cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Localization of T-bet and Eomes in CD8 T Cell Memory Populations

In mice, two T-box transcription factors, T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) and eomesodermin (Eomes), drive the differentiation of CD8 T cell lineages; however, little is known regarding their role in human CD8 T cell differentiation. In this study, we characterized T-bet and Eomes expression and localization within human CD8 memory T cell populations. We find that T-bet and Eomes are broadly expressed in human memory CD8 T cells, with increasing levels of T-bet and Eomes strongly correlating with differentiation from central memory to effector memory and effector subpopulations. In resting T cells, T-bet levels directly correlate to subcellular localization, with a higher propensity for nuclear expression of T-bet within T-bet(hi) cells and predominantly cytoplasmic expression in T-bet(lo) cells. In addition, Eomes is also localized to either the nucleus or the cytoplasm. Upon TCR stimulation, the percentage of T cells that express T-bet dramatically increases, whereas the percentage of cells expressing Eomes remains largely unchanged across all memory populations. Of interest, T-bet, but not Eomes, relocalizes to the nucleus in the majority of cells across all populations within 24 h post stimulation. These data indicate that T-bet and Eomes are likely regulated at the level of subcellular localization, potentially via different mechanisms. Together, these findings suggest a novel model for CD8 T cell differentiation in humans that is based on the localization of T-bet and Eomes.
Higher-order sliced inverse regressions

With the advancement of modern technology, array-valued data are often encountered in application. Such data can exhibit both high dimensionality and complex structures. Traditional methods for sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) are generally inefficient for array-valued data as they cannot adequately capture the underlying structure. In this article, we discuss recently developed higher-order approaches to SDR for regressions with matrix- or array-valued predictors, with a special focus on sliced inverse regressions. These methods can reduce an array-valued predictor's multiple dimensions simultaneously without losing much/any information for prediction and classification. We briefly discuss the implementation procedure for each method. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:249–257. doi: 10.1002/wics.1354 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Developing a gene expression model for predicting ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients: A pilot study

Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) carries significant mortality and morbidity. Predicting which patients will become infected could lead to measures to reduce the incidence of VAP. Methodology/Principal Findings The goal was to begin constructing a model for VAP prediction in critically-injured trauma patients, and to identify differentially expressed genes in patients who go on to develop VAP compared to similar patients who do not. Gene expression profiles of lipopolysaccharide stimulated blood cells in critically injured trauma patients that went on to develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (n = 10) was compared to those that never developed the infection (n = 10). Eight hundred and ten genes were differentially expressed between the two groups (ANOVA, P<0.05) and further analyzed by hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis. Functional analysis using Gene Ontology and KEGG classifications revealed enrichment in multiple categories including regulation of protein translation, regulation of protease activity, and response to bacterial infection. A logistic regression model was developed that accurately predicted critically-injured trauma patients that went on to develop VAP (VAP+) and those that did not (VAP−). Five genes (PIK3R3, ATP2A1, PI3, ADAM8, and HCN4) were common to all top 20 significant genes that were identified from all independent training sets in the cross validation. Hierarchical clustering using these five genes accurately categorized 95% of patients and PCA visualization demonstrated two discernable groups (VAP+ and VAP−). Conclusions/Significance A logistic regression model using cross-validation accurately predicted patients that developed ventilator-associated pneumonia and should now be tested on a larger cohort of trauma patients.
What's the matter with monism?

If the connection between monism and totalitarian politics is a possibility rather than a logical necessity, value‐pluralists must consider what their attitude towards non‐totalitarian monisms should be. In particular, they must respond to Ronald Dworkin's claim that when a conflict between values is experienced, rather than treating the conflict as unavoidable, we should seek to eliminate it by reconstructing and harmonizing the meanings of the values involved. This paper shows, through a discussion of the concept of positive liberty, that there are non‐coercive monisms, and identifies a ‘monistic continuum’. It also determines the means of arresting the slide from weaker to stronger forms of monism. The paper concludes that stronger forms of monism, which collapse the boundaries between concepts, deplete our moral/political resources and leave us unprepared to understand value‐conflicts when we encounter them. Value‐pluralists should reject these forms of monism, even when it is unlikely that they will ...
Fruit development and reproductive survival in soybean: Position and age effects

