cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Two-Dimensional Computational Model of Lymph Transport Across Primary Lymphatic Valves

This study utilizes a finite element model to characterize the transendothelial transport through overlapping endothelial cells in primary lymphatics during the uptake of interstitial fluid. The computational model is built upon the analytical model of these junctions created by Mendoza and Schmid-Schonbein (2003, "A Model for Mechanics of Primary Lymphatic Valves," J. Biomed. Eng., 125, pp. 407-414). The goal of the present study is to investigate how adding more sophisticated and physiologically representative biomechanics affects the model's prediction of fluid uptake. These changes include incorporating a porous domain to represent interstitial space, accounting for finite deformation of the deflecting endothelial cell, and utilizing an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian algorithm to account for interacting and nonlinear mechanics of the junctions. First, the present model is compared with the analytical model in order to understand its effects on parameters such as cell deflection, pressure distribution, and velocity profile of the fluid entering the lumen. Without accounting for the porous nature of the interstitium, the computational model predicts greater cell deflection and consequently higher lymph velocities and flow rates than the analytical model. However, incorporating the porous domain attenuates the cell deflection and flow rate to values below that predicted by the analytical model for a given transmural pressure. Second, the present model incorporates recent experimental data for parameters such as lymph viscosity, transmural pressure measurements, and others to evaluate the ability of these junctions to act as unidirectional valves. The volume of flow through the valve is calculated to be 0.114 nL/microm per cycle for a transmural pressure varying between 8.0 mm Hg and -1.0 mm Hg at 0.4 Hz. Though experimental data for the absorption of lymph through these endothelial junctions are scarce, several measurements of lymph velocity and flow rates are cited to validate the present model.
The private practice of child psychiatry by members of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry.

The interest in ascertaining some specifics of the private practice of child psychiatry was triggered during the 1966 Workshop on Private Practice. Prior to the Workshop , the Private Practice Committee, then chaired by Dr. Exie Welch , had set as its goal (1) the study of problems exp erienc ed in the private practice of child psychiatry , and (2 ) the explorat ion of all pertinent areas that were deemed important by the Committee. Early in the history of the Committee, it had been determined that the private practitioner of child psychiatry engaged in a wide variety of activities, that very few spent full time in the direct tre atment of children. Our early speculations paralleled th e conclusion of th e study conducted by Bahn, Conwell and Hurley (1965 ) that " in the provision of community based mental health services, private psychiatrists playa vit al role in th e array of consulta t ion, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment services offered to the mentally ill or
Conceptualizations of patient empowerment among individuals seeking treatment for diabetes mellitus in an urban, public-sector clinic

Abstract Objective The patient empowerment paradigm has been promoted as a critical component of diabetes care. The present study explores how patients in an urban, public-sector clinic perceive patient empowerment as it applies to their treatment, interactions with clinicians, and self-care behaviors. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 individuals and analyzed through an inductive approach. Results Patient empowerment was described as taking responsibility for self-care behaviors. Participants reported they that must be internally driven to maintain their self-care regiment, and placed moral value on their performance. Some participants asked questions during healthcare encounters, but fewer reported setting the agenda or making meaningful decisions regarding their care. Conclusion Gaps in individuals’ perception of empowerment were identified, along with barriers such as frustration, fatigue, financial concerns, transportation, and scheduling difficulties. Practice implications Increasing patient empowerment in socially disadvantaged settings will require careful communication to elicit questions, present all available treatment choices, and encourage individuals to take responsibility without placing blame on them for instances of poor glycemic control.
Methods to assess RAST results in patients exposed to chemical allergens

RAST is routinely used to assess the presence of IgE antibodies against environmental allergens in the sera of symptomatic patients. With exposure to low-mol.-mass (chemical) allergens, RAST is also done, but the interpretation of results is more difficult. A study was undertaken to assess methods which have been employed to determine the positivity of sera and to develop an objective, statistically based procedure for determination of RAST positivity to chemical allergens. Sera were obtained from 14 nonsensitized (control) subjects and examined for total IgE by radioimmunoassay, and for cyanuric chloride (CyCl)-specific IgE by RAST. Linear regression analysis revealed the correlation between the tests to be 0.94. Equations for the 95% and 99% predicted intervals were obtained. Sera from 19 cyanuric chloride workers were tested for total and specific IgE. Positivity of RAST results was determined by three methods: RAST inhibition, RAST ratio (binding to CyCl-human serum albumin (HSA) disks/HSA disks), and the regression equation where values outside the 99% predicted interval were considered to be positive and those > 95% < 99% were considered to be borderline values. Determination of CyCl RAST positivity by the regression method gave results comparable to those obtained from RAST inhibition, whereas the RAST ratio resulted in many more false positive conclusions. This statistical approach to RAST analysis was also used to assess sera from patients exposed to the unrelated chemical allergens, toluene diisocyanate and formaldehyde. Conclusions based on the regression method were in good agreement with those from RAST inhibition assay. Moreover, use of one standard curve may be sufficient for interpretation of RAST results for diverse haptenic allergens. These results indicate that the regression method provides a statistical basis from which to determine positivity of RAST analyses while eliminating the need for RAST inhibition assays.
Serum ribonuclease in patients with lung carcinoma

