cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The applicability of effective connectivity measures to time series of neuronal oscillators

The use of time series analysis techniques such as Granger causality (GC), partial directed coherence (PDC) and phase dynamics modeling (PDM) to estimate effective connectivity in brain networks has recently gained significant prominence in the neuroscience community. While these techniques have been useful in determining the effective connectivity structure of brain networks [1,2], the results they produce can be incorrect when the recording channels have a high degree of coherence [3] or a large bias in their degree of noise [4]. Nevertheless, it is standard practice to apply these techniques to multichannel datasets with little or no regard for whether the channels fall into one of these problematic categories. In this work, we address this issue within the context of simple networks of coupled spiking neurons. Specifically, we develop a method based on decision tree classifiers to assess the ability of GC, PDC, generalized PDC, and PDM to accurately determine effective connectivity in a neuronal network. We begin by generating an ensemble of time series datasets by systematically varying the parameters of a simple network of two coupled Morris-Lecar (ML) neurons. The varied parameters include the coupling type (linear diffusive, nonlinear fast threshold, nonlinear synaptic), coupling strength, intrinsic firing rates and noise levels. Next, we characterize each dataset of the ensemble using the following time series features: i) phase coherence, ii) difference in the coefficient of variation of interspike intervals, iii) mean coefficient of variation of interspike intervals, and iv) difference in firing frequency. We then apply four effective connectivity measures to the datasets in the ensemble to obtain estimates for the direction of interactions in the network. These results are used to label the datasets as “correct” (+1) or “incorrect” (0) depending on whether the measure correctly or incorrectly predicts the known connectivity structure of the underlying ML network. Finally, we use the calculated time series features and the labeled ML network datasets to develop a decision tree classifier. We apply the decision tree classifiers to larger networks of three neuronal oscillators by considering time series features for all pairwise interactions in the network and determining the conditions under which the effective connectivity measures can successfully detect directionality of coupling in these systems. We find that if a majority of pairwise interactions in the network are classified as 0 for a given measure, then that measure should not be applied since it will most likely (probability >50%) result in failure. Extending our observations to multichannel datasets with greater than three nodes, we conclude that if all pairwise interactions in a network are classified as 0 by our decision tree classifier, then a given measure should not be applied to the data since effective connectivity estimates are likely to be incorrect.
Dependence of canopy light distribution on leaf and canopy structure for two cotton (Gossypium) species

The light environment within a crop canopy is an important determinant of the potential photosynthetic activity of the crop. The photon flux environment within the crop is influenced by the total incoming radiation and the structure of the plant canopy. In this study, the light environment within two economically important species of cotton (Gossypium, sps.) that show diverse growth habits was examined at different growth stages. G. hirsutum had very regular leaf shapes throughout the growing season, and was diaheliotropic. G. barbadense had large, fairly flat leaves early in the season that progressively became more cupped at increasing mainstem positions, and had no heliotropic response. These differences in leaf shapes and solar tracking altered the leaf and canopy light environment. Estimated total diurnal light intercepted by upper canopy leaves was found to be lower for G. barbadense than for G. hirsutum, due in part to the cupping of the leaf surface. Alternatively, the cupping of the G. barbadense leaves resulted in a more erectophile canopy, increasing PFD to lower canopy leaves in the G. barbadense canopy particularly later in the season relative to that PFD observed in the G. hirsutum canopy. This redistribution of light to lower canopy leaves has been suggested to be beneficial by increasing net canopy photosynthesis. The cupping of the G. barbadense leaves, in addition to distributing light over a greater photosynthetically active area, may be beneficial by reducing photoinhibition. Additionally, the extreme cupping of the G. barbadense leaves results in illumination of the abaxial surface during portions of the day, which may further increase the photosynthetically active area and contribute to total canopy carbon uptake.
The degradation of two mitotic cyclins contributes to the timing of cytokinesis.

Abstract Background: Cytokinesis occurs just as chromosomes complete segregation and reform nuclei. It has been proposed that cyclin/Cdk kinase inhibits cytokinesis until exit from mitosis; however, the timer of cytokinesis has not been experimentally defined. Whereas expression of a stable version of Drosophila cyclin B blocks cytokinesis along with numerous events of mitotic exit, stable cyclin B3 allows cytokinesis even though it blocks late events of mitotic exit [1]. We examined the interface between mitotic cyclin destruction and the timing of cytokinesis. Results: In embryonic mitosis 14, the cytokinesis furrow appeared 60 s after the metaphase/anaphase transition and closed 90 s later during telophase. In cyclin B or cyclin B3 mutant cells, the cytokinesis furrow appeared at an earlier stage of mitosis. Expression of stable cyclin B3 delayed and prolonged furrow invagination; nonetheless, cytokinesis completed during the extended mitosis. Reduced function of Pebble, a Rho GEF required for cytokinesis, also delayed and slowed furrow invagination, but incomplete furrows were aborted at the time of mitotic exit. In functional and genetic tests, cyclin B and cyclin B3 inhibited Pebble contributions to cytokinesis. Conclusions: Temporal coordination of mitotic events involves inhibition of cytokinesis by cyclin B and cyclin B3 and punctual relief of the inhibition by destruction of these cyclins. Both cyclins inhibit Pebble-dependent activation of cytokinesis, whereas cyclin B can inhibit cytokinesis by additional modes. Stable cyclin B3 also blocks the later return to interphase that otherwise appears to impose a deadline for the completion of cytokinesis.
The Origin of Ultrasonic Absorption in Water

