cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of attendance and dropout in three randomized controlled trials of PTSD treatment for active duty service members.

Abstract Dropout from first-line posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments is a significant problem. We reported rates and predictors of attendance and dropout in three clinical trials of evidence-based PTSD treatments in military service members (N = 557). Service members attended 81.0% of treatment sessions and 30.7% dropped out. Individually delivered treatment was associated with greater attendance rates (β = 0.23, p
GeP and (Ge 1-x Sn x )(P 1-y Ge y ) (x≈0.12, y≈0.05): Synthesis, structure, and properties of two-dimensional layered tetrel phosphides

Abstract GeP and Sn-doped GeP were synthesized from elements in bismuth and tin flux, respectively. The layered crystal structures of these compounds were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both phosphides crystallize in a GaTe structure type in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No. 12) with GeP: a=15.1948(7) A, b=3.6337(2) A, c=9.1941(4) A, β=101.239(2)°; Ge0.93(3)P0.95(1)Sn0.12(3): a=15.284(9) A, b=3.622(2) A, c=9.207(5) A, β=101.79(1)°. The crystal structure of GeP consists of 2-dimensional GeP layers held together by weak electron lone pair interactions between the phosphorus atoms that confine the layer. Each layer is built of Ge–Ge dumbbells surrounded by a distorted antiprism of phosphorus atoms. Sn-doped GeP has a similar structural motif, but with a significant degree of disorder emphasized by the splitting of all atomic positions. Resistivity measurements together with quantum-chemical calculations reveal semiconducting behavior for the investigated phosphides.
Compressive Creep of Polymer Electrolyte Membranes: A Case Study for Electrolyzers

Author(s): Arthurs, C; Kusoglu, A | Abstract: For proton-exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers to be commercially feasible, PEMs must perform over long lifetimes in liquid environments under compression while maintaining mechanical stability. A hydrated environment, while inherent for operation and conductivity, undermines PEM stability. Mechanical stability of PEMs is commonly characterized in tension, which is not applicable to electrolyzers, wherein PEMs could undergo high pressures. In this study, a compression creep procedure is developed using a custom-designed setup to monitor creep response of hydrated PEMs. Our results show that PEMs exhibit continuous creep response under compression over 24 h, with a dependence on the applied pressure and hydration state.
Theiler’s Virus

The mouse encephalomyelitis viruses are enteric pathogens of mice and are commonly referred to as Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis viruses (TMEVs). While TMEVs are widely distributed in the world, their host range is relatively narrow. Serological evidence indicates that Mus musculus, the feral house mouse, is the natural host. Based on the complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization, TMEVs have been classified in the genus Cardiovirus of the family Picornaviridae along with encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). Phylogenetic analysis of the complete P1 capsid-coding region has revealed three major Theilovirus clades: TMEV, Vilyuisk human encephalomyelitis virus (VHEV), and Theiler's-like virus (TLV) of rats. Theiler's virions have a relative molecular mass of ∼8.5 × 106 Da, of which 30% is RNA and 70% protein. The genetic component is a single-stranded, positive-polarity RNA molecule. Following cell entry, viral genomic RNA is transcribed into negative-strand copies, each one being used as template for reiterative synthesis of ∼25–50 plus-sense RNAs identical to the genome of the virus. The virion has icosahedral symmetry and is composed of 12 pentamers, with a pentamer made up of five protomers, each containing a single copy of the four capsid proteins. Naturally occurring TMEVs are divisible into two neurovirulence groups: high neurovirulence strains which cause a rapidly fatal encephalitis or encephalomyelitis in mice and low neurovirulence strains which produce a biphasic disease consisting of acute poliomyelitis and later onset chronic demyelinating disease in mice. TMEV-induced demyelinating disease provides an experimental model system for multiple sclerosis.
Systemic biodistribution and hepatocyte-specific gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 using hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles.

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate hepatocyte-specific gene editing, via systemic administration of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based nanoparticles in naive CD-1 mice. Using HA-poly(ethylene imine) (HA-PEI) and HA-PEI-mannose nanoparticles with differential mannose density (1X and 2X), we have evaluated systemic biodistribution and hepatocyte-specific delivery using IVIS imaging and flow cytometry. Additionally, we have investigated hepatocyte-specific delivery and transfection of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing plasmid and eGFP gene payload to integrate at the Rosa26 locus. IVIS imaging showed uptake of HA-PEI nanoparticles primarily by the liver, and with addition of mannose at different concentrations, the nanoparticles showed increased uptake in both the liver and spleen. HA-PEI-mannose nanoparticles showed 55–65% uptake by hepatocytes, along with uptake by resident macrophage regardless of the mannose concentration. One of two gRNA targets showed 15% genome editing and obtained similar results for all three nanoparticle formulations. Cells positive for our gene payload were greatest with HA-PEI-mannose-1X nanoparticles where 16.2% of cells were GFP positive. The results were encouraging as proof of concept for the development of a non-viral biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric delivery system for gene editing specifically targeting hepatocytes upon systemic administration.
Cancer Needs a Robust "Metadata Supply Chain" to Realize the Promise of Artificial Intelligence.

