cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive workload and sleep restriction interact to influence sleep homeostatic responses.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Determine the effects of high versus moderate workload on sleep physiology and neurobehavioral measures, during sleep restriction (SR) and no sleep restriction (NSR) conditions. DESIGN: Ten-night experiment involving cognitive workload and SR manipulations. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three healthy adults (mean ± standard deviation: 33.2 ± 8.7 y; 29 females), age 22-50 y. INTERVENTIONS: Following three baseline 8 h time in bed (TIB) nights, subjects were randomized to one of four conditions: high cognitive workload (HW) + SR; moderate cognitive workload (MW) + SR; HW + NSR; or MW + NSR. SR entailed 5 consecutive nights at 4 h TIB; NSR entailed 5 consecutive nights at 8 h TIB. Subjects received three workload test sessions/day consisting of 15-min preworkload assessments, followed by a 60-min (MW) or 120-min (HW) workload manipulation comprised of visually based cognitive tasks, and concluding with 15-min of postworkload assessments. Experimental nights were followed by two 8-h TIB recovery sleep nights. Polysomnography was collected on baseline night 3, experimental nights 1, 4, and 5, and recovery night 1 using three channels (central, frontal, occipital [C3, Fz, O2]). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: High workload, regardless of sleep duration, increased subjective fatigue and sleepiness (all P CONCLUSIONS: High cognitive workload delayed sleep onset, but it also promoted sleep homeostatic responses by increasing subjective fatigue and sleepiness, and producing a global sleep homeostatic response by reducing wake after sleep onset. When combined with sleep restriction, high workload increased local (occipital) sleep homeostasis, suggesting a use-dependent sleep response to visual work. We conclude that sleep restriction and cognitive workload interact to influence sleep homeostasis. CITATION: Goel N, Abe T, Braun ME, Dinges DF. Cognitive workload and sleep restriction interact to influence sleep homeostatic responses. SLEEP 2014;37(11):1745-1756. Language: en
Crosstalk between perivascular adipose tissue and blood vessels

Crosstalk between cells in the blood vessel wall is vital to normal vascular function and is perturbed in diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Perivascular adipocytes reside at the adventitial border of blood vessels but until recently were virtually ignored in studies of vascular function. However, perivascular adipocytes have been demonstrated to be powerful endocrine cells capable of responding to metabolic cues and transducing signals to adjacent blood vessels. Accordingly, crosstalk between perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and blood vessels is now being intensely examined. Emerging evidence suggests that PVAT regulates vascular function through numerous mechanisms, but evidence to date suggests modulation of three key aspects that are the focus of this review: inflammation, vasoreactivity, and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Determination of solute interaction parameters by analysis of phase equilibria using a linear programming technique

Abstract A linear programming technique has been developed to generate solute interaction parameters by the simultaneous analysis of phase equilibria and available thermochemical information. The Pb-Sn system has been analyzed and the parameter αPbSn, defined as αPbSn = ln γPb (1−N Pb ) 2 , has been deduced as a function of temperature and composition for the liquid and (Pb) solid solutions. The Pb-rich solvus curve computed using the αSPbSn function agrees very well with other estimates.
Using a metaphor in working with disaster survivors

Abstract In response to a tornado disaster, a counseling consultant developed a metaphorical group intervention based on the story of TheWizard of Oz.
The effect of a protein-free diet on the healing of gingival wounds in rats.

Abstract Adult male rats received gingival wounds and were placed on a protein-free diet either simultaneously with, prior too, or following the injury. Histologically it was noted that animals wounded and simultaneously placed on a protein-free diet showed a delay in connective tissue and bone repair. Animals which were placed on a protein-free diet following the healing of the injury showed breakdown of the healed wound as the nutritional deprivation progressed. A latent effect causing interferences with repair was also noted in the healing wound of animals which had been protein deprived and re-fed prior to the oral injury.
Epidemiology: Endocrine disorders in adult survivors of childhood cancer

A new report provides compelling evidence of the high prevalence of endocrine disorders in childhood cancer survivors, which begins soon after diagnosis and persists throughout adulthood. This finding highlights the need for awareness and education in primary care, and for specialized physicians to provide health care to adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Nanocomposites of Metallophthalocyanines and Conjugated Polymers

Abstract : Nanocomposites of phenoxy-substituted vanadyl phthalocyanine with a pi- conjugated polymer, poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline ladder), have been prepared from their Lewis acid complexes in organic solvents. The resulting composite thin films obtained by spin-coating have excellent optical transparency and interesting composition-dependent morphology and photoelectronic properties. Enhanced photoconductivity, compared to the components, was observed in some composites with discrete nanoscale metallophthalocyanine aggregates.
Simulation Use in the Classroom: Impact on Knowledge Acquisition, Satisfaction, and Self-Confidence