Abstract Flowering and pod set in soybean ( Glycine max L. Merrill) is a dynamic system in which pod survival may depend on when a pod is initiated and where it is located. Greenhouse (cvs. Lambert and Elgin 87) and field (cvs. Elgin 87 and Essex) experiments were conducted to evaluate, first, the effect of pod size and the timing of pod appearance on pod survival and, secondly, inter-nodal interactions between assimilate supply and reproductive failure. Plants were grown in 3.0 L pots (1 per pot) in a greenhouse where the temperature was maintained between 20 and 30 °C. Large (maximum length) and small (∼15 mm long) pods were marked several times during flowering and then plants were placed under shade (60, 80 or 90%) for 4, 8, 12, and 16 days or until maturity. Large pods almost always survived until maturity—significant reproductive failure (22%) occurred only when pods marked late in the flowering period were exposed to 90% shade. Survival of small pods was reduced by shade (lowest survival was 0%) and the greatest reduction occurred when pods were marked late in flowering when there was a large reproductive sink. Reaching maximum length was the key event in pod survival and the chances of reaching maximum length depended upon when the pod was initiated and the assimilate supply. Leaf and flower removal from individual nodes in greenhouse (cv. Lambert) and field experiments were used to evaluate inter-nodal interactions between assimilate supply and reproductive failure. Removing the leaf from the target node on the main stem when flowering started had no effect on mature pod number at that node; but removing leaves from three adjacent nodes reduced pod number by up to 50% on Elgin 87, but not Essex. Continuously removing flowers from target nodes had no effect on pod number at adjacent nodes. Apparently pod survival at individual nodes is relatively independent of the photosynthesis of the subtending leaf, but the interaction among early and late pods is strictly an intra-nodal phenomena. Survival of a late developing pod at the top of the plant is apparently not affected by large rapidly growing pods at lower nodes. These descriptions of timing, pod size and location effects on pod survival are needed to build realistic dynamic models of pod set in soybean.
The role of antiresorptive therapies in improving patient care in early and metastatic breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women and has a high rate of metastasis to bone. Patients regularly undergo adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) following surgical resection of the tumor. In addition to potential direct effects on bone cells, both chemotherapy and hormonal therapy induce ovarian dysfunction and dramatically decrease estrogen levels in both pre- and postmenopausal women. This leads to decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Antiresorptive therapies (e.g, zoledronic acid and denosumab) have demonstrated efficacy in preventing cancer therapy-induced bone loss in patients with breast cancer and are approved for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer. This review will focus on the evolving role of these antiresorptive therapies in the care of women with early or metastatic breast cancer.
The driver as cause or victim in vehicle skidding accidents

The implication, if not the evidence, that drivers are the principal causative factor in vehicle skidding accidents is widespread. This conclusion is discussed and refuted. There are several potential sources of information or knowledge which might allow the driver to prevent skidding, to avoid initiating a serious skid, to detect an incipient skid, and to control a skidding vehicle that have not been explored or developed. With the current lack of information supplied them, drivers are more often the victims of chance conditions rather than the causes of preventable losses of control. More comprehensive models of driver potential as a controller are called for, and a research program is outlined for developing the types and quality of information which potentially are available for better system performance.
REDCAT: a residual dipolar coupling analysis tool.

Abstract Recent advancements in the utilization of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) as a means of structure validation and elucidation have demonstrated the need for, not only a more user friendly, but also a more powerful RDC analysis tool. In this paper, we introduce a software package named REsidual Dipolar Coupling Analysis Tool (REDCAT) designed to address the above issues. REDCAT is a user-friendly program with its graphical-user-interface developed in Tcl/Tk, which is highly portable. Furthermore, the computational engine behind this GUI is written in C/C++ and its computational performance is therefore excellent. The modular implementation of REDCAT’s algorithms, with separation of the computational engine from the graphical engine allows for flexible and easy command line interaction. This feature can be utilized for the design of automated data analysis sessions. Furthermore, this software package is portable to Linux clusters for high throughput applications. In addition to basic utilities to solve for order tensors and back calculate couplings from a given order tensor and proposed structure, a number of improved algorithms have been incorporated. These include the proper sampling of the Null-space (when the system of linear equations is under-determined), more sophisticated filters for invalid order-tensor identification, error analysis for the identification of the problematic measurements and simulation of the effects of dynamic averaging processes.
Global Marketing Channels and the Standardization Controversy

Abstract Since the early 1960s, standardization has often been viewed as an efficient strategy for global marketers while others have argued for the relative merits of adaptation. A review of the literature reveals two important points: first, relative to other areas of marketing, channels of distribution are given short shrift in the standardization versus adaptation debate; second, of the existing literature on the standardization of global marketing channels, academicians and practitioners generally concur that marketing channels cannot be standardized. This conclusion may be premature. Thus, this paper offers a conceptual framework for the possible standardization of global marketing channels. A schematic model of the domestic marketing channel development process is extended to the global arena and a framework for the evaluation of the standardization alternatives in the international marketing channels development context is presented.
Does Hyperconcentration Result in Platelet Activation

Background and Objectives: Hyperconcentration of platelets may lead to platelet activation and loss of platelet function. Materials and Methods: Platelet activati
Tool review: Prograph 2·0 from TGS systems

