cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efforts at early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: The mayo clinic experience

By contract with the National Cancer Institute, the authors have prospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serologic, secretory, endoscopic, and imaging procedures. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, angiography, and pancreatic exocrine function tests have similar sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value in the diagnoses of pancreatic disorders. A newly developed ultrasonic endoscope has been evaluated for human use and preliminary findings suggest that it is safe. This endoscope generates a high resolution of real time images of extraluminal gastrointestinal organs, including the pancreas. This technique may be useful in detecting small premetastatic and resectable cancers of the pancreas.
Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets for Burkholderia cenocepacia by Comparative Transcriptomics

Background Burkholderia cenocepacia is an endemic soil dweller and emerging opportunistic pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The identification of virulence factors and potential therapeutic targets has been hampered by the genomic diversity within the species as many factors are not shared among the pathogenic members of the species.
Parameter modification for clustering criteria

The more ways there are of understanding a clustering technique, the more effectively the results can be analyzed and used. I will give a general procedure, calledparameter modification, to obtain from a clustering criterion a variety of equivalent forms of the criterion. These alternative forms reveal aspects of the technique that are not necessarily apparent in the original formulation. This procedure is successful in improving the understanding of a significant number of clustering techniques.
Photoemission and electronic structure of tungsten-based metallic glasses and alloys

The structure and electronic density of states of intertransition-metal glasses of the form ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{W}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ have been investigated, where T=Cu, Ni, and Co. The film samples were prepared by cosputtering in a chamber with a rapidly rotating, water-cooled substrate. Experiments included x-ray diffraction and ultraviolet photoemission at photon energies of 21.2 and 40.8 eV, and electronic-structure calculations were performed with a self-consistent linear combination of muffin-tin-orbitals method. For the calculations the structures were simulated by either disordered crystalline or amorphous clusters of 60--64 atoms in a periodically extended supercell. The range of amorphous alloy formation was determined approximately for each alloy series, and it was found that this range was larger when the atomic-radii difference of the two elements is larger. In both the photoemission and theoretical results for the crystalline and amorphous Cu-W alloys the Cu 3d band is a distinct feature whose position is well reproduced by the calculations. In the Ni-W and Co-W alloys the 3d and 5d bands overlap significantly. In the case of crystalline Ni-W alloys, the theory gives a good representation of the observed occupied density of states.
Characteristics of a dual-detector charge coupled device (CCD) based optical fluorescence imaging system

A unique dual-detector charge coupled device (CCD) system has been developed and it has been previously shown to possess a high temporal resolution and the capability to perform ratio imaging on gel phantoms. We used this CCD system to analyze differences in fluorescence intensity ratios at different levels of pH. We found that the ratio of emissions at 532 nm and 635 nm was ~3.8 in gels of pH 6.1, corresponding to cancerous tissue, and ~3.5 in gels of pH 7.2, corresponding to normal tissue. In addition, the accuracy of these intensity results was verified by calculating noise and dark current. We found that dark current intensity never exceeded 1 arbitrary unit, which is a negligible percentage of the intensity levels of the gel phantoms. Our system is very capable of accurately performing certain biomedical experiments, such as cancer detection.
Measurement of blood flow with radioactive microspheres in the intact and surgically exposed rat cremaster muscle.

Abstract The rat cremaster muscle is used by a number of laboratories as a skeletal muscle model for studies involving in vivo visualization of the microcirculation. However, questions have arisen as to whether the cremaster is a typical skeletal muscle, and as to whether the surgical exposure of the muscle causes any significant alterations in its physiology. To address these questions, we measured total tissue blood flow to the cremaster, biceps brachii, and gastrocnemius muscles of normal, male, Sprague-Dawley rats (weight = 265 ± 53 g, X ± SD ) by the radioactive microsphere method. Polystyrene microspheres, 15 ± 1 μm (nominal diameter), were injected directly into the left ventricle of pentobarbital-anesthesized (50 mg/kg, ip) rats placed on a rodent respirator. Blood to serve as a reference organ was withdrawn at a constant rate of 0.2 ml/min from the cannulated tail artery. Blood flows to each muscle in these animals were (ml/min/100 g): biceps, 10.67 ± 3.22; gastrocnemius, 9.00 ± 1.85; and cremaster, 9.02 ± 2.05, which were not significantly different. Surgical exposure of the cremaster muscle in a controlled tissue bath, identical to that used for our in vivo visualization experiments, did not alter the total blood flow from that observed when the cremaster muscle was intact. Thus, the cremaster muscle appears to be similar to other skeletal muscles with regard to total tissue blood flow and the blood flow does not appear to be altered by surgical exposure under carefully controlled local tissue conditions.
Spatial ecology of the Concho water snake (Nerodia harteri paucimaculata) in a large lake system

