cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of forest harvesting and subsequent vegetative regrowth in determining patterns of amphibian habitat use

Abstract Conservation of forest-dependent amphibians is dependent on finding a balance between timber management and species’ habitat requirements. To examine the effect of short-term vegetative regrowth post-harvesting on amphibian habitat use, we studied the response of eight species (four forest specialists and four habitat generalists) to four forestry treatments (partial harvest, clearcut with coarse woody debris [CWD] removed, clearcut with CWD retained, and uncut control) over a 6-year period, using replicated experimental treatments in Maine, USA. Forest amphibians showed a strong negative response to clearcutting through the duration of the study, regardless of the presence of CWD, but only during the post-breeding season (i.e., summer). The spring breeding migrations of wood frogs and spotted salamanders to experimental pools were not affected by the forestry treatments. The use of partial cut treatments by forest amphibians differed between animals emerging from experimental pools (i.e., juvenile wood frogs and spotted salamanders), and animals originating from outside the experimental arrays (i.e., adults of all forest species, juvenile wood frogs and spotted salamanders). Animals emerging from our experimental pools showed no difference in the use of control and partial cut treatments, while all the other animals preferred control plots. In addition, we found a modest increase in the use of clearcuts over the 6 years following harvesting by juvenile wood frogs from experimental pools (from an 8-fold difference between forest and clearcut treatments in the first year post-clearcutting to a 3-fold difference during years 3–5). However, this increase was not significantly associated with vegetation regrowth. Forest specialists declined in abundance in all treatments beginning 2–3 years post-disturbance. Despite high yearly fluctuations in abundance, there was a shift in relative abundance towards habitat generalist species, most notably green frog juveniles. Most habitat generalist species were not affected by clearcutting or vegetative regrowth; however, we observed a lower use of clearcut treatments by green frogs starting 3 years post-harvesting, perhaps due to an increase in habitat resistance to movements associated with vegetative regrowth. These general patterns of habitat use were overridden at the local scale by site-specific variation in the use of forestry treatments, most evident in emigrating juvenile wood frogs. From a management standpoint, implementing broad silvicultural prescriptions could be a viable strategy in extensively forested landscapes, but local variation in habitat use has to be acknowledged when managers focus on a limited area.
Organ preservation for the treatment of contralateral testicular seminoma

Abstract Purpose : Local excision of germ cell tumor in the remaining testicle followed by a modest dose of irradiation is an alternative to orchiectomy. This organ sparing technique provides superior quality of life and reduces the need for lifelong hormone replacement. Materials and methods : We treated two patients with contralateral seminomas with organ preservation. Both patients received post-operative irradiation to the remaining testicle to a dose of 20 Gy in 10 fractions and 19.8 Gy in 11 fractions. Results : Both patients are alive with no evidence of disease more than 3 years since the completion of their treatments. They both have reduced but preserved androgen production and retained their virility. They both are azospermic. Conclusion : We conclude that organ preservation for the treatment of contralateral testicular seminoma is a superior alternative to orchiectomy of the remaining testicle. It preserves male hormone production with equal survival outcome expectations.
Congestive Cardiomyopathy: Doppler Echocardiographic Assessment of Structure and Function

Summary Changing strategies in the treatment of congestive cardiomyopathies including new pharmacological agents, “physiological” dual-chamber pacing, and cardiac transplantation have provided the impetus for finding diagnostic techniques that can better characterize and quantify the structure and function relationships in these diseases. Two-dimensional echocardiography provides us with an excellent noninvasive tool for demonstrating the dilated hypocontractile left ventricle of congestive cardiomyopathy and contrasting it against other primary and secondary diseases of the left ventricle. Doppler echocardiographic quantitation of intracardiac blood flow-velocities offers the potential to complement these anatomical studies with physiological information about disordered systolic and diastolic function in the congestive cardiomyopathies. The synthesis of these techniques should allow more precise prognostication and stratification of this varied and complex group of patients, which will have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of congestive cardiomyopathies.
Dynamic Fatigue of Float Glass

The dynamic fatigue Of bulk float glass was measured Over a wide range of stressing rates. The results are compared with theoretical predictions based on integration of (K1, V) diagrams. It is thought that there are distinct differences in the growth of microcracks and macrocracks in glass, particularly with regard to the region of transport control.
Grazing Bifurcation and Periodic Motion Switching in a Piecewise Linear, Impacting Oscillator Under a Periodical Excitation

The grazing bifurcation and periodic motion switching of the harmonically forced, piecewise linear system with impacting are investigated. The generic mappings based on the discontinuous boundaries are introduced. Furthermore, the mapping structures are developed for the analytical prediction of periodic motions in such a system. The local stability and bifurcation conditions for specified periodic motions are obtained. The regular and grazing, periodic motions are illustrated. The grazing is the origin of the periodic motion switching for this system. Such a grazing bifurcation cannot be estimated through the local stability analysis. This model is applicable to prediction of periodic motions in nonlinear dynamics of gear transmission systems.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Effect of cost awareness on the utilization of laryngeal mask airway among anesthesiology residents