The Prograph development system from The Gunkara Sun Systems is a sophisticated environment for programming in a visual language. Prograph contains a programming language with a powerful semantics based on objects and data flow, and a highly visual syntax. Programming in Prograph uses a collection of visual interfaces for editing all aspects of the program. An integrated language interpreter supports the execution and debugging of programs. Also part of the integrated environment is the Application Builder, which combines a WYSIWYG interface building tool with a toolkit for constructing user interfaces. This version of Prograph contains a compiler which produces standalone executable applications. Prograph runs on Apple Macintosh computers, and is targeted for development of applications with graphical, interactive interfaces.
Diagnosis of pancreatic cysts: EUS-guided, through-the-needle confocal laser-induced endomicroscopy and cystoscopy trial: DETECT study

Background The diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs), which now depends on morphology, cytology, and fluid analysis, is still challenging. A novel confocal laser endomicroscopy probe that can be inserted through a 19-gauge FNA needle allows needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE), and the feasibility of nCLE has been reported in PCNs. The combination of cystoscopy by using a through-the-needle fiberoptic probe in combination with nCLE under EUS guidance may improve the diagnosis of PCNs. Objective To assess the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic yield of the combination of cystoscopy and nCLE in the clinical diagnosis of PCNs. Design A prospective feasibility study. Setting An academic tertiary referral center. Patients Thirty patients with PCNs. Interventions EUS-guided dual through-the-needle imaging (cystoscopy and nCLE) for PCNs. Main Outcome Measurements Technical feasibility and safety. Associations of cystoscopy and nCLE findings with clinical diagnosis of PCNs. Results The procedure was technically successful with the exception of 1 probe exchange failure. In 2 patients (7%), postprocedure pancreatitis developed. Specific features associated with the clinical diagnosis of mucinous cysts were identified: mucin on cystoscopy and papillary projections and dark rings on nCLE. The sensitivity of cystoscopy was 90% (9/10), and that of nCLE was 80% (8/10), and the combination was 100% (10/10) in 18 high-certainty patients. Limitations A single-center study and lack of complete pathologic correlation. Conclusion The combination of dual through-the-needle imaging (cystoscopy and nCLE) of pancreatic cysts appears to have strong concordance with the clinical diagnosis of PCN. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01447238.)
Using talbot interferometry to see ultrasonic waves

Abstract Assembling a system which forms the optical image of an acoustic field can be a time consuming and exacting chore. Necessary labor involves component testing, optical beam collimation, plus optical and acoustic component alignment. We discuss here a Schlieren method which both simplifies the setting-up, and provides a new way of seeing the acoustic field. We term the method Talbot-Schlieren as it utilizes the Fourier-self-imaging or Talbot effect.
Kramers–Kronig dispersion analysis of LiF reflectance data obtained at ambient and low temperatures*

Room-, liquid-nitrogen-, and liquid-helium-temperature mid-infrared reflectance spectra of lithium fluoride have been measured at near-normal incidence with special emphasis placed on obtaining precise and accurate data in the difficult Rminimum region. The reliability of the measured Rmin curves has been evaluated by a previously suggested mathematical technique. Far-infrared data available from the literature were utilized to construct the low-frequency reflection wings. The newly obtained reflectance data have been processed by an improved Kramers–Kronig dispersion-analysis technique, leading to optical indices significantly more reliable than those reported to date.
An Additional Rating Method for Journal Articles in the Field of Management

A frequently used method for determining the influence rating of a journal article is the citation count. This article argues that simply counting citations may not be sufficient. Instead, to gain a fuller understanding of the influence of an article on future research, the importance of the cited reference to the citing article should be examined. To illustrate this suggested method, a sample of articles from Academy of Management Review and Academy of Management Journal was analyzed. Results indicated that the vast majority of the citing articles simply listed the focal articles as references instead of using them as an integral component (i.e., a test of the ideas) of the study. Augmenting the traditional citation-counting approach with the proposed technique should produce a more accurate picture of the influence of an article on the field.
1027-41 Automatic Detection of Non-visible T Wave Alternans from Three-Channel Holter Recordings

T wave altemans (TWA) consisting of beat-to-beat fluctuations in T wave shape, phase, and amplitude is a marker of electrical instability and regional heterogeneity of repolarization, and identifies patients prone to develop malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Patients (pts) with prolonged ventricular repolarization, particularly those with long QTsyndrome (LQTS), are more likely than other pts to exhibit visible (large enough to detect) TWA. However, visible forms of TWA are infrequently recorded even in LQTS pts, and question may be raised whether non-visible forms of T wave alternans exist in LQTS pts without evidence for visible TWA. To answer this question a dedicated computer algorithm was developed. Eleven LQTS pts (QTc = 0.54 ± 0.07 sec 1/2 ; without visible TWA) and 11 age- matched controls (QTc = 0.38 ± 0.02 sec 1/2 ) were evaluated using high resolution (1000 Hz) three-channel Holter ECG recordings (X, Y, Z leads). Eight-minute beat-to-beat T wave area time-series were computed, and time-domain autocorrelation (AC-TWA) and frequency-domain power spectral density (PSD-TWA) dimensionless indices of TWA were developed. Comparisons between LQTS pts and controls are as follows: TWA Indices Controls LQTS (No. abn * ) p-value # AC-TWA 0.04 ± 0.08 0.37 ± 0.37 (6) l0.01 PSD-TWA 0.60 ± 0.44 1.94 ± 1.55 (7) l0.01 * g 2 S.d. above controls # Wilcoxon rank-sum test A logistic regression revealed significant (p = 0.008) association between non-visible T wave alternans and QT interval, with odds ratio 1.24 (95% CI 1.06–1.45) per 0.01 unit increase in QTc. Conclusions 1) Non-visible T wave alternans can be identified automatically in high-resolution Holter recordings applying time- or frequency-domain analysis of T-wave area time series. 2) In LQTS pts without visible TWA, the occurrence of non-visible TWA is directly related to QTc duration.
Building the Women's Health Research Workforce: Fostering Interdisciplinary Research Approaches in Women's Health