Profound advances in computational methods, including artificial intelligence (AI), present the opportunity to use the exponentially growing volume and complexity of available cancer measurements toward data-driven personalized care. While exciting, this opportunity has highlighted the disconnect between the promise of compute and the supply of high-quality data. The current paradigm of ad-hoc aggregation and curation of data needs to be replaced with a “metadata supply chain” that provides robust data in context with known provenance, that is, lineage and comprehensive data governance that will allow the promise of AI technology to be realized to its full potential in clinical practice.
Impact of Automation and Task Load on Unmanned System Operator's Eye Movement Patterns

Eye tracking under naturalistic viewing conditions may provide a means to assess operator workload in an unobtrusive manner. Specifically, we explore the use of a nearest neighbor index of workload calculated using eye fixation patterns obtained from operators navigating an unmanned ground vehicle under different task loads and levels of automation. Results showed that fixation patterns map to the operator's experimental condition suggesting that systematic eye movements may characterize each task. Further, different methods of calculating the workload index are highly correlated, r(46) = .94, p = .01. While the eye movement workload index matches operator reports of workload based on the NASA TLX, the metric fails on some instances. Interestingly, these departure points may relate to the operator's perceived attentional control score. We discuss these results in relation to automation triggers for unmanned systems.
A Review of “Liquid Materialities: A History of Milk, Science, and the Law”

The ascendance of fresh milk into a normative part of American and northern European diets is a particularly interesting issue in food history. Although milk products had long been a part of culina...
Measure Guideline: Replacing Single-Speed Pool Pumps with Variable Speed Pumps for Energy Savings

The report evaluates potential energy savings by replacing traditional single-speed pool pumps with variable speed pool pumps, and provide a basic cost comparison between continued uses of traditional pumps verses new pumps. A simple step-by-step process for inspecting the pool area and installing a new pool pump follows.
Differences in P-450 cytochromes from livers of rats treated with phenobarbital and with 3-methylcholanthrene.

Abstract Soluble P-450 cytochromes were obtained from hepatic microsomes from rats treated with either phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene using the nonionic detergent action of Triton N-101 and the stabilizing effect of glycerol. Ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and alumina gel-Cγ adsorption were employed to give concentrations of cytochrome P-450 from phenobarbital-treated rats, and cytochrome P1-450 from 3-methyl-cholanthrene-treated rats, about 4-fold greater than those seen in the microsomes from which the preparations were derived. The spectral characteristics of cytochrome P-450 and P1-450 were very similar, but both qualitative and quantitative differences were observed. Differences were also observed in their carbon monoxide and ethyl isocyanide difference spectra. Type I and type II drug-binding spectra were seen with the solubilized cytochrome P-450, but cytochrome P1-450 gave only the type II binding spectrum. The absolute spectrum of oxidized cytochrome P1-450, and studies which employed tritiated 3-methylcholanthrene, showed that cytochrome P1-450 is not a complex of 3-methylcholanthrene or its metabolites with cytochrome P-450.
Strategies for integrating messaging and distributed object transactions

Messaging, and distributed transactions, describe two important models for building enterprise software systems. Distributed object middleware aims to support both models by providing messaging and transaction services. But while the concept of distributed object transactions is well-understood, support for messaging in distributed object environments is still in its early stages, and not nearly as readily perceived. Integrating messaging into distributed object environments, and in particular with distributed object transactions, describes a novel and complex software design problem. This paper details this problem, presenting first results from our project of developing a messaging and transaction integration facility. The first contribution of this paper is a comprehensive messaging classification framework, which defines messaging concepts and terminology, and enables us to compare different messaging architectures. Second, we analyze sample messaging middleware using this framework, and identify the architectural messaging styles that they induce. Third, we derive four different strategies for integrating messaging and distributed object transactions. We discuss each of these integration strategies, and outline the open research issues that need to be solved. Overall, this paper advances our understanding of the motivation for, the problems of, the current state-of-the-art in, and future models for integrating messaging and distributed object transactions.
Genome-wide DNA methylation study identifies significant epigenomic changes in osteoarthritic cartilage.