Fifty-one previously untreated cases of lung carcinoma and 7 normal healthy controls were evaluated with respect to serum ribonuclease (S-RNase) levels. Cellular immunity was tested in 22 of these 51 cases by leukocyte migration inhibition test (MIT) using extract of culture cell line of lung carcinoma. S-RNase levels in lung carcinomas were significantly elevated. There appeared to be no difference in S-RNase levels by histological classification. More striking was high S-RNase level in disseminated versus localized cases. MIT results indicated impairment of cellular immunity in those cases of more elevated S-RNase. S-RNase may be implicated in blocking phenomenon associated with neoplastic disease.
Precipitation data fusion using vector space transformation and artificial neural networks

We have developed a new methodology to fuse several precipitation datasets, available from different estimation techniques. The method is based on artificial neural networks and vector space transformation function. The final merged product is statistically superior to any of the individual datasets over a seasonal period. The results have been tested against ground-based measurements of rainfall over a study area. This method is shown to have average success rates of 85% in the summer, 68% in the fall, 77% in the spring, and 55% in the winter.
Folded strings falling into a black hole.

We find all the classical solutions (minimal surfaces) of open or closed strings in [ital any] two-dimensional (2D) curved spacetime. As examples we consider the SL(2,[ital R])/[ital R] two-dimensional black hole, and any 4D black hole in the Schwarzschild family, provided the motion is restricted to the time-radial components. The solutions, which describe longitudinally oscillating folded strings (radial oscillations in 4D), must be given in latticelike patches of the world sheet, and a transfer operation analogous to a transfer matrix determines the future evolution. Then the swallowing of a string by a black hole is analyzed. We find several new features that are not shared by particle motions. The most surprising effect is the tunneling of the string into the bare singularity region that lies beyond the black hole that is classically forbidden to particles.
The formation of a cortical somatotopic map

The primary somatosensory cortex of small rodents is an isomorphic representation of the body surface. Similar representations are characteristic of the subcortical pathways, leading from the periphery to the cortex, and these representations develop in a sequence that begins at the periphery, and that ends in the cortex. Furthermore, central representations at all levels of the neural axis are altered by perinatal perturbations of the peripheral surface. This has led to the hypothesis that the periphery plays an instructional role in the formation of central neuronal structures. The morphology of this discrete organization has been examined thoroughly during the development of the thalamocortical projections. The mechanism(s) that underlies the formation of these representations remains unclear although some recent evidence suggests the involvement of activity-dependent processes that are modulated by 5-HT.
Isolation and Quantification of Ivermectin in Bovine Milk by Matrix Solid Phase Dispersion (MSPD) Extraction and Liquid Chromatographic Determination

Abstract A technique for the extraction and liquid chromatographic determination of ivermectin residues in bovine milk is described. Avermectin was used as an internal standard. Fortified and blank milk samples (5.0 mL) were blended with 2.0 g C18 (octadecylsilyl derivatized silica) in a syringe barrel. After a 2 minute equilibration, the aqueous phase was removed from the column by vacuum aspiration. The ivermectin residues were eluted from the C18/milk matrix with ethyl acetate. After further cleanup by silica solid phase extraction, ivermectin derivatives were formed and then quantified by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The recoveries of fortified ivermectin residues (1.0–8.0 ppb) averaged 97.7%. The injected extracts are free from matrix interferences making it easy to calculate the amount of residue present.
The Importance of Family Involvement for Promoting Self-Determination in Adolescents with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.

Self-determination has recently become an important concept in special education and disability services. The concept of self-determination is defined and component skills delineated. Some of the component skills of self-determination may pose particular challenges to people with autism and other developmental disabilities due to the difficulties in communication skills and social relationships experienced by many people in this population. Family involvement is an important variable affecting the development and expression of self-determination in people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Strategies to promote and support parental involvement in self-determination instruction are discussed.
Transition of local moments coupled to itinerant electrons in the quasi one-dimensional conductor, copper phthalocyanine iodide.

Copper phthalocyanine iodide is a molecular metal whose conducting stacks incorporate a one-dimensional array of local moments strongly coupled to conduction electrons. Below 20 K the EPR $g$ value of the coupled system increases anomalously and at 8 K the EPR signal broadens abruptly and becomes unobservable. Anomalies in the proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation are observed at the transition temperature. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and NMR linewidth data both indicate that there is little if any static magnetic order below 8 K.
Comprehensive In Vitro Analysis of Voriconazole Inhibition of Eight Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: Major Effect on CYPs 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, and 3A