Background: The Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH) program is a mentored institutional research career development program developed to support and foster the interdisciplinary research careers of men and women junior faculty in women's health and sex/gender factors. The number of scholars who apply for and receive National Institutes of Health (NIH) research or career development grants is one proximate indicator of whether the BIRCWH program is being successful in achieving its goals. Primary Study Objective: To present descriptive data on one metric of scholar performance—NIH grant application and funding rates. Methods/Design: Grant applications were counted if the start date was 12 months or more after the scholar's BIRCWH start date. Two types of measures were used for the outcome of interest—person-based funding rates and application-based success rates. Main Outcome Measures: Grant application, person funding, and application success rates. Results: Four hundred...
Nonlinear finite element solution of electrical machines under no-load and full-load conditions

The magnetic field distribution in saturable iron parts of electrical machines is defined by a quasi-Poisson equation. The solution to this equation is obtained by minimizing an energy functional by means of trial functions defined in triangular subregions of the two-dimensional field region. This method is applied to an electrical machine for predicting its no-load and on-load performance. Good agreement is obtained between estimated values and test results. Under load conditions, since the pole axis is not an axis of symmetry, a new boundary condition is introduced. Graphical plots of the flux distribution for the machine under different operating conditions are shown.
Response of psychotic depression subtypes to pharmacotherapy

Patients with psychotic depression respond well when treated with a combination of an antidepressant and antipsychotic medication. We previously reported that they will respond in a similar fashion when treated with amoxapine monotherapy. There are few prospective studies on the pharmacologic treatment response of psychotic depression subtypes. We treated 37 inpatients, 21 with mood congruent (MC) psychotic depression and 16 with mood incongruent (MI) psychotic depression, in a randomized double-blind fashion with either the combination of amitriptyline and perphenazine or with amoxapine for 4 weeks. Depression and psychosis ratings improved in a similar manner in both the MC or MI patients irrespective of medication treatment group. Global response rates were similar in the MI patients and MC patients. The data suggest that classifying psychotic depression into MC versus MI subtypes may have limited acute prognostic value in pharmacotherapy response rates.
Performance of a recirculating fish production system stocked with tilapia hybrids

Abstract To demonstrate whether practical quantities of food fish could be produced in an inexpensive closed system suitable for family-scale use, 424 tilapia hybrid fry weighing a total of 177 g were stocked on 8 May 1981 into a 7600-liter (10·7 m 2 ) steel-walled, vinyl-lined pool equipped with a rotating biological contactor, a settling basin, supplemental aeration and a passive solar collector. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, oxygen, temperature, pH and turbidity were monitored. New water was added at intervals during the experiment, at an average rate equivalent to 4% per day. Floating catfish chow was fed. To establish a growth curve and biomass estimate, 30 fish were removed, weighed and restocked every two weeks. After 146 days of grow-out, 48·6 kg of fish were harvested. Food conversion was 1·25:1. With suitable temperatures, 2·5 crops totaling at least 121 kg could be produced at a rate equal to 121000 kg/ha/yr of water surface.
Simulation of a 915 MHz receiver using the HP Advanced Design System/sup TM/

The simulation of a 915 MHz receiver using Hewlett Packard's Advanced Design System/sup TM/ CAE software is presented in this paper. The receiver subsystem includes input filtering and amplification, and a single down-conversion stage to a 70 MHz IF frequency. In order to demonstrate some capabilities of the software, examples of power budget, small-signal sweep, large signal sweep and harmonic balance simulations are described in a tutorial fashion.
Comparative effectiveness of tetracycline and ampicillin in rosacea. A controlled trial.

