cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Border-Irrigation Hydraulics with Zero Inertia

A mathematical model of the stream flow in border irrigation is presented in the context of negligible accelerations everywhere in the stream. During the advance phase, numerical solution of the governing equations is achieved on an oblique grid in the x-t plane. The equations of motion are integrated over each oblique cell formed by joining the node points at constant times and distances by diagonals. The resulting nonlinear algebraic equations for depth and discharge at the upper corners of a cell (on the unknown time lines) are linearized with respect to the known values at the lower corners. The resultant set of linear algebraic equations in the incremental changes of depth and discharge that occur over the time interval are solved by a double-sweep technique. During runoff and recession, the grid is changed to a rectangular net. Solutions for advance recession and runoff volume compare very favorably with the results of models based on the complete hydrodynamic equations and with field tests, at but a fraction of the expense.
Modulation of the myotatic reflex gain in man during intentional movements.

Abstract Human subjects were asked to perform sinusoidal tracking movements (0.5–3.0 Hz) with their forearms while external torque disturbances were applied at the elbow. The changes in angular position, velocity, and acceleration produced by these disturbances were found to be represented in the reflex changes in EMG activity of both biceps and triceps muscles. The gain of each of these reflex components varied during the tracking task, their maxima being about the same as those measured when the torque disturbances were applied in the absence of movements and the subjects attempted to maintain a constant forearm position. Such changes in gain were found to be centrally regulated since they were shown not to depend on the movement itself, being also present during force tracking, i.e. under nearly isometric conditions. Also, their minima and maxima did not coincide with those of the EMG activity. These results suggest that an internal plan (or model) of the learned task is present, whereby reflex gains can be regulated independently from the motion and α-motoneuron activity. Such regulation effectively uncouples the reflex motor output from the intentionally controlled motion and maintains spindle sensitivity to external disturbances independent of large changes in muscle length. These conclusions are discussed in the context of the functional role of γ-motoneurons in the control of movements.
Transmission property and evanescent wave absorption of cladded multimode fiber tapers

Cladded multimode fiber optic tapers are proposed as chemical sensors using evanescent wave absorption. There is no need to strip the cladding; therefore, fabrication is easy and the taper is mechanically stronger than the taper without cladding. The transmission property and evanescent wave absorption are modeled using ray theory and wave theory, respectively. Effects of some parameters on the absorption sensitivity are analyzed numerically. Due to the presence of the cladding, the taper core is not in direct contact with the external medium, leading to some significant differences from the uncladded one, especially when the index of the external medium approaches the index of cladding or core. Tapers are fabricated and absorption experiments are conducted to show the feasibility of such a chemical sensor.
Minimal time to successful intercourse after sildenafil citrate: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial ☆

Abstract Objectives To determine the minimal time to successful intercourse after taking sildenafil citrate for erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods Male patients with ED (mean age 60 years; mean ED duration 7.0 years) who were successfully treated with sildenafil (100 mg) for 2 months or longer were randomized to sildenafil (n = 115) or placebo (n = 113) for 4 weeks of double-blind treatment. Using a stopwatch, patients recorded the time needed to obtain an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse after taking the study drug at least 2 hours after eating. Results Within 14 and 20 minutes of sildenafil dosing, 35% and 51% of sildenafil-treated patients, respectively, versus 22% and 30% of placebo-treated patients, respectively, had an erection that led to successful intercourse ( P Conclusions In this study, slightly more than one half of a population of prior sildenafil responders achieved an erection that led to successful sexual intercourse within 20 minutes of sildenafil administration, suggesting that the onset of action of sildenafil can be less than 30 minutes in men with ED.
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) up-regulates plasma and tissue PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in the rat: effect of cycloheximide.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a proinflammatory phospholipid mediator implicated in necrotizing enterocolitis. Regulation of PAF-acetylhydrolase (AH), the enzyme degrading PAF, is poorly understood. In this study we found that administration of a dose of PAF (1.5 μg/kg, i.v.), which does not cause gross intestinal injury, increased plasma and intestinal PAF-AH in the rat. Cycloheximide (CHX, 5 mg/kg, i.v.) reduced the activity of plasma (but not intestinal tissue) AH in control, as well as in PAF-injected rats, and aggravated systemic inflammation and tissue injury in the latter. The intestinal necrosis induced by PAF and CHX was ameliorated by posttreatment with WEB2170 (a PAF antagonist), indicating a role of endogenous PAF in mediating injury. Both WEB2170 and anti-TNF antibody reduced PAF-induced AH activity in intestinal tissue, but not in the plasma. Allopurinol largely prevented the injury induced by PAF and CHX, but had no effect on the up-regulation of AH. We conclude: 1) de novo protein synthesis is required to maintain physiologic AH level in the plasma; 2) PAF up-regulates plasma and intestinal AH activity; 3) CHX enhances the injurious effect of PAF; 4) endogenous PAF and TNF also play a role in the up-regulation of intestinal AH; the former probably mediating the intestinal injury by PAF; and 5) reactive oxygen species may mediate the injurious effect of PAF plus CHX, but do not contribute to the regulation of AH by PAF.
Some characteristics of partially purified human liver phenylalanine hydroxylase