The distribution, movements, activity range, and habitat use of the Concho water snake, Nerodia harteri paucirnaculata, were studied by mark-recapture and radio telemetry in a large lake system, in central Texas, USA. Concho water snake emigration and distribution were largely driven by alteration of habitat availability caused by fluctuating water levels. Habitat characteristics associated with the presence of snakes at the study area were turbid water, minimal wave action, a gentle shoreline gradient, a silt substrate, and a rocky shoreline. Males and gravid females were equally vagile, and the likelihood of a snake undertaking an emigrational movement was independent of age andlor reproductive condition. However, males had significantly more movement days than gravid females. Radio-tagged males had detectable move- ments on 64% of monitored days, compared to 43% of monitored days for gravid females. Mean activity range length was 278 m for males, 219 m for gravid females, and 210 m for juveniles. Concho water snakes generally selected retreat sites within 3 m of water, although gravid females selected sites as far as 15 m from water. As a management procedure for lake populations, we advocate increasing the vertical distri- bution of rocky shoreline. habitat, densities are greatly reduced (pers. Little is known about the spatial ecology of obs.), which may increase the likelihood of local snakes occurring in temporally volatile habitats. extirpations. With the impending construction Houston and Shine (1994) reported high dis- of Ivie Reservoir and the subsequent inundation persal rates for filesnakes (Acrochordus arafurae) of a significant portion of Concho water snake among billabongs, attributable to fluctuating habitat, assessment of the ecological attributes water levels. They also cite extensive wet season of lake populations became imperative. Of spe- movements for water pythons (Liasis fuscus) cial interest was a population persisting in E. V. (Madsen and Shne, unpubl. data). The above Spence Reservoir, constructed in 1969. Data ob- studies illustrate the importance of environmen- tained from the Spence Reservoir population tal variables on snake spatial ecology in natural may be applied to the future management of the systems. The present study deals with a popu- Ivie Reservoir population. lation of Concho water snakes in an artificial en-
Characteristics of burning liquid sprays with additional diluents in the primary air stream

An investigation has been conducted into the effects of introducing additional diluents into the primary air stream of pressure-jet and air-blast atomizers on their flame characteristics. The effects of primary airfuel ratio and concentration of diluent (N2 or CO2) on flame appearance, flame length, fraction of heat release radiated, temperature profiles, and oxygen concentration profiles in the spray flames of ASTM number 2 fuel oil and kerosene are presented. The results show that the structure of flames from both types of atomizers is significantly affected by the additional diluents. Flame length, emission of soot, and fraction of heat release radiated all decrease with an increase in the amount of additional diluent in the primary air.
Modeling surface deformations at complex strike‐slip plate boundaries

Two new versions of the physical base-traction model of Li and Rice (1987) have been developed to study the loading processes and surface deformation near plate boundaries with geometric complexities, including a shallow creeping fault segment and two subparallel faults. Predictions of surface velocity and surface slip rate for the region between the San Andreas fault and the Pacific coast at the latitude of the Parkfield-Cholame segment using model parameters based on geologic, geodetic, and seismic considerations were found to be in good agreement with contemporary geodetic field data (not used in constrainning model parameters). Also, predicted surface velocity for the Salton Sea-Coachella Valley area were fit to recently derived contemporary geodetic data and very large baseline interferometry data, althoug here the model parameters are not well constrained.
A retrospective look at twenty-two medicolegal claims. How they might have been avoided

Selected cases from the author's study of 500 medicolegal claims illustrate the need for caution and precaution in several aspects of eye care. Injections with disposable needles, the delegation of responsibility, complications of intraocular surgery, incomplete localization or removal of foreign bodies, complications of photocoagulation, and the prescribing of drugs are discussed. Suggestions are made regarding procedures for diminishing the incidence of certain complications.
Early surgical intervention in a patient with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

A 3-day-old male infant with a 3-cm firm subcutaneous mass was found to have decreased platelets, decreased fibrin, and increased fibrin split products diagnostic of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. The vascular lesion was resected without complications. We suggest that early surgical intervention is an excellent therapeutic option for Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon.
Nanocrystal superlattices: Assembly at liquid interfaces

A liquid/air interface provides an effective platform for organizing thin molecular layers that can be transferred to solid surfaces. It is now shown that liquid-interface assembly is effective for generating extensive membranes of binary nanocrystal superlattices.
Interaction-Dependent PCR: Identification of Ligand−Target Pairs from Libraries of Ligands and Libraries of Targets in a Single Solution-Phase Experiment

Interaction-dependent PCR (IDPCR) is a solution-phase method to identify binding partners from combined libraries of small-molecule ligands and targets in a single experiment. Binding between DNA-linked targets and DNA-linked ligands induces formation of an extendable duplex. Extension links codes that identify the ligand and target into one selectively amplifiable DNA molecule. In a model selection, IDPCR resulted in the enrichment of DNA encoding all five known protein−ligand pairs out of 67 599 possible sequences.
Bone graft substitutes: Claims and credibility

