cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased basal arterial smooth muscle glucose transport in the Zucker rat

Insulin has recently been reported to stimulate glucose transport in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). This observation suggests a role for this hormone in hypertension associated with insulin resistance. To determine whether VSMC glucose transport abnormalities exist in a state of insulin resistance, we studied basal and insulin-stimulated glucose transport in VSMC derived from Zucker lean (normotensive, insulin sensitive) and obese (hypertensive, insulin resistant) rats. Basal glucose transport, as measured by tracer quantities of [3H]2-deoxyglucose, was 4.2 ± 0.8 and 7.4 ± 0.9 fmol/106 cells/min for lean and obese cells, respectively (P
Stability of water clusters: Implication for atmospheric hydrated clusters and aerosols

Abstract In view of the importance of understanding vapor phase water molecules and clusters in the presence of pre-existing aerosols, the stability of water clusters as a function of size is studied by evaluating the hydrogen-bond energy per bond, based on our modified quantum chemical approach using the semiempirical method known as MNDO. The relevance of our present study to atmospherically and environmentally important gas-to-particle conversion processes is stressed.
Survival and cell cycle kinetics of human prostate cancer cell lines after single- and multifraction exposures to ionizing radiation.

Abstract Purpose Fractionated radiation therapy is frequently used to treat prostate cancer with an underlying assumption that each daily dose of ionizing radiation (IR) results in equal cell killing. We used three human prostate cancer cell lines to evaluate how survival after a single 2-Gy dose may predict responses after daily repeated 2-Gy exposures. Methods and materials LNCaP, CWR22R, and PC3 cells were used in these studies. Survival after IR exposures was assessed using clonogenic assays and cell cycle responses were determined by flow cytometry. Results The experimentally determined multifraction survival differed significantly from that predicted from their single-dose SF2. LNCaP and CWR22R cells showed lower than predicted survivals; PC3 cells exhibited greater than predicted survival. Daily IR exposures resulted in changes in the cell cycle distributions beyond those caused by a single exposure to IR. Conclusions Our results show that in these prostate cancer cells: (1) survival after a clinically relevant dose of IR does not predict survival after multifraction IR, (2) cell cycle responses after a single 2 Gy dose can differ from those that occur when cells receive daily 2 Gy doses, and (3) some cell cycle changes that result from fractionated IR may predict their ultimate survival responses from such treatment.
Legal theory and case-based reasoners: the importance of context and the process of focusing

It is widely urged that legal theory is important to the development of intelligent computer systems in law [Gardner 1987 and Susskind 1987]. Yet why this is so, and particularly where it baa led researchers in AI and law, is not as obvious as one might assume. In this paper, we report briefly on our work on OPINE (Office Practice I.Nquiry Expert) a generic case-based reasoner for use in legal domains. We concentrate on how our reaction to the treatment of legal theory in the AI and law literature has affected our approach.
The OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard. Implications for optometric practice.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act empowers the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish a standard when it determines that a significant risk to employees exists. Leading to the OSHA bloodborne pathogen Standard were the following events : recognition of Hepatitis B virus as an occupational hazard where blood and body fluids are handled. Similarly, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had been shown to infect those exposed to blood and body fluids, and OSHA was petitioned by two unions to require employers to require Hepatitis B vaccine free of charge and to mandate general infection control practices as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as early as 1983. OSHA determined that the risk of contracting Hepatitis B virus and HIV was significant and that the final bloodborne pathogens Standard would substantially reduce that risk.
Cellulase activity in sterile tomato fruits.

SAMISH et al.1 reported that “bacteria are found quite regularly within the tissue of apparently healthy tomatoes”. Since some of the family types they found have species which produce cellulase2, it was deemed necessary to determine beyond doubt that the cellulase reported by Hall3 was produced by the tomato fruit tissues and not by micro-organisms which might be within the fruits.
A catalogue of lightweight visualizations to support code smell inspection

Preserving the integrity of software systems is essential in ensuring future product success. Commonly, companies allocate only a limited budget toward perfective maintenance and instead pressure developers to focus on implementing new features. Traditional techniques, such as code inspection, consume many staff resources and attention from developers. Metrics automate the process of checking for problems but produce voluminous, imprecise, and incongruent results. An opportunity exists for visualization to assist where automated measures have failed; however, current software visualization techniques only handle the voluminous aspect of data but fail to address imprecise and incongruent aspects. In this paper, we describe several techniques for visualizing possible defects reported by automated inspection tools. We propose a catalogue of lightweight visualizations that assist reviewers in weeding out false positives. We implemented the visualizations in a tool called NOSEPRINTS and present a case study on several commercial systems and open source applications in which we examined the impact of our tool on the inspection process.
Conservative management of post-transplant central nervous system lymphoma