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (l-phenylalanine, tetrahydropteridine: O2 oxidoreductase (4-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.3.1) has been partially purified from human autopsy liver. Most of the properties reported for the rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase are shared by the human enzyme: its activity can be stimulated by endogenous phospholipids as well as by the phenylalanine hydroxylase stimulating protein from rat liver; inhibition of the enzyme is observed with excess phenylalanine in the presence of tetrahydrobiopterin; Km values vary with the pterin cofactor employed; uncoupling of tetrahydropterin oxidation from phenylalanine hydroxylation is observed with the cofactor, 7-methyltetrahydropterin.
Interaction of respiration and luminescence in a common marine bacterium

Investigators have proposed for some time that bacterial luciferase forms a shunt around the pathway of respiratory electron transport. Certain physiologic evidence for coupling between luminescence and respiration has supported such a view. In this study, Vibrio harveyi cells were monitored for luminescent responses to artificial manipulation of respiratory electron flow. The effects of cyanide under aerobic and anaerobic conditions confirmed that luminescence and respiration compete for oxygen. The effects of an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation indicated that luminescence and respiration compete for a common reductant. Treatment with uncoupler also induced aldehyde deficiency in vivo.
The mechanical behaviour of polystyrene under pressure

Tensile deformation of polystyrene carried out under pressure up to 4 kbar has shown that the pressure-transmitting fluid (silicon oil) acts as a stress crazing and cracking agent. Unsealed specimens showed a brittle-to-ductile transition at 2.95 kbar, while specimens sealed with Teflon tape and rubber showed the same transition at only 0.35 kbar. Analysis of the stress-strain curves for the sealed specimens indicated that the pressure dependency of the craze initiation stress differs from that of shear band initiation stress. The brittle-to-ductile transition occurs when the initiation stresses of both processes become equal. The principal stress for craze initiation showed almost no pressure dependency, suggesting that crazes initiate when the principal stress level of the tensile specimen reaches a critical value irrespective of the applied hydrostatic pressure. Similarly, no pressure dependency was observed for the principal ductile fracture stress. The pressure dependency of yield stress agreed well with a non-linear pressure dependent von Mises yield criterion.
Asia: Challenges of Stability and Growth

Between 1980 and 2013 emerging and developing Asia’s share in world output (in PPP terms) increased from less than 10 percent to roughly 30 percent. Its share is projected to increase further, reaching 33 percent by 2019 (IMF, 2014).
Surgical periodontal pocket elimination: still a justifiable objective?

The two articles in this month’s Perspectives section offer varied opinions in regard to periodontal disease—points of view that, in some instances, depart from traditional approaches. In the first paper, Dr. Sigurd Ramfjord assesses the value of surgical elimination of pockets in maintenance of periodontal support. In the study by Dr. Howard Bailet and others, the authors suggest that advanced periodontal disease is not a major cause of tooth loss but rather that most teeth are extracted in association with construction of prostheses. Neither The Journal nor the American Dental Association necessarily endorses the opinions expressed in these two papers, but offers these authors’ concerns in the goal of progress in dentistry through continual education.
The origin and evolution of menopause: The altriciality-lifespan hypothesis

Abstract Reproductive senescence, a life-history trait virtually unique to human females, is thought to be the result of a fitness trade-off between increased maternal investment in existing progeny and continued reproduction. With the altriciality-life span hypothesis I propose (1) that menopause arose because continuing encephalization caused hominid infants to be born in an increasing state of secondary altriciality, requiring a mother to invest more prolonged and more intensive care in her own offspring; (2) that, originally, hominid females underwent menopause at an earlier age; and (3) that reproductive senescence was instrumental in increasing maximum potential lifespan and average life expectancies, which set up a feedback that resulted in its own upward secular trend. A model generated by the altriciality-life span hypothesis supports the propositions that premature reproductive cessation can offer fitness benefits before age 50 years if it results in increases in maternal care leading to substantial improvement in offspring survival and fertility.
The Global Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS

HIV infected nearly 5 million and killed more than 3 million people in 2005. Whereas traditional epidemics have been limited to high-risk populations, in many regions, it has generalized to the at-large population, with heterosexual sex being the predominant source of transmission. The virus has hit sub-Saharan Africa the hardest, although major epidemics are now transpiring in Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. The United Nations and World Health Organization have produced targeted prevention strategies to control the pandemic that focus on comprehensive prevention activities and universal access to care.
Cross-Cultural Collisions in Cyberspace: Case Studies of International Legal Issues for Educators Working in Globally Networked Learning Environments