Introduction: Knowledge of cost perception is the primary step towards determining the role cost plays in decision making. We examined perception of cost and utilization. We tried to determine reasons for choosing pieces of equipment and tested the effect of cost awareness. We hypothesized altered utilization patterns in favor of a less expensive product. Methods: We conducted a single blind prospective study examining the perceptions of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) cost among residents. The study tested whether cost awareness would alter utilization. The price was altered without residents’ knowledge to ensure recognition of a price difference. Utilization before and after price labeling was compared. Results: The survey results showed when asked specifically ‘does cost influence your choice of LMA?’ 56% of the residents answered ‘No’. Only 2 out of 23 resident responses to the question ‘how much does an LMA cost’ fell within a 50% range of its approximate cost of $8. When asked ‘if two products are equivalent, would you choose the cheaper one?’ all residents answered ‘Yes’. Prior to price labeling, LMA selection 8.25% GREEN and 91.75% CLEAR. After price labeling, selection of LMA’s was 24.27% GREEN and 75.73% CLEAR LMA’s. There was a significant difference between the utilization of GREEN and CLEAR LMA’s before and after price labeling. Conclusion: This prospective single blind study on how cost awareness effects LMA selection showed altered selection following price labeling towards lower cost products. Focusing on cost awareness may have an impact on the future utilization and health care expenses.
A Note on Nonproportional Damping

This note deals with three aspects of nonproportional damping in linear damped vibrating systems in which the stiffness and damping matrices are not restricted to being symmetric and positive definite. First, we give results on approximating a general damping matrix by one that commutes with the stiffness matrix when the stiffness matrix is a general diagonalizable matrix, and the damping and stiffness matrices do not commute. The criterion we use for carrying out this approximation is closeness in Euclidean norm between the actual damping matrix and its approximant. When the eigenvalues of the stiffness matrix are all distinct, the best approximant provides justification for the usual practice in structural analysis of disregarding the off-diagonal terms in the transformed damping matrix. However, when the eigenvalues of the stiffness matrix are not distinct, the best approximant to a general damping matrix turns out to be related to a block diagonal matrix, and the aforementioned approximation cannot be justified on the basis of the criterion used here. In this case, even when the damping and stiffness matrices commute, decoupling of the modes is not guaranteed. We show that for general matrices, even for symmetric ones, the response of the approximate system and the actual system can be widely different, in fact qualitatively so. Examples illustrating our results are provided. Second, we present some results related to the difficulty in handling general, nonproportionally damped systems, in which the damping matrix may be indefinite, by considering a simple example of a two degrees-of-freedom system. Last, we use this example to point out the nonintuitive response behavior of general nonproportionally damped systems when the damping matrix is indefinite. Our results point to the need for great caution in approximating nonproportionally damped systems by damping matrices that commute with the stiffness matrix, especially when considering general damping matrices. Such approximations could lead to qualitatively differing responses between the actual system and its proportionally damped approximation.
Spitzer Observations of NGC 2362: Primordial Disks at 5 Myr

We present results from a mid-infrared imaging survey of the ~5 Myr old cluster NGC 2362 carried out with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on board the Spitzer Space Telescope. The archival mid-infrared data were merged with extant Hα emission data, optical and near-infrared photometry, and moderate-resolution optical spectroscopy to identify the remnant disk-bearing population of the cluster and to estimate the fraction of stars that still retain primordial circumstellar disks. The principal sample of 232 suspected cluster members with masses ranging from ~10 to 0.3 M_⊙ (B2-M5 spectral types) was drawn from known Hα emission stars, X-ray-detected stars from a single 100 ks archival Chandra observation, and established lithium-rich stars. A second sample of 153 stars over a similar mass range whose membership status was based on optical photometry alone was also examined. Measured fluxes in the optical and infrared passbands were fitted with synthetic, low-resolution spectra created using the NextGen atmospheric models, permitting the detection of infrared excesses relative to predicted stellar photospheric fluxes. Using the measured slope of the stellar spectral energy distribution through the four IRAC channels to characterize disk emission for the 195 out of 232 activity/lithium-selected stars and the 105 out of 153 photometric membership candidates having complete IRAC photometry, we derive an upper limit for the primordial, optically thick disk fraction of NGC 2362 of ~7% ± 2%, with another ~12% ± 3% of suspected members exhibiting infrared excesses indicative of weak or optically thin disk emission. The presence of circumstellar disks among candidate members of NGC 2362 is strongly mass-dependent, such that no stars more massive than ~1.2 M_⊙ exhibit significant infrared excess shortward of 8 μm. An upper limit for the fraction of stars hosting primordial, optically thick disks peaks near 10.7% ± 4% for stars with masses between 1.05 and 0.6 M_⊙, but the Spitzer IRAC survey is sensitivity-limited below ~0.3 M_⊙. From Hα emission-line strengths, an upper limit for the accretion fraction of the cluster is estimated at ~5%, with most suspected accretors associated with primordial, optically thick disks identified with Spitzer. The presence of primordial disk-bearing stars in NGC 2362, some of which are suspected of still experiencing gaseous accretion, may imply that even within dense cluster environments, sufficient numbers of inner disks survive to ages consistent with core accretion models of giant planet formation to account for the observed frequency of exoplanets within 5 AU of all FGKM-type stars.
Photorefractive energy exchange requiring optical activity and an electric field.