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare B cell variant non-Hodgkins lymphoma that is confined to the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord and eyes. Its incidence is increasing, primarily due to increase in the number of organ transplantations being undertaken. The majority of the PTLD (post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder) is seen in kidney transplant recipients simply because they constitute a larger group of transplant recipients each year as compared to other solid organ transplantations. Primary infection of previously infected EBV seronegative patients and immunosuppression are found to be the main etiologic factors in the development of PTLD-PCNSL. There are no clear guidelines on treatment regimens, and it should be individualized according to patient comorbidities. We report a case of PCNS lymphoproliferative disorder in a kidney transplant recipient, which underwent complete remission with decreasing immunosuppression. The patient could not undergo chemotherapy/radiotherapy due to underlying comorbidities. We highlight the available treatment modalities for PTLD-PCNSL.
Low temperature crystallization of amorphous silicon carbide thin films for p–n junction devices fabrication

Metal induced crystallization technique was used to crystallize hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) thin films at low temperatures. Two types of substrates, silicon and silicon carbide were considered and the substrate effects on the final crystallized film were studied. About 200 nm a-SiC:H films were deposited and crystallized successfully on n-type Si and n-type 6H SiC substrates at a temperature of 600 °C. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the crystallization of a-SiC:H film. Current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurement confirms the formation of p–n junction with rectification over five orders of magnitude from −2 V to 2 V.
Postpartum plasma exchange for atypical preeclampsia-eclampsia as HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the postpartum use of plasma exchange in patients considered to have atypical preeclampsia-eclampsia manifested as persistent HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome with or without evidence of other organ injury. STUDY DESIGN: During a 10-year period, 18 patients with HELLP syndrome were treated post partum with single or multiple plasma exchange with fresh-frozen plasma. Each patient was entered into the clinical trial either because of persistent evidence of atypical preeclampsia-eclampsia as HELLP syndrome > 72 hours after delivery (group 1) or with evidence of worsening HELLP syndrome at any time post partum in association with single- or multiple-organ injury (group 2). All procedures were performed with the IBM 2997 Cell Separator (IBM, Cobe Laboratories, Inc., Lakewood, Colo.) system. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were the main outcomes studied. RESULTS: In the absence of other disease conditions, the 9 patients in group 1 with persistent postpartum HELLP syndrome complicated only by severe clinical expressions of preeclampsia-eclampsia responded rapidly to one or two plasma exchange procedures with few complications and no maternal deaths. In contrast in the 9 patients of group 2 with HELLP syndrome presentations complicated by other organ disease, the response to plasma exchange was variable and there were two deaths in this group. CONCLUSION: The current series of patients details the successful postpartum application of plasma exchange therapy for unremitting HELLP syndrome but reveals that a uniformly positive response to this therapy will not always be observed when there is additional single or multiple organ injury. 1995;172:1107-27.)
The 5′-Untranslated Region of the N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor NR2A Subunit Controls Efficiency of Translation

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays a central role in such phenomena as long term potentiation and excitotoxicity. This importance in defining both function and viability suggests that neurons must carefully control their expression of NMDA receptors. Whereas the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor is ubiquitously transcribed throughout the brain, transcription of NR2 subunits is spatially and temporally controlled. Since heteromeric assembly of both subunits is required for efficient functional expression, post-transcriptional modification of either subunit would affect NMDA receptor activity. Here it is demonstrated that the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of the NR2A subunit severely restricts its protein translation in both Xenopus oocytes and in an in vitro translation system. Mutational analysis of the 5′-UTR implicates secondary structure as the major translational impediment, while the five alternate start codons play minor roles. An important biological role for the 5′-UTR of NR2A is further suggested by the unusually high level of sequence conservation between species. In contrast, the 5′-UTR of NR1 does not inhibit translation and is not conserved. Taken together, these findings suggest a mechanism for modulation of NMDA receptor activity through the control of translational efficiency of a single subunit.
On the importance of selected considerations in the marketing of defense technology

The author describes the research methodology used to establish the importance of certain considerations in the marketing of defense technology. It involved a three-step process based on an inductive approach to the study of marketing applied to the defense industry. First, theoretical bases of defense business development were established. Interviews were conducted with persons holding marketing policy-making positions in large private companies providing advanced military products (e.g., aircraft, ships, fighting vehicles). A number of government acquisition program managers were also interviewed for a comparison of the viewpoints of those in government and those in private industry. Second, utilizing the bases and empirical evidence obtained from the interviews, a survey instrument was developed, refined, and applied to the selected samples. Third, the data obtained were analyzed to determine the absolute and relative importance of the selected considerations to the respondent groups. Overall, it was found that the theoretical bases for defense technology marketing are relatively sparse and of limited direct relevance. The practical bases dominate and are the principal sources of guidance to the marketing (business development) practitioner. >
Endoluminal vacuum therapy for gastrojejunal anastomotic leaks after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A pilot study in a swine model

