes, which efficiently funnel the folding towards the native form(s) [1–4]. It is essential to develop methods to predict the structure of functioning and mutated proteins from their primary sequences in order to devise strategies for alleviating human disease. We report here the first nsec transient UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRS) to investigate the earliest events in protein structural evolution. We examined the thermal unfolding of the α-helical peptide A5[AAARA]3A (AP).
Planck Scale Cosmology and Resummed Quantum Gravity

We show that, by using amplitude-based resummation techniques for Feynman's formulation of Einstein's theory, we get quantum field theoretic 'first principles' predictions for the UV fixed-point values of the dimensionless gravitational and cosmological constants. Connections to the phenomenological asymptotic safety analysis of Planck scale cosmology by Bonanno and Reuter are discussed.
Estradiol-17β and dihydrotestosterone differentially regulate vitellogenin and insulin-like growth factor-I production in primary hepatocytes of the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus

Effects of estradiol-17β (E2) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the production of vitellogenin (Vg), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) were examined in vitro using primary hepatocyte culture of the tilapia. Estradiol produced a significant and concentration-related stimulation of Vg release and concomitant, concentration-related reduction in IGF-I mRNA expression in both male and female hepatocytes. In male hepatocytes, DHT significantly increased IGF-I expression, whereas DHT inhibited IGF-I expression and stimulated Vg release in female hepatocytes. Estradiol treatment significantly reduced the release of 25 kDa IGFBP, while stimulating the release of 30 kDa IGFBP from male hepatocytes. In female hepatocytes, E2 significantly increased both 25 and 30 kDa IGFBPs. In male hepatocytes, DHT significantly reduced 25 kDa IGFBP without affecting 30 kDa IGFBP. Conversely, DHT treatment of hepatocytes from female fish significantly increased both the 25 and 30 kDa IGFBPs. The different growth rates observed between male and female tilapia may be a result of gonadal steroid hormones eliciting direct and antagonistic effects on production of IGF-I (growth) and Vg (reproduction) in the liver. Indeed, the different growth patterns likely result from a difference in the sensitivity of male and female hepatocytes to gonadal steroid hormones. These results also indicate direct effects of gonadal steroid hormones on production of IGFBPs, which may play a role in regulating IGF-I mediated growth.
Managerial resistance to a management system

Abstract New management systems are sometimes resisted by the managers themselves. An empirical study was conducted to determine why some managers had adopted a goal-setting system while other managers resisted. The perceptions of 100 managers in a corporation were analysed using stepwise multiple regression models, which exhibited substantial explanatory power. Several prescriptive implications concern the design of management systems for complex organizations.
High-Pressure Metallic Indium Telluride: Preparation and Crystal Structure.

The metallic high-pressure form of indium telluride may be prepared under high pressure at 150°C and retained at ambient conditions without low-temperature quenching. It has the NaCl (type B1) structure with a cell edge of 6.160 ± .005 A and a calculated density of 6.887 g/cm 2 . The density increase relative to the low-pressure polymorph is 15.6 percent.
Genistein and biochanin A inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells but not epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation

The effect of the isoflavones, genistein, daidzein, and biochanin A on the growth of the LNCaP and DU-145 human prostate cancer cell lines has been examined. Genistein and biochanin A, but not daidzein, inhibit both serum and EGF-stimulated growth of LNCaP and DU-145 cells (IC50 values from 8.0 to 27 micrograms/ml for serum and 4.3 to 15 micrograms/ml for EGF), but have no significant effect of the EGF receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation. In contrast, tyrphostin 25, a specific EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits EGF-stimulated growth and EGF receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation in these whole cells, but does not inhibit serum-stimulated growth. These data suggest that the mechanism of action of genistein and biochanin A does not depend on inhibition of EGF receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation, but on a more distal event in the EGF receptor-mediated signal transduction cascade.
Transfer of Sensible Heat by Transient Eddies in the Atmosphere on the Southern Hemisphere: An Appraisal of the Data before and during FGGE

Abstract Although the numerical, daily operational analyses for the Southern Hemisphere, in particular those made in Australia since 1972, can be used to describe large-scale features in time and space, they are not suited to computations of quantities which rely for their accuracy on the correctness of the daily analysis at individual points. This conclusion is based on the analysis of transfer of sensible heat by the transient eddies during FGGE and the years 1972–77. In addition, the Australian daily operational analyses of the Southern Hemisphere were compared with those of the U.S. National Meteorological Center, and it was found that the former are generally the better ones.
Timing of early amniocentesis as a function of membrane fusion