Optical-activity-supported energy transfer is explained, and a transfer of 4% is observed in bismuth silicon oxide with same-frequency equal-intensity beams having the same circular polarization. The direction of energy exchange can be controlled by the sign of the electric field or the sense of the circularity. In general, energy exchange occurs by destructive and constructive interference between diffracted and transmitted beams; here with the induced grating vector along the [110] direction, interference cannot occur unless optical activity and an external electric held are present.
PS2-34: Communication Barriers and Preferences of Limited English Proficient Chinese Speaking Members in Kaiser Permanente.

Background/Aims Our aim was to learn about the literacy and communication difficulties and preferences of Limited English Proficient Chinese speakers.
Neurofibrosarcomas in neurofibromatosis: Role of CT scanning and angiography

Four patients with neurofibromatosis complicated by neurofibrosarcomas are presented. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography demonstrated the extent and vascularity of these sarcomas and was helpful in planning surgical resection, and as a guide to the site of biopsy. Surgical and pathological correlation was made.
Image planes and surface states.

We show that the binding energy of surface states is a multibranch function of the image-plane position. The states of the Rydberg series (including the conventional crystal-derived states) have a unique labeling in terms of the number of extrema in the wave function beyond the crystal edge, and the spatial extent of the image states is determined by their binding energy. In addition, we find that the image plane is further from the crystal edge on more loosely packed surfaces and that dynamical corrections to the image potential account for increases in the effective mass of 5%.
Examining Postsecondary Education Predictors and Participation for Students With Learning Disabilities

Given the history of poor postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, researchers repeatedly sought to demonstrate the links between predictor variables and postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. This secondary data analysis used the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 to examine the relationship between postsecondary education–related transition services and postsecondary education participation for students with learning disabilities. Logistic regression analyses indicated receiving core content area instruction in the general education classroom was positively related to postsecondary education participation. Frequency distributions indicated students with learning disabilities attended 2-year college at higher rates than other postsecondary education programs. The results suggest educators should consider inclusion in general education classroom for core content area instruction for students with learning disabilities with postsecondary education goals to the extent permitted...
Reduction of soil carbon formation by tropospheric ozone under increased carbon dioxide levels

In the Northern Hemisphere, ozone levels in the troposphere have increased by 35 per cent over the past century, with detrimental impacts on forest and agricultural productivity, even when forest productivity has been stimulated by increased carbon dioxide levels. In addition to reducing productivity, increased tropospheric ozone levels could alter terrestrial carbon cycling by lowering the quantity and quality of carbon inputs to soils. However, the influence of elevated ozone levels on soil carbon formation and decomposition are unknown. Here we examine the effects of elevated ozone levels on the formation rates of total and decay-resistant acid-insoluble soil carbon under conditions of elevated carbon dioxide levels in experimental aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands and mixed aspen-birch (Betula papyrifera) stands. With ambient concentrations of ozone and carbon dioxide both raised by 50 per cent, we find that the formation rates of total and acid-insoluble soil carbon are reduced by 50 per cent relative to the amounts entering the soil when the forests were exposed to increased carbon dioxide alone. Our results suggest that, in a world with elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, global-scale reductions in plant productivity due to elevated ozone levels will also lower soil carbon formation rates significantly.
Comparative Marketing: A Program for the Future:

A program for future development of comparative marketing is proposed in two parts: a classification system for grouping marketing into homogeneous categories and a description of future directions for comparative marketing studies. Properly focused, these could lead to better explanations of the philosophy, organizational processes and performance of marketing systems.
Effect of the attractive potential of a drop in vapor phase nucleation

The influence of the attractive potential between a drop and a vapor molecule on the rate of nucleation is investigated by considering its effect on the drop's capture cross section for a molecule. Previously unsuspected effects that may occur under certain conditions are revealed. In particular, as the carrier gas pressure is increased, there may be a strong decrease in the nucleation rate. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Kit Formulation for the Preparation of Radioactive Blue Liposomes for Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphy

A radioactively labeled blue liposome formulation was developed for use in presurgical lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative sentinel node localization to avoid the differing injection site clearance kinetics of the conjunctive use of separate formulations of low molecular weight blue dye and radioactively labeled macromolecular sulfur colloid. Blue liposomes containing glutathione in the internal aqueous phase were prepared from blue dyed lipids obtained by covalently binding Reactive Blue II to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) fractions of phospholipid extracts. Four phospholipid extracts with differing PE fractions and a centrifugation technique were evaluated with the goal of maximizing the blue color intensity of the formulation. Stability of the formulations was evaluated by studying radiolabeling efficiency (using a membrane permeable lipophilic carrier of the commonly used diagnostic radionuclide, technetium-99m) and particle-size distribution over 30-60-day periods. Blue color was not altered by varying the PE content, while centrifugation was an effective and convenient method to maximize the blue color intensity of the final preparation. The particle size distribution of the prepared liposomes ranged from 200-300 nm (considered ideal for lymphoscintigraphy studies) and did not change significantly, while radiolabeling efficiency exceeded 80% for up to 1 month. The described kit formulation for the preparation of radiolabeled blue liposomes is suitable for commercial production allowing widespread clinical use. The combination of a means of visual identification and tracking of the liposomes through the lymphatic channels along with the ability to trace the preparation using standard radiation detection instrumentation provides the surgeon with an improved radiolabeled compound for lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative sentinel lymph node identification.
Resolved: specialized architectures, languages, and system software should supplant general-purpose alternatives within a decade

The field of computing has struggled since its inception with the tension between specialization and generalization. Specialized architectures, programming languages, and system software promise better performance (across many metrics, including efficiency, productivity, etc.) for workloads that match their specialization objective. General-purpose architectures, languages, and system software sacrifice extremes of performance for specific workloads, seeking acceptable performance across a much wider range. While specialized alternatives have always had their place, general-purpose architectures, languages, and system software have dominated main-stream computing systems for the past several decades. But with Dennard scaling already gone and the end of Moore's Law looming, some have argued that general-purpose computing platforms must naturally give way to specialization. In this debate, two teams of highly-opinionated experts will debate the proposition that specialized architectures, languages, and system software should largely supplant general-purpose alternatives within the next decade. Arguments in favor of specialization include energy efficiency in the post-Dennard scaling era, performance scaling in the post-Moore's law era, and improvements in programmer productivity. Arguments against include the large investment needed to create specialized hardware and software components, lack of tools and interfaces to create reusable components, the semantic gap from overspecialization, and security vulnerabilities and general correctness issues due to interoperation of specialized components.
Analysis of amino acid responses on frog motoneurones

The action of amino acids on motoneurones in the isolated hemisected frog spinal cord was examined by recording the membrane potential from ventral roots using the sucrose gap technique. The hyperpolarizing responses to the neutral amino acids (γ-aminobutyric acid, β-alanine, taurine and glycine) were associated with a decrease in membrane resistance and excitability of the motoneurones. and were dependent on the presence of external chloride ions. In addition, a depolarizing component of the neural amino acid response could always be demonstrated at higher amino acid concentrations (up to 10−2 M). The depolarizations were associated with an increase in excitability of the motoneurones and were probably direct effects on motoneurones and their axons. Strychnine blocked the hyperpolarizing responses to glycine, β-alanine, and taurine, but did not change γ-aminobutyric acid responses. Strychnine did not affect the depolarizing components of the glycine and β-alanine responses. Picrotoxin and bicuculline did not alter glycine responses but did antagonize both γ-aminobutyric acid and β-alanine hyperpolarizations. The results suggest that frog motoneurones have receptors for both hyperpolarizing and depolarizing actions of the neutral amino acids tested. Those associated with hyperpolarization are presumably related to postsynaptic inhibitory synapses. Possible functions of the receptors linked with depolarization are discussed.
Improved slow-positron yield using a single crystal tungsten moderator

A well-annealed W(110) single crystal was used as a fast-to-slow positron moderator. The measured moderator efficiency at room temperature using a58Co positron source in the backscattering geometry isɛ =(3.2±0.4)×10−3, roughly a factor of three better thanɛ for the best previously reported Cu(111)+S moderator. We find a stable positron moderation efficiency over a period of several weeks when maintained at pressures around 10−9 Torr and an energy spreadΔE = 0.7 eV of the emitted slow positrons. An initial attempt was made to fabricate a hybrid Cu on W(110) moderator, which yieldedɛ of about 1.2×10−3 after annealing.
Alteration in canine cardiac basal levels of cAMP and cGMP, and elevated tissue PCO2 levels, induced by coronary ligation.