This article explores some of the legal and law-related challenges educators face in designing, implementing, and sustaining globally networked learning environments (GNLEs) in the context of conflicting international laws on intellectual property and censorship/free speech. By discussing cases and areas involving such legal issues, the article makes visible some of the issues educators may want to consider as they design courses and curricula. First, using the Pakistani–US case of Axact v. Student Network Resources, the author examines issues of authorship and the related issues of copyright law and plagiarism. The author then addresses questions, moral rights, and authorship using the French case of Turner v. Huston. Next, the author explores issues of free speech/censorship and defamation as they have arisen globally in the blogosphere. The author describes several specific instances where such issues have resulted in legal consequences for the digital writer involved. The author then develops a possib...
Digital breast tomosynthesis: computerized detection of microcalcifications in reconstructed breast volume using a 3D approach

We are developing a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for clustered microcalcifications in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). In this preliminary study, we investigated the approach of detecting microcalcifications in the tomosynthesized volume. The DBT volume is first enhanced by 3D multi-scale filtering and analysis of the eigenvalues of Hessian matrices with a calcification response function and signal-to-noise ratio enhancement filtering. Potential signal sites are identified in the enhanced volume and local analysis is performed to further characterize each object. A 3D dynamic clustering procedure is designed to locate potential clusters using hierarchical criteria. We collected a pilot data set of two-view DBT mammograms of 39 breasts containing microcalcification clusters (17 malignant, 22 benign) with IRB approval. A total of 74 clusters were identified by an experienced radiologist in the 78 DBT views. Our prototype CAD system achieved view-based sensitivity of 90% and 80% at an average FP rate of 7.3 and 2.0 clusters per volume, respectively. At the same levels of case-based sensitivity, the FP rates were 3.6 and 1.3 clusters per volume, respectively. For the subset of malignant clusters, the view-based detection sensitivity was 94% and 82% at an average FP rate of 6.0 and 1.5 FP clusters per volume, respectively. At the same levels of case-based sensitivity, the FP rates were 1.2 and 0.9 clusters per volume, respectively. This study demonstrated that computerized microcalcification detection in 3D is a promising approach to the development of a CAD system for DBT. Study is underway to further improve the computer-vision methods and to optimize the processing parameters using a larger data set.
Historical Northern spotted owl habitat and old-growth dry forests maintained by mixed-severity wildfires

Reconstructing historical habitat could help reverse declining animal populations, but detailed, spatially comprehensive data are rare. For example, habitat for the federally threatened Northern spotted owl (NSO; Strix occidentalis caurina) was thought historically rare because low-severity fires kept forests open and habitat restricted to fire refugia, but spatial historical data are lacking. Here I use public land-surveys to spatially reconstruct NSO habitat and old-growth forests in dry forests in Oregon’s Eastern Cascades in the late-1800s. I used reconstructions of forest structure across about 280,000 ha, including 9,605 tree records and 2,180 section-line descriptions. I was able to reconstruct likely NSO nest trees, nest stands, and foraging and roosting habitat, based on modern NSO habitat studies. Historical nest stands, including sufficient nest trees, were predicted across 22–39 % and foraging and roosting habitat across 11–68 % of the study area, thus neither were rare. More habitat than expected occurred in forests with preceding mixed-severity fires. Early post-fire succession produced foraging and roosting habitat. Mid- to late-succession produced nesting habitat. Late-succession after high-severity fires can also provide NSO habitat. Old-growth forests, covering 76 % of study-area forests, also likely link to preceding mixed-severity fires. Mixed- and high-severity fires strongly shaped historical dry forests and produced important components of historical NSO habitat. Focus on short-term loss of nest sites and territories to these fires is mis-directed. Fuel treatments to reduce these natural fires, if successful, would reduce future habitat of the NSO in dry forests.
Small cell carcinoma of the lung. A progress report of 15 years' experience.

To assess the results of therapeutic advances in the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL) achieved during the past 15-year period at a single large institution, 508 patients treated between 1968 and 1982 were divided into two groups: 157 patients (66 in the category of limited-stage disease and 91 in the extensive-stage disease category) treated with low-dose small-volume radiotherapy (RT) (time dose fractionation [TDF] 49-66) and with cyclophosphamide alone or a COPP program during the first period of 7 years (1968-1974); 351 patients (180 in limited and 171 in extensive stage) treated with multidrug chemotherapy (CT) and high-dose large-volume RT (TDF 73-89) during the second period of 8 years (1975-1982). For patients with limited-stage cancer, 5-year actuarial survivals were 3% versus 7% for the periods 1968-1974 versus 1975-1982, respectively, P less than 0.01. For patients with extensive-stage cancer, the median survival time (MST) and 2-year actuarial survivals were 5 months and 2% versus 7 months and 4% for the periods 1968-1974 versus 1975-1982, respectively. To evaluate the outcome of a contemporary approach, i.e., CT alone, with RT reserved for locoregional failure, 180 patients with limited-stage cancer who were treated (1975-1982) were further analyzed for MST, 2- and 5-year actuarial survival figures, and local-tumor control rates according to the therapeutic approaches employed: CT + RT (112); CT alone (36); RT alone (17); and surgery (S) +/- CT +/- RT (15). Although the 36 patients in CT alone seems a small number, 17 of the 36 patients were enrolled in this approach in 1981-1982, reflecting a shift of emphasis from RT to CT. The MST and 2-year actuarial survival figures were 11 months and 0% versus 13 months and 21% for CT alone versus CT + RT respectively, P less than 0.05. CT + RT achieved a 5-year cure rate of 8%. S +/- CT +/- RT or RT alone also achieved 5-year cure rates of 8% and 10.5%, respectively, in selected subsets of patients. Local relapse rates were 80% (29/36) versus 25% (28/112) for CT alone versus CT + RT. These data emphasize the importance of thoracic RT given at the early phase of treatment to improve long-term survival for patients with limited-stage SCCL.
The surgical problem in peripheral vascular disease