Voriconazole is an effective antifungal drug, but adverse drug-drug interactions associated with its use are of major clinical concern. To identify the mechanisms of these interactions, we tested the inhibitory potency of voriconazole with eight human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Isoform-specific probes were incubated with human liver microsomes (HLMs) (or expressed CYPs) and cofactors in the absence and the presence of voriconazole. Preincubation experiments were performed to test mechanism-based inactivation. In pilot experiments, voriconazole showed inhibition of CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A (half-maximal [50%] inhibitory concentrations, <6 microM); its effect on CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6 was marginal (<25% inhibition at 100 microM voriconazole). Further detailed experiments with HLMs showed that voriconazole is a potent competitive inhibitor of CYP2B6 (K(i) < 0.5), CYP2C9 (K(i) = 2.79 microM), and CYP2C19 (K(i) = 5.1 microM). The inhibition of CYP3A by voriconazole was explained by noncompetitive (K(i) = 2.97 microM) and competitive (K(i) = 0.66 microM) modes of inhibition. Prediction of the in vivo interaction of voriconazole from these in vitro data suggests that voriconazole would substantially increase the exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A. Clinicians should be aware of these interactions and monitor patients for adverse effects or failure of therapy.
Advances in Brain Tumor Surgery

Advances in the fields of molecular and translational research, oncology, and surgery have emboldened the medical community to believe that intrinsic brain tumors may be treatable. Intraoperative imaging and brain mapping allow operations adjacent to eloquent cortex and more radical resection of tumors with increased confidence and safety. Despite these advances, the infiltrating edge of a neoplasm and distant microscopic satellite lesions will never be amendable to a surgical cure. Indeed, it is continued research into the delivery of an efficacious chemobiologic agent that will eventually allows us to manage this primary cause of treatment failure.
Local excision for early rectal cancer: transanal endoscopic microsurgery and beyond

The goal of treatment for early stage rectal cancer is to optimize oncologic control while minimizing the long-term impact of treatment on quality of life. The standard of care treatment for most stage I and II rectal cancers is radical surgery alone, specifically total mesorectal excision (TME). For early rectal cancers, this procedure is usually curative but can have a substantial impact on quality of life, including the possibility of permanent colostomy and the potential for short and long-term bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction. Given the morbidity associated with radical surgery, alternative approaches to management of early rectal cancer have been explored, including local excision (LE) via transanal excision (TAE) or transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). Compared to the gold standard of radical surgery, local procedures for strictly selected early rectal cancers should lead to identical oncological results and even better outcomes regarding morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
The mimetic finite difference method on polygonal meshes for diffusion-type problems ∗

New mimetic discretizations of diffusion-type equations (for instance, equations modeling single phase Darcy flow in porous media) on unstructured polygonal meshes are derived. The first order convergence rate for the fluid velocity and the second-order convergence rate for the pressure on polygonal, locally refined and non-matching meshes are demonstrated with numerical experiments.
Small‐scale ultralow‐velocity zone structure imaged by ScP

[1] Short-period, teleseismic ScP phases from events in the Tonga-Fiji region recorded at the short-period, small-aperture Warramunga Array in Australia are used to study structure at the core-mantle boundary (CMB). We examine the data for evidence of precursors and postcursors to ScP. Such additional arrivals are generated by the interaction of ScP with structure at the reflection and conversion point at or near the CMB. We show precursors and postcursors to ScP, indicating an ultralow-velocity zone (ULVZ) at the CMB in the region between Tonga-Fiji and Australia. One-dimensional forward modeling of the short-period data leads to models of the ULVZ with thickness varying between 5 and 20 km, velocity reductions of 0–10% and 10–30% for P velocity and S velocity, respectively, and 0–50% density increase. Many events, however, show simple waveforms, consistent with a locally simple CMB. Models for proximal events can vary greatly, indicating very complex, three-dimensional structure with scale lengths of a few tens of kilometers. These results point to complex chemical and physical processes in the lowermost mantle.
Charging Process and Coulomb-Force-Directed Printing of Nanoparticles with Sub-100-nm Lateral Resolution

This article reports on a new charging process and Coulomb-force-directed assembly of nanoparticles onto charged surface areas with sub-100-nm resolution. The charging is accomplished using a flexible nanostructured thin silicon electrode. Electrical nanocontacts have been created as small as 50 nm by placing the nanostructured electrode onto an electret surface. The nanocontacts have been used to inject charge into 50 nm sized areas. Nanoparticles were assembled onto the charge patterns, and a lateral resolution of 60 nm has been observed for the first time. A comparison of the nanoparticle patterns with the surface potential distribution recorded by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KFM) revealed a mismatch in the lateral resolution. One possible explanation is that nanoparticles may visualize charge patterns at a sub-60-nm length scale that is not well resolved using KFM.
David Rosenmann-Taub: Lectura de sus Silencios

Este articulo intentara poner la obra poetica de David Rosenmann-Taub en la perspectiva de aquellas condiciones de posibilidad que hacen factible una obra como la suya. Hemos querido, asi, razonar los procedimientos internos de su poesia, interrogandola en su propia retorica, pero tambien en lo que esa retorica silencia o se niega a decir. En el complemento de estas dos preguntas, es donde se puede desplegar el rol que cumple la historia como principio de realidad de la obra incluso si no es explicitamente mencionada.
Man Tears and Masculinities: News Coverage of John Boehner’s Tearful Episodes