Abstract Periprosthetic bone loss remains a significant challenge during revision arthroplasty. Traditional approaches for reconstruction of the bony envelope include both autograft and allograft tissue in structural and cancellous forms. In recent years, the proliferation of commercially available bone substitutes provides the surgeon with many different reconstruction options. These include allograft-based, ceramic-based, factor-based, and polymer-based substitutes. This review will describe the characteristics of these bone substitutes and provide evidence-based recommendations from the clinical and basic science literature on their use. Demonstrating cost-effectiveness and clinical utility is critical to justify the use of these compounds in the future.
Expression and Function of a Biological Pacemaker in Canine Heart

Background— We hypothesized that localized overexpression of the hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN2) pacemaker current isoform in canine left atrium (LA) would constitute a novel biological pacemaker. Methods and Results— Adenoviral constructs of mouse HCN2 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) or GFP alone were injected into LA, terminal studies performed 3 to 4 days later, hearts removed, and myocytes examined for native and expressed pacemaker current (If). Spontaneous LA rhythms occurred after vagal stimulation-induced sinus arrest in 4 of 4 HCN2+GFP dogs and 0 of 3 GFP dogs (P<0.05). Native If in nonexpressed atrial myocytes was 7±4 pA at −130 mV (n=5), whereas HCN2+GFP LA had expressed pacemaker current (IHCN2) of 3823±713 pA at −125 mV (n=10) and 768±365 pA at −85 mV. Conclusions— HCN2 overexpression provides an If-based pacemaker sufficient to drive the heart when injected into a localized region of atrium, offering a promising gene therapy for pacemaker disease.
Molecular genetics of substance abuse vulnerability : A current approach

Which genes contribute to drug abuse vulnerability? How do vulnerability-enhancing alleles work? How are the effects of a specific allelic influenced by other genes and the environment? Identifying the specific gene loci at which allelic variants contribute to human vulnerability to substance abuse is a major goal of the developing field of drug abuse molecular genetics. This work is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in drug abuse research. The feasibility of specific approaches to this problem is now increasingly supported by convergent information from family, twin, and adoption studies of families of drug abusers (see Table 1 for some terms). Results of mouse genetic studies add to our confidence that drug abuse vulnerability genes can be identified. Elucidation of increasingly lengthy lists of candidate genes and rapid development of improving methodologies for approaching complex genetic disorders both enhance the plausibility of identifying such gene variants. The benefits of finding drug abuse vulnerability gene variants are also increasingly appreciated by workers frustrated by our current inability to target prevention and treatment efforts effectively to those whose genetic predispositions leave them most likely to benefit. This review presents a current perspective on the status of approaches to identifying substance abuse vulnerability genes. It reflects material reviewed in two recent meetings as well as background information covered in recent reviews (Uhl et al. 1997; Uhl et al. 1995; Risch and Merikangas 1996; Committee for Problems of Drug Dependence Symposium, Nashville Tenn, July 1997; NIDA Genetics Working Group Meeting, Rockville, MD, October 1997).
Variable Selection in Multivariate Calibration of a Spectroscopic Glucose Sensor

A variable selection method that reduces prediction bias in partial least-squares regression models was developed and applied to nearinfrared absorbance spectra of glucose in pH buffer and cell culture medium. Comparisons between calibration and prediction capability for full spectra and reduced sets were completed. Variable selection resulted in statistically equivalent errors while reducing the number of wavelengths needed to fit the calibration data and predict concentrations from new spectra. Fewer than 25 wavelengths were selected to produce errors statistically equivalent to those yielded by the full set containing over 500 wavelengths. The algorithm correctly chose the glucose absorption peak areas as the information-carrying spectral regions.
Axial conduction with boundary conditions of the mixed type

Abstract A method is proposed for obtaining nearly analytical solutions to laminar flow thermal entrance region problems with axial conduction when the wall boundary conditions are of the mixed type. The method involves the utilization of Green's functions and the solution of a Fredholm integral equation using the Wiener–Hopf procedure. The method is illustrated by obtaining expressions for the temperature field for laminar flow in a circular tube in the zero Peclet number limit for Robin–Dirichlet wall boundary conditions.
A Study of Calcium and Phosphorus Balances with Dairy Cattle

Summary 1. The results of twelve determinations of the balances of intake against outgo of calcium and phosphorus with liberally milking dairy cows are given. 2. A better assimilation of calcium resulted when clover hay instead of timothy was fed as part of a ration which included corn silage and a grain mixture. 3. A better assimilation of calcium occurred under conditions where protein of supposedly higher quality was fed through the medium of clover hay. 4. Some independence between calcium and phosphorus assimilation was observed. 5. Better assimilation of phosphorus occurred when more ample provision was made for this element in the grain mixture. 6. There was but little variation in the calcium and phosphorus content of the milk under the conditions studied. The percentage of phosphorus in the milk seemed to increase slightly in response to an increased supply in the feed.
Storm pulse chemographs of saturation index and carbon dioxide pressure: implications for shifting recharge sources during storm events in the karst aquifer at Fort Campbell, Kentucky/Tennessee, USA