Objective To perform a genome-wide DNA methylation study to identify DNA methylation changes in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage tissue. Methods The contribution of differentially methylated genes to OA pathogenesis was assessed by bioinformatic analysis, gene expression analysis, and histopathologic severity correlation. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of >485,000 methylation sites was performed on eroded and intact cartilage from within the same joint of 24 patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for OA. Genes with differentially methylated CpG sites were analyzed to identify overrepresented gene ontologies, pathways, and upstream regulators. The messenger RNA expression of a subset of differentially methylated genes was analyzed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Histopathology was graded by modified Mankin score and correlated with DNA methylation. Results We identified 550 differentially methylated sites in OA. Most (69%) were hypomethylated and enriched among gene enhancers. We found differential methylation in genes with prior links to OA, including RUNX1, RUNX2, DLX5, FURIN, HTRA1, FGFR2, NFATC1, SNCAIP, and COL11A2. Among these, RUNX1, HTRA1, FGFR2, and COL11A2 were also differentially expressed. Furthermore, we found differential methylation in approximately one-third of known OA susceptibility genes. Among differentially methylated genes, upstream regulator analysis showed enrichment of TGFB1 (P = 4.40 × 10−5) and several microRNAs including miR-128 (P = 4.48 × 10−13), miR-27a (P = 4.15 × 10−12), and miR-9 (P = 9.20 × 10−10). Finally, we identified strong correlations between 20 CpG sites and the histologic Mankin score in OA. Conclusion Our data implicate epigenetic dysregulation of a host of genes and pathways in OA, including a number of OA susceptibility genes. Furthermore, we identified correlations between CpG methylation and histologic severity in OA.
I'd Just as Soon Flunk You as Look at You?: The Evolution to Humanizing in a Large Classroom

Initially, this article sets forth my own progress in becoming a teacher who incorporates humanizing principles. Next, the article analyzes some of the theory behind the humanizing legal education principles. The article will then present some specific teaching techniques for those interested in adding a humanizing dimension to their teaching, focusing primarily on the large classroom setting. The article will also note the barriers to adopting humanizing techniques, as well as possible ways to overcome those barriers.
Coevolution of T-cell receptors with MHC and non-MHC ligands

The structure and amino acid diversity of the T-cell receptor (TCR), similar in nature to that of Fab portions of antibodies, would suggest that these proteins have a nearly infinite capacity to recognize antigen. Yet all currently defined native T cells expressing an α and β chain in their TCR can only sense antigen when presented in the context of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule. This MHC molecule can be one of many that exist in vertebrates, presenting small peptide fragments, lipid molecules, or small molecule metabolites. Here we review the pattern of TCR recognition of MHC molecules throughout a broad sampling of species and T-cell lineages and also touch upon T cells that do not appear to require MHC presentation for their surveillance function. We review the diversity of MHC molecules and information on the corresponding T-cell lineages identified in divergent species. We also discuss TCRs with structural domains unlike that of conventional TCRs of mouse and human. By presenting this broad view of TCR sequence, structure, domain organization, and function, we seek to explore how this receptor has evolved across time and been selected for alternative antigen-recognition capabilities in divergent lineages.
Rebellion in the Top Music Charts

Abstract. In spite of great public concern about offensive messages in hip-hop/rap and rock, actual quantitative prevalence is rarely examined. This investigation analyzed 260 rap/hip-hop and rock songs from the top-charts of 1993 and 2003 for rebellious messages about impulsive and hostile behaviors. Results show that the majority of top songs contain rebellious messages. Songs with messages about impulsiveness are more common than those about hostility in the rap/hip-hop genre and have increased.
Behavior Considerations In Optimizing Management Information System Effectiveness

A problem of organizational inefficiency resulting from a lack of continuous and thorough evaluation of the computer based Management Information System (MIS) was suggested to have developed from the difficulty a technical specialist encounters in conducting complex organizational research. The evaluation complexity was attributed to the fact that organizational decisions are a function of individual differences and social influences as well as the MIS. As a conceptual solution to system improvement it was suggested that system's analysts adopt a "Black Box" research paradigm focusing on organizational level effectiveness variables as one of three types of outputs while varying one or more of a set of six MIS related parameters shown impactful in basic behavioral science learning research. As a practical solution, collecting information outside the established MIS was suggested in addition to "flagging" MIS transactions in developing a continuous evaluation system. An example was reviewed which indicated substantial return on investment through application of the approach to an appropriate problem.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identifying Low pH Active and Lactate-Utilizing Taxa within Oral Microbiome Communities from Healthy Children Using Stable Isotope Probing Techniques