John Boehner, speaker of the United States House of Representatives, has become known for tearful episodes during important interviews and events. Because of his role and ensuing media scrutiny, hi...
Financial Implications of Pancreas Transplant Complications: A Business Case for Quality Improvement

We quantified the financial implications of surgical complications following pancreas transplantation. We reviewed medical and financial records of 49 pancreas transplant recipients at the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) between 1/6/2002 and 11/22/2004. The association of donor, transplant recipient and financial variables was assessed. The median costs to UMHS of procedures and follow-up were $92,917 for recipients without surgical complications versus $108,431 when a surgical complication occurred, a difference of $15,514 (p = 0.03). Median reimbursement by the payer was $17,363 higher in patients with a surgical complication (p = 0.001). Similar trends (higher insurer costs) were noted when stratifying by payer (public and private) and specific procedure (SPK and PAK). All parties (patient, physician, payer and medical center) should benefit from quality improvement, with payers having a financial interest in pancreas transplant surgical quality initiatives.
Cold and dry processes in the Martian Arctic: Geomorphic observations at the Phoenix landing site and comparisons with terrestrial cold desert landforms

[1] We analyze Surface Stereo Imager observations of rocks, sediments, and permafrost-related landforms in the vicinity of the Phoenix lander, comparing the imaged features to analogous examples of physical weathering and periglacial processes observed in the Antarctic Dry Valleys. Observations at the Phoenix landing site of pitted rocks, “puzzle rocks” undergoing in-situ breakdown, perched clasts, and thermal contraction crack polygon morphologies strikingly similar to terrestrial sublimation polygons, all strongly suggest that stable (non-churning) permafrost processes dominate the Phoenix landing site. Morphological evidence suggests that cold-desert processes, in the absence of wet active-layer cryoturbation, and largely driven by sublimation of buried ice (either pore ice, excess ice, or both) are shaping the landscape.
DATA DEPENDENT RULES FOR SELECTION OF THE NUMBER OF LEADS AND LAGS IN THE DYNAMIC OLS COINTEGRATING REGRESSION

Saikkonen (1991, Econometric Theory 7, 1–21) developed an asymptotic optimality theory for the estimation of cointegrated regressions. He proposed the dynamic ordinary least squares (OLS) estimator obtained by augmenting the static cointegrating regression with leads and lags of the first differences of the I(1) regressors. However, the assumptions imposed preclude the use of information criteria such as the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to select the number of leads and lags. We show that his results remain valid under weaker conditions that permit the use of such data dependent rules. Simulations show that, relative to sequential general to specific testing procedures, the use of such information criteria can indeed produce estimates with smaller mean squared errors and confidence intervals with better coverage rates.
Magnetic light-matter interactions: Quantifying and exploiting magnetic dipole transitions

We will illustrate how the naturally occurring magnetic dipole transitions in lanthanide ions provide both a new way to probe magnetic light-matter interactions and a new degree of design freedom for photonic devices.
Simulation of the dynamic behavior of deep bed filters

A simulation procedure for predicting the dynamic behavior of a deep bed filter over the entire practicable range of filter operation is developed. The method is based on synthesizing available quantitative results relating to filtration, and to porous media flows, within an overall framework which views the process to consist of two principal stages dominated by appropriate limiting deposition modes. Evaluation of the results through comparison with available data indicates, to the extent the nature of these types of data permits, that the method is surprisingly effective and even capable of predicting on satisfactorily quantitative basis some intricate details of observed filter behavior.
Endogenous betaretroviruses of sheep: teaching new lessons in retroviral interference and adaptation

The endogenous betaretroviruses of small ruminants offer an excellent model to investigate the biological relevance of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Approximately twenty copies of endogenous betaretroviruses (enJSRVs) are present in the genome of sheep and goats. enJSRVs are highly related to Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and the Enzootic nasal tumour virus (ENTV), the causative agents of naturally occurring carcinomas of the respiratory tract of sheep. enJSRVs interact/interfere at different levels both with the host and with their exogenous and pathogenic counterparts. enJSRVs blocks the exogenous JSRV replication by a novel two-step interference mechanism acting both early and late during the virus replication cycle. enJSRVs are highly active, they are abundantly and specifically expressed in the epithelium of most of the ovine female reproductive tract. The specific spatial and temporal expression of enJSRVs supports a role in trophoblast development and differentiation as well as conceptus implantation. In addition, enJSRVs are expressed during fetal ontogeny leading to the apparent tolerance of sheep towards the pathogenic JSRV. Thus, the sheep/enJSRVs system is a model that can be utilized to study many different aspects of ERVs and retrovirus biology. The impressive technologies developed to study the sheep reproductive biology, in conjunction with the knowledge gained on the molecular biology of enJSRVs, makes the ovine system an ideal model to design experiments that can functionally address the role of ERVs in mammalian physiology.
Pathology of feline toxoplasmosis.