Abstract Forty dogs were subjected to coronary ligation by placing snares around the two consecutive diagonal branches of the left anterior descending coronary arteries. Both acute and chronic studies were made of intramyocardial gas tensions using the mass spectrometer. Other studies such as levels of cyclic nucleotides and myosin ATPase activity were made at the chronic periods. Following coronary ligation in dogs there was a significantly elevated tissue P co 2 level in the ischemic region and left ventricular border zone as late as 5 weeks post-ligation. There was a severe decrease in cAMP, whereas cGMP was either the same as normal values or in some cases significantly elevated, in the ischemic area during this post-ligation time. These data were reflected in the border area of the left ventricle, but to a lesser extent. There was a minor, but significant decrease in myosin enzymatic V max values in the border area of the left ventricle during the early post-ligation period when tissue P co 2 levels were significantly elevated.
Non-linear theory of shells

Abstract A partially non-linear theory of anisotropic shells of uniform thickness is presented. Variational integrals of the stress equations of motion (26) and boundary conditions (27) consistent with simplified strain-displacement relations (9) are obtained from the Hamilton principle. The displacements and deflection are assumed to vary linearly across the thickness of the shell. The transverse shear and transverse normal strains as well as rotatory inertia and thermal effects are included in the analysis. One special case of the final equations of motion is considered.
Perceived stress among a workforce 6 months following hurricane Katrina.

To determine stress levels among a workforce 6 months after hurricane Katrina made landfall, a web-based survey that included the four-item Perceived Stress Scale was administered to employees of the largest employer in New Orleans. An overall Perceived Stress Scale score was obtained by pooling responses for the four items. Among 1,542 adult respondents, 24.1% stated they felt that they were “fairly often” or “very often” unable to control the important things in their life and 21.4% considered that their difficulties were “fairly often” or “very often” piling up so high that they could not overcome them. Also, 6.1% reported that they “almost never” or “never” felt confident about their ability to handle their personal problems and 15.2% indicated that things were “almost never” or “never” going their way. The overall mean Perceived Stress Scale score was 6.3 (standard deviation = 3.1; range = 0–16). Higher stress scale scores, indicating more stress, were present for women, and for participants with lower income, displaced longer than 3 months, who were more afraid of losing their life during hurricane Katrina and its immediate aftermath, and who knew someone that died during the storm. Additionally, participants who were living in a relative of friend’s house or in a temporary trailer at the time of the survey had higher stress scores compared to their counterparts who had returned to live in their pre-hurricane residence. There was a direct association between higher stress scores and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Employers and health care providers should be apprised of the need for monitoring stress and offering counseling opportunities for returning workforces following future large-scale disasters.
Layer-by-Layer-Coated Gelatin Nanoparticles as a Vehicle for Delivery of Natural Polyphenols

Natural polyphenols with previously demonstrated anticancer potential, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), tannic acid, curcumin, and theaflavin, were encased into gelatin-based 200 nm nanoparticles consisting of a soft gel-like interior with or without a surrounding LbL shell of polyelectrolytes (polystyrene sulfonate/polyallylamine hydrochloride, polyglutamic acid/poly-l-lysine, dextran sulfate/protamine sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin, type A) assembled using the layer-by-layer technique. The characteristics of polyphenol loading and factors affecting their release from the nanocapsules were investigated. Nanoparticle-encapsulated EGCG retained its biological activity and blocked hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced intracellular signaling in the breast cancer cell line MBA-MD-231 as potently as free EGCG.
Hypomagnesemia, renal dysfunction, and Raynaud's phenomenon in patients treated with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin

Thirty men with metastatic germ cell cancer were treated with cisplatin (20 mg/m2 administered intravenously, days 1-5), vinblastine, and bleomycin at 3- to 4-week intervals for four to six courses. There was a sequential fall in serum magnesium (P less than 0.001) with each course of therapy: 26 of the 30 patients (87%) became hypomagnesemic, and the median magnesium nadir was 1.1 meq/l. No acute clinical effects of the hypomagnesemia were observed. The mean creatinine clearance declined from 115 ml/minute before therapy to 65 ml/minute, and the mean serum creatinine rose from 0.9 mg/dl to 1.6 mg/dl after six courses of therapy. With a minimum follow-up of 36 months, 13 of the patients (43%) have clinical evidence of Raynaud's phenomenon. Severity of prior hypomagnesemia predicted an increased risk of Raynaud's phenomenon. Renal dysfunction, hypomagnesemia, and Raynaud's phenomenon are common chronic toxicities of vinblastine, bleomycin, and cisplatin therapy.
REDOX SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION : MUTATIONS SHIFTING 2FE-2S CENTERS OF THE SOXR SENSOR-REGULATOR TO THE OXIDIZED FORM

Abstract oxR is a [2Fe-2S] transcription factor triggered by oxidative stress and activated in vitro by one-electron oxidation or assembly of the iron–sulfur centers. To distinguish which mechanism operates in cells, we studied constitutively active SoxR (SoxR c ) proteins. Three SoxR c proteins contained [2Fe-2S] centers required for in vitro transcription and, like wild-type SoxR, were inactivated by chemical reduction. However, in vivo spectroscopy showed that even without oxidative stress, the three SoxR c proteins failed to accumulate with reduced [2Fe-2S] (≤4% compared to ≥40% for wild type). One SoxR c protein had a redox potential 65 mV lower than wild type, consistent with its accumulation in the oxidized (activated) form in vivo. These results link in vitro and in vivo approaches showing novel redox regulation that couples an iron–sulfur oxidation state to promoter activation.
State-Dependent Movement between the First and Last External Loops of the Na/K Pump α Subunit