Abstract 1. 1. Variations in the treatment of infections in vascular patients from general surgical patients are outlined. 2. 2. General and surgical vascular problems are noted. 3. 3. A new modified technique for mid-thigh amputation is detailed. 4. 4. Sympathectomy is discussed.
NIR Calibrations for Soybean Seeds and Soy Food Composition Analysis: Total Carbohydrates, Oil, Proteins and Water Contents [v.2]

Conventional chemical analysis techniques are expensive, time consuming, and often destructive. The non-invasive Near Infrared (NIR) technology was introduced over the last decades for wide-scale, inexpensive chemical analysis of food and crop seed composition (see Williams and Norris, 1987; Wilcox and Cavins, 1995; Buning and Diller, 2000 for reviews of the NIR technique development stage prior to 1998, when Diode Arrays were introduced to NIR). NIR spectroscopic measurements obey Lambert and Beer’s law, and quantitative measurements can be successfully made with high speed and ease of operation. NIR has been used in a great variety of food applications. General applications of products analyzed come from all sectors of the food industry including meats, grains, and dairy products (Shadow, 1998).Novel NIR calibrations for rapid, reliable and accurate composition analysis of a variety of several soy based foods and bulk soybean seeds were developed and validated in a six-year collaborative project with a large number of different samples (N >~12, 000). The availability of such calibrations is important for establishing NIR as a secondary method for composition analysis of foods and soybeans both in applications and fundamental research.
Hsp90 modulates CAG repeat instability in human cells

The Hsp90 molecular chaperone has been implicated as a contributor to evolution in several organisms by revealing cryptic variation that can yield dramatic phenotypes when the chaperone is diverted from its normal functions by environmental stress. In addition, as a cancer drug target, Hsp90 inhibition has been documented to sensitize cells to DNA-damaging agents, suggesting a function for Hsp90 in DNA repair. Here we explore the potential role of Hsp90 in modulating the stability of nucleotide repeats, which in a number of species, including humans, exert subtle and quantitative consequences for protein function, morphological and behavioral traits, and disease. We report that impairment of Hsp90 in human cells induces contractions of CAG repeat tracks by tenfold. Inhibition of the recombinase Rad51, a downstream target of Hsp90, induces a comparable increase in repeat instability, suggesting that Hsp90-enabled homologous recombination normally functions to stabilize CAG repeat tracts. By contrast, Hsp90 inhibition does not increase the rate of gene-inactivating point mutations. The capacity of Hsp90 to modulate repeat-tract lengths suggests that the chaperone, in addition to exposing cryptic variation, might facilitate the expression of new phenotypes through induction of novel genetic variation.
Numerical simulations of adhesively-bonded beams failing with extensive plastic deformation

Abstract An embedded-process-zone (EPZ) model was used to study the coupling between fracture of the interface and plastic deformation of the adherends in an adhesively-bonded joint. In this model, it was assumed that the primary role of the adhesive layer is to provide a traction-separation law for the interface. A series of experiments were performed in which thin, adhesively-bonded, symmetrical, double-cantilever beams made of an aluminum alloy were split by inserting different sizes of wedges along the interface. The parameters for the interfacial traction-separation law were determined by comparing the results of these experiments with numerical simulations using the EPZ model. It was found that once these parameters had been established for one thickness of specimen, the EPZ model could be used without further modification to predict the effect of the wedges on specimens made with different thicknesses of aluminum. These predictions showed excellent agreement with experimental observations. A subsequent series of tests involved monitoring the load, displacement and deformed shapes of a series of T-peel specimens made with the same combination of adhesives and adherends. Without changing any of the parameters determined from the wedge tests, the EPZ model gave excellent quantitative predictions for the results of these T-peel tests.
Chronic pain assessment using heat beam dolorimetry