Abstract Background The role of the nurse educator is complex. It is imperative that educators design pertinent learning activities that implement innovative teaching strategies, use the latest pedagogical techniques, and evaluate that learning occurred. Method This study used a quantitative, quasi-experimental, comparison group crossover design and compared teaching strategies using simulation in the classroom. The purpose of the study was to determine whether fourth-semester associate of science in nursing students who participated in debriefing sessions after watching prerecorded high-fidelity simulation scenarios in a nursing class obtained higher examination scores than those who received the same content through traditional lecture format with case studies. The participants also reported their satisfaction with the teaching methods used in the classroom and their feelings of self-confidence in learning the new material. Results Analysis of the descriptive data revealed no significant differences between the two study groups. Each of three hypotheses was tested on two different occasions through the crossover study design. Results revealed a significantly higher cardiac examination score for the participants who received a lecture and case studies for the cardiac content. However, there were no significant differences in the exam scores on hypoperfusion content between the two groups. Both participant groups reported significantly higher satisfaction and self-confidence scores with the lecture and case study teaching strategy. Conclusion This study used an active teaching strategy for a group of participants who were accustomed to a lecture format classroom. They continued to prefer the lecture format. Further research is needed to assess outcomes associated with using simulation in the classroom.
Weak ferromagnetism and magnetoelectric coupling in bismuth ferrite

We analyze the coupling between the ferroelectric and magnetic order parameters in the magnetoelectric multiferroic $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ using density functional theory within the local spin density approximation (LSDA) and the $\mathrm{LSDA}+\mathrm{U}$ method. We show that weak ferromagnetism of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya type occurs in this material, and we analyze the coupling between the resulting magnetization and the structural distortions. We explore the possibility of electric-field-induced magnetization reversal and show that, although it is unlikely to be realized in $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, it is not in general impossible. Finally, we outline the conditions that must be fulfilled to achieve switching of the magnetization using an electric field.
Role of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) in basal and hormone-stimulated growth by estradiol, prolactin and progesterone in human and rat mammary tumor cells: Studies using TGF-α and EGF receptor antibodies

Abstract The biological role of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) in basal and hormone-stimulated proliferation of primary human and rat mammary tumor cells was studied using antibodies against TGF-α and its receptor. A monoclonal antibody, MAb-425 against human EGF receptor was added to in vitro soft agar, clonogenic cultures of human breast carcinoma cells under basal and estradiol(E 2 )-stimulated conditions. The antibody had an antagonist effect on colony growth in 4 of 10 tumors and an agonist effect in 4 (72 and 153% of control). E 2 -stimulated colony growth in 5 tumors (167% of control) and the antibody blocked E 2 -stimulation in 3 of the 5. Inhibition of E 2 -stimulated growth in 3 and basal growth in 4 other tumors by the EGF receptor antibody suggests that endogenously secreted TGF-α has a role as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor in constitutive and E 2 -stimulated tumor cell proliferation in a majority of human tumors. A polyclonal antibody against TGF-α was used to study the role of TGF-α in E 2 -, prolactin(Prl)- and progesterone(Prog)-stimulated proliferation of NMU(nitrosomethylurea)-induced rat mammary tumor cells under similar culture conditions. TGF-α, E 2 , Prl and Prog stimulated colony growth equally to 176, 187, 168 and 181% of control. The antibody produced significant and similar inhibition of TGF-α and E 2 -stimulated growth (95 and 83%). In contrast, inhibition of Prl- and Prog-stimulated growth by the antibody was only 24 and 37%. The TGF-α ligand antibody did not have an agonist or antagonist effect when added alone. Thus, TGF-α seems to be a major stimulatory growth factor mediating E 2 -induced tumor cell proliferation in rat mammary tumors. It is less important in Prl- and Prog-induced tumor growth and not essential for basal growth in these tumors. We conclude that TGF-α is a biologically important autocrine/paracrine growth factor in primary human breast cancer cell proliferation and in E 2 -induced rat mammary tumor growth.
Electric energy cost reduction by shifting energy purchases from on-peak times

This paper reports simulated results that detail the effects of the parameters that control the charge/discharge operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located on a distribution feeder. The following BESS parameters were evaluated: energy capacity, maximum discharge current, and “round-trip” efficiency. Also, the following system parameters were studied: marginal cost (MC) of electric energy, and the 24 hour load profile of the feeder. The BESS performance was quantified as a function of the differential cost of energy (DCE) representing the difference between the cost of energy purchased to charge the BESS and the cost of energy delivered, (sold). The obtained results prove that the use of BESS can be beneficial, yielding significant savings, if the battery size is sufficiently large and the battery efficiency is high enough.
Hearing preservation with labyrinthine ablation in otitis media.