The origin of the excess ultrasonic absorption in water is sought in a lag in the rearrangment of the molecules during an acoustic compression. An expression is derived for such structural absorption in a liquid, and an approximate calculation is made for the case of water which agrees reasonably well with the experimental excess absorption over the temperature range 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. A relaxation treatment is applied to the structural component of compression on the assumption of two molecular states of packing. The acoustic wave alters the equilibrium distribution of molecules between the two states by perturbing molecular transitions to and from the sites of closer packing through the work performed by or against it in the volume change accompanying the transition. The activation energy determining the rate of transition should be close to that for shear viscous flow and the configuration of closer packing approximately that of closest packing. The relaxation time associated with the process is found to be of the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ second for water. This mechanism implies an isothermal bulk viscosity coefficient for liquids, which in the case of water has a magnitude several times that of shear viscosity.
Tn5.7 construction and physical mapping of pRPS404 containing photosynthetic genes from Rhodopseudomonas capsulata.

Abstract A transposon, Tn5.7, has been constructed incorporating the transposition functions of Tn5 and the antibiotic-resistance factors from Tn7. It was used to mutagenize the plasmid pRPS404 which contains the photosynthetic genes of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata and is Kanamycin R . In conjunction with the mutagenesis, physical mapping of the restriction endonuclease recognition sites for Xho I, Bgl II, Kpn I, and Sst I has been accomplished.
Origin of Elements

WE believe the recent report in Nature1 under this title to be misleading in the light of recent observations. The recent measurement2 of a=12C/13C=75 (+25, −15) for the ζ Oph cloud is interesting but not surprising because it can be regarded as a confirmation of earlier work3, as pointed out in ref. 1, and the conclusion that the relative abundance of 13C in the ζ Oph cloud seems to be terrestrial is quite straightforward. It would be an unwarranted assumption to extrapolate the results from ζ Oph (and other tenuous clouds) to the dense, dusty regions of both the galactic centre and the Orion Nebula.
Metoprolol attenuates postischemic depressed myocardial function in papillary muscles isolated from normal and postinfarction rat hearts

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that metoprolol treatment may enhance tolerance to ischemia in normal and postinfarction rat myocardium. Myocardial infarction was induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery in adult rats. Animals were divided into sham-operated and infarction groups with or without metoprolol treatment. Metoprolol treatment (60 mg/kg/day via gastric gavage) was started on the second day after surgery and continued until sacrifice at 6 weeks after myocardial infarction. Isometric force and intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) transients were simultaneously recorded in isolated left ventricular papillary muscles. Ischemia was simulated by immersing the muscles into fluorocarbon with hypoxia. Metoprolol treatment induced a significant improvement of isometric force and ameliorated diastolic [Ca(2+)](i) overload in postinfarction rat myocardium at baseline. Metoprolol treatment also reduced diastolic [Ca(2+)](i), ameliorated the depression of developed tension during ischemia, and enhanced recovery of postischemic depressed myocardial function in sham-operated and postinfarction rat papillary muscles. Protein levels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase of left ventricles and postischemic papillary muscles from metoprolol-treated rats were higher than those in placebo-treated animals. We concluded, therefore, that metoprolol treatment produced appreciable improvement of intracellular Ca(2+) handling during ischemia-reoxygenation cycles, and enhanced recovery of postischemic depressed myocardial function in both normal and postinfarction rat myocardium.
Synthesis and receptor binding affinity of both E‐and Z‐dehydro‐phenylaline4 enkephalins*

The dehydrophenylalanine4-enkephalin having the E-configuration (delta EPhe; phenyl and C = 0, cis) was prepared by photoisomerization of the Z-isomer with 3100 A light, followed by reversed-phase HPLC separation of the resulting mixture of the Z- and E-isomers. In the radioligand receptor binding assays, the E-isomer of [D-Ala2, delta Phe4, Leu5]enkephalin exhibited an extremely diminished affinity as compared with the Z-isomer, namely 150-260-fold loss of affinity for the delta and mu opiate receptors. The results indicate that the interrelationship of the Tyr1 and Phe4 residues in the enkephalin molecule seems to be of great importance in receptor recognition.
Dibenzoylmethane induces cell cycle deregulation in human prostate cancer cells