Continuous records of discharge, specific conductance, and temperature were collected through a series of storm pulses on two limestone springs at Fort Campbell, western Kentucky/Tennessee, USA. Water samples, collected at short time intervals across the same storm pulses, were analyzed for calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, total organic carbon, and pH. Chemographs of calcium, calcite saturation index, and carbon dioxide partial pressure were superimposed on the storm hydrographs. Calcium concentration and specific conductance track together and dip to a minimum either coincident with the peak of the hydrograph or lag slightly behind it. The CO2 pressure continues to rise on the recession limb of the hydrograph and, as a result, the saturation index decreases on the recession limb of the hydrograph. These results are interpreted as being due to dispersed infiltration through CO2-rich soils lagging the arrival of quickflow from sinkhole recharge in the transport of storm flow to the springs. Karst spring hydrographs reflect not only the changing mix of base flow and storm flow but also a shift in source of recharge water over the course of the storm.
Insight into the Parenthood Paradox: Mental Health Outcomes of Intensive Mothering

Though people often report wanting to have children because they think it will make them happier, much research suggests that parenting is associated with decreased well-being. Other studies have found that parenting is related to increased life satisfaction. The goal of this study was to provide insight into this paradox by investigating the relationship between a specific way of parenting, intensive parenting, and maternal mental health. An online survey was completed by 181 mothers with children ages 5 and under. Intensive mothering beliefs correlated with several negative mental health outcomes. Controlling for perceived family social support, the belief that women are the essential parent was related to lower life satisfaction and believing that parenting is challenging was related to greater depression and stress. The results of this study suggest that aspects of intensive mothering beliefs are detrimental to women’s mental health. It may not be parenting per se, but specific and particularly intensive ways of parenting, that relate to negative mental health outcomes.
Rapid accumulation of renal fat in cats after single inhalations of carbon tetrachloride

Abstract Carbon tetrachloride administered to cats by inhalation at a concentration of 10,000 ppm elevated renal lipid content to near maximal levels in 15 minutes. Both stainable fat and the chemical fat content of the kidney were high after 30, 60, and 240 minutes' exposure and remained so 3 hours after a 4-hour CCl 4 inhalation. Twenty-four hours later, both the total lipid and stainable fat droplets were below normal. An increase of kidney weight occurred within 60 minutes and was maintained throughout the 24-hour observation period. The total lipid content of cat liver had increased significantly at 3, 12, and 24 hours after a 4-hour CCl 4 exposure. Increased liver weight was observed 24 hours after the withdrawal of CCl 4 . Increases in adrenal weight occurred within 30 minutes after CCl 4 inhalation and remained high for periods up to 24 hours after a 4-hour exposure. No sign of fatty change was observed in the adrenal at the time intervals examined. Early increases in both the weight and fat content of cat kidney suggested that the renal effects of CCl 4 are independent of the hepatic changes.
Practices for Social Interaction in the Language-Learning Classroom: Disengagements from Dyadic Task Interaction

Using conversation analysis and situated learning theory, in this paper we analyze the peer dyadic interactions of one adult learner of English in class periods 16 months apart. The analyses in the paper present microgenetic and longitudinal perspectives on the learner's increasing participation in his classroom communities of practice. The focus of the analyses is on the language practices for a social action that is not taught explicitly by the instructors—disengaging from teacher-assigned dyadic task interactions. The tasks from which the learner disengages are serial dyadic interaction tasks. In these tasks, a learner engages with a number of different classmates doing the same task consecutively. The serial dyadic interaction task design is shown to offer students ongoing opportunities to develop interactional routines for social actions and language practices needed to accomplish habitual actions such as opening and disengaging from their dyadic task interactions.
Prediction Assessments: Using Video-Based Predictions to Assess Prospective Teachers' Knowledge of Students' Mathematical Thinking.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental elementary mathematics field experience course, we have designed a new assessment instrument. These video-based prediction assessments engage prospective teachers in a video analysis of a child solving mathematical tasks. The prospective teachers build a model of that child’s mathematics and then use that model to predict how the child will respond to a subsequent task. In this paper, we share data concerning the evolution and effectiveness of the instrument. Results from implementation indicate moderate to high degrees of inter-rater reliability in using the rubric to assess prospective teachers’ models and predictions. They also indicate strong correlation between participation in the experimental course and prospective teachers’ performances on the video-based prediction assessments. Such findings suggest that prediction assessments effectively evaluate the pedagogical content knowledge that we are seeking to foster among the prospective teachers.
The use of kava and cognitive-behavior therapy in the treatment of panic disorder