Abstract The heat beam dolorimeter (HBD) was developed to evaluate cutaneous pain thresholds in humans. In the present study, the hypothesis that a patient's underlying pain status affects his pain tolerance to an incident HBD stimulus was tested. Twenty-seven chronic pain patients with a variety of clinical problems unresponsive to conventional algological therapy were scheduled for neurosurgical procedures. These patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by the HBD procedure. On initial testing, drug-free pain patients showed significantly higher pain tolerance thresholds than normal volunteers ( P reduced from pre-surgical levels in these patients and were indistinguishable from the second evaluation latencies of volunteers ( P > 0.05). Twenty-four of the 27 patients reported significant pain relief following surgery. Our results show that, in chronic pain patients, endogenous pain significantly affected incident pain perception in the HBD test when compared with the responses of normal pain-free volunteers. Consequently, HBD may be useful in objectively assessing chronic pain and its relief by neurosurgical procedures.
Fast solution of nonlinear equations using parallel analog hardware

Parallel analog circuits are introduced for the solution of systems of nonlinear algebraic equations and the integration of systems of differential equations. Both simulations using HSPICE and a hardware implementation are presented which show how the circuitry can be used to solve: the power flow and transient analysis problems for power systems, and the simulation of a jet engine. In all cases solutions are obtained in better than real time. The results are comparable in accuracy to digital solutions of the same problems.
Neural decoding of goal locations in spatial navigation in humans with fMRI

We demonstrate that multivoxel pattern analysis can be used to decode place-related information in fMRI. Subjects performed a working memory version of the Morris water maze task in a virtual environment with a single wall cue. The voxel data that corresponds to when subjects were located at the goal was extracted for seven regions implicated in spatial navigation, and then used to train a pattern classifier based on partial least squares. Using a leave-one-out (LOO) test procedure, goal locations at E, W, N positions (relative to the cue as S) were predicted significantly better than a naive classifier for voxels in medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and inferior parietal cortex. Prediction with voxels from other regions involved in navigation was also better than a naive classifier, which raises the possibility that goal-location information is widely disseminated among the navigation network. It turns out that predictive capability of all regions combined significantly decreases, relative to no change, only when voxel data from the hippocampus is left out. This implies that the hippocampus contains some unique information that identifies goal locations, whereas other regions contain information that also identifies goal locations but is more redundant. Classification of goal locations is an important step toward decoding a variety of place-related information in spatial navigation with fMRI.
The 40Ar/39Ar dating of core recovered by the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (phase 2), Hilo, Hawaii

[1] The Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project, phase 2 (HSDP-2), recovered core from a ∼3.1-km-thick section through the eastern flanks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. We report results of 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating by broad-beam infrared laser of 16 basaltic groundmass samples and 1 plagioclase separate, mostly from K-poor tholeiites. The tholeiites generally have mean radiogenic 40Ar enrichments of 1–3%, and some contain excess 40Ar; however, isochron ages of glass-poor samples preserve stratigraphic order in all cases. A 246-m-thick sequence of Mauna Loa tholeiitic lavas yields an isochron age of 122 ± 86 kyr (all errors 2σ) at its base. Beneath the Mauna Loa overlap sequence lie Mauna Kea's postshield and shield sequences. A postshield alkalic lava yields an age of 236 ± 16 kyr, in agreement with an age of 240 ± 14 kyr for a geochemically correlative flow in the nearby HSDP-1 core hole, where more complete dating of the postshield sequence shows it to have accumulated at 0.9 ± 0.4 m/kyr, from about 330 to <200 ka. Mauna Kea's shield consists of subaerial tholeiitic flows to a depth of 1079 m below sea level, then shallow submarine flows, hyaloclastites, pillow lavas, and minor intrusions to core bottom at 3098 m. Most subaerial tholeiitic flows fail to form isochrons; however, a sample at 984 m yields an age of 370 ± 180 kyr, consistent with ages from similar levels in HSDP-1. Submarine tholeiites including shallow marine vitrophyres, clasts from hyaloclastites, and pillow lavas were analyzed; however, only pillow lava cores from 2243, 2614, and 2789 m yield reliable ages of 482 ± 67, 560 ± 150, and 683 ± 82 kyr, respectively. A linear fit to ages for shield samples defines a mean accumulation rate of 8.6 ± 3.1 m/kyr and extrapolates to ∼635 kyr at core bottom. Alternatively, a model relating Mauna Kea's growth to transport across the Hawaiian hot spot that predicts downward accelerating accumulation rates that reach ∼20 m/kyr at core bottom (DePaolo and Stolper, 1996) is also consistent with all reliable ages except the deepest.
Space competition between seagrass and Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskaal) Lamouroux following simulated disturbances in Lassing Park, FL