Abstract Dibenzoylmethane (DBM), a minor β-diketone constituent of licorice and sunscreens, has been shown to exhibit anti-neoplastic effects in chemically induced skin and mammary cancers in several animal models. To date, no mechanism for the growth inhibitory effects of DBM on prostate cancer cells has been proposed. In this study, we examined the effects of DBM on the growth and cell cycle kinetics of several human prostate carcinoma cell lines. Using an MTT cytotoxicity assay, IC 50 values of 25–100 μM were observed following 72 h exposure to DBM. LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3 prostate carcinoma cell lines were particularly sensitive in comparison to the cells with the vehicle alone. Flow cytometric analyses showed deregulation of the cell cycle, which correlated with the observed cytostatic effects of DBM in prostate carcinoma cells. These data suggest a potential role for DBM in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
How to establish an interactive eConference and eJournal Club.

With our hand team scattered across several different locations, it is difficult to find a time to get together for our weekly didactic hand conference and monthly hand journal club. In addition, traffic and tight clinical schedules sometimes force conferences to start late or be canceled. Our solution was to set up an on-line conference. Using TeamViewer to host our conference and Skype to host our journal clubs, we experienced increased attendance by both faculty and residents in our meetings. In this article, we establish a method of hosting effective on-line videoconferences to facilitate nearly universal participation of our hand team, and we hope to assist others who wish to establish similar setups in their communities.
Synergistic toughening of a hybrid NiAl composite reinforced with partially stabilized zirconia and molybdenum particles

Abstract This paper presents preliminary experimental evidence of synergistic interactions between transformation toughening and crack bridging in an NiAl composite reinforced with 2 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia and molybdenum particles. The observed levels of synergy are shown to be consistent with predictions from a theoretical model by Amazigo and Budiansky (J.C. Amazigo, B. Budiansky, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 36 (1988) 581–595.). The implications of the results are also discussed for the potential development of synergistically toughened intermetallic and ceramic composites.
A Measure of Reliability and Information Quality in Redundant Systems

In the development of complex military electronic equipment, It is necessary to consider the effects of many interacting operational and design factors. For both the over-all weapon system, and for the electronic subsystems with which we are concerned, optimum trade-offs for such interdependent parameters as reliability, weight, accuracy, maintainability, cost, mission time, and target vulnerability must be determined. Considered individually, these parameters do not adequately describe the operational worth of equipment incorporating multiple redundancies and operating modes. Operational worth is the probability that a system will achieve success in performing its required functions, and is obviously a prime consideration in the planning and selection of systems for military applilcation. The inadequacy in describing operational worth in terms of its individual parameters was encountered in the synthesis of an optimum redundant configuration for the B-58 bombing-navigation system. To resolve this difficulty, operational worth models describing the interaction between parameters were developed and utilized by Sperry Gyroscope Company. These techniques enabled Sperry to design this bombing-navigation system to have a high operational worth and an inherent mission reliability in excess of 95 per cent. In this paper, the model for ``system worth,'' the interaction between reliability and information quality, is discussed.
The role of transesophageal echocardiography in atrial fibrillation

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is very useful in the evaluation and management of selected patients with atrial fibrillation, primarily by clear visualization of left atrial appendage thrombus. Insights gained from two-dimensional and Doppler interrogation of the appendage include recognition of the association of dense spontaneous contrast and reduced mechanical appendage function with increased risk of thromboembolism. TEE-guided cardioversion has been shown to be safe and effective for a subset of patients, provided it is performed by experienced operators familiar with imaging the appendage and recognizing artifacts.
The Action of Black Widow Spider Venom on Cholinergic Mechanisms in Synaptosomes

Abstract: Black widow spider venom (BWSV) promoted the massive release of labeled acetylcholine from synaptosomes and in addition, inhibited high-affinity choline uptake into the preparation. Both activities occurred in the absence of [Ca2+]0. When Na+ in Krebs-Ringer was replaced isotonically by sucrose, BWSV did not cause any release of [3H]ACh. On the other hand, BWSV was still effective if Na+ was replaced by lithium, glucosamine, or Tris. Tetrodotoxin (10−5 M) failed to prevent the ACh-releasing action of the venom. The uptake of [3H]norepinephrine and [3H]tyrosine into the P2 fraction was significantly inhibited by BWSV pretreatment. However, the effect of the venom on the uptake of [3H]deoxyglucose was slight. In addition, the venom-induced release of [3H]norepinephrine was much higher than that of [3H]deoxyglucose. The change in membrane potential of the preparation in duced by BWSV as examined using the voltage-sensitive fluorescence probe, 3, 3′-dipentyl-2, 2′-oxacarbocyanine. BWSV pretreatment markedly increased the synaptosomal fluorescence, indicating a depolarization of the preparation. This action of the venom was also observed in a Ca2+ -free or K+ -free medium, but could be blocked by pretreatment with antivenom. Pretreatment of the P2 fraction with concanavalin A completely blocked the action of BWSV. Also, the BWSV failed to promote the release of transmitter if the venom was prein-cubated with a low concentration of purified gangliosides. Even after prolonged treatment with high concentrations of BWSV, an electron microscopic study showed no depletion of the synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminals of the cortical P2 preparations or striatal slices. It is suggested that the venom expresses its activity by binding to glycoproteins and/or gangliosides on the synaptic membrane, opening a cation channel. The subsequent depolarization then inhibits uptake processes and promotes transmitter release that is independent of external calcium.
LOOKING BACK AT 25 YEARS OF SOCIOLOGY AND THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF SOCIOLOGY