Author(s): McLean, Jeffrey S; Fansler, Sarah J; Majors, Paul D; McAteer, Kathleen; Allen, Lisa Z; Shirtliff, Mark E; Lux, Renate; Shi, Wenyuan | Abstract: BackgroundMany human microbial infectious diseases including dental caries are polymicrobial in nature. How these complex multi-species communities evolve from a healthy to a diseased state is not well understood. Although many health- or disease-associated oral bacteria have been characterized in vitro, their physiology within the complex oral microbiome is difficult to determine with current approaches. In addition, about half of these species remain uncultivated to date with little known besides their 16S rRNA sequence. Lacking culture-based physiological analyses, the functional roles of uncultivated species will remain enigmatic despite their apparent disease correlation. To start addressing these knowledge gaps, we applied a combination of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) with RNA and DNA based Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) to oral plaque communities from healthy children for in vitro temporal monitoring of metabolites and identification of metabolically active and inactive bacterial species.Methodology/principal findingsSupragingival plaque samples from caries-free children incubated with (13)C-substrates under imposed healthy (buffered, pH 7) and diseased states (pH 5.5 and pH 4.5) produced lactate as the dominant organic acid from glucose metabolism. Rapid lactate utilization upon glucose depletion was observed under pH 7 conditions. SIP analyses revealed a number of genera containing cultured and uncultivated taxa with metabolic capabilities at pH 5.5. The diversity of active species decreased significantly at pH 4.5 and was dominated by Lactobacillus and Propionibacterium species, both of which have been previously found within carious lesions from children.Conclusions/significanceOur approach allowed for identification of species that metabolize carbohydrates under different pH conditions and supports the importance of Lactobacilli and Propionibacterium in the development of childhood caries. Identification of species within healthy subjects that are active at low pH can lead to a better understanding of oral caries onset and generate appropriate targets for preventative measures in the early stages.
Clinical and therapeutic features of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, also known as terminal duct or lobular carcinoma, was first described in two clinical case series in 1983. Before that time most of these neoplasms were diagnosed as benign salivary gland neoplasms including pleomorphic adenomas, variants of monomorphic adenomas, or salivary malignant conditions including malignant pleomorphic adenomas, adenoid cystic carcinomas, and adenocarcinoma not otherwise stated. This neoplasm with few exceptions originates in minor salivary gland tissue of the posterior hard and soft palates or buccal mucosa. It is characteristically slow to enlarge; clinical reports show the neoplasm present for many years before diagnosis. We have evaluated the clinical and microscopic features of 15 cases from the archives of The University of Iowa Surgical Oral Pathology Laboratory and added these to published case reports. A total of 204 cases were evaluated with a female/male ratio of almost 2/1. Forty-nine percent originated in palatal mucosa. Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas arising from pleomorphic adenomas or de novo have been reported within major salivary glands and outside the oral cavity. A 17% recurrence rate was found with a regional metastasis rate of 9%. Five cases had multiple recurrences, and 13 recurrences were at or beyond 5 years after the initial diagnosis. Regional node metastases were identified at the time of initial treatment or at the time of recurrence in 9% of cases in which follow-up data were specified.
Morphological constraints in the digging apparatus of pocket gophers (Mammalia: Geomyidae)

The digging apparatus of pocket gophers offers a unique opportunity to examine morphological constraints within a historical context because relationships among extant taxa are well resolved and the features enhancing digging performance are relatively well understood. Structural and functional considerations suggest that the muscles associated with tooth- and claw-digging in pocket gophers are subjected to contrasting levels of morphological constraints. To assess this hypothesis, we analysed the bones and muscles of the jaws and forelimbs in four genera comprising five species of pocket gophers. Morphometric analyses were performed on 12 osteological measurements selected to reflect overall skull size, variation in rostral shape and procumbency, differences in overall length of the forelimbs and processes relating to the function of lever systems used in claw-digging. In addition, dissections were made of the jaw, hyoid, neck and all of the forelimb muscles excluding the intrinsic muscles of the manus. Results of our morphometric analyses corroborate the recent suggestion that pocket gophers encompass a wide range of morphological variation extending from claw-diggers to tooth-diggers. Myologically, however, we found structural variation only in the forelimb muscles, some of which may be advantageous for digging. No changes in jaw, neck and hyoid muscles, other than differences in muscle mass or those concordant with differences in rostral shape, were noted. These results support our hypothesis that constrasting levels of morphological constraint exist between the jaw and forelimb muscles of pocket gophers. We present a discussion of the structural and functional constraints on jaws and forelimbs in gophers as well as an analysis of historical constraints acting on this group, and perhaps on mammals in general.
An inexpensive braille terminal device

The active use of time-shared facilities for blind programmers requires a braille terminal system. Details are given for the construction of a brailler from a model 33 teletype by modifying the print head and increasing the resiliency of the platen. A description of the programming needed to drive the brailler is presented.
Experimental filarial infections in cotton rats.

Abstract A method for producing semi-quantitative infections of the filarial worm, Litomosoides carinii, is described. Tropical rat mites, Bdellonyssus bacoti, were fed on infected cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus texianus. Infective larvae were dissected from the mites in half strength Tyrode's solution and transferred in counted numbers to subcutaneous pockets formed by surgical incision in the skin of cotton rats. Intact mites and mites in whose integument a slit had been cut were transferred to subcutaneous pockets, the abdominal cavity and the stomach. Larvae were also transferred to the mouths of cotton rats. The results indicate that larvae cannot escape from intact mites except when these are feeding, and that infection does not occur by way of the mouth or stomach. Larvae migrate from the skin to the pleural cavity within a few days and before they undergo appreciable growth. Most larvae migrate equally promptly from the abdominal cavity although a few remain there and develop normally.
Does endometrial resection cause adenomyosis