Abstract 56 patients with papular rosacea were treated with tetracycline, ampicillin, or placebo in a randomised double-blind clinical trial. Patients were evaluated by counting the number of papules in predetermined sites on the forehead and left cheek at fortnightly intervals over a six-week period. The results showed that both tetracycline and ampicillin produced a significant decrease, at the 5% level, in the number of papules, compared to the placebo treatment. When the results were assessed by a scoring system, tetracycline and ampicillin proved significantly better than placebo (P=0.05); tetracycline was better than ampicillin, but the difference did not quite reach the 5% significance level.
Lifetime measurements of the 5 d states of rubidium

We present lifetime measurements of the $5{D}_{3∕2}$ and $5{D}_{5∕2}$ states of rubidium using the time-correlated single-photon-counting method. We perform the experiment in a magneto-optical trap of $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms using a two-step excitation with the trap laser at $780\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ as the first step. We record the $761.9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ fluorescence from the decay of the $5{D}_{3∕2}$ state to the $5{P}_{1∕2}$ state, and measure the lifetime of the $5{D}_{3∕2}$ state $\ensuremath{\tau}=246.3(1.6)\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns}$. We record the $420.2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ fluorescence from the cascade decay of the $5{D}_{5∕2}$ state to the $5{S}_{1∕2}$ state through the $6{P}_{3∕2}$ state, and extract the lifetime of the $5{D}_{5∕2}$ state $\ensuremath{\tau}=238.5(2.3)\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns}$.
ARISTOTELIAN PERIPHRASIS: A REPLY TO MR. COBB

(1) that Aristotle introduced for the first time the grammatical innovation of the present progressive periphrasis, (2) that he did this as a part of his introduction of the metaphysical theory of the equivocation of being, and more particularly the equivocation of what-it-is-in-itself, and (3) that this grammatical innovation was necessary to the expression and explanation of the metaphysical theory. (p. 90)
Donor variation in the growth properties and osteogenic potential of human marrow stromal cells.

Human marrow stromal cells (MSCs) were isolated from posterior illiac crest marrow aspirates obtained from 17 healthy donors, ages 19-45 years, with no apparent physical disability. First passage hMSCs exhibited growth rates in vitro that varied up to 12-fold between donors. No correlation between growth rate and the age or gender of the donor was evident (P </= 0.05). When hMSCs were cultured without passage for eight days (subconfluent cultures) or 22 days (confluent cultures) in the absence of any osteogenic agonists, levels of alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity varied 40-fold and 10-fold, respectively, between donors. When exposed to osteo-inductive media, donor populations also showed dramatic differences in levels of bone-specific gene induction. Collectively, these data demonstrate that hMSC cultures are composed of a heterogeneous mixture of cells at various stages of differentiation and with distinct osteogenic potentials. Differences in both growth rate and ALP activity were evident in hMSC cultures established from multiple aspirates obtained over a six month period from the same donors. Therefore, it appears that cellular heterogeneity produced by the method of harvest is propagated within and among different donor populations during culture expansion in vitro.
Predator‐prey migration phenologies remain synchronised in a warming catchment

Summary Animal migrations often evolve to exploit seasonal variation in foraging opportunities. Many migrants move among discrete habitats using environmental cues to time their arrivals with seasonal peaks in food abundance. This type of migratory behaviour has been hypothesized to be particularly vulnerable to climate change, which can generate asynchrony between the seasonal timing (phenology) of animal movements and periods of resource abundance in destination habitats. While many studies have documented climate-induced mismatches between migrants and the lower trophic levels they target, virtually none have explored the consequences of altered migration phenology on the higher trophic levels that migrants often subsidise. We explored the roles of climatic variation and prey migrations in driving the seasonal migrations of predators. We show that in a warming catchment where prey migrations have changed substantially over the last 4 decades, migrations of Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) (predator) remain synchronised with annually variable Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) (prey) migrations and appear to be cued directly by salmon migration rather than environmental conditions. In contrast to many previous studies, our results suggest that some wide-ranging predators may be resilient to altered prey phenology.
A randomized trial of two vacuum extraction techniques

Objective: To determine whether two techniques of vacuum extraction delivery—continuous vacuum and intermittent vacuum—have different effects on maternal-fetal outcomes. Methods: Patients to be delivered by vacuum extraction were randomized to receive continuous or intermittent vacuum. All deliveries were performed using the M-cup. In the continuous group, the level of vacuum was brought to 600 mmHg between contractions and was maintained at that level until delivery of the infant. Active efforts were made to prevent fetal loss-of-station between contractions by maintaining traction. In the intermittent group, the level of vacuum was decreased to 100 mmHg between contractions and no effort was made to prevent fetal loss-of-station. Results: A total of 322 patients were randomized: 164 in the continuous arm and 158 in the intermittent group. The continuous method did not effect delivery faster (continuous 167 ± 175 seconds versus intermittent 167 ± 150 seconds; P = .97), nor did it lead to a reduction in method failures (continuous 12, intermittent nine; P = .72). The intermittent method did not appear to offer any benefit to the neonate regarding cephalhematoma formation (continuous 20, intermittent 17; P = .686) or any other measure of neonatal outcome. Maternal lacerations and episiotomy extensions were evenly distributed between the groups. Overall, the efficacy rate of the vacuum cup was 93.5% and the cephalhematoma rate was 11.5%. Conclusion: No differences in maternal or fetal outcome could be demonstrated if the level of vacuum was decreased between contractions or if an effort was made to prevent fetal loss-of-station. The clinical results obtained in this trial using the M-cup are similar to the published results with the stainless-steel Malmstrom cup.
Variability of Accommodation during Steady Fixation at Various Levels of Illuminance