▪ Abstract This essay engages the daunting task of encapsulating and reflecting on the 25 year history of the Annual Review of Sociology. After giving a short account of my own involvement in ARS, I give a brief rendition of what sociology as a field has been during the past quarter century—that is, what was “out there” to be reflected in the pages of ARS. I lay out some statistics on trends in the size, countries, and universities represented, coauthorship patterns, and gender ratios in ARS. These statistics are very informative but contain few surprises. Next I trace and analyze an issue that has commmanded the attention of editors of ARS throughout its history—unity or diversity of sociology as a discipline. Finally I conclude that the ARS does indeed reflect the field in ways that can be documented, but that this process of reflection is subject to many imprecisions generated by the editorial process itself.
A ubiquitous method for street scale spatial data collection and analysis in challenging urban environments: mapping health risks using spatial video in Haiti

Fine-scale and longitudinal geospatial analysis of health risks in challenging urban areas is often limited by the lack of other spatial layers even if case data are available. Underlying population counts, residential context, and associated causative factors such as standing water or trash locations are often missing unless collected through logistically difficult, and often expensive, surveys. The lack of spatial context also hinders the interpretation of results and designing intervention strategies structured around analytical insights. This paper offers a ubiquitous spatial data collection approach using a spatial video that can be used to improve analysis and involve participatory collaborations. A case study will be used to illustrate this approach with three health risks mapped at the street scale for a coastal community in Haiti. Spatial video was used to collect street and building scale information, including standing water, trash accumulation, presence of dogs, cohort specific population characteristics, and other cultural phenomena. These data were digitized into Google Earth and then coded and analyzed in a GIS using kernel density and spatial filtering approaches. The concentrations of these risks around area schools which are sometimes sources of diarrheal disease infection because of the high concentration of children and variable sanitary practices will show the utility of the method. In addition schools offer potential locations for cholera education interventions. Previously unavailable fine scale health risk data vary in concentration across the town, with some schools being proximate to greater concentrations of the mapped risks. The spatial video is also used to validate coded data and location specific risks within these “hotspots”. Spatial video is a tool that can be used in any environment to improve local area health analysis and intervention. The process is rapid and can be repeated in study sites through time to track spatio-temporal dynamics of the communities. Its simplicity should also be used to encourage local participatory collaborations.
The Effect of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon on the Formation Rate Kinetics and Crystallography of Palladium Slicide Films

Samples of crystalline (111) silicon were coated with various thicknesses of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), then coated with 100 nm of palladium. These samples were then reacted to form Pd2Si in vacuum. The activation energies and reaction prefactors were determined by monitoring the film thickness using x-ray diffraction and by 4-point resistivity measurements. The crystallographic texture of the metal overlayer and suicide films were investigated before and after the reaction.
Procter & Gamble, mass media, and the making of American life

Owing to its unmatched sponsorship of commercial broadcasting and the ubiquity of its homemaking goods, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has had a profound impact on culture and society in the United States....
Interleukin-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists Inhibit the Progression of Inflammatory Cell Infiltration Toward Alveolar Bone in Experimental Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a significant cause of tooth loss in humans and is one of the most prevalent diseases associated with bone loss. Following bacterial colonization, the gingiva becomes inflamed and, in some cases, progresses to destruction of alveolar bone. To investigate the temporal movement of inflammatory cells toward alveolar bone and the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in this process, studies were carried out in a Macaca fascicularis primate model of experimental periodontitis. IL-1 and TNF activity was inhibited by local application of soluble receptors to IL-1 and TNF by injection into interdental papillae. The results indicate that following induction of experimental periodontitis, the front of inflammatory cells progresses toward alveolar bone and is associated with osteoclast formation. These processes are inhibited by blockers to IL-1 and TNF. These studies suggest that the conversion from gingivitis to periodontitis is directly associated with the movement o...
Single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride initiated with methylene iodide and catalyzed by sodium dithionite

Single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) initiated with methylene iodide (CH2I2) and catalyzed by sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) in water at 35 °C produces a telechelic poly(vinyl chloride) (LRP–PVC) with two different active chain ends: ICH2(CH2CHCl)n-1CH2CHClI, and 2.0 functionality. The reactivity and initiator efficiency of CH2I2 in SET–DTLRP of VC was lower than those of iodoform. A possible mechanism for the CH2I2-initiated SET–DTLRP of VC was suggested. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 773–778, 2005
Factors Influencing the Pyrotechnic Reaction of Silicon and Red Lead

The delay time of a column of pyrotechnic material when used in a delayed action electric detonator is defined as the time between the application of the initiating electrical impulse and the detonation of the explosive charge of the detonator. The effects of fuel/oxidant ratio and fuel surface area on the delay time have been measured for the silicon/red lead system. From the data obtained it has been possible to identify a possible reaction mechanism for this pyrotechnic composition.
Dealkylation and loss of capacity for reactivation of cholinesterase inhibited by sarin.