Objectives: Iatrogenic fenestration of the inner ear in the presence of otitis media is commonly associated with permanent hearing loss. Hearing can generally be preserved when the vestibular labyrinth is ablated in a controlled manner in noninflamed ears. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of hearing preservation with violation of the inner ear in the presence of middle ear inflammation. Study Design: Prospective and controlled animal model. Methods: Otitis media was induced bilaterally in pigmented guinea pigs with transtympanic injection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzas, or formalin-killed nontypeable H influenzae. Two to 4 days after injection, the horizontal canal of one ear was transected and sealed. Hearing was tested before and after labyrinthine ablation. Results: Otitis media was induced in all ears. Bacterial cultures were positive in 19 of 20 S pneumoniae-injected ears, and in 10 of 16 nontypeable H influenzae-injected ears. One week after surgery, elevation of click thresholds (> 15 dB) was encountered in none of the fenestrated or unfenestrated S pneumoniae-infected ears, in two of six unfenestrated and three of six fenestrated nontypeable H influenzae-infected ears, and in one of five killed-nontypeable H influenzae-injected ears both with and without fenestration. Conclusions: These data suggest that ablation of a semicircular canal in the presence of middle ear inflammation or infection does not necessarily lead to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing loss associated with iatrogenic violation of the semicircular canals may be more dependent on factors other than the presence of nonspecific middle ear inflammation.
Band structures of two-dimensional surface-plasmon polaritonic crystals

By the use of the homogeneous form of the reduced Rayleigh equation for the electric field above and on the rough surface of a metal in contact with a vacuum, we have obtained the dispersion relation for surface-plasmon polaritons propagating across such an interface. This dispersion relation is exact within the domain of validity of the Rayleigh hypothesis upon which it is based. It is applied to a two-dimensional vacuum-metal interface formed from a periodic array of hemiellipsoids on the planar surface of the same metal. Nonperturbative numerical solutions of the resulting dispersion relation are obtained for wave vectors along the boundary of the irreducible element of the first Brillouin zone for a square and a triangular array of the hemiellipsoids. Absolute band gaps in the frequency spectrum, where the density of states vanishes, are found, and the dependence of the position and width of these gaps on various geometrical parameters of each array is investigated. We also study the influence of radiative damping and ohmic losses on the dispersion curves. Our theoretical results are compared with existing experimental data.
Volatile flavor components from boiled crayfish procambarus clarkii tail meat

The volatile flavor components of boiled red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) tail meat were characterized by a combination of dynamic headspace concentration on a porous polymer trap, high resolution gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and chromatography-coupled aroma sniffing evaluation. A total of 70 volatile compounds in many different chemical classes were identified and reported for the first time in crayfish tail meat. Various components gave green grassy, woody, buttery, metallic, or sulfur-like aroma characteristics. Most of the sensory characteristics of the individual components in the aromagram agreed well with the identification of the chemical structures eluted within the corresponding chromatographic period. However, several pleasant nutty, meaty and salty-meaty areas in the gas chromatographic aromagram remained unidentified.
Nanopores: flossing with DNA.

Passing a DNA strand many times back-and-forth through a protein nanopore would enable the interaction between them to be studied more closely. This may now be possible, using a dumbbell-shaped DNA–polymer complex, which may lead to a more reliable analysis of DNA sequences using nanopores.
Relationship of calbindin D-28k with afferent neurons to the rostral ventrolateral medulla in the rat.

The phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-containing neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) (the C1 adrenergic group) have been implicated in the generation of the tonic sympathetic nerve activity. Using a double-labeling immunohistofluorescence technique, we found that 34.6 +/- 11.4% (mean +/- S.D.) of PNMT immunoreactive neurons in the RVLM were immunoreactive for Calbindin D-28k (CaBP), a Vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein. Since CaBP is probably involved in regulating intracellular calcium concentrations in cells that are metabolically or electrically very active, our results suggest that at least some C1 adrenergic neurons (those containing calbindin) may have calcium mediated high metabolic or electrophysiologic activity that is associated with generating tonic nerve function. The RVLM has wide connections with many different nuclei in the brain which are known to contain clusters of neurons that express immunoreactivity to CaBP. In order to determine whether CaBP could be used as a molecular marker for projection neurons to the RVLM or to identify a subpopulation of projection neurons containing CaBP, we sought to determine the relationships between CaBP and the neurons that project to RVLM. Following injections of the retrograde tracer FluoroGold (FG) into the rat RVLM, sections containing retrogradely labeled neurons in (1) the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), (2) the contralateral RVLM, (3) the area postrema, (4) the mesencephalic central gray (mCG), (5) the lateral hypothalamus (LH), (6) the substantia innominata (SI), and (7) the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PV) were tested for CaBP immunoreactivity. Although many retrogradely labeled neurons were found amidst many CaBP immunoreactive neurons in each of these nuclei, only a subpopulation of the retrogradely labeled neurons expressed CaBP immunoreactivity. The NTS demonstrated the higher proportion of double-labeled cells (mean 31.5 +/- 4.3%), whereas the lower proportion corresponded to the contralateral RVLM (mean 9.6 +/- 3.2%). On the other hand, both the retrogradely labeled neurons and the CaBP immunoreactive neurons in each of these nuclei were often found in regions containing a great number of adrenergic axons (i.e. immunoreactive for PNMT). Our results suggest that: (1) Two types of adrenergic RVLM neurons could be found, those containing CaBP and those lacking this calcium binding protein. (2) CaBP is not a common marker for the afferent neurons to the RVLM, but rather is found in selective subsets of them. (3) Both the non-CaBP projection neurons and the CaBP immunoreactive neurons in these nuclei may be innervated by adrenergic fibers.
Pup-killing behavior in mice: Suppression by early androgen exposure