Using the stigmatoscope, the variability of the dioptric power of the eye during steady fixation was measured for four observers over a range of intensities from 2¯.5 to 3.0 log trolands in one-half logarithmic steps. Two different viewing conditions, (constant and variable size test letters), were studied but no significant difference between them was obtained. There was almost a fourfold decrease in the variability of the settings as the intensity was increased over this range. There was a sharp transition at one troland, suggestive of a discontinuity between scotopic and photopic vision. These changes could be eliminated by cycloplegia of the fixating eye. Essentially the same results were obtained when the refraction of one eye was measured objectively (with a concidence optometer), while the other eye fixated the chart. This latter technique is, however, less valid at the lower intensities because of the tendency to fixate the measuring light of the optometer. The data can be quantitatively described by a theory which postulates that the accommodation is continually fluctuating and that the limits of fluctuation are proportional to threshold ΔI/I.
Resonance line lasers as excitation sources for atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract The measurement of thallium and indium by laser excited atomic fluorescence with resonance line laser excitation is reported for the first time. The thallium and indium resonance line lasers are described in terms of operation and output characteristics. The results of resonance line laser excited atomic fluorescence analysis are presented along with results of other atomic spectrometric methods for comparison purposes.
Plasticity of nitrogen allocation in the leaves of the invasive wetland grass, Phalaris arundinacea and co-occurring Carex species determines the photosynthetic sensitivity to nitrogen availability

Phalaris arundinacea displaces the slower-growing, native sedge, Carex stricta, where nitrogen availability is high. Our aim was to address whether morphological and physiological traits associated with carbon gain for P. arundinacea and C. stricta responded to nitrogen supply differently and if the species exhibited different degrees of plasticity in these traits. The plants were grown in gravel and provided modified Hoagland's solution containing four nitrogen concentrations from 0.15 to 15 mM for 6 to 7 weeks. Supplied nitrogen affected the leaf nitrogen content to the same degree for both species. Increasing supplied nitrogen strongly increased CO2 assimilation (A), photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE), and respiration for P. arundinacea but had only a small effect on these parameters for C. stricta. Relative to growth at 15 mM nitrogen, growth at 0.15 mM for young leaves decreased carboxylation capacity and efficiency and the capacity for electron transport for P. arundinacea and a larger, stouter Carex species, Carex lacustris, by 53 to 70% but only 20 to 24% for C. stricta. Leaf nitrogen decreased approximately 50% for all species, but vacuolar nitrate did not decrease for P. arundinacea and C. stricta, suggesting that it does not serve as a nitrogen reserve for use during nitrogen deprivation in these species. After 4 months of nitrogen deprivation, P. arundinacea doubled A in 12 days after being supplied 15 mM nitrogen, whereas A for C. stricta increased only 22%. We propose that one factor linking P. arundinacea abundance to nitrogen availability involves this species' plastic response of carbon gain to nitrogen supply. C. stricta appears to be adapted to tolerate low nitrogen availability but cannot respond as rapidly and extensively as P. arundinacea when nitrogen supply is high.
Interleukin-7 promotes the generation of phenotypically mature CD45RA positive human thymocytes in vitro

Abstract IL-7 has been shown to support the proliferation of several cell types including human and murine thymocytes. We have investigated the influence of IL-7 on human thymocyte growth and maturation. In a serum-free culture system, recombinant human interleukin-7 (IL-7) (200 U/ml) stimulated nylon wool purified human thymocytes to express a mature phenotype. IL-7 promoted the generation of a population of large thymocytes which expressed high density CD3, CD4 and/or CD8, and high density CD45RA after 10 to 14 days in culture. The induction of CD45RA was not a transient event, since large CD45RA + cells remained “bright” CD45RA + up to 12 days after IL-7 was removed from cultures. IL-7 did support thymocyte proliferation. However, the IL-7-induced generation of large CD45RA + thymocytes was not due to proliferation of a small subset because large CD45RA + thymocytes also appeared in the presence of proliferation inhibitors. In order to identify IL-7-responsive thymocyte subsets, highly purified CD45RA − subsets at distinct stages of maturation were tested. CD3 − , “dim” CD3 + and “bright” CD3 + subsets each responded to IL-7 with de novo expression of CD45RA. These data provide evidence that IL-7 supports phenotypic changes in both mature and immature subsets of human thymocytes, and indicate that IL-7 may play an important role in T cell development in the thymus.
Does creatinine adjustment of urinary pregnanediol glucuronide reduce or introduce measurement error