This article proposes the use of the herb kava in combination with cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) in the treatment of panic disorder in lieu of traditional psychopharmacologic agents such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants. The properties of kava are discussed, as well as their therapeutic effects with anxiety. A single, non-placebo-controlled case example is described, along with 6-months follow-up treatment effects combined with CBT. The potential pitfalls of using the herb are addressed, particularly the combination of kava with psychopharmacologic compounds.
Effect of stress and plastic deformation on the transformation of the delta phase in a Pu-lat % Ga alloy

Abstract The influence of elastic and plastic deformation on the transformation of the fcc δ phase in a Pu-1 at % Ga alloy was investigated. Undeformed, this phase could be retained without decomposition for over 17 months at 23°C. An M s at 8°C is indicated, below which the δ to α transformation starts instantaneously. Transformation to the monoclinic α phase above 8°C could be induced by compressive elastic loading. At room temperature, transformation was induced only by plastic deformation; both the α and orthorhombic γ phases formed with up to a 20% decrease in volume. Different martensite morphologies and variations in the amount of transformation and in the transformation kinetics were obtained depending upon the temperature and condition of loading.
Punctate scarring from use of porous Biobrane

1. Case report A 3-year-old boy was admitted to the burn unit at Booth Hall Children’s Hospital with scalds to his chest, abdomen, perineum, buttocks, upper limbs, both thighs and dorsum of feet. He had accidentally fallen into a bath of hot water from a stool but was rescued immediately and put under cold water for 10 min. On examination, he was noted to have 25% superficial partial thickness burns. He was resuscitated according to the unit protocol. Appropriate analgesia was administered prior to scrubbing of the burn wound and Biobrane TM (Bertek Pharmaceuticals, West Virginia, USA)
Intention as a Mediator of Weight Training Behavior among College Students: An Integrative Framework

The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the mediating role of intention in future weight training behavior (1–8 weeks) using an integrative framework [the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and self-efficacy theory (SET)]. Participants were 251 college students (M age = 21.36; 116 males, 135 females) enrolled in 16 weight training classes. The SET constructs (self-efficacy and incentive) and one TPB construct (intention) were assessed at midterm using standardized self-report questionnaires. Students’ weight training behavior was assessed through their class attendance following the midterm week. The path analysis showed that intention had the largest direct effect on behavior followed by self-efficacy. Both self-efficacy and incentive significantly predicted intention. The overall variance in intention and behavior explained by the model was 17% and 31%, respectively. Health promoters and researchers need to identify strategies to increase self-efficacy and incentive (cross product of outcom...
Neuropathologic observations in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Neuropathologic changes are described in eight fatal cases of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), including four subjects who were i.v. drug abusers (two women, two men), two Haitian men, one bisexual man, and one women who had no known risk factors for AIDS. All cases had significant infections of the brain, with examples of bacterial, fungal, protozoal, and viral disease in the group. Combined infections were observed in three cases, including one case of previously unreported central nervous system (CNS) abscess due to Nocardia (combined with Salmonella). The most frequent CNS pathogen was Toxoplasma gondii, which in both Haitian subjects co-existed with systemic tuberculosis, leading to diagnostic difficulty. Only one case of "subacute encephalitis" was represented, although in other cases microglial nodules were associated with Toxoplasma and Cryptococcus organisms, as well as probable cytomegalovirus. Non-infectious complications included a cerebral infarct (one case), central pontine myelinolysis (one case), and diffuse microcystic change of the white matter (one case).
Irrigation guidelines based on historical weather data in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Irrigation guidelines based on historical data would be an important tool for planning irrigation, and may be considered as a management strategy depending on the weather variability. This paper analyzes variability in evapotranspiration (ET) patterns over a 9-year period between years and between different months. ET and rainfall data were collected with automatic weather stations and coefficients of variability were determined. The coefficient of variability for these data averaged less than 15% indicating the possibility of using these irrigation guidelines. The coefficient for the relationship between Pennman Monteith reference ET and class-A pan evaporation was found to be 0.7. Irrigation guidelines for sugarcane and citrus based on historical data were developed for irrigation management.
The advantages and disadvantages of being introduced