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) consistently produces the most sustainable weight loss among common interventions for morbid obesity. Anastomotic leaks at the gastrojejunal (GJ) connection result in severe morbidity. We apply endoluminal negative pressure vacuum devices (EVD) to heal anastomotic leaks in a swine model.
Three-dimensional fluorescence enhanced optical tomography using referenced frequency-domain photon migration measurements at emission and excitation wavelengths

The ultimate success of near-infrared optical tomography rests on the precise measurement of light propagation within tissues or random media, the accurate prediction of these measurements from a light propagation model, and an efficient three-dimensional solution of the inverse imaging problem. To date, optical tomography algorithms have focused on frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) measurements of phase-delay and amplitude attenuation, which are reported relative to the incident light, even though phase-delay and amplitude of incident light are nearly impossible to measure directly. In this contribution, we examine referenced, fluorescence-enhanced frequency-domain photon migration measured at excitation and/or emission wavelengths and report on a measurement strategy to minimize measurement and calibration error for efficient coupling of data to a distorted Born iterative imaging algorithm. We examine three referencing approaches and develop associated inversion algorithms for (1) normalizing detected emission FDPM data to the predicted emission wave arising from a homogeneous medium, (2) referencing detected emission FDPM data to that detected at a reference point, and (3) referencing detected emission FDPM data to detected excitation FDPM data detected at a reference point. Our results show the latter approach to be practical while reducing the nonlinearity of the inverse problem. Finally, in light of our results, we demonstrate the method for eliminating the influence of source strength and instrument functions for effective fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography using FDPM.
Pediatric Rapid Response Teams in the Academic Medical Center

With increased awareness of the prevalence of medical error, efforts to improve health care delivery have focused not only on the study of new therapies to combat disease, but also on the process of patient care. As a result, improved patient outcomes are determined by cutting-edge therapies as well as performance improvement principles. One clinical area that has been the target of this multifaceted approach is the prevention and treatment of in-hospital cardiac arrests. This article discusses the implementation of a Pediatric Rapid Response Team at an academic medical center and introduces the concept of a proactive “Rover Team.”
Demonstration of a B-lymphocyte mitogen produced by the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi.

Lyme disease refers to the multisymptomatic illness in humans which results from infection with the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The white-footed mouse is the major reservoir for B. burgdorferi and, upon infection, certain inbred mice develop symptoms similar to those reported in human disease. Sonicated preparations of washed spirochetes were found to have potent mitogenic activity when cultured with lymphocytes from naive C57BL/6, C3H/HeJ, or BALB/c mice. The activity of the B. burgdorferi sonicate was approximately fourfold greater than that of a similarly prepared Escherichia coli sonicate. Polymyxin B efficiently inhibited the mitogenic activity of the E. coli sonicate but only slightly inhibited that of the B. burgdorferi sonicate, suggesting that a lipid A-containing lipopolysaccharide was not responsible for the B. burgdorferi activity. Kinetic analysis indicated peak proliferation at 2 to 3 days of culturing, suggesting polyclonal activation. B- and T-lymphocyte depletion experiments indicated that the major cell type responding to the B. burgdorferi mitogen was the B lymphocyte. This mitogen stimulated murine B cells not only to proliferate but also to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells, as demonstrated by the production of immunoglobulin by stimulated splenocytes. Furthermore, the sonicated preparation stimulated the B-cell tumor line CH12.LX to secrete immunoglobulin in the absence of accessory cells. B. burgdorferi also stimulated interleukin-6 production in splenocyte cultures. The observation that B. burgdorferi can stimulate activation of and immunoglobulin production by normal B lymphocytes may directly reflect on the development of arthritis associated with persistent infection by this organism. Images
Evaluation and Management of Children Younger Than Two Years Old With Apparently Minor Head Trauma: Proposed Guidelines