Abstract Significantly more male mice castrated at birth killed newborn pups in response to adult testosterone propionate (TP) treatment than sham-operated controls. Female mice administered TP or estradiol benzoate (EB), but not testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP), on the day of birth killed significantly fewer young in response to adult TP than oil-treated controls. Neonatal MER-25 treatment prevented the suppressive effects of early TP exposure on T aroused pup-killing behavior. These data show that early androgen exposure attenuates the pup-killing producing properties of adult T and that aromatization of T to estrogen (E) during early life may mediate these effects.
The News Context Project

We describe intelligent information technologies designed to automatically provide both journalists and ordinary newsreaders with a broad range of the contextual information they need in order to better understand news stories, presented in an immediate and compelling fashion. These systems automatically identify, select, and present appropriate contextual information based on the story a user is currently viewing. Our experiences in building a number of specific systems of this kind have led to the creation of a general architecture and platform for developing such applications. These systems interact with news consumers directly through mechanisms such as browser extensions.
Genomic plus-strand RNA synthesis by the brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA replicase requires a sequence that is complementary to the binding site of the BMV helicase-like protein.

Summary Initiation of genomic plus-strand RNA synthesis by the brome mosaic virus (BMV) replicase in vitro requires a 26-nucleotide (nt) RNA sequence at the 3' end of the minus-strand RNA and a nontemplated nucleotide 3' of the initiation cytidylate [Sivakumaran, K. and Kao, C.C. (1999)J. Virol.64, 6415-6423]. At the 5' end of this RNA is a 9-nt sequence called the cB box, the complement of the previously defined B box. The cB box can not be functionally replaced by the B box and has specific positional and sequence requirements. The portion of the cB box that is required for RNA synthesis in vitro is well-conserved in species in the Bromoviridae family. An equivalent RNA from Cucumber mosaic virus was unable to direct efficient RNA synthesis by the BMV replicase until the cB box was positioned at the same site relative to the BMV RNA and guanylates were present at positions +6 and +7 from the initiation cytidylate. These results further define the elements required for the recognition and initiation of viral genomic plus-strand RNA synthesis and suggest that a sequence important for minus-strand RNA synthesis is also required for plus-strand RNA synthesis.
A new species of Pygommatius Scarbrough and Hill (Diptera: Asilidae) from Cameroun

Abstract Pygommatius gruwelli, n. sp., from Cameroun is described, illustrated, and compared with congeners. The illustrated wing of P. brevicornis (Curran) is included for comparison. The Afrotropical key is modified to include the new species.
Mild hyperhomocysteinemia in adult patients with sickle cell disease: A common finding unrelated to folate and cobalamin status

Homocysteine has associations with both vitamin insufficiency and vascular complications, and its status is therefore of interest in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, information is limited, especially in adults. We studied plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and three of its major modifiers, cobalamin, folate, and creatinine, in 90 adult patients with SCD and 76 control subjects. The patients had higher tHcy levels than did controls (P = 0.03) and had elevated tHcy more often (20% vs. 3%, P = 0.0005). None of the hyperhomocysteinemic patients had low cobalamin or folate levels; on the contrary, patients with SCD had high folate levels more often than control subjects (32% vs. 7%; P < 0.0001). Although serum creatinine values were lower in SCD patients than in control subjects (P = 0.03), high levels also tended to occur more often (8% vs. 1%; P = 0.054). Most importantly, creatinine levels correlated significantly with tHcy (P < 0.0001) and logistic regression analyses showed creatinine to be the only significant predictor of high tHcy levels in SCD (P = 0.01). Our results show that hyperhomocysteinemia affects 20% of adults with SCD despite routine folate supplementation and is independent of folate and cobalamin status. Creatinine was the major identifiable influence on tHcy, but renal insufficiency explained only 4 of the 18 elevated tHcy levels. Longitudinal studies will be needed to determine whether the frequent hyperhomocysteinemia of SCD influences the vascular complications in SCD. If reducing tHcy becomes advisable, then interventions other than folate therapy will be needed. Am. J. Hematol. 76:114–120, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Capsule endoscopy in Crohn’s disease: Are we seeing any better?