Introduced species, those dispersed outside their natural ranges by humans, now cause almost all biological invasions, i.e., entry of organisms into habitats with negative effects on organisms already there. Knowing whether introduction tends to give organisms specific ecological advantages or disadvantages in their new habitats could help understand and control invasions. Even if no specific species traits are associated with introduction, introduced species might out-compete native ones just because the pool of introduced species is very large (“global competition hypothesis”). Especially in the case of intentional introduction, high initial propagule pressure might further increase the chance of establishment, and repeated introductions from different source populations might increase the fitness of introduced species through hybridization. Intentional introduction screens species for usefulness to humans and so might select for rapid growth and reproduction or carry species to suitable habitats, all which could promote invasiveness. However, trade offs between growth and tolerance might make introduced species vulnerable to extreme climatic events and cause some invasions to be transient (“reckless invader hypothesis”). Unintentional introduction may screen for species associated with human-disturbed habitats, and human disturbance of their new habitats may make these species more invasive. Introduction and natural long-distance dispersal both imply that species have neither undergone adaptation in their new habitats nor been adapted to by other species there. These two characteristics are the basis for many well-known hypotheses about invasion, including the “biotic resistance”, “enemy release”, “evolution of increased competitive ability” and “novel weapon” hypotheses, each of which has been shown to help explain some invasions. To the extent that biotic resistance depends upon local adaption by native species, altering selection pressures could reduce resistance and promote invasion (“local adaptation hypothesis”), and restoring natural regimes could reverse this effect.
The Mw 6.5 offshore Northern California earthquake of 10 January 2010: Ordinary stress drop on a high‐strength fault

The 10 January 2010 Mw 6.5 earthquake offshore Northern California is one of the first intraplate earthquakes in oceanic lithosphere to be well captured by a GPS network. It presents an opportunity to evaluate rupture mechanics on a high-strength fault. Static inversion of the coseismic displacements shows that the slip peaks at the same depth as the expected strength envelope, where the differential stresses can be as high as 600 MPa. Laboratory experiments on peridotite predict dramatic dynamic weakening at these conditions. The observed ordinary stress drop, 2–20 MPa, may indicate that the lithosphere is much weaker than strength envelope predicts or that the failure mechanisms seen in the laboratory are not occurring during the rupture. The GPS observations show very little postseismic signal indicating that if a shear zone exists beneath the coseismic rupture, it operates at significantly greater stress levels than the coseismic stress change.
The modes of decomposition of some rare-earth-metal tropolonates and activation energies of decomposition

The modes of decomposition of some rare-earth-metal tropolonates were studied by the use of DT, TG and DTG techniques. The volatile products and residueswere identified. The activation energies of decompositions were calculated.
The Effect of Magnetic Fields on Uranium and Strontium Sorption on Monosodium Titanate

The presence of a magnetic field gradient enhanced the rate of strontium and uranium sorption onto monosodium titanate. The enhancement was evident only in the early contact times and did not impact the equilibrium capacity of the sorbent. No enhancement was seen when the sorption test was conducted under a homogeneous magnetic field. Further studies are needed to determine if the enhancement is also seen with other cations and/or anions.
Delay discounting rates: A strong prognostic indicator of smoking relapse

Abstract Background Recent evidence suggests that several dimensions of impulsivity and locus of control are likely to be significant prognostic indicators of relapse. Method One-hundred and thirty-one treatment seeking smokers were enrolled in six weeks of multi-component cognitive-behavioral therapy with eight weeks of nicotine replacement therapy. Analysis Cox proportional hazard regressions were used to model days to relapse with each of the following: delay discounting of $100, delay discounting of $1000, six subscales of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Rotter's Locus of Control (RLOC), Fagerstrom's Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Hazard ratios for a one standard deviation increase were estimated with 95% confidence intervals for each explanatory variable. Likelihood ratios were used to examine the level of association with days to relapse for different combinations of the explanatory variables while accounting for nicotine dependence and stress level. Results These analyses found that the $100 delay discounting rate had the strongest association with days to relapse. Further, when discounting rates were combined with the FTND and PSS, the associations remained significant. When the other measures were combined with the FTND and PSS, their associations with relapse non-significant. Conclusions These findings indicate that delay discounting is independently associated with relapse and adds to what is already accounted for by nicotine dependence and stress level. They also signify that delay discounting is a productive new target for enhancing treatment for tobacco dependence. Consequently, adding an intervention designed to decrease discounting rates to a comprehensive treatment for tobacco dependence has the potential to decrease relapse rates.
A single nucleotide polymorphism associated with reduced alcohol intake in the RASGRF2 gene predicts larger cortical volumes but faster longitudinal ventricular expansion in the elderly.