— —A retrospective pathologic study of sixteen cats with toxoplasmosis revealed that the most consistent lesion was an interstitial pneumonia accompanied by fibrinous exudate, focal necrosis, proliferation of alveolar lining cells and the presence of large numbers of alveolar macro-phages. The liver and central nervous system were the next two most commonly affected organs. Lesions in the former were characterized by disseminated focal necrosis, while those in the brain most often consisted of areas of focal gliosis and perivascular cuffing. These pathologic changes are similar to those which have been reported in canine, bovine, ovine and porcine toxoplasmosis, and the pathogenesis is considered to be similar to that in the dog. Resume— —Une etude anatomopathologique retrospective de 16 chats atteints de toxoplasmose revele que la lesion la plus importante etait representee par me pneumonie intentitielle accompagnee d'un exsudat fibrineux, de foyers de necrose, d'une proliferation des cellules alveolaires et par la preence d'un grand nombre de macrophages dans les alveoles. Le foie et le systeme nerveux central sont la dew autres organa le plus souvent atteints. Les lesions hepatiques sont caracterisees par une necrose focale disseminee tandis que celles du cerveau consistent la plupart du temps en foyers de gliose focale et en machons perivasculaires. Ces modifications pathologiques sont identiques a celles qui ont ete rapportees dans la toxoplasmose canine, bovine, ovine et porcine et on considere que la pathogenie est identique a celle du chien. Zusammenfassung— —Eine retrospektive pathologische Studie uber 16 Falle von Toxoplasmose bei Katzen ergab, dass die konsistenteste Lasion eine intentitielle Pneumonie war, begleitet von fibrinosem Exsudat, fokaler Nekrose, Proliferation der inneren Alveolenzellen und der Anwesenheit einer grossen Zahl alveolarer Makrophagen. Die Leber und das Zentralnervensystem waren die beiden am nachstaufigen angegriffenen Organe. Lasionen der ersteren waren durch disseminierte fokale Nekrosen gekennzeichnet, wahrend die des Gehirns am hafigsten aus Gebieten fokaler Gliosis und perivascularer zylindrischer Neubildungen bestanden. Diese pathologischen Veranderugnen sind gleich denen bei Toxoplasmose beim Hund, Rind, Schaf und Schwein, und die Pathogenese wird als gleich der beim Hund angesehen.
Comparison of patch antenna performance using wideband planar EBG structure and mushroom type EBG structure

The applications of electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures on two different kinds of microstrip antennas are demonstrated. EBG structures with wider band-gap bandwidth are more favorable in wideband applications, especially in enhancing the impedance matching bandwidth of an antenna. The analysis and experimental results on various antennas, including dipole, using EBG structures are compared and discussed.
Enhanced Susceptibility to Acute Pneumococcal Otitis Media in Mice Deficient in Complement C1qa, Factor B, and Factor B/C2

To define the roles of specific complement activation pathways in host defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae in acute otitis media (AOM), we investigated the susceptibility to AOM in mice deficient in complement factor B and C2 (Bf/C2−/−), C1qa (C1qa−/−), and factor B (Bf−/−). Bacterial titers of both S. pneumoniae serotype 6A and 14 in the middle ear lavage fluid samples from Bf/C2−/−, Bf−/−, and C1qa−/− mice were significantly higher than in samples from wild-type mice 24 h after transtympanical infection (P < 0.05) and remained persistently higher in samples from Bf/C2−/− mice than in samples from wild-type mice. Bacteremia occurred in Bf/C2−/−, Bf−/−, and C1qa−/− mice infected with both strains, but not in wild-type mice. Recruitment of inflammatory cells was paralleled by enhanced production of inflammatory mediators in the middle ear lavage samples from Bf/C2−/− mice. C3b deposition on both strains was greatest for sera obtained from wild-type mice, followed by C1qa−/− and Bf−/− mice, and least for Bf/C2−/− mice. Opsonophagocytosis and whole-blood killing capacity of both strains were significantly decreased in the presence of sera or whole blood from complement-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. These findings indicate that both the classical and alternative complement pathways are critical for middle ear immune defense against S. pneumoniae. The reduced capacity of complement-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis in the complement-deficient mice appears to be responsible for the impaired clearance of S. pneumoniae from the middle ear and dissemination to the bloodstream during AOM.
Measuring and predicting abundance and dynamics of habitat for piping plovers on a large reservoir