Abstract An experimental study was conducted in Tampa Bay, FL to examine the response to disturbance of two co-occurring subtidal plants: the alga Caulerpa prolifera and the seagrass Halodule wrightii (Ascherson). Some recent studies have called into question the assumption that fast-growing rhizoidal Caulerpa species have the potential to outcompete and rapidly replace local seagrasses. In the Fall of 2002 an abrupt appearance of Caulerpa prolifera was noted in a shallow embayment in Tampa Bay previously dominated by seagrasses. Natural disturbance events were simulated by excavating 0.5 × 0.5 m plots in an area with monospecific C. prolifera and mixed C. prolifera and H. wrightii. Above and below-ground biomass were removed, and recovery of above-ground cover into the newly created gaps was monitored over 15 months. In addition to measuring the recovery of both species, the spatial pattern of Caulerpa recovery from the simulated disturbances was also analyzed. Simulated gaps were rapidly (5–8 months, depending on sampling resolution) and exclusively reoccupied by C. prolifera, with the recovery occurring predominantly via lateral expansion from gap edges rather than colonization by fragments. Therefore, while rhizoidal algae may or may not be able to supplant existing seagrasses by overgrowth or other forms of direct competition, disturbance events that remove seagrass and create bare areas may allow C. prolifera to replace seagrasses over time via preemption of space should an algal bloom such as this be persistent.
Surface chemistry of TaCl5 on polycrystalline Ta

Abstract The surface chemistry of TaCl5 on polycrystalline Ta was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) following adsorption at 130 K. XPS determined that no surface reactions occurred during adsorption at 130 K, and binding energy shifts in the Ta 4f and Cl 2p XP spectra suggested interactions between TaCl5 molecules in contact with the Ta substrate. TPD analysis from 130 to 900 K showed the desorption of two molecular states between 200 and 300 K, and the higher temperature state is more structurally ordered than the low temperature state. Chemical reaction between the TaCl5 interfacial layer and O absorbed in the Ta lattice was observed for the 250 K annealing of multilayers adsorbed at 130 K. Surface coverages estimated by XPS were less than coverages estimated by TPD, and the discrepancy is explained by the forward scattering of the substrate Ta 4f metallic photoelectrons through ordered TaCl5 adlayers.
Monitoring-as-a-service in the cloud: spec phd award (invited abstract)

State monitoring is a fundamental building block for Cloud services. The demand for providing state monitoring as services (MaaS) continues to grow and is evidenced by Cloud-Watch from Amazon EC2, which allows Cloud consumers to pay for monitoring a selection of performance metrics with coarse-grained periodical sampling of runtime states. This dissertation research [1], awarded with the SPEC Distinguished Dissertation Award 2012, is dedicated to innovative research and development of an elastic framework for providing state monitoring as a service (MaaS). We analyze limitations of existing techniques, systematically identify the need and the challenges at different layers of a Cloud monitoring service platform, and develop a suite of distributed monitoring techniques to support flexible monitoring infrastructure, cost-effective state monitoring and monitoring-enhanced Cloud management.
Reducing Antibiotic Overuse: A Call for a National Performance Measure for Not Treating Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Positive urinary tract culture results often represent asymptomatic bacteriuria, which does not need to be treated with antimicrobial agents. Avoiding treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults should reduce the risk of development of antibiotic resistance and is consistent with the Infectious Diseases Society of America and US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines on bacteriuria. A similar approach for not treating upper respiratory illnesses with antibiotics was initiated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We propose that a hospital and ambulatory performance measure should be developed for not treating asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults. In addition, such an effort would aid hospitals in confronting the proposal of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (to be implemented in 2009) to not pay the expenses associated with catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
Transplant Glomerulopathy: The View from the Other Side of the Basement Membrane

Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is a morphologic lesion of renal allografts that is characterized histologically by duplication and/or multilayering of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). TG is well documented to be associated with the presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), most notably
Stochastic optimization of medical supply location and distribution in disaster management

Abstract We propose a stochastic optimization approach for the storage and distribution problem of medical supplies to be used for disaster management under a wide variety of possible disaster types and magnitudes. In preparation for disasters, we develop a stochastic programming model to select the storage locations of medical supplies and required inventory levels for each type of medical supply. Our model captures the disaster specific information and possible effects of disasters through the use of disaster scenarios. Thus, we balance the preparedness and risk despite the uncertainties of disaster events. A benefit of this approach is that the subproblem can be used to suggest loading and routing of vehicles to transport medical supplies for disaster response, given the evaluation of up-to-date disaster field information. We present a case study of our stochastic optimization approach for disaster planning for earthquake scenarios in the Seattle area. Our modeling approach can aid interdisciplinary agencies to both prepare and respond to disasters by considering the risk in an efficient manner.
Mechanisms of Semantic Ambiguity Resolution: Insights from Speech Perception