Nine cases of adenomyosis after endometrial resection are examined. Patients' symptoms were menorrhagia prior to initial resection, and patients had normal ultrasounds prior to their first procedure. All of the patients underwent resection without hormonal preparation. None had adenomyosis on resection specimens. After resection, five complained of cyclic pelvic pain, and four had dysmenorrhea. The onset of symptoms varied from 7 to 60 months. Ultrasound findings consistent with adenomyosis were reported in seven patients. Five patients had repeat resection procedures; specimens all showed adenomyosis on tissue report. Two patients are asymptomatic after the repeat resection. One patient continues on suppressive therapy with partial relief of symptoms. Two required hysterectomy for continued pain. In total, six patients required hysterectomy for continued dysmenorrhea or pelvic pain; at surgery the diagnosis of adenomyosis was confirmed.
Electronic and vibrational spectra of group IIIB and IVB complexes of the cis-1,2-dicyanoethylenedithiolate ion

Abstract Selected electronic and vibrational spectral data for a wide variety of dicyanoethylene-dithiolato complexes of group IIIB and IVB are reported and assigned. Trends within and between groups are noted and discussed in terms of the geometrical and electronic structures of the complexes in question. Some structural assignments have been made on the basis of the vibrational spectra data.
Weigh(t)ing for awareness.

We wished to learn if weight perception can be extinguished by studying two patients with right hemisphere brain damage. When lifting weights simultaneously, a patient with right frontal damage was not biased in her judgments of which weight was heavier. By contrast, a patient with right parietal damage reported left-sided weights as being lighter than those on the right. Psychophysical power functions revealed that her awareness of increasing weights on the left was dampened compared to the right when lifting weights individually on each side. Strikingly, her awareness of weight changes on the left was completely abolished when she lifted weights in both hands simultaneously. She demonstrated an unusual split in awareness, being motorically aware of and actively engaged with left-sided weights while being unaware of their incremental changes.
Acrosomal Proteinase and Proteinase Inhibitor of Human Spermatozoa

The acrosomal proteinase of human spermatozoa was characterized and differs from other human proteinases. The enzyme has optimal activity at pH 8.0, is inactive below pH 5.0 or above pH 10.5, requires calcium for maximum activity, hydrolyzes fibrinogen, gelatin, and benzoylarginine ethyl ester, and is inhibited by various synthetic and natural proteinase inhibitors. The molecular weight was estimated to be 30,000. Human spermatozoa also possess a proteinase inhibitor that is similar to one of the proteinase inhibitors from human seminal plasma.
The Search for a New Developmental State

(2008). The Search for a New Developmental State. International Journal of Political Economy: Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 5-26.
Bonds, bands, and band gaps in tetrahedrally bonded ternary compounds: The role of group V lone pairs

Abstract An interesting class of tetrahedrally coordinated ternary compounds has attracted considerable interest because of their potential as good thermoelectrics. These compounds, denoted as I 3 –V–VI 4 , contain three monovalent-I (Cu, Ag), one nominally pentavalent-V (P, As, Sb, Bi), and four hexavalent-VI (S, Se, Te) atoms; and can be visualized as ternary derivatives of the II–VI zincblende or wurtzite semiconductors, obtained by starting from four unit cells of (II–VI) and replacing four type II atoms by three type I and one type V atoms. We find that nominally pentavalent-V atoms are effectively trivalent and their lone ( ns 2 ) pairs play an active role in opening up a gap. The lowest conduction band is a strongly hybridized anti-bonding combination of the lone pair and chalcogen (VI) p -states. The magnitude of the gap is sensitive to the nature of the exchange interaction (local vs non-local) and the V–VI distance. We also find that the electronic structure near the gap can be reproduced extremely well within a local theory if one can manipulate the position of the filled d bands of Cu and Ag by an effectively large U .
Identifying shared genetic structure patterns among Pacific Northwest forest taxa: insights from use of visualization tools and computer simulations.

Background Identifying causal relationships in phylogeographic and landscape genetic investigations is notoriously difficult, but can be facilitated by use of multispecies comparisons. Methodology/Principal Findings We used data visualizations to identify common spatial patterns within single lineages of four taxa inhabiting Pacific Northwest forests (northern spotted owl: Strix occidentalis caurina; red tree vole: Arborimus longicaudus; southern torrent salamander: Rhyacotriton variegatus; and western white pine: Pinus monticola). Visualizations suggested that, despite occupying the same geographical region and habitats, species responded differently to prevailing historical processes. S. o. caurina and P. monticola demonstrated directional patterns of spatial genetic structure where genetic distances and diversity were greater in southern versus northern locales. A. longicaudus and R. variegatus displayed opposite patterns where genetic distances were greater in northern versus southern regions. Statistical analyses of directional patterns subsequently confirmed observations from visualizations. Based upon regional climatological history, we hypothesized that observed latitudinal patterns may have been produced by range expansions. Subsequent computer simulations confirmed that directional patterns can be produced by expansion events. Conclusions/Significance We discuss phylogeographic hypotheses regarding historical processes that may have produced observed patterns. Inferential methods used here may become increasingly powerful as detailed simulations of organisms and historical scenarios become plausible. We further suggest that inter-specific comparisons of historical patterns take place prior to drawing conclusions regarding effects of current anthropogenic change within landscapes.
Comparative Effects of Phytosterol Oxides and Cholesterol Oxides in Cultured Macrophage-Derived Cell Lines