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex, immune-mediated disorder that often requires a multi-modality approach for optimal diagnosis and management. While traditional methods include ileocolonoscopy and radiologic modalities, increasingly, capsule endoscopy (CE) has been incorporated into the algorithm for both the diagnosis and monitoring of CD. Multiple studies have examined the utility of this emerging technology in the management of CD, and have compared it to other available modalities. CE offers a noninvasive approach to evaluate areas of the small bowel that are difficult to reach with traditional endoscopy. Furthermore, CE maybe favored in specific sub segments of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as those with IBD unclassified (IBD-U), pediatric patients and patients with CD who have previously undergone surgery.
The effect of diamide on transmitter release and on synaptic vesicle population at vertebrate synapses.

Summary Diamide, a sulfhydryl-oxidizing agent, has previously been shown to cause acetylcholine release in two preparations 3,38 in the absence of added Ca 2+ . Similarities in action between diamide and α-latrotoxin, a component of black widow spider venom which causes transmitter release with no added Ca 2+ , and which seems to require a disulfide bond for its action, led us to study further the transmitter-releasing properties of diamide. In rat cerebral cortical slices we show that diamide, like α-latrotoxin, released all transmitters studied; GABA, acetylcholine, norepinephrine and dopamine. The response reached a peak after a delay (5–15 min), in contrast to the much faster release evoked by high K + (within 3 min). Diamide-induced GABA release was found to occur equally well in the absence of added Ca 2+ , and was blocked when diamide was reduced prior to addition. Our ultrastructural studies of the frog neuromuscular junction showed that whereas α-latrotoxin caused the elimination of synaptic vesicles, diamide did not. Dithiothreitol, a disulfide-reducing agent, also caused GABA release, but this effect was Ca 2+ -dependent, blocked by high Mg 2+ , and occurred without delay. These observations comparing the 3 transmitter-releasing agents have further delineated the sulfhydryl/disulfide-group involvement in transmitter release and have demonstrated that dithiothreitol is operating at a different site from either α-latrotoxin or diamide.
Multiphase imide block copolymers: new materials for microelectronics applications

Imide block copolymers were investigated as a means of lowering the dielectric constant and improving the polymer-polymer adhesion of poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylenepyromellitimide) (PMDA/ODA). Poly(perfluoroalkylenearyl ether) (PFAAE) was used as a coblock to introduce fluorine and lower the dielectric constant of PMDA/ODA. Poly(aryl ether-phenylquinoxaline) (PQE) coblocks were incorporated to improve polymer-polymer adhesion, since conventional poly(phenylquinoxalines) are known to be excellent hot melt adhesives. The preparation of imide copolymers required the use of poly(amic ester), rather than poly(amic acids), as the imide precursor. PFAAE and PQE were selected as coblocks due to their compatibility with the solvents required for the poly(amic ester) synthesis and processing as well as their excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties. The copolymers could be processed and cured with conventional techniques to afford high-quality coatings. The block copolymers showed excellent final properties, including high dimensional stability and tough, ductile mechanical properties. The materials displayed a heterogeneous morphology with submicron domains of PFAAE or PQE in a polyimide matrix. The PFAAE copolymers showed a reduction in dielectric constant relative to PMDA/ODA ( epsilon approximately=2.8), and the copolymers of PMDA/ODA with approximately=15-wt.% PQE showed excellent self-adhesion, as predicted. >
MYCORRHIZAL CONTROLS ON BELOWGROUND LITTER QUALITY

Plant productivity and ecosystem productivity are strongly influenced by nutrient availability, which is largely determined by the decomposition rate of plant litter. Belowground litter inputs (dead roots, mycorrhizae, and exudates) are larger than above- ground litterfall in many systems. Chemical quality and diameter primarily control decom- position for coarse roots, but these patterns do not hold for finer classes of roots, which are frequently colonized by mycorrhizae. Though mycorrhizal status is known to drastically alter root chemistry, morphology, life span, and exudation, it has never been explicitly considered as a factor affecting root decomposition. We hypothesize that mycorrhizal status substantially influences fine root decomposition rates. Both ectomycorrhizal (EM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can change root properties but do so in different ways. Dominant tree species of most cold and temperate forests rely heavily on EM associations. EM fungi form massive structures that envelop fine roots. Roots infected by ectomycorrhizae have higher nitrogen concentrations than nonmycorrhizal roots, which would be expected to increase decomposition rates, but much of this nitrogen is bound in recalcitrant forms, such as chitin, so the net effect on decom- position is difficult to predict. AM fungi lack elaborate, macroscopic structures and may not alter root chemistry as profoundly. In addition to mycorrhizal roots, external fungal hyphae can contribute significantly to ecosystem carbon budgets and thereby influence rates of soil carbon turnover. Hyphae have commonly been considered a rapidly decomposing carbon pool, though this has never been demonstrated experimentally. If hyphae are produced at the expense of rapidly decomposing root exudates, then the net effect of hyphal litter production might be to reduce soil microbial activity and overall carbon cycling rates. Based on known differences in morphology and chemistry, EM hyphae may be more recalcitrant than AM hyphae. In summary, we submit that mycorrhizal status could substantially influence fine root decomposition and soil carbon processing rates, potentially explaining some of the variation observed within and among individual plant species and ecosystems.
An Approach to Modern Labor: Worker Peasantries in Historic Saxony and the Friuli Region over Three Centuries