A recent genome-wide association meta-analysis showed a suggestive association between alcohol intake in humans and a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ras-specific guanine nucleotide releasing factor 2 (RASGFR2) gene. Here, we tested whether this variant - associated with lower alcohol consumption - showed associations with brain structure and longitudinal ventricular expansion over time, across two independent elderly cohorts, totaling 1,032 subjects. We first examined a large sample of 738 elderly participants with neuroimaging and genetic data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI1). Then, we assessed the generalizability of the findings by testing this polymorphism in a replication sample of 294 elderly subjects from a continuation of the first ADNI project (ADNI2) to minimize the risk of reporting false positive results. The minor allele – previously linked with lower alcohol intake – was associated with larger volumes in various cortical regions, notably the medial prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus in both cohorts. Intriguingly, the same allele also predicted faster ventricular expansion rates in the ADNI1 cohort at 1- and 2-year follow up. Despite a lack of alcohol consumption data in this study cohort, these findings, combined with earlier functional imaging investigations of the same gene, suggest the existence of reciprocal interactions between genes, brain, and drinking behavior.
Methadone, another Cause of Opioid-associated Hearing Loss: A Case Report

Abstract Background Methadone has been used for many years in the clinical setting and has many well-described side effects. In recent years, the use of methadone and other opioids have been increasing throughout the United States (US), and presentations to US Emergency Departments (EDs) due to opioid use and abuse are increasing as well. Objectives As methadone and opioid use increases, ED physicians should be aware of infrequently seen side effects and toxicities associated with the use of these drugs. Case Report We report the case of a previously healthy 20-year-old man who presented with acute onset of bilateral hearing loss secondary to an unintentional methadone overdose. At follow-up, the patient’s hearing had returned to normal, with the only intervention being abstinence from methadone. Conclusion Although bilateral hearing loss is a rare toxic finding of opioid ingestion, given the prevalence of opioid use, this etiology should be considered in any patient presenting with this chief complaint.
Growth responses, ion relations, and osmotic adaptations of eleven C4 turfgrasses to salinity.

(...) This study was conducted to compare growth and physiological reponses of eleven C 4 (grasses which utilize the C-4 carboxylic acid pathway in photosyntheis) turfgrasses to salinity. Grasses were grown in solution culture in a glasshouse, with NaCl added to achieve salinities of 0.7, 10, 20, and 30 dS m −1 (0, 99, 198, and 298 mM NaCl). Grasses were ranked for salinity tolerance according to their relative top growth reductions with increasing salinity. Tolerant grasses included a Hawaii selection of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz.), two St. Augustinegrasses (Stenotaphrum secondtum Walt.), and manilgrass (Zoysia matrella L.) (...)
Variational nonsmooth mechanics via a projected Hamilton's principle

This paper presents a projection-based variational formulation of nonsmooth mechanics. In contrast to existing approaches, nonsmooth behavior is captured through the use of a projection mapping on the configuration space. After clearly defining a projected Hamilton's principle, our main focus is on the existence of admissible projection mappings and variational solutions. This lays the foundation necessary for a variety of useful future developments, which includes optimization techniques, stochastic nonsmooth mechanical system models, and integrator symplecticity proofs.
Some Examples of the Effects of Clouds and Precipitation on the Temperature Profile Retrieval for DMSP SSM/T Microwave Sounders

Abstract Here we report a preliminary investigation of temperature retrieval utilizing the Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Passive Microwave Temperature Sounder (SSM/T) data under clear, cloudy and precipitating atmosphere conditions. Within the limited case studies and in the context of a statistical temperature retrieval program, we find that the recovered temperatures close to the surface suffer increased degradation as the observed rainfall rate increases when the temperature profiles are compared with radiosonde data. Differences between retrieved and observed temperatures near the surface are found to be as large as 15 K. Nonprecipitating clouds appear to have little effect on the temperature retrieval program from microwave observations.
Fibromyalgia and hysterectomy: the impact on health status and health care costs

Women account for over 80 % of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) population. Some researchers have noted that a large percentage of women with FMS have had hysterectomies. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between FMS and hysterectomies, and to examine the impact of having a hysterectomy on health status and health care costs. A sample of 573 American women, who were members of a health maintenance organization with a confirmed diagnosis of FMS, reported whether they had a hysterectomy. Participants completed the Quality of Well-Being Scale and their annual health care costs were calculated based on their medical records. Almost half of the sample (48.3 %) reported having had a hysterectomy, with 90.7 % reporting having had the surgery before their FMS diagnosis. Those who had a hysterectomy had significantly lower general health status and incurred higher health care costs than the women with FMS who did not have a hysterectomy. The percentage of women with FMS who had a hysterectomy was considerably higher than that found in the general population. In this study, having a hysterectomy and a diagnosis of FMS was related to poorer health status and higher health care costs.
L1210 Dihydrofolate Reductase: activation and enhancement of methotrexate sensitivity