Abstract Measuring habitat and understanding habitat dynamics have become increasingly important for wildlife conservation. Using remotely-sensed data, we developed procedures to measure breeding habitat abundance for the federally listed piping plover (Charadrius melodus) at Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, USA. We also developed a model to predict habitat abundance based on past and projected water levels, vegetation colonization rates, and topography. Previous studies define plover habitat as flat areas ( 30% bare-substrate obstruction) were 76% correct and omission and commission errors were equal. Due to water level fluctuations, habitat abundance varied markedly among years (1986–2009) ranging from 9 to 5195 ha. The proportion bare substrate declined with the number of years since a contour was inundated until 5 years ( β ˆ = − 0.65 , SE = 0.05), then it stabilized near zero, and the decline varied by shoreline segment (5, 50, and 95 percentile were β ˆ = − 0.19 , SE = 0.05, β ˆ = − 0.63 , SE = 0.05, and β ˆ = − 0.91 , SE = 0.05, respectively). Years since inundated predicted habitat abundance well at shoreline segments (R2 = 0.77), but it predicted better for the whole lake (R2 = 0.86). The vastness and dynamics of plover habitat on Lake Sakakawea suggest that this is a key area for conservation of this species. Model-based habitat predictions can benefit resource conservation because they can (1) form the basis for a sampling stratification, (2) help allocate monitoring efforts among areas, and (3) help inform management through simulations or what-if scenarios.
Description of a Distinctive Aflatoxin-Producing Strain of Aspergillus nomius that Produces Submerged Sclerotia

A new distinctive strain of Aspergillus nomius that produces the potent mycotoxins, aflatoxins, is described from pistachio, pecan, and fig orchards in California. Similar to the typical strain of A. nomius (as represented by the ex-type), the O strain produced both B and G aflatoxins but not cyclopiazonic acid, had similar conidial ornamentation, and grew poorly at 42°C. Furthermore, previous published DNA sequence supports that the new strain is very closely related to the ex-type of A. nomius. However, the O strain differs from the ex-type in several morphological characters. The ex-type was initially described as producing “indeterminate sclerotia” that appear as large (up to 3 mm long) elongated sclerotia on surfaces of media. The O strain produces only small spherical sclerotia (mean diameter <0.3 mm) submerged in the medium. In addition, the O strain has predominantly uniseriate conidial heads, whereas the typical strain of A. nomius has predominantly biseriate heads. The O strain colony color on both Czapek solution agar and Czapek yeast extract agar was more yellowish than the ex-type of A. nomius and other common aflatoxin-producing fungi. Isolates of the O strain reported here from several orchards represent the first report of A. nomius in California.
A counterexample of proof of convergence using asymptotic averaging

A counterexample of convergence of a parameter estimator, the recursive prediction error method (RPEM), is presented. Here, a case where the RPEM fails to reach a minimum of the negative log likelihood function is examined. The cause of the failure of asymptotic averaging is disclosed and shown to be generic for any proof of convergence using asymptotic averaging techniques. The assumptions made in the asymptotic averaging theory proof of convergence are strengthened to assure convergence wp1 to a minimum of the asymptotic negative log likelihood function. This is illustrated by means of a simple example. >
Ultra-compact integrated coherent receiver for high linearity RF photonic links

We demonstrate a novel photonic integrated circuit(PIC) that combines an ultra compact trench beam splitter with monolithically integrated photodetectors and modulators. A coherent receiver is realized by flip chip bonding of this PIC with an electronic integrated circuit (EIC). Preliminary system results yield a third-order intermodulation distortion suppression of 46 dB at a signal frequency of 300 MHz.
A Sacrificial Lam: A Divided School Board, a Beleaguered Superintendent, and an Urgent Need to Improve Student Achievement.

This case describes the confrontational relationship between four trustees on the San Antonio School Board and the San Antonio School District’s superintendent Diana Lam, a nationally recognized school reformer, who came to San Antonio in 1994. The case includes a dramatic board meeting where a closely divided board meets to buy out Lam’s contract, and then, under intense pressure from business and political leaders, backs down. But despite significant improvements in student achievement, conflict returns. Two years after the first crisis, the board, again closely divided, buys out Lam’s contract. This time the business leaders do not rally to defend her.
Automatic target recognition using vector quantization and neural networks

We propose an automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithm that uses a set of dedicated vector quantizers (VQs) and multilayer per- ceptrons (MLPs). For each target class at a specific range of aspects, the background pixels of an input image are first removed. The extracted target area is then subdivided into several subimages. A dedicated VQ codebook is constructed for each of the resulting subimages. Using the K-means algorithm, each VQ codebook learns a set of patterns repre- senting the local features of a particular target for a specific range of aspects. The resulting codebooks are further trained by a modified learn- ing vector quantization (LVQ) algorithm, which enhances the discrimina- tory power of the codebooks. Each final codebook is expected to give the lowest mean squared error (MSE) for its correct target class and range of aspects. These MSEs are then input to an array of window-level MLPs (WMLPs), where each WMLP is specialized in recognizing its in- tended target class for a specific range of aspects. The outputs of these WMLPs are manipulated and passed to a target-level MLP, which pro- duces the final recognition results. We trained and tested the proposed ATR algorithm on large and realistic data sets and obtained impressive results using the wavelet-based adaptive product VQs configuration.
NONLINEAR COLLISIONLESS PERPENDICULAR DIFFUSION OF CHARGED PARTICLES