The speech signal is inherently ambiguous and all computational and behavioral research on speech perception has implicitly or explicitly investigated the mechanism of resolution of this ambiguity. It is clear that context and prior probability (i.e., frequency) play central roles in resolving ambiguities between possible speech sounds and spoken words (speech perception) as well as between meanings and senses of a word (semantic ambiguity resolution). However, the mechanisms of these effects are still under debate. Recent advances in understanding context and frequency effects in speech perception suggest promising approaches to investigating semantic ambiguity resolution. This review begins by motivating the use of insights from speech perception to understand the mechanisms of semantic ambiguity resolution. Key to this motivation is the description of the structural similarity between the two domains with a focus on two parallel sets of findings: context strength effects, and an attractor dynamics account for the contrasting patterns of inhibition and facilitation due to ambiguity. The main part of the review then discusses three recent, influential sets of findings in speech perception, which suggest that (1) top-down contextual and bottom-up perceptual information interact to mutually constrain processing of ambiguities, (2) word frequency influences on-line access, rather than response biases or resting levels, and (3) interactive integration of top-down and bottom-up information is optimal given the noisy, yet highly constrained nature of real-world communication, despite the possible consequence of illusory perceptions. These findings and the empirical methods behind them provide auspicious future directions for the study of semantic ambiguity resolution.
Smoking Behaviors and Regular Source of Health Care among African Americans

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of the study was to determine associations between having a regular source of health care, advice from a physician to quit smoking, and smoking-related behaviors among African American smokers. Methods. A secondary analysis was conducted on data obtained from an intervention study with a posttest assessment of the effectiveness of smoking status as a vital sign. The setting was an adult walk-in clinic at a large inner-city hospital and 879 African American adult current smokers were examined. Results. Among African American smokers, there was an association between having a regular source of health care and planning to quit smoking within the next 30 days (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.04–2.05), receiving physician advice to quit (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02–2.10), and smoking ≤10 cigarettes a day (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.00–2.03). Conclusions. African American current smokers with a regular source of health care were further along the quitting process than those without a regular source of health care. Our findings indicate a potential benefit of complementing programs that increase physician cessation advice rates with policies that increase rates of health insurance and the likelihood that individuals have a regular source of health care.
The New Front Line: Estonia under Cyberassault

Estonia, although small is a remarkably Web-dependent country, with widespread Internet access, digital identity cards, an 80-percent usage rate for online banking, electronic tax collection, and remote medical monitoring. The DDoS attacks began on the foreign minister's Web site, but spread to all government institutions and key businesses, such as banks. On balance, the Estonian cyberwar ought to be a wake up call. Producing so much disruption for so little money has to be attractive to many groups. We know that people with evil intentions watched what happened; we can only hope that people with good intentions watched as well.
In-hospital cardiac mortality after acute closure after coronary angioplasty: Analysis of risk factors from 8,207 procedures

Cardiac death consequent to acute vessel closure after coronary angioplasty occurred in 13 of 294 closures from 8,207 consecutive procedures performed at two centers since 1981 (0.16% cardiac mortality rate). To determine the predictors of cardiac death after acute coronary closure, 50 clinical, angiographic and procedural variables were analyzed by an observer unaware of the clinical outcome for each of the 13 patients who died and also 190 patients randomly chosen, in whom vessel closure after angioplasty did not result in death during hospitalization. Univariate analysis found female gender (p < 0.0001), collateral channels from the vessel dilated (p < 0.0001), use of balloon counterpulsation (p < 0.0002), pre- and postprocedural hypotension (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.003, respectively), jeopardy score ≥2.5 (p = 0.003), left ventricular hypertrophy (p = 0.013), hypertension (p = 0.02), diabetes (p = 0.02) and multivessel disease (p = 0.03) to be predictive of death. Multivariate analysis found collateral vessels, female gender and multivessel disease to be independent predictors of death. Thus, cardiac death after elective coronary angioplasty is very rare in experienced centers and occurs most often in women with a large amount of potentially ischemic myocardium. Hypotension often precedes the fatal closure event. Close attention to the amount of potentially ischemic myocardium and to the fluid volume status of these patients would seem to be especially warranted.
Facilitated Disclosure Versus Clinical Accommodation of Infidelity Secrets: An Early Pivot Point in Couple Therapy. Part 2: Therapy Ethics, Pragmatics, and Protocol

In couple therapy, one partner's private disclosure of infidelity presents a potentially polarizing issue involving the therapist's decision to facilitate disclosure or accommodate non-disclosure. Some therapists may assume accommodating an infidelity secret is the most compassionate and efficient option. We consider this decision in the context of therapy ethics of equal advocacy and confidentiality, implications for individual and relationship healing, and pragmatic aspects of conducting therapy. We conclude that measured disclosure of infidelity, determined by the aggrieved spouse, best resolves the potential collision of multilateral advocacy with confidentiality and offers the best prospects for a working therapy alliance and couple healing and renewal. A clinical protocol for facilitating disclosure of infidelity secrets is presented.
General and inducible hypermutation facilitate parallel adaptation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa despite divergent mutation spectra