Purpose The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate sonographically the timing of membrane fusion and to determine its possible effect on the timing of amniocentesis. Methods Between May 18, 1998, and January 31, 2002, the status of amnion fusion in pregnant patients at 9–15 weeks' menstrual age was identified in women who were to undergo obstetric sonography. Amniocentesis was performed if even a small area of fused membranes that could be traversed was identified; if the membranes were completely unfused, amniocentesis was delayed. The effect of membrane fusion in terms of the need to reschedule amniocentesis was evaluated. Results We examined a total of 594 patients. Membrane fusion occurred progressively with increasing menstrual age. One hundred six early amniocenteses were scheduled, and 70 were performed; the others were delayed because the membranes were unfused. Our requirement that an area of membrane fusion be found before we would perform amniocentesis resulted in rescheduling the procedure 24–38% of the time. Conclusions Membrane fusion, as seen sonographically, is a function of menstrual age. Even by 15 weeks, a portion of the amnion may be unfused with the chorion. Amniocenteses scheduled for early in the pregnancy may need to be delayed until later, when the membranes are at least partially fused, allowing safe passage of a needle. Delaying the procedure may incur higher expense but may be important in terms of lessening the risk involved. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:8–11, 2004
Examining employee compliance with organizational surveillance and monitoring

Although the prevalence of employee monitoring and surveillance technologies (MSTs; e.g. e-mail monitoring) is increasing, very little research has explored the question of whether employees simply accept these systems (compliance) or enact strategies for thwarting them (resistance). In the present study, we proposed a framework based on the theory of planned behaviour and ethical decision making research to predict employees' MST compliance and resistance intentions. We proposed that organizational commitment, organizational identification, and attitudes towards surveillance would predict intentions, with the relationships between attitudes and intentions being moderated by employees' perceived behavioural control and social norms. Moderated multiple regression models were tested and provided support for predictions about the attitudinal and belief constructs, and partial support for predictions about behavioural control and norms. Implications for organizational MST policies and practices are discussed.
Modeling the Thermomechanical Interaction Between an Atomic Force Microscope Cantilever and Laser Light

In this paper, we present the first computational model of the thermomechanical interaction between an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever and laser light. We validate simulation with experiment. Design parameters of our model include AFM laser power, laser spot position, and geometric and material properties of the cantilever. In the area of nanotechnology, the laser beam deflection method has been widely used in AFMs for detecting the cantilever’s deflection and resonance frequency. The laser deflection method consists of reflecting a laser beam off of an AFM cantilever onto a photo diode, which is converted to a voltage signal. Deflection of the cantilever results in a change in the laser reflection angle and a change in voltage signal. The mechanical properties of the cantilever affect the amount of deflection. Although much work has been done on increasing the sensitivity of the AFM, little work has been done on investigating the thermal effect of the laser-cantilever interaction. We observe that laser-induced thermal expansions in the AFM cantilever are measureable. Our simulated results suggest that both the laser power and spot positions significantly change the resonant response of the cantilevers. The resonance response is critical for the AFM tapping mode. In considering various laser powers, we observe that as we increase the power, the average temperature of the beam increases, which causes a decrease in resonance frequency. In considering various laser reflection spot positions, we find that as the laser spot moves away from the clamped end of the cantilever, the dissipation to the sample which is 6 m below the cantilever tip decreases, causing an increase in temperature but decrease in material softening. The results of our models are close to the experimental results with a relative error of 0.1%.© 2012 ASME
TCP traffic control evaluation and reduction over wireless networks using parallel sequential decoding mechanism

The assumption of TCP-based protocols that packet error (lost or damaged) is due to network congestion is not true for wireless networks. For wireless networks, it is important to reduce the number of retransmissions to improve the effectiveness of TCP-based protocols. In this paper, we consider improvement at the data link layer for systems that use stop-and-wait ARQ as in IEEE 802.11 standard. We show that increasing the buffer size will not solve the actual problem and moreover it is likely to degrade the quality of delivery (QoD). We firstly study a wireless router system model with a sequential convolutional decoder for error detection and correction in order to investigate QoD of flow and error control. To overcome the problems along with high packet error rate, we propose a wireless router system with parallel sequential decoders. We simulate our systems and provide performance in terms of average buffer occupancy, blocking probability, probability of decoding failure, system throughput, and channel throughput. We have studied these performance metrics for different channel conditions, packet arrival rates, decoding time-out limits, system capacities, and the number of sequential decoders. Our results show that parallel sequential decoders have great impact on the system performance and increase QoD significantly.
Survey of complications and recommendations for management in dissatisfied patients seeking a consultation after refractive surgery.