The spread of manufacture in the European countryside initiated the formation of vital and complex rural laboring groups that defy neat classification. The nature of livelihood in these rural settings furthered an integration of diverse productive involvements rather than the creation of narrow occupational niches. In the course of their labor careers, men and women moved between agrarian and industrial pursuits—weaving linen cloth, spinning silk, raising livestock, digging potatoes, tending vineyards, making bricks, mining coal, casting iron, and forging steel. In this context, livelihood was not merely an individual concern; rather, it was part of a broader household strategy, rooted in a family-based agrarian holding. The maintenance of bonds to peasant agriculture fostered familial solidarity over working-class identity. These laborers saw their destinies in the immediacy of flesh-and-blood relationships among family and kin and not in more abstract social and political identifications.
Laying Futility to Rest

In this essay I examine the formal structure of the concept of futility, enabling identification of the appropriate roles played by patient, professional, and society. I argue that the concept of futility does not justify unilateral decisions to forego life-sustaining medical treatment over patient or legitimate surrogate objection, even when futility is determined by a process or subject to ethics committee review. Furthermore, I argue for a limited positive ethical obligation on the part of health care professionals to assist patients in achieving certain restricted goals, including the preservation of life, even in circumstances in which most would agree that that life is of no benefit to the patient. Finally, I address the objection that professional integrity overrides this limited obligation and find the objection unconvincing. In short, my aim in this essay is to see the concept of futility finally buried, once and for all.
Reflections on a Discipline

Presidential addresses in our Association are frequently discourses on the state of our discipline. In the past twenty years nine presidents have reflected on its status, trends and needs. It would be presumptuous for another president to return to the topic now if the moment did not validate the need. After a period of novel developments, accompanied by uncertainties and tensions, there is need to reemphasize our community of interest and our common obligation.It is a community extending across diversities and an obligation with many components. The study of the science and art of government has many facets which reflect search in that eternal triangle of science, values, and utility.In the beginning it is well to remark that we are constantly drawn toward two poles in a dual quest. We would like to find verifiable propositions or working assumptions about political activity which, like the law of gravity or the laws of motion, transcend time, and technology and culture variations. We would like even to extend our vision further: just as the biologist seeks for the origins of life and the astronomer for the initial creative impulse for the universe, we want to know if there is a universal plan in history and a destiny for man.Such cosmic vision must be based on the assumption of some constants in human behavior, such as self-love; or in human relations, such as power; or in natural morality, such as justice. Yet grasp for certainty fades as we wonder whether all such things are relative to environment, and hence whether ecology and the search for the laws of change must be the centers of inquiry. As we contemplate how such great cultural changes as the secularization of thought in the Enlightenment, or such tremendous physical events as the discovery of America have upset the assumptions of thought, and as we try to think of what nuclear energy, automation and the dominion of scientists may mean, we are humble before the task of building an endurable science of politics.
Autophagy, mitochondria and oxidative stress: cross-talk and redox signalling

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species change cellular responses through diverse mechanisms that are now being defined. At low levels, they are signalling molecules, and at high levels, they damage organelles, particularly the mitochondria. Oxidative damage and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction may result in energy depletion, accumulation of cytotoxic mediators and cell death. Understanding the interface between stress adaptation and cell death then is important for understanding redox biology and disease pathogenesis. Recent studies have found that one major sensor of redox signalling at this switch in cellular responses is autophagy. Autophagic activities are mediated by a complex molecular machinery including more than 30 Atg (AuTophaGy-related) proteins and 50 lysosomal hydrolases. Autophagosomes form membrane structures, sequester damaged, oxidized or dysfunctional intracellular components and organelles, and direct them to the lysosomes for degradation. This autophagic process is the sole known mechanism for mitochondrial turnover. It has been speculated that dysfunction of autophagy may result in abnormal mitochondrial function and oxidative or nitrative stress. Emerging investigations have provided new understanding of how autophagy of mitochondria (also known as mitophagy) is controlled, and the impact of autophagic dysfunction on cellular oxidative stress. The present review highlights recent studies on redox signalling in the regulation of autophagy, in the context of the basic mechanisms of mitophagy. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of autophagy on mitochondrial function and accumulation of reactive species. This is particularly relevant to degenerative diseases in which oxidative stress occurs over time, and dysfunction in both the mitochondrial and autophagic pathways play a role.
Reconstructing the basal angiosperm phylogeny: evaluating information content of mitochondrial genes