Inhibition of rat brain acetylcholinesterase by 32P-sarin in vivo results initially in 32P-isopropylmethylphosphonylated enzyme. The percentage of inhibited enzyme that could not be reactivated by pyridinium aldoxime methochloride (aged enzyme) approximated the amount of radioactivity identified as 32P-methylphosphonate. The 32P-isopropyl methylphosphonate not released fromthe inhibited enzyme by the oxime accounted for 51 ± 10 percent ( standard deviation) of the radioactivity fixed to brain tissue. It showed no correlation with aging and was probably bound to sites other than acetylcholinesterase.
Phospholipases: Degradation of Phospholipids in Membranes and Emulsions

Phospholipases are enzymes that degrade phospholipids through hydrolytic cleavage of carboxy- and phospho-diester bonds. The enzymes are classified as phospholipases A1, A2, C or D depending on the site of hydrolysis at the sn-1 or sn-2 acyl ester bond, at the glycerol phosphate bond or at the glycerol phosphate-base phosphodiester bond, respectively. Phospholipases A2 are secreted as components of snake and insect venoms, mammalian digestive juices and inflammatory exudates. Intracellular phospholipases participate in a broad spectrum of important physiological functions and pathophysiological processes through modification of phospholipids and generation of products that are potent regulators and messengers. These enzymes have evolved to hydrolyse phospholipids at an organized lipid–aqueous interface. Secreted phospholipase A2 can serve as a prototype for interfacial catalysis. Key Concepts: Phospholipases are hydrolytic enzymes that cleave at one of the four potential cleavage sites leading to the classification as phospholipase A1, A2, C or D. These enzymes function at the interface with organized membranes and serve as models for interfacial catalysis. Hydrolytic products of catalysis depending on the specific enzyme and substrate include free fatty acids, lysosphospholipids, diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid and phosphorylated or free base (e.g. choline, ethanolamine, serine and inositol). Secreted phospholipase A2 is an important component of snake and insect venoms, mammalian digestive fluids and inflammatory exudates where it leads to degradation of membranes and emulsified lipids. Intracellular phospholipases have important roles in intracellular signalling through the generation of precursors of signalling molecules such as arachidonic acid, lysosphospholipids and inositol phosphates. Intracellular phospholipase A2 activity generates the lysophospholipid substrate that is necessary for remodelling of cellular phospholipids by the deacylation–reacylation pathway. Phospholipase activity inhibitors include specific agents that act directly on the enzyme and also agents that nonspecifically act by changing the organization of the interface or interfere with interfacial binding of the protein. Keywords: eiconsanoid synthesis; pancreatic secretion; snake venom; cell signalling; lipid remodeling; interfacial enzymes
Edward Sapir's Anthropology: Style, Structure, and Method

Sapir's writings on the relation of personality and culture are discussed with regard to their distinctive and challenging approach to ethnology. The lack of professional controversy over Sapir is explored. A distinction is formulated between imposed structure and inherent cultural structure; following from this distinction, Sapir's personalized approach is examined for its implications for ethnographic method.
Effect of cuff type on arterial occlusion

Summary Blood flow restriction (BFR) by itself or in combination with exercise has been shown to be beneficial for skeletal muscle. Despite most of the literature showing positive effects of BFR on skeletal muscle, not all studies show a benefit of BFR exercise compared with exercise without BFR. Some of the discrepancy can be explained by differences in methodology. For example, wide (13·5 cm) nylon cuffs result in arterial occlusion at a much lower pressure than narrow elastic (5 cm) cuffs. However, although it is evident that there are differences between elastic narrow (5 cm) cuffs and nylon wide (13·5 cm) cuffs, it is presently unclear whether or not there are differences between two cuffs of similar size (5 cm) but different material (nylon versus elastic). We hypothesized that although the cuffs are of similar size, there would be significant differences in arterial occlusion between two cuff materials. With the participants supine, in a randomized order, either the nylon (5 × 83 cm) or elastic (5 × 135 cm) cuffs were applied to the most proximal portion of each leg. Arterial blood flow was detected using a hand-held bidirectional Doppler probe placed on the posterior tibial artery. A paired sample t-test found no difference between cuff types for arterial occlusion pressure. In conclusion, arterial occlusion pressure is not different between two cuffs of a similar size but different material. This suggests that either elastic or nylon cuffs of the same width should restrict blood flow similarly at the same pressure during resting conditions.
Occult Histopathology and Its Predictors in Contralateral and Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomies

The last decade has seen an increasing prevalence of prophylactic mastectomies with decreasing age of patients treated for breast cancer. Data are limited on the prevalence of histopathologic abnormalities in this population. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of histopathologic findings in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) patients and identify predictors of findings. Our institution’s prophylactic mastectomies from 2004 to 2011 were reviewed. Breast specimens with prior malignancies were excluded. Patient factors and pathology reports were collected. Independent predictive factors were identified with univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. A total of 524 specimens in 454 patients were identified. Malignancy was found in 7.0 % of CPM and 5.7 % of BPM specimens. In CPM patients, ipsilateral lobular carcinoma-in situ [odds ratio (OR) 4.0] and mammogram risk group (OR 2.0) were predictive of malignancy. Age group (OR 1.5), ipsilateral lobular carcinoma-in situ (OR 2.3), and prior bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (OR 0.3) were predictive of moderate- to high-risk histopathology. Only increasing age group was predictive of increased moderate- to high-risk histopathology in BPM patients (OR 2.3). There were no independent predictors of malignancy in BPM. BRCA status was not predictive in either CPM or BPM. Patients with lobular carcinoma-in situ in the index breast or high-risk mammograms have a higher prevalence of malignancies. Although BRCA patients may benefit from prophylactic mastectomy, the genetic diagnosis does not increase the prevalence of detecting occult pathology. BPM patients can be counseled about relative risk, where occult pathology increases with age.
Orbital-Free Kinetic-Energy Density Functional Theory

In the beginning of quantum mechanical Density-Functional Theory (DFT), there was the Thomas-Fermi (TF) model, which uses the electron density p(r) (a function of only 3 coordinates) as the only physical variable. Calculations with this model were inexpensive but yielded poor numerical results due to a lack of understanding of exchange-correlation effects and the kinetic-energy density functional. Many years later, Hohenberg and Kohn (HK) established the formal foundation for DFT; Kohn and Sham (KS) devised a practical implementation and brought DFT into mainstream calculations of electronic structure. Although the KS formulation allows exact evaluation of the KS kinetic energy (Ts [p]), the one-electron orbitals introduced by the KS scheme inevitably encumber the formulation in three ways: (i) 3N (vs. 3) degrees of freedom, (ii) orbital orthonormalization, and (iii) Brillouin-zone (k-point) sampling in condensed phases. Given the accuracy of DFT with present exchange-correlation density functionals, it is logical to conclude that the last frontier in DFT is a better representation of the kinetic energy solely in terms of the density. If this is true, KS orbitals will be completely eliminated from DFT formulation, and the density can be solved directly from the TF-HK equation. This is certainly superior to the KS scheme because all energy terms can be computed in momentum space with an effectively linear scaling, O(MlnM), where M is the integration grid size. This work reviews major ideas in the design of such optimal orbital-free kinetic-energy density functionals and their applications.
A Review of Research on Teaching People with Significant Disabilities Vocational Skills.

Although an important part of adult life, individuals with significant disabilities experience low rates of gainful employment. The purpose of this review was to summarize and analyze the literatur...
Gifting in the Marketplace: Redefining the 'Good' Donor

Recent attempts to prevent the development of a regulated market in organs in the US have relied heavily on data on black market organ sales in the developing world as evidence against the moral permissibility of any kind of market system in the US. However morally problematic and practically damaging these black market transactions in the developing world may be, they have very limited applicability to the development of a regulated organ market in the US. When considered in their specifics, the harms of organ sales on the black market and in the developing world serve as evidence to support the idea that the US is well-positioned to devise a regulated organ market that is free of these problems. By considering the nature and types of harms persons who have sold their organs in the black market have suffered, the conditions necessary for autonomous choice within a regulated market system become clear. We assess the extent to which the consequences of organ sales in developing countries and within a black market can be appropriately applied to the development of a regulated organ market in the US and consider the conditions that would allow for autonomous choice by and just treatment of persons who would sell their organs in such a market.
Loco parentis and locus of control.