The cytotoxicity of cholesterol and a mixture of β-sitosterol/campesterol (50%/40%) and their oxides was examined in a cultured-derived macrophage cell line, C57BL/6. Cell numbers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, protein content, lipid uptake, and mitochondria dehydrogenase activity were determined after exposure of cell mononlayers to sterols and sterol oxides at a concentration of 200 μg/mL for up to 120 h. Results indicate that the oxides of cholesterol, β-sitosterol, and campesterol exhibited similar patterns of toxicity as indicated by LDH leakage, cell viability, and mitochondria dehydrogenase activity. Greatest cell damage was associated with treatments containing 5α,6α-epoxide or cholesterol oxides, followed by β-sitosterol/campesterol oxides, cholesterol, and β-sitosterol. The oxides of β-sitosterol/campesterol caused less LDH leakage and less of an effect on protein content. Results of this study demonstrate that phytosterols contained in vegetable oils, when subjected to frying conditions,...
Stability functions based upon shear functions

The stability functions for momentum and heat under a Richardson number formulation are derived from the nondimensional shear functions under a Monin-Obukhov formulation. The Prandtl number is also derived as a function of the Richardson number. Previously, this has been done only in a limited sense. Because the Richardson number formulation is expressed in closed form, iterative techniques are no longer needed in numerical models that use Monin-Obukhov similarity theory. This time-saving approach is made possible by deriving expressions for the friction velocity and temperature in terms of the Richardson-number-dependent stability functions. In addition, the Richardson number approximation in the lowest layer is made to depend explicitly upon the surface roughness.
Regional contrast enhancement of SEM images

LUT-based image manipulations are global in the following sense: all pixels with the same value, regardless of their location in the image are mapped to a given new value. It is also 'context-free' in the sense that the mapping is independent of neighboring pixels' values. While LUT-based image manipulation is efficient, it has its limitations. For example, SEM images often have both very bright areas and very dark areas, and both may contain important details. LUT-based manipulation if often insufficient for easy perception of all details. In this paper we describe a method that was developed for the VeraSEM, Applied Material's new wafer metrology tool. THe method performs regional, rather than global contrast enhancement, while maintaining brightness relationship between regions. The method succeeds in bringing out much detail in regions of low and high brightness in the same image. However, since it is both local, and content sensitive, it is more expensive computationally than LUT-based manipulation. To obtain regional stretching, the image is divided into blocks, and the parameters for stretching are extracted separately per block. To avoid 'blockiness' of the final result, the parameter values are modified to provide a smooth transition between adjacent blocks. After this modification, each pixel has its own set of parameters, which are eventually used to compute its new value.
Characteristics of Resistant Hypertension in a Large, Ethnically Diverse Hypertension Population of an Integrated Health System

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence of and characterize resistant hypertension in a large representative population with successful hypertension management and reliable health information. Patient and Methods We performed a cross-sectional study using clinical encounter, laboratory, and administrative information from the Kaiser Permanente Southern California health system between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007. From individuals older than 17 years with hypertension, resistant hypertension was identified and prevalence was determined. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs), with adjustments for demographic characteristics, clinical variables, and medication use. Results Of 470,386 hypertensive individuals, 60,327 (12.8%) were identified as having resistant disease, representing 15.3% of those taking medications. Overall, 37,061 patients (7.9%) had uncontrolled hypertension while taking 3 or more medicines. The ORs (95% CIs) for resistant hypertension were greater for black race (1.68 [1.62-1.75]), older age (1.11 [1.10-1.11] for every 5-year increase), male sex (1.06 [1.03-1.10]), and obesity (1.46 [1.42-1.51]). Medication adherence rates were higher in those with resistant hypertension (93% vs 89.8%; P Conclusion In a more standardized hypertension treatment environment, we observed a rate of resistant hypertension comparable with that of previous studies using more fragmented data sources. Past observations have been limited due to nonrepresentative populations, reliability of the data, heterogeneity of the treatment environments, and less than ideal control rates. This cohort, which was established using an electronic medical record–based approach, has the potential to provide a better understanding of resistant hypertension and outcomes.
Consistency of an estimator of doubly nondecreasing regression functions

Consistency of a well known isotonic type estimator of doubly nondecreasing regression functions is obtained under hypotheses suggested by anrth order Kolmogorov condition, when finite moments of order greater than two are assumed, and under hypotheses that include uniformly bounded second moments. Observations are taken at points on a rectangular grid.
Histamine induced changes in tension and contractile force in the turtle ventricle.