Three mitochondrial (atp1, matR, nad5), four chloroplast (atpB, matK, rbcL, rpoC2), and one nuclear (18S) genes from 162 seed plants, representing all major lineages of gymnosperms and angiosperms, were analyzed together in a supermatrix or in various partitions using likelihood and parsimony methods. The results show that Amborella + Nymphaeales together constitute the first diverging lineage of angiosperms, and that the topology of Amborella alone being sister to all other angiosperms likely represents a local long branch attraction artifact. The monophyly of magnoliids, as well as sister relationships between Magnoliales and Laurales, and between Canellales and Piperales, are all strongly supported. The sister relationship to eudicots of Ceratophyllum is not strongly supported by this study; instead a placement of the genus with Chloranthaceae receives moderate support in the mitochondrial gene analyses. Relationships among magnoliids, monocots, and eudicots remain unresolved. Direct comparisons of analytic results from several data partitions with or without RNA editing sites show that in multigene analyses, RNA editing has no effect on well supported relationships, but minor effect on weakly supported ones. Finally, comparisons of results from separate analyses of mitochondrial and chloroplast genes demonstrate that mitochondrial genes, with overall slower rates of substitution than chloroplast genes, are informative phylogenetic markers, and are particularly suitable for resolving deep relationships.
Boron Removal by Polymer-Assisted Ultrafiltration

Abstract Boron contamination of natural waters is a widespread environmental problem which lacks a cost-effective solution. Polymer-assisted ultrafiltration is a method of boron removal that is compatible with other water-treatment processes. This boron removal technique exploits the pH-dependent complexation between boric acid and a macromolecule containing vicinal diol groups to prevent boric acid from passing through an ultrafiltration membrane. The concentration of boron in treated water was reduced from 10.5 ppm to less than 2 ppm through ultrafiltration of an aqueous solution containing boric acid and a polymer synthesized by grafting N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMG) onto poly(epichlorohydrin). The NMG groups, when tethered to the polymer, exhibited stronger affinity for boron than expected from equilibria between NMG and boric acid.
Changes in neuronal activation in patients with bipolar disorder during performance of a working memory task.

Objectives: Several lines of evidence suggest that deficits in cognition persist in bipolar patients during periods of euthymia. Working memory impairment has been observed in euthymic bipolar patients and noted to be a significant source of functional deficits in psychiatric disorders. Functional changes associated with these cognitive deficits however, remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with bipolar disorder would demonstrate changes in neuronal activation in specific regions forming part of the working memory network. Methods: Fifteen euthymic bipolar patients and fifteen age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited. Subjects participated in fMRI scans during which a two-back working memory task alternated with a zero-back control/attention task using a block-design paradigm. Groups were analyzed separately, and intergroup comparisons were made using an exploratory, voxel-by-voxel analysis. Results: Bipolar patients performed more poorly on the cognitive tasks than did healthy controls (F = 3.77, p = 0.04). After covarying for task performance and reaction time, bipolar patients demonstrated significantly greater activation than healthy subjects in several regions including the fronto-polar prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and posterior parietal cortex. No areas showed a significant decrease in activation, compared with healthy controls. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that decreased working memory performance in bipolar patients reflects specific neurofunctional deficits. These deficits may represent primary areas of neuropathology or be secondary to neuropathology elsewhere in the working memory network. Continued research utilizing other imaging modalities may further clarify the underlying neuropathology involved in these cognitive deficits.
Characterizing the Interaction Between Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Developing Soybean Plants

This research characterizes the interaction between the fire ants Solenopsis invicta Buren and developing soybean plants. Phagostimulant studies showed that fire ant foraging on soybean seeds increased once the seeds imbibed water. During seedling development over a 5-d germination period, fire ant foraging shifted from the stem/cotyledons to the roots, despite continual increases in fresh weights for each region, and the fact that stem/cotyledon tissue contained the majority of food reserves. Carbohydrate analysis showed that although 2-d-old seedlings had higher concentrations of phagostimulant carbohydrates, especially sucrose, than tissues of mature plants, all tissues analyzed had enough of these sugars to induce a phagostimulant response. Fire ant association with seeds/seedlings germinated in soil resulted in reduced seedling vigor, as determined by a doubling of seedling emergence time, a threefold increase in malformed seedlings, and visible damage to cotyledons. Seeds germinated and grown to mature plants in association with fire ants, allocated 43% more assimilate into pods, but produced 28% less root dry matter, 11% less total dry matter, and there was an 81% reduction in the number of root nodules compared with control plants. We propose that reduced root development and inhibitions of nodule formation would be major yield limiting factors under field conditions. This work demonstrates that fire ant damage to soybeans is not limited to seedling establishment and that more research should be directed at the subterranean activities of the fire ant.
Submicroscopic deletion of 5q involving tumor suppressor genes (CTNNA1, HSPA9) and copy neutral loss of heterozygosity associated with TET2 and EZH2 mutations in a case of MDS with normal chromosome and FISH results