The Children's Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Locus of Control Scale was administered to two groups of 45 pregnant adolescents each in a residential maternity home. One group of 45 adolescents had experienced the removal of custody from their biological parents and had been living in foster care. The second group had become pregnant while living with their biological parents. The former group showed a significantly higher mean score on the locus of control scale which reflected a more external locus-of-control orientation. The results are discussed in the light of other studies on locus of control and parental loss.
The Elm Leaf Beetle, Pyrrhalta luteola , in Southern California: Its Pattern of Increase and Its Control by Introduced Parasites

A 2-yr study of elm leaf beetle ( ELB ), Pyrrhalta luteola (Muller), populations was conducted at 2 locations in southern California during 1973 and 1974 to determine its phenology and seasonal pattern of increase, its seasonal pattern of defoliation, and the degree of biological control achieved by 2 parasites, Erynniopsis antennata Rondani (= E. rondanii Towns.) (= Erynnia nitida Rondani) and Tetrastichus brevistigma Gahan, introduced against the beetle 3 decades ago. ELB populations rapidly increased in the mid- to late-summer period and in most cases by late summer, severely defoliated Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila L., the major host in southern California. Although parasitization by E. antennata reached high levels (>50%) during this period, it failed to prevent defoliation. T. brevistigma was found at 1 location but never parasitized more than 10% of the ELB pupae. Limited samplings suggested that E. antennata parasitized a high proportion (65–88%) of overwintering adult ELB but that asynchrony between the emergence of adult E. antennata in the following spring (April) and the period of larval availability (1st generation) in the late spring (May) apparently resulted in low levels of parasitization of 1st (spring) generation ELB larvae. It was the survivors of this 1st generation as adult females which caused the rapid population increase in mid-summer.
Investigating Information Search Behavior using Personal and Social Contextual Signals

People have their behavioral patterns, through which they determine how to use, seek and share information. Also, the patterns interact with a person's intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics such as values, attitudes, social and cognitive capitals, affecting behaviors in different contexts and situations. Meanwhile, the emerging trends of smartphones and wearable computing allow for the creation of a rich user behavioral profile. Such a behavioral (personal, social, mobile, and cognitive) profile goes beyond traditional browser-based context and allows one's personality type and social capital to become pivotal indicators of search behavior. Through the multi-modal data analysis, I want to identify the correlations between different signal types as observed in everyday life information seeking contexts and predict individuals' search behavior using personal and social contextual signals.
Ovarian Growth and Uptake of lodinated D-Leu6, des Gly NH210-LHRH Ethylamide in HCG Treated Rats

SummaryCompetitive uptake of labeled and unlabeled D-Leu6-LHRH-EA was observed in both the pituitary and ovary. HCG induced ovarian growth was inhibited by treating intact and hypophysectomized rats simultaneously with D-Leu6-LHRH-EA therefore, suggesting that D-Leu6-LHRH-EA acts directly on the ovary to inhibit HCG induced ovarian growth.
Comparisons of Population Dynamics of Peromyscus and Clethrionomys in New England

Population dynamics of Clethrionomys and Peromyscus were studied in northern Vermont (March 1963 to July 1966) and central Connecticut (July 1964 to August 1967; supplemented by spot-check data from July 1962 to August 1963 and September 1968). The Connecticut study area included swamp and upland habitats; the Vermont area included only uplands. P. leucopus and C. gapperi displayed an annual cycle of abundance in the Connecticut swamp. C. gapperi and P. maniculatus in Vermont and P. leucopus in the Connecticut uplands displayed periodic peaks of abundance (approximately 2 to 3 year intervals in Connecticut). Greater fluctuation in food supply in the uplands than in the swamp appeared responsible for such differences in annual abundances of Peromyscus and Clethrionomys , at least in Connecticut. P. leucopus population densities were much lower in the swamp than in the upland; lower food availability in swamps as compared to uplands is assumed the primary factor involved. Survival of C. gapperi was slightly greater than that of P. leucopus ; this may account for higher overall densities of C. gapperi observed in this study. Seasonal trends in survival were the same for both species with survival highest during the winter months. Survival of P. leucopus in the swamp was only slightly less than that of the upland population. Survival of C. gapperi in a coniferous area of the swamp was greater than that in a deciduous area, possibly due to differences in diurnal avian predation. There was a negative correlation between population density and survival of C. gapperi ; a similar, but nonsignificant, trend was observed for P. leucopus . Reproduction of both species reached a peak in May to July; lowest levels of reproduction were observed in January. There was no correlation between population density and reproduction of either species. Length of the previous winter nonbreeding season appeared to be the primary factor influencing population densities reached a given year by both species.
Pulmonary oxygen toxicity in rats: prevention by pyrogenic diphosphoryl lipid A and potentiation by nontoxic monophosphoryl lipid A and lipid X

Pretreatment with gram-negative bacterial endotoxin protects rats from the lethal intrathoracic edema produced by continuous exposure to greater than 95% O2 for 3 days. To help elucidate structure-activity relationships of endotoxin, we administered lipid part-structures of endotoxin intraperitoneally (at dosages up to 5.0 mg/kg) to male Sprague-Dawley rats prior to exposure to greater than 99% O2 (at 760 mm Hg) for 72 hr. We found that Salmonella minnesota mutant Re595 diphosphoryl lipid A protected rats from O2 toxicity as effectively as the parent S. minnesota endotoxin molecule at equimolar concentration. Diphosphoryl lipid A exhibited less acute toxicity (2 hr post-treatment hypothermia) than did endotoxin, although both produced prolonged fevers (greater than 24 hr) and similar patterns of protection in O2. In contrast, nontoxic lipid X (2,3-diacylglucosamine 1-phosphate) and monophosphoryl (1-dephospho) lipid A potentiated pulmonary O2 toxicity. We conclude that within the range of dosages investigated, diphosphoryl lipid A is the minimal essential structure responsible for the protection of rats from O2 toxicity by endotoxin.
Biochemistry of Short-Chain Alkanes: Evidence for an Elongation/Reduction/Cl-Elimination Pathway