A nonlinear theory of the perpendicular diffusion of charged particles is presented, including the influence of parallel scattering and dynamical turbulence. The theory shows encouraging agreement with numerical simulations.
Interactions Between Socioeconomic Status and Components of Variation in Cognitive Ability

We have proposed that differences in the heritability of cognitive ability as a function of socioeconomic status (SES) be called the Scarr-Rowe interaction, after the investigator who first reported it (Scarr) and the investigator who provided a crucial replication (Rowe). In 2003, a replication by Turkheimer et al. (Psychol Sci 14:623–628, 2003) sparked renewed interest in the subject. Since then, there have been a large number of attempts at replication using a diversity of cultures, ages, and measures of cognitive ability. We review recent studies, and delve more deeply into the nature of the phenomenon itself. Differences in heritability coefficients are necessarily the result of differences in identical (MZ) and fraternal (DZ) twin correlations, which are in turn ratios of variances between and within twin pairs. We review the existing literature with this in mind, reanalyzing the results where possible to examine how between- and within-pair variances change with differences in SES. We also include recent attempts to replicate the interaction using molecular genetic data rather than family relationships. We conclude that with two exceptions, the Scarr-Rowe interaction has replicated in American samples, in both family and molecular genetic studies. The interaction has fared less well in Europe, where more equal access to educational and other economic resources, which are crucial to observing differences in heritability, may limit the severity of poverty, although early reports that the phenomenon was not found in the large British Twins’ Early Development Study (TEDS) sample have been tempered by more recent positive results. Finally, we offer a proposal for the possible mechanism of the effect.
Phantoms for Electromagnetic Heating Studies

The absorption of electromagnetic energy in tissue is determined by many factors. Among them are amplitude, frequency, duration and polarization of applied fields; dielectric properties, size, geometry, and depth of tissues; size and shape of applicator; as well as spacing or coupling between tissue and applicator. Therefore, in order to apply the penetrating microwave or RF energy for tissue heating, measurements of energy absorption in tissues are required for effective treatment in cancer hyperthermia. Phantom materials with dielectric properties similar to those of real tissues have been used for electromagnetic heating studies, either for heating pattern evaluations in laboratory or as bolus materials for better energy coupling during treatment. When used as a bolus, the dielectric property need not be the same as that of the real tissue. There is also a need for dynamic phantoms including blood perfusion. Cetas (1982b) gave a few examples of dynamic phantoms. However, since many limitations exist, this subject will not be elaborated here.
Nanoscale properties of PbZrO3 nanowires: Phase competition for enhanced energy conversion and storage

Abstract Thin antiferroelectric PbZrO3 nanowires simulated using a first-principles-based approach exhibit a strong competition between antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases. The competition leads to a significant enhancement of energy-storing and converting properties, such as dielectric constant, recoverable energy, efficiency, and piezoelectric response. The temperature evolution of the spontaneous polarization and strain are favorable for the solid-state cooling applications.
Optimal centralized renewable energy transfer scheduling for electrical vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles (PHEVs) that can use both gas and electricity have the potential to greatly reduce air pollution from vehicles. In this paper, we consider a bus system where the buses are PHEVs, and some charging points at the bus stops are connected to a central energy storage (CES) via underground cables. The CES is charged by renewable energy sources and the buses get electricity from the CES (and thus use renewable energy) through the charging points. Since the CES has limited capacity, the energy generated by the renewable energy sources will be wasted when it exceeds the capacity of the CES. On the other hand, since each bus has a battery, the buses naturally form a distributed energy network that can help to store the energy from the CES to reduce energy waste. We formulate and solve an optimization problem that determines the amount of energy that a bus charges or discharges at the charging points to improve effective load carrying capability at the CES while maximizing the total amount of renewable energy used by the buses. Simulation results demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms a baseline strategy. In addition, our approach uses the batteries of the buses efficiently, and hence only a small battery at the CES is sufficient to realize most of the gains.
Classification of Angular Limb Deformities Affecting the Canine Radius and Ulna Using the Center of Rotation of Angulation Method

Objective To classify the type of angular deformity affecting the radius and ulna in canine limbs using the center of rotation of angulation methodology. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Dogs (n=71) diagnosed with thoracic limb lameness attributable to antebrachial angular limb deformities. Methods Medical records from 2006–2013 were searched and cases with orthogonal radiographs or computed tomographic scans of the affected antebrachium were included. Classification of the deformity in the frontal plane and the presence of sagittal plane angulation, torsion, and adjacent joint radiographic disease were determined and compared. Results Chondrodystrophic (n=26; 44 limbs) and non-chondrodystrophic (n=45; 62 limbs) dogs were included. Thirty-five uniapical and 71 biapical or multiapical deformities in the frontal plane were identified. The incidence of biapical deformities was statistically higher in chondrodystrophic compared to non-chondrodystrophic dogs (P=.02). When breeds were combined, biapical deformities were associated with a significantly higher incidence of adjacent radiographic joint disease (P=.049), more frequently affecting the elbow (P=.022). Overall, 82% of the 106 limbs had radiographic evidence of either elbow or carpal joint disease at the time of presentation. Conclusion Biapical deformities are common in dogs with limb deformities, particularly chondrodystrophic dogs. Radiographic evidence of disease in adjacent joints should be evaluated in patients presenting for antebrachial deformities.
Morphometrics and Functional Morphology of Middle Ears of Extant Pocket Gophers (Rodentia: Geomyidae)