Purpose To review complications associated with and management options for dissatisfied patients seeking a consultation after refractive surgery performed elsewhere. Setting Refractive Eye Surgery Center, The Wilmer Institute, Lutherville, Maryland, USA. Methods In this retrospective review, charts of consecutive dissatisfied patients who sought a refractive consultation between June 1999 and January 2003 after refractive surgery performed elsewhere were reviewed and the following parameters were analyzed: visual acuity (uncorrected and best spectacle corrected), prior manifest refraction, complications, and recommendations. The subjective complaints, complications, and visual acuity were reviewed, and the associated historical or visual risk factors as well as treatment options were analyzed. Results One hundred sixty-one eyes in 101 patients with ocular complaints were identified. One hundred thirty-four eyes (83.2%) had had laser in situ keratomileusis; 22 eyes, photorefractive keratectomy; 4 eyes, radial keratotomy; and 1 eye, laser thermokeratoplasty. The most common subjective complaints were blurred distance vision (59.0%), glare and night-vision disturbances (43.5%), and dry eyes (21.1%). The most common complications were overcorrection (30.4%), irregular astigmatism (29.8%), dry eyes (29.8%), glare (26.1%), difficulty with night driving (16.7%), and corneal haze (16.7%). The most common cause identified in eyes with best spectacle-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 was irregular astigmatism (10 of 18 eyes [55.5%]). The most common recommendation for management was medical treatment or observation (68.3%). Medical therapies recommended included lubrication, punctal plugs, topical and systemic pharmaceutical agents to modulate ocular surface, spectacles, and contact lenses. Keratoplasty (lamellar or penetrating) was recommended in 4 patients (4 eyes [2.5%]). The diagnoses included corneal ectasia in 3 eyes and severe flap complication with irregular astigmatism in 1 eye. Nine patients (5.6% eyes) required nonkeratoplasty surgery. In other patients, waiting for advances in technology, including wavefront-guided customized retreatment, was recommended. Conclusions A spectrum of complications associated with refractive surgery may result in patient dissatisfaction. Proper patient selection, prevention strategies, and prompt diagnosis and medical or surgical intervention may be beneficial in managing complications and improving patient satisfaction.
γ-Tubulin is a component of the Spitzenkörper and centrosomes in hyphal-tip cells of Allomyces macrogynus

A monoclonal antibody was used to localize γ-tubulin in hyphal tip cells of the chytridiomycete fungusAllomyces macrogynus, and its distribution determined with standard epifluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy. The results demonstrate that γ-tubulin is a component of the Spitzenkorper and centrosomes. Immunoblot analysis of total soluble protein extracts separated by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis identified a single 56 kDa γ-tubulin-related polypeptide. Localization of γ-tubulin to the Spitzenkorper ofA. macrogynus provides evidence that the Spitzenkorper in this fungus functions as a microtubule-organizing center.
Plasma Polymer Films as Adhesion Promoting Primers for Aluminum Substrates. Part I: Characterization of Films and Film/Substrate Interfaces

Abstract Plasma-polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) films (∼800 A in thickness) were deposited onto aluminum substrates (6111-T4 alloy) in radio frequency (RF) and microwave (MW) powered reactors to be used as primers for structural adhesive bonding. Processing variables such as substrate pre-treatment, carrier gas, and film post-treatment were adjusted to produce films that had different structures and properties. The plasma polymerized films were characterized by reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ellipsometry. Films deposited using argon as the carrier gas were siloxane-like. When siloxane-like films were post-treated with an oxygen plasma, a silica-like surface layer was produced. Silica-like films were deposited using oxygen as the carrier gas. Plasma polymerized silica-like films were formed of spheroidal particles deposited next to each other and impinging upon one another. These spheres were thoug...
Local and global wellposedness of weak solutions for the wave equation with nonlinear boundary and interior sources of supercritical exponents and damping