Advances in genome-wide molecular cytogenetics allow identification of novel submicroscopic DNA copy number alterations (aCNAs) and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) resulting in homozygosity for known gene mutations in myeloid neoplasms. We describe the use of an oligo-SNP array for genomic profiling of aCNA and cnLOH, together with sequence analysis of recurrently mutated genes, in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) presenting with normal karyotype and FISH results. Oligo-SNP array analysis revealed a hemizygous deletion of 896 kb at chromosome 5q31.2, representing the smallest 5q deletion reported to date. The deletion involved multiple genes, including two tumor suppressor candidate genes (CTNNA1 and HSPA9) that are associated with MDS/AML. The SNP-array study also detected 3 segments of somatic cnLOH: one involved the entire long arm of chromosome 4; the second involved the distal half of the long arm of chromosome 7, and the third encompassed the entire chromosome 22 (UPD 22). Sequence analysis revealed mutations in TET2 (4q), EZH2 (7q), ASXL1 (20q11.21), and RUNX1 (21q22.3). Coincidently, TET2 and EZH2 were located at segments of cnLOH resulting in their homozygosity. Loss of heterozygosity affecting these two chromosomes and mutations in TET2 and EZH2 are indicative of a myelodysplastic syndrome with a poor prognosis. Deletion of the tumor suppressor genes CTNNA1 and HSPA9 is also likely to contribute to a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the original cnLOHs in multiple chromosomes and additional cnLOH 14q in the follow-up study suggest genetic evolution of the disease and poor prognosis. This study attests to the fact that some patients with a myelodysplastic syndrome who exhibit a normal karyotype may have underlying genetic abnormalities detectable by chromosomal microarray and/or targeted mutation analyses.
Transmission line effects on the coil noise correlation matrix in MRI

Noise correlation is an important topic in radiofrequency (RF) coil design for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The original noise correlation formula derived by Redpath showed correlation depends on the real part of the inverse impedance matrix. In this work, we introduce a more generalized formula to include effects from transmission lines and preamplifier input impedance mismatch. This formula is used to calculate correlation between two-channel circuits connected to preamplifiers using transmission lines of variable electrical length. The calculated correlation matches well with that measured on the MR scanner and suggests transmission line length can be utilized as an additional degree of freedom for coil decoupling, and can be adjusted to achieve zero noise correlation.
Electromagnetic gyrokinetic δf particle-in-cell turbulence simulation with realistic equilibrium profiles and geometry

The @df particle-in-cell method for gyrokinetic simulations with kinetic electrons and electromagnetic perturbations [Y. Chen, S. Parker, J. Comput. Phys. 189 (2003) 463] is extended to include arbitrary toroidal equilibrium profiles and flux-surface shapes. The domain is an arbitrarily sized toroidal slice with periodicity assumed in toroidal direction. It is global radially and poloidally along the magnetic field. The differential operators and Jacobians are represented numerically which is a quite general approach with wide applicability. Discretization of the field equations is described. The issue of domain decomposition and particle load balancing is addressed. A derivation of the split-weight scheme is given, and numerical observations are given as to what algorithmic change leads to stable algorithm. It is shown that in the final split-weight algorithm the equation for the rate of change of the electric potential is solved in a way that is incompatible with the quasi-neutrality condition on the grid scale. This incompatibility, while negligible on the scale of interest, leads to better numerical stability on the grid scale. Some examples of linear simulations are presented to show the effects of flux-surface shaping on the linear mode growth rates. The issue of long-term weight growth in @df simulation and the effect of discrete particle noise are briefly discussed.
Measurement of the growth of sub-microscopic fatigue cracks by ellipsometry

Abstract Aluminum (1100) samples have been monitored with ellipsometry during fatigue cycling. Large changes in the ellipsometric parameters Δ and ψ are believed to be primarily associated with the formation of a sub-microscopic network of cracks. The ellipsometric results are interpreted in terms of the Fenstermaker-McCrackin model for surface roughening modified to simulate the crack system.
Congenital urethrocutaneous fistulas.

Abstract We report on 2 cases of congenital urethrocutaneous fistulas in otherwise normalchildren. There were no associated congenital anomalies. Satisfactory surgical results were obtained. Potential causes are discussed.
A Scorecard for Small Business Performance

Evaluating organizational performance of small businesses has frequently been a neglected managerial function. When evaluation efforts have been undertaken, they have ranged from simple internal reviews to co1nplex and often costly audits conducted by independent parties. However, most individuals working in a small business rarely take the time or make the effort to undertake a comprehensive review of their business activities. To begin the process of answering the important question of how well a small business is performing, a straightforward approach that is easy to prepare and interpret on a regular basis is required. Realizing that most individuals involved with small businesses are pressed for time, an easy-to-use evaluation instrument designed to focus attention on strategic performance indicators (SPIs) has been developed. These SPIs focus attention on the primary functional areas of a business: management, marketing, and finance. Each question has been designed to help the reviewer think about the importance of strategic performance indicators to the overall success of the business.