Correlation between urinary pregnanediol and serum progesterone measurements and the influence of age, race, smoking and urinary creatinine adjustment was determined during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in 175 volunteers. A decline in serum progesterone was observed with increasing age. Mean baseline urinary creatinine declined with increasing age in non-smokers and was not affected by race or baseline weight. An excellent correlation between urinary pregnanediol glucuronide and serum progesterone levels existed except when urinary pregnanediol concentrations were adjusted using creatinine measurements in older individuals. Adjustment of urinary pregnanediol glucuronide concentration using creatinine measurement is therefore discouraged.
Radiosurgery for recurrent cranial base cancer arising from the head and neck

Background Treatment options for head and neck cancers that recur at the cranial base are limited. Methods Twelve patients with head and neck cancers recurrent after resection and fractionated radiotherapy (n = 11) at the cranial base had stereotactic radiosurgery using the gamma unit. The median dose to the tumor margin was 16 Gy. Imaging follow-up varied from 3 to 17 months; the longest clinical follow-up was at 35 months. Results Three of 8 tumors studied by postradiosurgery imaging remained unchanged in size, 3 decreased, and 2 were no longer visible. There was no morbidity or worsening of symptoms after radiosurgery. Four patients died between 4 and 8 months and did not have postradiosurgery imaging performed. Mean survival after radiosurgery was 10.5 months, with 7 patients (58%) still living. Conclusions Radiosurgery proved safe and effective in providing local control for recurrent cranial base cancers arising from the extracranial head and neck. Radiosurgery should be considered for those patients who have failed prior fractionated radiation or surgical resection, those who have tumors in high-risk cranial locations, or those who are poor medical candidates. Although this study shows its potential adjuvant role, longer follow-up and increased clinical experience will be necessary to evaluate the overall role of radiosurgery in head and neck cancer. HEAD & NECK 1996;18:160–166 © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of Argentine Ants on Invertebrate Biodiversity in Northern California

Although most biological invasions usually fail (Elton 1958; Simberloff 1981; Lodge 1993), some invasive species can change the composition and function of communities and ecosystems through competition, predation, and habitat alteration (Elton 1958; Simberloff 1981; Mooney & Drake 1986; Drake et al. 1989; Vitousek 1990). The effects of invasive ant species on native ant fauna have been described in many systems (Foster 1908; Crowell 1968; Haskins & Haskins 1965, 1988; Erickson 1971; Tremper 1976; Haines & Haines 1978; Clark et al. 1982; Lubin 1984; Medeiros et al. 1986; Ward 1987; Porter et al. 1988; De Kock 1990; Porter & Savignano 1990; Cole et al. 1992; Holway 1995). Most of these studies have reported striking declines in the abundance and species richness of native ants in areas invaded by exotic ant species, although particular groups of ants occasionally coexist with the invaders (Haskins & Haskins 1965, 1988; Ward 1987). The effects of invasive ants on non-ant invertebrates have been less extensively studied than effects on other ant species. Invertebrate displacement by invasive species could have cascading effects on ecosystems because many invertebrates play important roles in ecosystem processes. Moreover, understanding how broad classes of organisms are associated with an invasive species can provide insight into the mechanisms of invasion and displacement. We compare the composition of invertebrate communities in areas invaded and uninvaded by the Argentine ant (Lipepithema humile). The Argentine ant is native to South America, and it is an increasingly common invasive species world-wide (Ward 1987; Holway 1995; Human & Gordon 1996).
A Locally Adaptive Penalty for Estimation of Functions With Varying Roughness

We propose a new regularization method called Loco-Spline for nonparametric function estimation. Loco-Spline uses a penalty which is data driven and locally adaptive. This allows for more flexible estimation of the function in regions of the domain where it has more curvature, without over fitting in regions that have little curvature. This methodology is also transferred into higher dimensions via the Smoothing Spline ANOVA framework. General conditions for optimal MSE rate of convergence are given and the Loco-Spline is shown to achieve this rate. In our simulation study, the Loco-Spline substantially outperforms the traditional smoothing spline and the locally adaptive kernel smoother. Code to fit Loco-Spline models is included with the Supplemental Materials for this article which are available online.
Fleet view of electrified transportation reveals smaller potential to reduce GHG emissions