Previously we reported that conserved Na/K pump α-subunit residues D128 (loop L1-2, shark-α1 numbering) and R979 (L9-10) reach atomic proximity in E2P (Artigas, 2009. Biophys J. 96(3):145a). L1-2 is expected to move throughout the pump cycle. We used double cysteine substitutions to address the relative displacement of L1-2 with respect to R979. We mutated R979C and concomitantly introduced a cysteine at each of the residues within L1-2, from Q118 (external end of TM1) to L132 (within TM2), and analyzed the functional effect of reducing and oxidizing reagents on these double cysteine mutants heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The pump current (IP) induced by 3 mM K under two-electrode voltage clamp in the absence of Na was measured; first without redox treatment, then after 15 min in 10 mM TCEP (a reducing agent) and subsequently, following oxidation with cupper phenanthroline (100 μM Cu: 300 μM Phe, applied in N-Methyl D-glucamine). TCEP increased the IP of E122C/R979C (20%), E124C/R979C (20%), P125C/R979C (38%), Q126C/R979C (52%) and D128C/R979C (130%), whilst Cu:Phe induced similar effects, in the opposite direction than TCEP, with a maximum reduction of IP (>80%) in D128C/R981C. The effect of Cu:Phe on the charge movement without K in the presence of Na was also studied. Cu:Phe abolished charge movement of D128C/R981C and modified the characteristics of the transients of the other double cysteine mutants that showed effects of crosslinking in IP. Our results indicate that residue 128 (at the end of a rigid TM2-helix) must separate from R979 in order for TM2 to perform its required motions, while crosslinking residues further in the flexible loop does not block IP, but modifies the E1-E2 conformational equilibrium in the presence of Na. Supported by R15NS081570-01A1.
Long-term vegetation change in Louisiana tidal marshes, 1968–1992

The Louisiana coastal marshes form some of the most extensive wetlands within the continental United States. The problem of land loss in these coastal marshes is well-documented, but very little is known about possible changes in vegetation composition that might be associated with this loss. We analyzed vegetation data collected from 1968 to 1992 in the tidal wetlands of Terrebonne parish and described five vegetation types that occur in this region. Our data did not show the predicted change to more salt-tolerant vegetation. This is probably due to the influence of the Atchafalaya River in the study area. However, we documented a large change in the dominant vegetation of the fresh marsh.Panicum hemitomon-dominated marshes occupied 51% of the study area in 1968 and only 14% in 1992. This vegetation type was replaced withEleocharis baldwinii-dominated marshes (3% in 1968 to 41% in 1992). This change occurred adjacent to an area of significant conversion to open water. Based on limited available data from the literature, we evaluated three potential driving factors in this change-grazing, water-level increase, and water quality-but could not determine the cause of change definitively.
Application of Z-Contrast Imaging to Obtain Column-by-Column Spectroscopic Analysis of Materials

Z-contrast imaging has been shown to be an effective method for obtaining a high-resolution image from a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The incoherent nature of the high-angle scattering makes image interpretation straightforward and intuitive with the resolution limited only by the 2.2 {Angstrom} electron probe. The optimum experimental conditions for Z-contrast imaging also coincide with those used for analytical microscopy, enabling microanalysis to be performed with the same spatial resolution as the image. The detection limits afforded by a parallel detection system for electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) allows column-by-column core-loss spectroscopy to be performed using the Z-contrast image to position the electron probe. Preliminary results from the study of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} illustrate the spatial resolution available with this technique and the potential applications for materials science.
Fine-scale functional connectivity in somatosensory cortex revealed by high-resolution fMRI.

High-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at high field (9.4 T) has been used to measure functional connectivity between subregions within the primary somatosensory (SI) cortex of the squirrel monkey brain. The hand–face region within the SI cortex of the squirrel monkey has been previously well mapped with functional imaging and electrophysiological and anatomical methods, and the orderly topographic map of the hand region is characterized by a lateral to medial representation of individual digits in four subregions of areas 3a, 3b, 1 and 2. With submillimeter resolution, we are able to detect not only the separate islands of activation corresponding to vibrotactile stimulations of single digits but also, in subsequent acquisitions, the degree of correlation between voxels within the SI cortex in the resting state. The results suggest that connectivity patterns are very similar to stimulus-driven distributions of activity and that connectivity varies on the scale of millimeters within the same primary region. Connectivity strength is not a reflection of global larger-scale changes in blood flow and is not directly dependent on distance between regions. Preliminary electrophysiological recordings agree well with the fMRI data. In human studies at 7 T, high-resolution fMRI may also be used to identify the same subregions and assess responses to sensory as well as painful stimuli, and to measure connectivity dynamically before and after such stimulations.
Relative strengths of the chest wall muscles