The successful growth of hypermutator strains of bacteria contradicts a clear preference for lower mutation rates observed in the microbial world. Whether by general DNA repair deficiency or the inducible action of low-fidelity DNA polymerases, the evolutionary strategies of bacteria include methods of hypermutation. Although both raise mutation rate, general and inducible hypermutation operate through distinct molecular mechanisms and therefore likely impart unique adaptive consequences. Here we compare the influence of general and inducible hypermutation on adaptation in the model organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 through experimental evolution. We observed divergent spectra of single base substitutions derived from general and inducible hypermutation by sequencing rpoB in spontaneous rifampicin-resistant (RifR) mutants. Likewise, the pattern of mutation in a draft genome sequence of a derived inducible hypermutator isolate differed from those of general hypermutators reported in the literature. However, following experimental evolution, populations of both mutator types exhibited comparable improvements in fitness across varied conditions that differed from the highly specific adaptation of nonmutators. Our results suggest that despite their unique mutation spectra, general and inducible hypermutation can analogously influence the ecology and adaptation of bacteria, significantly shaping pathogenic populations where hypermutation has been most widely observed.
PPARγ and its ligands: therapeutic implications in cardiovascular disease

The relevance of PPARγ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ) as an important therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes arises from its hypoglycaemic effects in diabetic patients and also from the critical role in the regulation of cardiovascular functions. From a clinical perspective, differences between current FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved PPARγ drugs have been observed in terms of atherosclerosis and cardiac and stroke events. The adverse effects of PPARγ-specific treatments that hamper their cardiovascular protective roles, affirm the strong need to evaluate the efficacy of the current drugs. Therefore active research is directed towards high-throughput screening and pharmacological testing of a plethora of newly identified natural or synthetic compounds. In the present review we describe the rationale behind drug design strategies targeting PPARγ, based on current knowledge regarding the effects of such drugs in experimental animal models, as well as in clinical practice. Regarding endogenous PPARγ ligands, several fatty acid derivatives bind PPARγ with different affinities, although the physiological relevance of these interactions is not always evident. Recently, NO-derived unsaturated fatty acids were found to be potent agonists of PPARs, with preferential affinity for PPARγ, compared with oxidized fatty acid derivatives. Nitroalkenes exert important bioactivities of relevance for the cardiovascular system including anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet actions, and are important mediators of vascular tone. A new generation of insulin sensitizers with PPARγ function for the treatment of diabetes may serve to limit patients from the increased cardiovascular burden of this disease.
A Generalized Model for Foreign Direct Investment Flows to All Countries

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been spreading across the globe. It evolved from a trickle in history to what appears as a spectacle in the modern world. No model is yet available, beyond common sense to account for its centrality in the global process. We can now chart a generalization course of FDI flows across borders. The evolution of the flow processes are outlined on two scales, one that presumes a well-ordered path within traditional trade theories, which will allow us to advance the notion that FDI is increasingly spreading across the globe, and another that is homologous to a theorem of L. E. Brouwer who proved an existent result in the limiting case for FDI flows. Both aspects are validated with trends in FDI flows. Currently, the triad block, which encompasses North America, Europe, East and South East Asia are the largest recipients of the world’s FDI flows. Prior to this, FDI flows were most noticeable between the United States and Europe in the post-WWII period under the Marshall plan. The phenomenon is more recently noticed between Japan and East Asian countries. These observations lend credence to our development of a model for FDI flows to all countries throughout the world.
Seasonal patterns in accumulation and partitioning of biomass and macronutrients in Typha spp.

Seasonal patterns of biomass and nutrient accumulation in Typha latifolia L., T. angustifolia L. and T. × glauca Godr. grown in cultivated stands in Minnesota, U.S.A. were monitored over the course of two growing seasons and two winters. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were the nutrients studied, because of their implications for commercialization of bio-energy and waste-water treatment systems. Results indicate that biomass and nutrient accumulation are in a lag phase during the first 4–8 weeks of growth in the spring. The plants then enter a rapid growth phase in which 47–80% of the total seasonal biomass production and nutrient uptake occurs in a 4–8 week period. During this time, Typha leaves account for 60–70% of the biomass and represent the major nutrient sink. As the rate of biomass and nutrient accumulation diminishes, translocation of nutrients and photoassimilate from leaves to rhizomes occurs, with an estimated 40% of leaf nitrogen, 35–44% of leaf phosphorus and 4–38% of leaf potassium translocated to the rhizomes by 27 October. Over the winter, 75% or more of the rhizome biomass, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is preserved. The results are discussed with respect to the management of a bio-energy production system.
Carbon-13 magnetic shielding anisotropy in acetonitrile-1-13C obtained from NMR studies in a liquid crystal solution

Abstract The carbon-13 magnetic shielding anisotropy in acetonitrile-1- 13 C has been obtained from studies in a liquid crystal solution using a pulsed FT NMR spectrometer. The value obtained, for σ 8 - σ ⊥ , is 302 ± 8 ppm. The HCH bond angle in acetonitrile is determined to be 109° 18′ ± 2′. The sign of J C(C)H is found to be negative in accordance with the double resonance experimental result. The spin-rotation constants of the nitrile carbon nucleus have been estimated from the atom dipole method.