Abstract d-Chlorpheniramine, propranolol and changes in pH were used to differentiate the increase in resting tension from the increase in contractile force elicited by histamine in the isolated perfused turtle ventricle. Both d-chlorpheniramine and propranolol selectively antagonized the increase in resting tension. The concentration of propranolol used was less than that required to inhibit the effect of an equimolar concentration of epinephrine. A decrease in pH, by contrast, was observed to reduce both responses. It is suggested that these two cardiac histamine responses are mediated by separate receptors and that the monovalent cationic form of histamine may be responsible for both effects.
Assessment of the Effects of Anisotropy in TRIGA Based on 3D-AGENT Methodology

The neutronics characterization of The University of Utah TRIGA reactor core focused at evaluating the effects of anisotropic neutron scattering is based on 3D AGENT methodology. The AGENT methodology is based on method of characteristics with exact modeling of geometry and material distribution in the reactor cores. This feature is unique to deterministic codes worldwide and is based on the originally developed R-function solid modeler. The anisotropic correction to neutron transport in 3D hexagonal and square reactors as implemented in AGENT, provides highly accurate solution with no limitations to core configuration or the degree of anisotropic scattering terms. In testing this new methodology on TRIGA type reactors, we conclude that the AGENT deterministic solution with P2 anisotropic scattering approximation provides fully comparable solution to the MCNP5 but with 93% CPU-time reduction.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Uniform approximation of singularly perturbed reaction-diffusion problems by the finite element method on a Shishkin mesh

We consider the numerical approximation of singularly perturbed reaction-diffusion problems over two-dimensional domains with smooth boundary. Using the h version of the finite element method over appropriately designed piecewise uniform (Shishkin) meshes, we are able to uniformly approximate the solution at a quasi-optimal rate. The results of numerical computations showing agreement with the analysis are also presented. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 19: 89–111, 2003
Physicochemical Properties and Morphology of Fluorocarbon Films Synthesized on Crosslinked Polyethylene by Capacitively Coupled Octafluorocyclobutane Plasma

Capacitively coupled octafluorocyclobutane (C 4 F 8 ) plasma was used to synthesize fluorocarbon films on low-density polyethylene, which was surface-crosslinked by treatment with inductively coupled Ar plasma. The dependence of the thickness, surface morphology, and chemical characteristics of the fluorocarbon films on the plasma power was studied under different plasma conditions. Significantly lower deposition rates were obtained under the sole effect of uncharged particles (shielded plasma conditions). Microscale and nanoscale film growth characteristics were examined at different levels of energy/monomer mass. A significant increase in hydrophobicity was observed under shielded plasma conditions as a result of the higher fluorine concentrations of the deposited films. The film chemical structures were interpreted in terms of the degree of crosslinking. Increasing the exposure of polyethylene to the shielded plasma conditions resulted in the formation of fluorocarbon films with hybrid chemical structures consisting of a crosslinked interfacial layer covalently bonded to the polymer substrate and a hydrophobic compliant surface layer rich in CF 2 groups. The results of this study illustrate the potential of shielded plasma treatment to tailor the chemical structure of thin fluorocarbon films.
Carcinoma of the external auditory canal: removal and prevention of stenosis.

. The external auditory canal represents an area of high risk for recurrence of tumors. Therefore, carcinomas involving this region should be removed by Mohs chemosurgery. Healing by granulation can result in stenosis of the canal. We report a method of reconstruction to prevent stenosis of the auditory canal after chemosurgery.
Analysis of strain localization in strain-softening hyperelastic materials, using assumed stress hybrid elements

Newly developed assumed stress finite elements, based on a mixed variational principle which includes unsymmetric stress, rotation (drilling degrees of freedom), pressure, and displacement as variables, are presented. The elements are capable of handling geometrically nonlinear as well as materially nonlinear two dimensional problems, with and without volume constraints. As an application of the elements, strain localization problems are investigated in incompressible materials which have strain softening elastic constitutive relations. It is found that the arclength method, in conjunction with the Newton Raphson procedure, plays a crucial role in dealing with problems of this kind to pass through the limit load and bifurcation points in the solution paths. The numerical examples demonstrate that the present numerical procedures capture the formation of shear bands successfully and the results are in good agreement with analytical solutions.
Representing documents with named entities for story link detection (SLD)