C7- C11 alkanes accumulate in the oleoresins of several Pinus species native to western North America, most notably in the xylem oleoresin of Jeffrey pine, Pinus jeffreyi Grey. & Half. (Savage et al., 1990a). Biological production of light hydrocarbons is of interest because they possess the same excellent combustion properties as petrochemical hydrocarbons in gasoline. Whereas production levels of short-chain alkanes in plants are insufficient to provide an economically viable fuel source, the genes encoding the alkane biosynthetic pathway may provide a biotechnological resource for engineering fermentation organisms with the capability to convert biomass to an alkane-based fuel. However, the feasibility of transgenic alkane biosynthesis depends upon the complexity of the alkane biosynthetic pathway.
Peracetic Acid Depolymerization of Biorefinery Lignin for Production of Selective Monomeric Phenolic Compounds.

Lignin is the largest source of renewable material with an aromatic skeleton. However, due to the recalcitrant and heterogeneous nature of the lignin polymer, it has been a challenge to effectively depolymerize lignin and produce high-value chemicals with high selectivity. In this study, a highly efficient lignin-to-monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC) conversion method based on peracetic acid (PAA) treatment was reported. PAA treatment of two biorefinery lignin samples, diluted acid pretreated corn stover lignin (DACSL) and steam exploded spruce lignin (SESPL), led to complete solubilization and production of selective hydroxylated monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC-H) and monomeric phenolic acid compounds (MPC-A) including 4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. The maximized MPC yields obtained were 18 and 22 % based on the initial weight of the lignin in SESPL and DACSL, respectively. However, we found that the addition of niobium pentoxide catalyst to PAA treatment of lignin can significantly improve the MPC yields up to 47 %. The key reaction steps and main mechanisms involved in this new lignin-to-MPC valorization pathway were investigated and elucidated.
Signal Adapted Filter Bank Design Using Markov Parameters

In this paper a method for designing principal component filter banks (PCFBs) based on a truncated sequence of estimated Markov parameters is described. This technique yields filters that are an excellent approximation to the ideal PCFB channel filters without nearly the computational complexity of traditional numerical optimization methods.
Lumbar plexus block surface landmarks as assessed by computed axial tomography in adult patients with scoliosis: a case series.

Background and objectives Lumbar plexus (LP) block is a common and useful regional anesthesia technique. Surface landmarks used to identify the LP in patients with healthy spines have been previously described, with the distance from the spinous process (SP) to the skin overlying the LP being approximately two-thirds the distance from the SP to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) (SP-LP:SP-PSIS ratio). In scoliotic patients, rotation of the central neuraxis may make these surface landmarks unreliable, possibly leading to an increased block failure rate and an increased incidence of complications. The objective of the present study was to describe these surface landmarks of the LP in patients with scoliosis.
Implementing Clinical Interventions in Integrated Behavioral Health Settings: Best Practices and Essential Elements

The dissemination of Patient-Centered Medical Homes provides an opportunity for primary care practices to attend to the behavioral health and health behavior needs of its patients. This will often include the development of an integrated behavioral health care practice that expands the team membership and develops routines for anticipating and following patients, with a focus on managing a broad range of conditions. Implementation of a successful integrated behavioral health care practice requires attention to building a team, hiring and training that team, developing sustainable workflows, identifying empirically based interventions to include within a clinical pathway, and establishing processes for insuring quality care. This chapter will provide guidance to administrators and review empirical evidence when it exists on all of these topics.
Why not eat alone? The effect of other consumers on solo dining intentions and the mechanism

Abstract The radical change in contemporary lifestyles and demographics has led to the sharp increase of solo consumers in the marketplace, calling for an understanding of solo consumption behaviors. This study examines the determinants of solo dining intentions with respect to the other consumers in the restaurant, and its underlying mechanism through anticipated loneliness and the anticipated negative evaluation from others. Using a scenario-based, 2 (group type of other diners: in-group vs. out-group) × 2 (crowding level: high vs. low) between-subjects experimental design, online survey data were collected from 248 participants. Findings reveal that the group type of other diners (i.e., mostly solo diners vs. group diners) is a major predictor of solo dining intentions. The effect is further found to be greater by high-crowding (vs. low-crowding), and mediated by anticipated loneliness and the anticipated negative evaluation from others. The enhanced knowledge about solo consumers provides implications for researchers, restaurateurs, and consumers.