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase, purified to homogeneity from a subline of L1210 murine leukemia cells resistant to 10 −6 m Methotrexate, was resolved into two principal forms (1 and 2) by isoelectric focusing. These forms had pI values of 7.4 and 8.2, respectively; both stained for protein and catalytic activity, Form 1 was a single component, comprising ca. 10% of the total protein, but multiple components of 2 were observed by narrowing the pH range in the electrophoretic procedure. Urea-denatured enzyme exhibited two bands of approximately equal intensity upon isoelectric focusing. These results were interpreted to mean that the enzyme consists of a set of conformationally different forms, arising from two primary structures. Inhibition of the native enzyme by Methotrexate was polyphasic, and appreciably activity remained when the drug was present at an equimolar concentration. Various agents (KCl, H + , urea, and SH-modifiers), known to “activate” dihydrofolate reductases, produced a monophasic, stoichiometric inhibition. Activating agents appear to induce a more open (and labile) conformation of the enzyme. This leads to increased affinity for MTX accompanied, in some instances, by increased catalytic activity.
Measurement of the 2200 m/sec neutron-proton capture cross section

The neutron-proton capture cross section at the neutron laboratory velocity of 2200 m/sec has been determined from the time decay of the thermalized neutron population following short bursts of fast neutrons in water samples of widely varying sizes. Use of an intense pulsed neutron beam enables elimination of many of the problems encountered in earlier experiments. The present result for this cross section is 332.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7 mb, which is the most precise of any result obtained by this method and is comparable in accuracy and consistent with the most accurate values determined by any method.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $p(n, \ensuremath{\gamma})d$, $E=0.0253$ eV; measured lifetimes of thermal neutrons in water samples of various sizes; deduced ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{a}$.
Mammary development and pituitary prolactin level of heifers from birth through puberty and during the estrous cycle.

Abstract Nucleic acid, hydroxyproline (collagen), and lipid content of mammary glands of Holstein heifers from birth to 12 months of age and on Days 0 (estrus), 2, 4, 7, 11, 18, and 20 of the estrous cycle were determined and their relationships to pituitary prolactin were studied. Deoxyribonucleic acid content of the mammary gland increased 1.6 times faster (P
Investigation of the Potential Application of GPS for Precision Approaches

This paper investigates the potential of using GPS for precision approach landing operations. The issues addressed are accuracy, integrity, and coverage reliability. The results of the investigation show that GPS performance, as specified by the GPS Joint Program Office, does not presently satisfy precision approach requirements as specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Although the horizontal accuracy of GPS is within the requirement specified for a precision approach to 200 ft altitude above the runway, it is shown that GPS, even when operating in a differential mode, does not achieve the required vertical accuracy. Integrity and coverage reliability are also shown to require further improvement for GPS to be considered for use as a precision approach system.
Numerical simulation of free surface flows on a fish bypass

Abstract A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed to better understand the complex flow field inside a free surface fish bypass constructed at Rocky Reach Dam. This facility consists of two identical parallel channels, with fish screens on the side walls of each channel, and a pump station recirculating 96% of incoming flows into the forebay. The model is based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, with a standard κ – e turbulence model. The volume of fluid (VOF) method is used to predict free surface elevations. A proportional controller is implemented in the model to achieve a target flow rate at the pump exits. The pressure drop in the fish screens is modeled using porous media. Quantitative validation and visualization of the flow field characteristics indicate that CFD modeling may be a useful tool for fish passage design.
A Proteomic-scale, Mass Spec-based Method to Probe Forced Unfolding within Cells

Cysteine is a relatively hydrophobic amino acid and is often buried within protein folds or assemblies. We use Cys labeling of live cells under different conditions, including mechanical stress and temperature, to identify by Mass Spec those proteins and sites that are perturbed. For intracellular proteins, Cys are not tied up in disulfides, and so their reactivity to many fluorescent dyes in solution is readily determined as a function of temperature under both native and high urea conditions. When a protein is folded at low temperature, the reaction rate tends to be faster in urea, and the ratio of rates yields a thermal unfolding curve that looks very similar to results from solution methods such as Circular Dichroism. Unlike these other methods, however, the Cys labeling approach can also be applied to intact cells by using membrane-permeable, cell-viable dyes at low dose. Labeling studies of several cell types, including stem cells, lung cancer cells, and cardiomyocytes, treated under two different conditions, such as stressed vs unstressed or 37C vs fever-like 42C, are followed by electrophoretic separation and detailed LC/MS-MS study. What results is an identification of labeled proteins as well as differentially labeled sites in many proteins, including several structural proteins with major roles in disease and development: Myosin, Filamin, Spectrin, and Vimentin. The Cys shotgun method thus provides unique, proteomic scale measurements of protein structural changes in both solution and intact cells. (Science 317, 663-666, 2007)
Effects of presentation and recall trials on clustering and recall

In Experiment I the pattern of presentation and recall trials was varied for five groups who received 40 related words. On common immediate postinput recall trials there were no differences between any groups on either recall or clustering. This included a group given 11 presentation trials followed by a recall trial and a group receiving an initial presentation trial, nine recall trials, a presentation trial and a final recall trial (Group 9R + P). Experiment II was an attempt to determine if a 9R + P group would be equal to a standard group on the final recall when unrelated words were used. The two groups did not differ significantly.