Abstract Plugin and hybrid vehicles have been shown to offer possible reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, depending on grid-carbon-intensity, range and thus life-cycle battery emissions and vehicle weight, and on trip patterns. We present a framework that enables GHG comparisons (well-to-wheel plus storage manufacturing) for three drivetrains (pure-electric, gasoline-hybrid, and plugin-hybrid), both for individual vehicles and for fleets. The framework captures effects of grid- versus vehicle-based electricity generation, grid transmission and charging losses, and manufacturing and carrying batteries. In contrast to previous work, GHG comparisons can be obtained for heterogeneous fleets of varying vehicle sizes (cars, vans, buses, trucks) and performances, without requiring forecasting of such vehicle specs and their respective market penetrations. Further, we show how a novel adaptation of the Utility Factor concept from plug-in-hybrids to mixed fleets of battery-only and gasoline-hybrids is crucial to quantifying battery-only-vehicles’ impact on fleet-wide GHG. To account for regional variations and possible future technology improvements, we show scenarios over a wide spectrum of grid-carbon-intensities (50–1200 g CO 2 e/kW h at wall), vehicle range (∼5–500 km), battery energy densities, and battery life-cycle GHG. Model uncertainties are quantified via sensitivity tests. Applying the framework to trip patterns of US passenger transportation, we find that owing to the interplay of GHG/km, battery size, all-electric range, and trip patterns, GHG reductions achievable from electrified transportation are smaller than previously considered (e.g., 55% reduction instead of 80%; scenario-dependent), even when assuming largely decarbonized grid-electricity. Optimal battery range that achieves lowest GHG for partially electrified fleets is different for plug-in hybrids versus pure electrics and furthermore varies strongly (∼35 to ∼200 km) with the predominant carbon-intensity of the grid.
Corrections to “Atrial Fibrillation Detection Using an iPhone 4S” [Jan 13 203-206]

In the above paper (ibid., vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 203-206, Jan. 2013), the fourth author's name was incorrect and should have read Oscar Maitas.
The Energy Problem - Prospects For Fossil, Fission, And Fusion Power Production

The United States is presently deriving most of its energy from petroleum and natural gas. These are rapidly disappearing resources and will have to be replaced in the next twenty-five years by new sources such as fission or fusion nuclear reactors, solar developments and a much expanded use of coal.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Living Arrangements, Income Pooling, and the Life Course in Urban Chinese Families

Survey data from Baoding, China, show that the child’s life-course location affects the likelihood of residing with a parent. When parents and grown children co-reside, the child’s progress toward full adulthood increases the likelihood that the generations will budget separately. Marriage is the most significant marker of adulthood, but its effects differ for sons and daughters.
Bovine pregnancy and nonreturn rates following artificial insemination using a covered sheath

Abstract Contamination transferred into the uterus from external genitalia during artificial insemination (AI) has been hypothesized to cause lowered bovine pregnancy rates (PR). Using aseptic techniques, there is still a possibility of uterine contamination during routine AI. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of two types of sheath covers (CS) placed over the conventional French Medium Syringe assembly (FMS) used for AI. Their use entailed passing the assembly to the external os of the cervix, pushing the FMS through the CS and manipulating the FMS to the cervical uterine junction in the normal manner. Fifty-six day non-return rate (NRR) in dairy and actual PR in beef cattle were evaluated. In Experiment 1, 30 professional technicians were employed to inseminate 7, 387 dairy cows, while in Experiment 2, six technicians with varying levels of experience inseminated 416 beef cows. Least-squares means for NRR in dairy cattle were 78% using a CS and 79% without. Means for PR in beef cattle were 57% using a CS and 62% without. In Experiment 2, the overall PR was lower in Trial l than in other trials (P
New OMVPE reactor for large area uniform deposition of InP and related alloys

The deposition uniformity in a chimney reactor, with a sidearm to accommodate sus-ceptor rotation and mechanized substrate loading, has been characterized by mapping the thickness of InP deposited on 50-mm-diam. GaAs substrates. Susceptor rotation im-proves the thickness uniformity by approximately a factor of seven, with the thickness uniformity reproducibly held to less than 3% across 40 mm, under typical growth con-ditions. The deposition pattern is independent of rotation rate from 3 to 120 rpm, which corroborates the existence of a slow-rotation regime (observed in an earlier flow visu-alization study) where susceptor rotation does not disturb the gas flow. In agreement with that interpretation, the observed deposition pattern with susceptor rotation is about the same as that predicted from a circular average of the results without rotation. Also, some discussion is given of growth parameters which influence the surface morphology of heteroepitaxial InP on GaAs.
Brain γ‐glutamyl cysteine synthetase (GCS) mRNA expression patterns correlate with regional‐specific enzyme activities and glutathione levels

The first and rate-limiting reaction in the formation of glutathione is catalyzed by γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), a dimer composed of a catalytic heavy and a regulatory light subunit. We previously found that heavy subunit GCS mRNA appears to be expressed at high levels in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex of murine brain and at lower levels in the neostriatum (Kang et al. [1997] NeuroReport 8:2053). Here we report that variations in expression of light subunit GCS mRNA in murine brain resembles that of the heavy subunit mRNA with a few minor exceptions. Moreover, levels of GCS activity and glutathione levels in various brain regions appear to correspond to levels of expression of both GCS mRNA subunits. Based on these data, differences in the distribution of expression of the GCS subunits in the brain may therefore have major implications for the susceptibility of various brain regions to oxidative stress and/or mitochondrial damage. J. Neurosci. Res. 58:436–441, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.