Several information organization, access, and filtering systems can benefit from different kind of document representations than those used in traditional Information Retrieval (IR). Topic Detection and Tracking (TDT) is an example of such an application. In this paper we demonstrate that named entities serve as better choices of units for document representation over all words. In order to test this hypothesis we study the effect of words-based and entity-based representations on Story Link Detection (SLD) - a core task in TDT research. The experiments on TDT corpora show that entity-based representations give significant improvements for SLD. We also propose a mechanism to expand the set of named entities used for document representation, which enhances the performance in some cases. We then take a step further and analyze the limitations of using only named entities for the document representation. Our studies and experiments indicate that adding additional topical terms can help in addressing such limitations.
The martensitic transformation in single crystals of iron-chromium-nickel alloys

Abstract The morphology and crystallography of the martensitic transformation have been studied in single crystals of an Fe-16Cr-12Ni alloy, representing an austenitic stainless steel. The transformation proceeds through a sequence of structures from f.c.c. → h.c.p. →-b.c.c., originating with the h.c.p. structure in the {111}A plane, which subsequently transforms to b.c.c. plates. A one surface analysis indicates that the habit plane of the plates is near {225}A. Relative orientation of the three structures, lattice parameters, transformation temperatures and reversion characteristics were determined and are considered with respect to the transformation mechanism.
How reviews covered the unfolding scientific story of gabapentin for bipolar disorder

Abstract Background Despite the lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), gabapentin use increased rapidly in the 1990s for mental health conditions. Subsequent RCTs did not demonstrate efficacy for bipolar disorder (BD). We examined the characteristics of review articles to determine their potential role in the growth of gabapentin for BD. Methods We searched MEDLINE, the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and LexisNexis for review articles or commentaries examining the role of gabapentin for BD. Electronic searches were supplemented by manual searches of reference lists. Articles were abstracted for the types of evidence cited, source of evidence, the proportion of available RCTs cited and narrative blurbs discussing the role of gabapentin for BD. Review articles were classified as narrative versus systematic and positive, neutral or negative regarding the role of gabapentin in BD. Results We included 27 review articles published between 1998 and 2008, but no commentaries met eligibility criteria. Most did not describe potential conflicts of interest or a funding source, and the 3 systematic reviews were of low quality. The 11 reviews published prior to the first RCT of gabapentin for BD cited uncontrolled trials or case series (n=9), basic science (n=6), chart reviews (n=3) or unpublished RCTs (n=2). Six recommended gabapentin, 3 were neutral and 2 were negative. The 16 articles published after the first gabapentin RCT continued to cite uncontrolled trials and basic science; only 5 cited all the available RCTs. However, more of these reviews (n=10) reached negative conclusions about the role of gabapentin for BD. Conclusions Narrative and low-quality systematic reviews, principally those published prior to RCTs, may have contributed to the growth of gabapentin use for BD. High-quality systematic reviews are needed to inform clinicians and policymakers about the effectiveness of new treatments.
Assessing the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Survey:

The instrument that is most widely used in both research and training is the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Management-of-Differences (MODE) scale. This article highlights the MODE's uniqueness in assessi...
Black–white differences in receipt and completion of adjuvant chemotherapy among breast cancer patients in a rural region of the US

Recent breast cancer treatment studies conducted in large urban settings have reported racial disparities in the appropriate use of adjuvant chemotherapy. This article presents the first focused evaluation of black-white differences in receipt and completion of chemotherapy for breast cancer in a primarily rural region of the United States. We performed chart abstraction on initial therapy received by 868 women diagnosed with Stages I, IIA, IIB, or IIIA breast cancer in 2001-2003 in southwest Georgia (SWGA). For chemotherapy, information collected included treatment plan, dates of delivery, concordance between therapy planned and received, and date and reasons for end of treatment. The patient's age at diagnosis, race, marital status, insurance coverage, hormone receptor status, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, urban/rural status, treatment site, and distance to the site were also collected. Following univariate analyses, we used multivariable logistic regression modeling to examine the impact of race on the likelihood of (1) receiving chemotherapy and (2) completing planned chemotherapy. For patients terminating chemotherapy prematurely, the reasons were documented. The results showed that the unadjusted black-white difference in receipt of chemotherapy (48.3 vs. 36.0%) was significant, but in the multivariable analysis the black-white odds ratio (OR = 1.18) was not. While the unadjusted black-white difference (92.0 vs. 87.8%) in completing chemotherapy was not significant, in multivariable models black race was positively associated with completing care (p ranging from 0.032 to 0.087 and OR, correspondingly, from 2.16 to 2.64). The impact of race on completing chemotherapy was influenced by marital status, with a significant black-white difference for patients not married (OR = 4.67), but no difference for those married (OR = 1.06). We find compelling racial differences in this largely rural region-with black breast cancer patients receiving or completing chemotherapy at rates that equal or exceed white patients. Further investigation is warranted, both in SWGA and in other rural regions.
Phase plane analysis using the Poincare´ map

On considere une equation differentielle dans le plan x˙=X(x,y), y˙=Y(x,y). On etudie des situations ou des solutions coupent rapidement une ligne qui est transversale