Objective. In children <2 years old, mi- nor head trauma (HT) is a common injury that can result in skull fracture and intracranial injury (ICI). These in- juries can be difficult to detect in this age group; there- fore, many authors recommend a low threshold for ra- diographic imaging. Currently, no clear guidelines exist regarding the evaluation and management of head-in- jured infants. We sought to develop guidelines for man- agement based on data and expert opinion that would enable clinicians to identify children with complications of HT and reduce unnecessary imaging procedures. Methods. Evidence: References addressing pediatric HT were generated from a computerized database (Med- line). The articles were reviewed and evidence tables were compiled. Expert Panel: The multidisciplinary panel was com- prised of nine experts in pediatric HT. Consensus Process: A modified Delphi technique was used to develop the guidelines. Before the one meeting, panel members reviewed the evidence and formulated answers to specific clinical questions regarding HT in young children. At the meeting, guidelines were formu- lated based on data and expert consensus. Results. A management strategy was developed that categorizes children into 4 subgroups, based on risk of ICI. Children in the high-risk group should undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan. Those in the interme- diate risk group with symptoms of possible ICI should either undergo CT scan or observation. Those in the intermediate risk group with some risk for skull fracture or ICI should undergo CT and/or skull radiographs or observation. Those in the low-risk group require no ra- diographic imaging. Conclusions. We have developed a guideline for the evaluation of children <2 years old with minor HT. The effect of these guidelines on clinical outcomes and re- source utilization should be evaluated. Pediatrics 2001; 107:983-993; children, minor head trauma, evaluation, management, guidelines.
Value of Gallbladder B-Scan Ultrasonography

Abstract The gallbladder B-scans of 20 patients who had subsequent surgery were separated into three categories based upon certain sonographic criteria. Our data, in this limited series, revealed gallbladder pathology in each patient who had any one or combination of the following scan characteristics: (1) internal echos, (2) irregular wall, or (3) absence of a recognizable gallbladder sonolucency. The category which demonstrated a normal sonographic gallbladder, namely a smooth wall and no internal echos, contained a number of false negatives which proved to have either small stone cholelithiasis or extrahepatic ductal obstruction. Within the described limitations, the B-scan can be a valuable test in confirming the significance of a radiographically nonvisualized gallbladder or in detecting a biliary tract lesion in a patient with a disease entity that precludes radiographic visualization by conventional techniques.
A peptidoglycan hydrolase motif within the mycobacteriophage TM4 tape measure protein promotes efficient infection of stationary phase cells

The predominant morphotype of mycobacteriophage virions has a DNA-containing capsid attached to a long flexible non-contractile tail, features characteristic of the Siphoviridae. Within these phage genomes the tape measure protein (tmp) gene can be readily identified due to the well-established relationship between the length of the gene and the length of the phage tail--because these phages typically have long tails, the tmp gene is usually the largest gene in the genome. Many of these mycobacteriophage Tmp's contain small motifs with sequence similarity to host proteins. One of these motifs (motif 1) corresponds to the Rpf proteins that have lysozyme activity and function to stimulate growth of dormant bacteria, while the others (motifs 2 and 3) are related to proteins of unknown function, although some of the related proteins of the host are predicted to be involved in cell wall catabolism. We show here that motif 3-containing proteins have peptidoglycan-hydrolysing activity and that while this activity is not required for phage viability, it facilitates efficient infection and DNA injection into stationary phase cells. Tmp's of mycobacteriophages may thus have acquired these motifs in order to avoid a selective disadvantage that results from changes in peptidoglycan in non-growing cells.
The Short‐Term Effects and Unintended Long‐Term Consequences of Binge Drinking in College: A 10‐Year Follow‐Up Study

This study addresses binge drinking in college as a risk factor for heavy drinking and alcohol dependence after college. A national probability sample of 1972 college students from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth (NLSY79) was interviewed in 1984 and reinterviewed again as adults in 1994. The short-term effects of binge drinking in college were assessed as well as the extent to which experiences of negative effects in college predicted patterns of alcohol use across the transition from college into postcollege years. As expected, college binge drinkers were comparatively more likely than nonbinge drinkers to experience one or more alcohol-related problems while in college. In addition, weighted estimates of DSM-IV-defined diagnostic criteria in logistic regression models indicated that the binge drinking patterns exhibited during the college years, for some former college students of both genders, posed significant risk factors for alcohol dependence and abuse 10 years after the initial interview, in conjunction with evidence of academic attrition, early departure from college and less favorable labor market outcomes.
A minimum interference routing algorithm for a linear lightwave network

A routing algorithm for setting up point to point connection is proposed for a linear lightwave network (LLN). The overall problem of routing is decomposed into the subproblems of physical path allocation, checking for violations of some of the special constraints (MISC (mutually independent sources combining) and color clash) of the LLN on the allocated physical path and the allocation of an appropriate channel. It is shown that the problem of finding a physical path that does not violate the MISC constraint of the LLN is NP-complete. >
Predicting behavioral regression in hospitalized children