We hypothesized that during maximal respiratory efforts involving the simultaneous activation of two or more chest wall muscles (or muscle groups), differences in muscle strength require that the activity of the stronger muscle be submaximal to prevent changes in thoracoabdominal configuration. Furthermore we predicted that maximal respiratory pressures are limited by the strength of the weaker muscle involved. To test these hypotheses, we measured the pleural pressure, abdominal pressure (Pab), and transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) generated during maximal inspiratory, open-glottis and closed-glottis expulsive, and combined inspiratory and expulsive maneuvers in four adults. We then determined the activation of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles during selected maximal respiratory maneuvers, using electromyography and phrenic nerve stimulation. In all subjects, the Pdi generated during maximal inspiratory efforts was significantly lower than the Pdi generated during open-glottis expulsive or combined efforts, suggesting that rib cage, not diaphragm, strength limits maximal inspiratory pressure. Similarly, at high lung volumes, the Pab generated during closed-glottis expulsive efforts was significantly greater than that generated during open-glottis efforts, suggesting that the latter pressure is limited by diaphragm, not abdominal muscle, strength. As predicted, diaphragm activation was submaximal during maximal inspiratory efforts, and abdominal muscle activation was submaximal during open-glottis expulsive efforts at midlung volume. Additionally, assisting the inspiratory muscles of the rib cage with negative body-surface pressure significantly increased maximal inspiratory pressure, whereas loading the rib cage muscles with rib cage compression decreased maximal inspiratory pressure. We conclude that activation of the chest wall muscles during static respiratory efforts is determined by the relative strengths and mechanical advantage of the muscles involved.
Selective interaction between Trf3 and Taf3 required for early development and hematopoiesis

In zebrafish, TATA-box-binding protein (TBP)-related factor 3, Trf3, is required for early development and initiation of hematopoiesis, and functions by promoting expression of a single target gene, mespa. Recent studies have shown that in murine muscle cells, TRF3 interacts with the TBP-associated factor TAF3. Here we investigate the role of Taf3 in zebrafish embryogenesis. We find that like Trf3-depleted zebrafish embryos, Taf3-depleted embryos exhibit multiple developmental defects and fail to undergo hematopoiesis. Both Trf3 and Taf3 are selectively bound to the mespa promoter and are required for mespa expression. Significantly, Taf3 interacts with Trf3 but not Tbp, and a Trf3 mutant that disrupts this interaction fails to support mespa transcription, early development, and hematopoiesis. Thus, a selective interaction between Trf3 and Taf3 is required for early zebrafish development and initiation of hematopoiesis. Finally, we provide evidence that TRF3 and TAF3 are also required for hematopoiesis initiation in the mouse. Developmental Dynamics 238:2540–2549, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Determination of optimal topical photochemotherapy for vitiligo

The efficacy of topical 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) in varying concentrations and vehicles was assessed in 73 vitiligo patients. The response rates in different anatomic sites were also assessed. Seven patients (9%) had 100% repigmentation; 26 (36%) had 50% or greater repigmentation; 29 (40%) had some degree of pigment return, but less than 50%; 11 (15%) had no repigmentation. Results suggest that neither concentration of drug nor vehicle is a crucial factor for inducing repigmentation of vitiliginous patches on the face, trunk, and extremities. Low-dose 8-MOP (0.1%o) was as effective as high-dose 8-MOP (0.5%, 1°/a), while causing fewer side effects. However, when treating recalcitrant areas (distal extremities), 1% 8-MOP may be the most efficacious preparation for topical photochemotherapy. A phototoxic response preceded repigmentation in all cases. The following responses were obtained for the various anatomic sites treated: 56% of facial lesions; 35% of trunk areas; 36% of the extremities, and 13% of the recalcitrant areas had greater than 50% repigmentation.
Jamming mitigation based on coded message-driven frequency hopping

This paper proposes an anti-jamming system based on coded message-driven frequency hopping. In each hopping period, multiple frequency bands are utilized for signal transmission. The selection of these bands is determined by a coded message sequence, hence the proposed scheme “hops” its frequencies randomly without a pre-defined pseudo-random sequence. Error correction codes are employed in an innovative way for accurate hopping pattern retrieving, and can also be exploited for jamming detection. The proposed scheme achieves strong jamming resistance while maintaining high spectral efficiency.
On state estimation in switching environments

Work concerned with the state estimation in linear discrete-time systems operating in Markov dependent switching environments is discussed. The disturbances influencing the system equations and the measurement equations are assumed to come from one of several Gaussian distributions with different means or variances. By defining the noise in this manner, periodic step changes in the inputs which cannot be feasibly measured for economic or technical reasons can be detected and corrected. These changes can be in the amplitudes of the inputs or in the variances of stochastic inputs. A Bayes estimation procedure is applied to the problem of filtering the observations of the system so that an estimate of the system state is obtained. Computer simulations for the optimal and suboptimal estimators are also presented.
Tidal marsh plant responses to elevated CO2 , nitrogen fertilization, and sea level rise.