The 11 species of pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius, G. personatus, G. pine tis G. texensis, Thomomys bottae, T. bulbivorus, T. talpoides, Pappogeomys bulleri, P. castanops, Crato­ geomys tylorhinus, Orthogeomys heterodus) that we examined exhibit a distinctive suite of auditory characters: otic capsule of thick trabecular bone, a bone-encased stapedial artery having a very narrow lumen (except in P. bulleri), absence of the stapedius muscle, and most notably a stapes with a highly convex hollow footplate that protrudes into the vestibule of the inner ear. Qualitatively, all species of pocket gophers that we examined were similar. Quantitatively, there was little intraspecific variation in meristic features with regard to sex, but ontogenetic variation was significant with most features increasing in size with increas­ ing skull dimensions. Interspecifically, measured auditory features scaled positively with condylobasal length. For most functional auditory features (e.g., areal ratios, lever-arm ratios), intraspecific (sex or age) and interspecific variations were insignificant. The peculiar morphology of geomyid ears might serve a protective function in the noisy subterranean setting. Alternatively, novel features of the geomyid ear simply might be the result of heterochrony. Hyrtl's (1845) treatise on auditory mor­ phology in an array of mammalian species constituted the first report of a stapedial footplate possessing an unusual bullate form. In this configuration, the footplate, rather than being fiat, bulges convexly far into the vestibule of the inner ear. Hyrtl (1845) reported this morphology for the ring-tailed possum Phalangista cookii (= Pseudocheirus peregrinus; Petauridae), a scansorial arboreal marsupial (Nowak and Paradiso, 1983). Subsequent anatomical in­ vestigations revealed the highly convex sta­ pedial footplate in only two other families of mammals, Geomyidae and Heteromyi­ dae. Geomyids are highly fossorial herbiv­ orous rodents occurring in North and Cen
Prompted versus trial-and-error initial object discrimination learning by monkeys, retardates, and preschool children

Following pretraining to a prompt (a light cue) naive monkeys, retardates,. and preschool children were tested on 2 36-trial object discrimination problems under either a conventional trial-and-error condition or one involving prompting for the first 6 trials. While monkeys’ performance on trials 7–36 was equivalent for both conditions, human Ss learned more during 6 prompted trials than during either the same number of conventional trials or during as many conventional trials as were needed to make 6 correct responses.
Influence of Incubation Conditions on Survival and Acid Tolerance Response of Escherichia coliO157:H7 and Non-O157:H7 Isolates Exposed to Acetic Acid

The increasing frequency of Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreaks, especially in acidic foods, raises the concern of an acid tolerance response (ATR). Organic acids can be present in processed and preserved foods: shifts in the acid levels of foods due to these acids may allow E. coli to adapt and later tolerate pH levels that would normally inactivate the organism. The effect of temperature and agitation on the ATRs of three E. coli O157:H7 and two non-O157:H7 isolates were determined. Triggered at pH 5.0, the adaptive System of the ATR allowed for up to nearly 1,000-fold enhanced survival of E. coli O157:H7 cells in some cases compared to survival of nonadapted cells at pH 4.0. E. coli O157:H7 isolates revealed greater acid tolerance responses when incubated statically at 32°C, whereas the non-O157:H7 coli isolates exhibited a greater acid tolerance response with orbital agitation at 25°C. The magnitude of response changed over the incubation period.
Internet content regulation : what method?

The law and regulation of electronic communications in the United States (Us) is fragmented, overlapping, and controversial, with overarching First Amendment limitations for government action directed toward content. Because the law was written for “legacy” systems of telecommunications without regard for the present convergence of the industry and media, there are different laws, different administrative oversight, and sometimes conflicting legislative policies depending on the delivery mechanism and media. Because of this complexity, this article focuses on content regulation of internet communications broadly defined, how it impacts providers of telecommunications, and conversely how the private actions of providers impact content regulation. We begin with a discussion of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, as it is essential to an understanding of the limitations to federal regulation. Then, federal statutory attempts to regulate internet content are examined followed by a discussion of the applicable administrative law. The last section of the article describes how private entities have filled in the gap in the absence of government regulation by private terms of use, and in conclusion compares this approach to other regulatory mechanisms.
Intracellular PO2 in individual cardiac myocytes in dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and rats.

Myoglobin (Mb) saturation in individual subepicardial myocytes was determined by cryospectroscopy in dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and rats. Mb saturation within 800 microns of the epicardium is no...