The purpose of this study was to document predictive relationships between behavioral regression and a number of client characteristics for hospitalized children. A behavioral checklist designed to measure regressive behavior was administered to 53 subjects in a modified equivalent time series design on evenings when the therapeutic recreation program was in operation and again when no program was offered. The dependent variable items were transformed into a Guttman‐type index of regression. Two discriminant analyses were run: for evenings with the child life program offered, and no‐treatment evenings. Discriminant functions and associated decision rules were presented which will enable the practitioner to classify individual subjects as to the likelihood of regression.
Meditation (Vipassana) and the P3a Event-Related Brain Potential

A three-stimulus auditory oddball series was presented to experienced Vipassana meditators during meditation and a control thought period to elicit event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in the two different mental states. The stimuli consisted of a frequent standard tone (500 Hz), an infrequent oddball tone (1000 Hz), and an infrequent distracter (white noise), with all stimuli passively presented through headphones and no task imposed. The strongest meditation compared to control state effects occurred for the distracter stimuli: N1 amplitude from the distracter was reduced frontally during meditation; P2 amplitude from both the distracter and oddball stimuli were somewhat reduced during meditation; P3a amplitude from the distracter was reduced during meditation. The meditation-induced reduction in P3a amplitude was strongest in participants reporting more hours of daily meditation practice and was not evident in participants reporting drowsiness during their experimental meditative session. The findings suggest that meditation state can decrease the amplitude of neurophysiologic processes that subserve attentional engagement elicited by unexpected and distracting stimuli. Consistent with the aim of Vipassana meditation to reduce cognitive and emotional reactivity, the state effect of reduced P3a amplitude to distracting stimuli reflects decreased automated reactivity and evaluative processing of task irrelevant attention-demanding stimuli.
The Distribution of Neuronal and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Urethral Stricture Formation

ABSTRACTPurpose: The distribution of neuronal (n) and inducible (i) nitric oxide synthase (NOS) may have a role in the maintenance of normal urethral spongiosum and during the development of spongiofibrosis in urethral stricture disease.Materials and Methods: Eight normal and 33 strictured human bulbar urethras were studied by histological and immunohistochemical techniques for the neuronal markers S-100, nNOS and iNOS. The smooth muscle-to-collagen ratio was calculated by morphometric analysis of Masson’s trichrome sections. Immunohistochemical staining patterns of the neuronal markers in normal urethral tissue was compared to that in urethral stricture tissue with spongiofibrosis.Results: The smooth muscle-to-collagen ratio was significantly lower in the strictured urethra compared to that in the control group (p = 0.001). In the strictured bulbar urethra nNOS immunoreactivity was decreased compared to that in normal urethral tissue. The severity of spongiofibrosis corresponded to the loss of nNOS immun...
STAT1-Dependent Innate Immunity to a Norwalk-Like Virus

Norwalk-like caliciviruses (Noroviruses) cause over 90% of nonbacterial epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide, but the pathogenesis of norovirus infection is poorly understood because these viruses do not grow in cultured cells and there is no small animal model. Here, we report a previously unknown murine norovirus. Analysis of Murine Norovirus 1 infection revealed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 1-dependent innate immunity, but not T and B cell-dependent adaptive immunity, is essential for norovirus resistance. The identification of host molecules essential for murine norovirus resistance may provide targets for prevention or control of an important human disease.
Consultation with the specialist. The diagnosis of hypertension in children: an update

Elevated blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Indirect evidence indicates that this process may begin early in life. Now that substantial data define the distribution of blood pressure in healthy children and adolescents, it is the role of the pediatrician to identify those children at the upper end of the distribution. Identification of children who have elevated blood pressure allows the physician to pursue the appropriate clinical evaluation and institute nonpharmacologic or pharmacologic treatment as needed.
The role of functional traits and trade‐offs in structuring phytoplankton communities: scaling from cellular to ecosystem level

Trait-based approaches to community structure are increasingly used in terrestrial ecology. We show that such an approach, augmented by a mechanistic analysis of trade-offs among functional traits, can be successfully used to explain community composition of marine phytoplankton along environmental gradients. Our analysis of literature on major functional traits in phytoplankton, such as parameters of nutrient-dependent growth and uptake, reveals physiological trade-offs in species abilities to acquire and utilize resources. These trade-offs, arising from fundamental relations such as cellular scaling laws and enzyme kinetics, define contrasting ecological strategies of nutrient acquisition. Major groups of marine eukaryotic phytoplankton have adopted distinct strategies with associated traits. These diverse strategies of nutrient utilization can explain the distribution patterns of major functional groups and size classes along nutrient availability gradients.
Combination Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for a Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Urethra: A Case Report