Abstract We consider the wave equation with interior and boundary nonlinear sources and damping and we are interested in local and global wellposedness of finite energy solutions. The main difficulty is represented by the fact that the Lopatinski condition fails to hold (unless the dim ( Ω ) = 1 ), and thus the analysis of the boundary nonlinearities becomes a subtle issue.
A sequential neural network model for diabetes prediction

This paper presents a neural network (NN) model to evaluate an existing Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) for diabetes prediction over 3 years (1996-1998) based on a simulated learning algorithm on individual prognostic process, using the repeatedly measured HRAs of 6142 participants. The approach uses a sequential multi-layered perceptron (SMLP) with backpropagation learning, and an explicit model of time-varying inputs along with the sequentially obtained prediction probability, which was obtained by embedding a multivariate logistic function for consecutive years. The study captures the time-sensitive feature of associating risk factors as predictors to the occurrence of diabetes in the corresponding period. This approach outperforms the baseline classification and regression models in terms of gains (average profit: 0.18) and sensitivity (86.04%) for a test data. The result enables a time-sensitive disease prevention and management program as a prospective effort.
Correction: Address of Correspondent

Excerpt To the editor: In our letter,"Pseudomonas putida and Septic Arthritis"(Ann Intern Med78:971-972, 1973), the address was omitted. Inquiries should be sent to us at Division of Infectious Dis...
Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson disease: a study of efficacy and safety

Object. Palliative neurosurgery has reemerged as a valid therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD) that is complicated by severe motor fluctuations. Despite great enthusiasm for long-term deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), existing reports on this treatment are limited. The present study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of bilateral stimulation of the STN for the treatment of PD. Methods. In 12 patients with severe PD, electrodes were stereotactically implanted into the STN with the assistance of electrophysiological conformation of the target location. All patients were evaluated preoperatively during both medication-off and -on conditions, as well as postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months during medication-on and -off states and stimulation-on and -off conditions. Tests included assessments based on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and timed motor tests. The stimulation effect was significant in patients who were in the m...
Considering Culture, Complementary Medicine, and Spirituality in Pediatrics

thetragic consequencesofmisunderstood differences between culturesfromopposite endsofthe earth. Mostoften, however, differences inculture, spirituality, and health practices are more subtle, althoughnot necessarily less problematic forthose involved. Culture inany one place and timeconsists oftheinteractions betweendominantbeliefs and practices andnon-dominant cultures;membersofdifferent nondominant cultural groups alsointeractincomplex ways.Generally speaking, membersofadominant group tendnottothink ofthemselves as having a cultural background. IntheUnitedStates, for example, suchpersons are likely tothinkofthemselves as "American"rather thanas"Somethinghyphen-American." Itisnotuncommon, therefore, forthis group toassume thatmattersof "culture" pertain primarily to more recently arrived groups,and nottothem.Thiskindofassumptioncharacterizes any position of
Community‐based comanagement: Sharing responsibility when tolerance for wildlife is exceeded

A key question in considering wildlife stakeholder acceptance capacity (WSAC) is scale of the problem or opportunity for which WSAC is a concern. Experience indicates that human communities, typica...
Family to family: reconstructing foster care in the US

The public child welfare system in North America is faced with growing deprivation, rising numbers of children who need out-of-home placements for increasingly lengthy periods, and a shortage of foster carers. The Family to Family initiative offers public agencies funds and tools to help them strengthen family support services within the communities from which children enter the system, improve the quantity and quality of neighbourhood-based foster carers and develop the capacity to collect and analyse outcome data.
Fast-scan voltammetry of cyclic nitroxide free radicals.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon fiber microelectrodes is used to detect the cyclic nitroxide 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy free radical (TEMPO) and three analogs. The electrochemical behavior of the TEMPO analogs at unmodified carbon fiber electrodes is found to differ greatly from their behavior at glassy carbon electrodes. After the electrode is coated with the polymer Nafion, the electrodes exhibit increased sensitivity to TEMPO and 4-amino-TEMPO. Voltammograms of the nitroxides at Nafion-coated electrodes indicate that the oxidized form (oxoammonium ion) and the free radical form have greatly different mobilities through the polymeric coating. Response times to changes in nitroxide concentration vary from subsecond at bare electrodes (all four analogs) and 4-hydroxy-TEMPO at modified electrodes to 1−3 s for TEMPO and 4-amino-TEMPO at modified electrodes. The detection limit for 4-amino-TEMPO is 50 μM at an unmodified electrode and 5 μM at a Nafion-coated carbon fiber electrode. The sensi...