Elevated CO2 and nitrogen (N) addition directly affect plant productivity and the mechanisms that allow tidal marshes to maintain a constant elevation relative to sea level, but it remains unknown how these global change drivers modify marsh plant response to sea level rise. Here we manipulated factorial combinations of CO2 concentration (two levels), N availability (two levels) and relative sea level (six levels) using in situ mesocosms containing a tidal marsh community composed of a sedge, Schoenoplectus americanus, and a grass, Spartina patens. Our objective is to determine, if elevated CO2 and N alter the growth and persistence of these plants in coastal ecosystems facing rising sea levels. After two growing seasons, we found that N addition enhanced plant growth particularly at sea levels where plants were most stressed by flooding (114% stimulation in the + 10 cm treatment), and N effects were generally larger in combination with elevated CO2 (288% stimulation). N fertilization shifted the optimal productivity of S. patens to a higher sea level, but did not confer S. patens an enhanced ability to tolerate sea level rise. S. americanus responded strongly to N only in the higher sea level treatments that excluded S. patens. Interestingly, addition of N, which has been suggested to accelerate marsh loss, may afford some marsh plants, such as the widespread sedge, S. americanus, the enhanced ability to tolerate inundation. However, if chronic N pollution reduces the availability of propagules of S. americanus or other flood-tolerant species on the landscape scale, this shift in species dominance could render tidal marshes more susceptible to marsh collapse.
Predicting groupware usage

As organizations are adopting new structures, groupware is increasingly being used as a way of implementing these new organizational forms. Although user acceptance of groupware technology by the intended users is a prerequisite for realizing its full potential in organizations, there is no clear understanding about why people accept or reject groupware technology. Davis's (1986, 1989) technology acceptance model (TAM) provides a useful basis in answering this question. With traditional end-user computing tools, behavioral intention measured shortly after brief training with the software can reasonably predict the usage behavior measured later in the system deployment process. Given the unique characteristics of groupware technology, however, it is not clear whether traditional TAM can be still used to predict groupware acceptance. In a longitudinal study with senior executives, intentions to use a specific groupware system, measured two weeks after the initial introduction of the technology, were found not to be correlated with system use eight weeks later. Perceived usefulness and ease of use were strongly correlated with contemporaneously measured behavioral intention and system use. These results suggest a possible existence of a social influence process in the groupware technology acceptance process. Managers need to be careful in trying to predict user acceptance using behavioral intention measured shortly after a short training or introduction of the technology to the intended users. Instead, managers may need to pay much closer attention to the social process of the groupware acceptance process in the workplace.
Sliding mode tracking for pneumatic muscle actuators in bicep/tricep pair configuration

This paper presents a robust motion control of pneumatic muscle actuators arranged in bicep/tricep pair configuration to deal with system and environmental uncertainties using the sliding mode approach. A mathematical model is derived for an arm with PMs in bicep/tricep pair configuration. A sliding mode controller is designed to yield asymptotic tracking of elbow angle. The results of simulations are presented to demonstrate the success of the proposed controller.
Simulation of Operations and Water Quality Performance of Reservoir Multilevel Intake Configurations

A predictive framework is developed and applied to evaluate benefits of multilevel intake configurations in managing temperature TW and turbidity CT,W in water withdrawn from a water supply reservoir, Schoharie Reservoir, New York, that presently, has a single level intake. High values of TW occur in late summer for the reservoir in major drawdown years, and high CT,W levels occur irregularly following runoff events. The framework, composed of a tested two-dimensional water quality model for temperature and turbidity linked to a heuristic optimization algorithm, supports automated selection of intake levels to meet user-specified operational goals. Multilevel intake configurations are demonstrated to avoid exceedences of a State discharge standard 21.1°C for TW for the conditions of a critical historic year, through a strategy of withdrawal of warmer upper layers through early summer and subsequent blending with cooler lower layers as necessary, at both the existing intake site and a deeper down-reservoir location. The adequacy of the existing intake site is challenged for this critical year if a conservative lower TW standard is set to accommodate the effects of model uncertainty. Amelioration of high CT,W values is demonstrated for multilevel intake configurations. The operation of a multilevel intake facility in the reservoir would result in a shallower epilimnion and metalimnion in many years, and summer surface temperatures would be lower in major drawdown years. The modeling approaches used in this analysis are generally applicable to support evaluations of multilevel intake configurations for other water supply lakes and reservoirs.