A 68-year-old patient with advanced stage IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the urethra was treated successfully by combined radiation therapy to 5,580 cGy., and chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin. Dramatic response in the size of the tumor was noted and on the last day of treatment there was no definite evidence of persistent disease. No surgery was performed except for urinary diversion. The patient remained without disease for 5.5 years clinically and pathologically. In this case the combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy obviated the need for radical surgery. This clinical behavior is markedly similar to the behavior of anal canal carcinoma when using a similar regimen. Therefore, further clinical investigation for combined modality treatment is warranted.
On the origin and nature of finite-amplitude instabilities in physical systems

Finite-amplitude instabilities are ubiquitous, but their theory and precise definitions require clarification. In this work, we discuss the interrelation of various notions connected with finite-amplitude instabilities and offer a precise context for these phenomena. Then we establish a connection between non-normality of linear operators, energy conservation by nonlinear operators and the existence of finite-amplitude instabilities in finite- and infinite-dimensional dynamical systems, both in the conservative and dissipative cases. Such a connection may at first appear counter-intuitive since it relates intrinsically linear and nonlinear phenomena, but it follows naturally from the properties of linear and nonlinear operators when they appear together in a dynamical system. In particular, the main theorem of this communication proves that non-normality is a necessary condition for a finite-amplitude instability. It is demonstrated that this phenomenon is relevant to a wide class of physical systems with energy-conserving nonlinearities.
The sampling analysis pattern

Sampling is a general concept that has many applications in various domains. The idea of representing sampling as a pattern is to guarantee a reusable core. The stable sampling analysis pattern is introduced and defined as a solution for providing the core knowledge of the sampling problem itself. In order to achieve this goal, the sampling pattern is built based on the software stability concepts approach introduced by M.E. Fayad (2002). The software stability concepts provide the sampling pattern a stable and reusable core M.E. Fayad (2002). This core is represented in terms of enduring business themes and business objects artifacts by M.E. Fayad (2002). Due to their reusable and stable nature, they grant the ability of this pattern to be used in other applications which share the same knowledge. This paper provides detailed documentation of the proposed stable sampling analysis pattern.
Low reproductive success of hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) regardless of inbreeding level or time since disturbance

Self-fertilization can facilitate the colonization of new habitats because it allows a single individual to found a population. Here we investigated the relationship between mating systems and colonization in hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) T.Moore). Throughout eastern North America, this species has been called a “native invasive” for its tendency to dominate forest understories disturbed by logging, inhibiting tree regeneration. Thus, it is important to understand the mechanisms of its spread. We hypothesized that if populations were founded through selfing, then populations disturbed more recently would retain higher selfing ability; this pattern would demonstrate an important link between mating systems and colonization. For four populations logged at different times in the past, we compared the sporophyte production of gametophytes at different levels of inbreeding (intragametophytic selfing, intergametophytic selfing, and outcrossing) using laboratory crosses. Across all treatme...
A Generalist Brood Parasite Modifies Use of a Host in Response to Reproductive Success

Avian obligate brood parasites, which rely solely on hosts to raise their young, should choose the highest quality hosts to maximize reproductive output. Brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are extreme host generalists, yet female cowbirds could use information based on past reproductive outcomes to make egg-laying decisions thus minimizing fitness costs associated with parasitizing low-quality hosts. We use a long-term (21 years) nest-box study of a single host, the prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), to show that local cowbird reproductive success, but not host reproductive success, was positively correlated with the probability of parasitism the following year. Experimental manipulations of cowbird success corroborated that female cowbirds make future decisions about which hosts to use based on information pertaining to past cowbird success, both within and between years. The within-year pattern, in particular, points to local cowbird females selecting hosts based on past reproductive outcomes. This, coupled with high site fidelity of female cowbirds between years, points to information use, rather than cowbird natal returns alone, increasing parasitism rates on highly productive sites between years.
Herbicide concentration and dissipation from surface wind-erodible soil

Abstract Soil lost through wind erosion may transport herbicides to nontarget areas. Shallow incorporation may reduce herbicide concentrations at the soil surface, thereby reducing loss on wind-erodible sediment (particles and aggregates less than 1 mm in diameter). Atrazine, alachlor, and acetochlor concentrations on and dissipation rates from surface wind-erodible sediment and larger size fractions from two soil types in undisturbed and incorporated (5 cm deep) treatments were compared. The surface 1 cm of soil was removed by vacuum 1, 7, and 21 d after herbicide treatment (DAT). This soil was dry-sieved into six size fractions (four fractions considered wind-erodible and two larger size fractions), and herbicide concentrations were determined on each size fraction. About 50% of the recovered material was classified as wind erodible sediment. Incorporation reduced herbicide concentrations on all size fractions and results were similar between soil types. Wind-erodible sediments from undisturbed and inco...
Sexual Harassment Law in the United States and South Africa: Facilitating the Transition from Legal Standards to Social Norms

This article deals with the effect of sexual harassment legislation on social change. The Article considers the development of sexual harassment law over the past several decades in the United States and the resulting backlash from that law, and then examines whether South Africa has and will experience a similar pattern of behavior in light of its unique social context. Using the American and South African experiences as a guide, the Article suggests ways to facilitate the transition from legal reform to actual change in social behavior, both for nations that will soon start along the path to outlawing harassment, and for nations that have recently done so. In the United States five recent Supreme Court decisions about sexual harassment, as well as the extensive media coverage of those decisions, have heightened awareness of the problem, and large jury awards against American employers have scared companies into improving their policies and practices. In South Africa the 1998 Employment Equity Act - groundbreaking federal legislation prohibiting sexual harassment - comprehensively and ambitiously defines sexual harassment, recognizes its severity, and provides detailed procedures to deal with the problem and to prevent its recurrence. But in both countries progressive sexual harassment laws have been met with resistance and hostility by employers, law enforcement, and court officials. This Article explores the causes of resistance to sexual harassment legislation by focusing on the political, economic, and cultural roadblocks to its full implementation. The Article identifies a variety of factors that are crucial in facilitating or retarding the effectiveness of anti-harassment objectives. It examines each of these factors in light of the American and South African experiences and goes on to demonstrate the effect each factor might have in societies with different cultural and historical starting points. Ultimately the Article concludes that sexism, racism, unequal access to the law, gender-specific cultural norms, and failure to make sexual harassment a priority, may continue to thwart the progress in the area of sexual harassment many countries have made in recent years. Only law that has cultural legitimacy can be useful as an impetus for social change. A statute's legitimacy, and thus its capacity for social reform, depends in large part upon the eradication of misperceptions and stereotypes about the nature and harm of sexual harassment, and it depends upon the statute's integration into the legal and political discourse on both economic equality and violence against women.
Immunological studies in acute pseudomembranous esophageal candidiasis

Abstract Immunological studies in 3 patients with acute pseudomembranous esophageal candidiasis are presented. None of the patients had history or clinical signs of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. All 3 patients had an intact humoral response as measured by the presence of elevated Candida agglutinating antibody titers. However, further investigations revealed a cell-mediated immune defect characterized by in vivo and in vitro anergy to Candida antigen in these patients. Response to other antigens was found to be intact in 2 of 3 patients. Successful medical therapy was associated with return of skin and lymphocyte reactivity to Candida antigen in two cases.
Drivers of change: Learning from the lived experiences of nursing home social workers

In response to the growing attention to integrated health care and the cultural change movement in nursing homes, this study examines the lived experiences of nursing home social workers to better understand their role perceptions, job satisfaction, and relationship with other staff members. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used in order to understand the lived experience of being a nursing home social worker. Ten nursing home social workers were recruited from a southern state and individual interviews were conducted. From the interviews, four themes emerged: challenge, coping, mattering, and rewarding. Guided by identity negotiation theory and social identity theory, these findings are discussed. Also, implications for social work education, nursing home administration, and policy is discussed.
Common Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

Cancer is a genetic disease. Cancer is distinct from most genetic conditions, however, because its associated genetic mutations are usually acquired (i.e., not inherited), and cancer involves multiple genetic mutations. A subset of cancers, however, follows classic Mendelian inheritance patterns. These hereditary cancers are the focus of this chapter.
Probe into Reactive Power Planning for 330 kV Power Grid

In the light of large charging power of 330 kV network large transmission power,combined with the requirements stipulated in code and reactive guiding rules,discussion is made from the aspects of reactive power planning of 330 kV power gird, effects of charging power upon reactive power compensation devices,reactive power disposition rules of substation near to the power plant.The technical principle of reactive power planning for 330 kV power grid is indicated.
The door to recovery: overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.

Whether it’s because they are in denial, are ashamed, or simply are not ready for help, patients don’t always reveal their battles with addiction. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reports insufficient evidence to recommend for or against alcohol screening in adolescents, and substance abuse screening in both adolescents and adults, but it does recommend screening for alcohol misuse in adults and pregnant women. However, in my personal experience as a family physician, I have found it revealing to screen adolescents and adults for substance and alcohol abuse, especially at the very first visit. Screenings should also be performed when patients present with ongoing or unexplained symptoms, during pregnancy, after motor vehicle crashes or unexplained or recurrent injuries, and in those with mental health diagnoses. Alcohol and drug use is an important part of the social history that often gets overlooked. However, since some patients may want help and are too ashamed to seek medical attention, or simply may not know how to get help, it is important that we, as family physicians, offer our support and resources to help them.
Insulin resistance and blood pressure in Dahl rats and in one-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats

In normal rats, sucrose feeding results in insulin resistance and an elevation of arterial pressure. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to evaluate the effect of sucrose feeding on blood pressure in a genetic model and in an acquired model of hypertension and 2) to determine whether these models of hypertension are associated with insulin resistance. In Dahl salt-resistant (Dahl-R) rats on both a 0.45 and a 3% NaCl intake, systolic blood pressures were higher (P less than 0.01) in sucrose-drinking than in water-drinking animals. In contrast, blood pressure was not affected by dietary sucrose in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats. Blood pressure was also not affected by sucrose in the one-kidney, one-clip (1K,1C) hypertensive rat. In response to an oral glucose load, serum glucose was similar in Dahl-R and Dahl-S rats, although serum insulin was higher (P less than 0.05) in Dahl-S rats, suggesting that Dahl-S rats are insulin resistant. In contrast, glucose and insulin responses were similar in hypertensive 1K,1C animals and normotensive controls. In conclusion, sucrose feeding increased blood pressure in Dahl-R but not in Dahl-S or 1K,1C hypertensive rats. Additionally, Dahl-S rats, but not hypertensive 1K,1C rats, are insulin resistant.
Effects of shrubland changes on birds in the Intermountain West

Bottom: Landcover changes in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, in southwestern Idaho, were determined by comparing satellite images taken in 1992 and 1979. Approximately 25% of the area experienced loss of shrub cover during this period (yellow and red colors), compared to <10% of the area that increased in shrub cover (dark green). Effects of Shrubland Changes on Birds in the Intermountain West
Validation of Duration Parameters from SCEC Broadband Platform Simulated Ground Motions

ABSTRACT We validate the duration of ground‐motion time series produced by simulation routines implemented on the Southern California Earthquake Center broadband platform. This validation is based on comparisons of median and standard deviation of simulated durations and their trends with magnitude and distance, with semiempirical ground‐motion prediction equations (GMPEs). The GMPEs selected from the present work are based on a large database that includes five target events from California considered in the simulations. The duration parameters used for this validation are significant durations for 5%–75%, 5%–95%, and 20%–80% of the normalized Arias intensity. Some misfits are observed in the median and dispersion of durations from simulated motions and their trend with magnitude and distance. Understanding the source of these misfits can help guide future improvements in the simulation routines.
Comparing Psychosocial Profiles and Outcomes between Patients Undergoing Myeloablative and Non-Myeloablative Allogeneic Transplants.

Purpose: The lived experience of patients undergoing myeloablative (allos) compared to non-myeloablative (mini allos) allogeneic BMT is unclear due to a lack of empirical psychosocial studies. This study compares patient characteristics, psychosocial profiles, and outcomes of patients undergoing allos and mini allos. Methods: From 3/2003 to 12/2005, 125 patients (99 allos and 26 mini allos), completed three psychometric instruments: FACT-BMT (QOL), Brief COPE (coping), and POMS short form (mood states). Patients completed these instruments post discharge for allos and post infusion for mini allos, day 100, 6 months, and 1 year post transplant. P Results: Relative to allos, mini allos are older (P 85%) between groups, duration of readmission is shorter for mini allos than for allos (median 7 vs.13 days). Outcomes of GVHD, relapse, and survival did not differ significantly between the subgroups; death rate at 1½ year follow-up for allos is 50.5% and for mini allos 42.3%. There are only two baseline differences in psychosocial functioning: social well-being (FACT-QOL) in mini allos is better (P=.014) while planning (COPE) is worse (P=.044). At first post-infusion visit, mini allos have better scores on four FACT-QOL scales: functional well-being (P=.031), additional concerns (P=.019), trial outcome index (P=.010), and total score (P=.046), and worse scores on positive reframing (P=.040). By day 100, minis continue to have better scores on three FACT-QOL scales: additional concerns (P=.012), trial outcome index (P=.013), and total score (P=.031), and worse scores on COPE’s planning scale (P=.034). Due to patient and/or staff omissions in data collection and patient death rates, there are fewer patients who have 6 and 12 month assessments, but among this subset COPE’s use of instrumental support at 6 months is worse for mini allos (P=.029), while positive reframing is worse among mini allos at both 6 months (P=.026) and 12 months (P=.048). Conclusions: Mini allos have better QOL than allos up to 100 days. However, that QOL returns close to baseline by one year post transplant for surviving patients of both subgroups is encouraging. That mood state scores for both groups are close to baseline at one year, and depression and tension scores are lower suggests a positive outcome. That coping scores for both groups become close to baseline, except for emotional support being used less, indicates return to more independent emotional functioning at one year. The lack of more significant differences between subgroups is surprising. Further analysis of the return to baseline functioning with a larger sample of patients in both subgroups would be of interest.