cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of the Timing of School Closings and Behavioral Changes With the Evolution of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in the US.

Importance The consequences of school closures for children’s health are profound, but existing evidence on their effectiveness in limiting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission is unsettled. Objective To determine the independent associations of voluntary behavioral change, school closures, and bans on large gatherings with the incidence and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based, interrupted-time-series analysis of lagged independent variables used publicly available observational data from US states during a 60-day period from March 8 to May 18, 2020. The behavioral measures were collected from anonymized cell phone or internet data for individuals in the US and compared with a baseline of January 3 to February 6, 2020. Estimates were also controlled for several state-level characteristics. Exposures Days since school closure, days since a ban on gatherings of 10 or more people, and days since residents voluntarily conducted a 15% or more decline in time spent at work via Google Mobility data. Main Outcomes and Measures The natural log of 7-day mean COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Results During the study period, the rate of restaurant dining declined from 1 year earlier by a mean (SD) of 98.3% (5.2%) during the study period. Time at work declined by a mean (SD) of 40.0% (7.9%); time at home increased by a mean (SD) of 15.4% (3.7%). In fully adjusted models, an advance of 1 day in implementing mandatory school closures was associated with a 3.5% reduction (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.965; 95% CI, 0.946-0.984) in incidence, whereas each day earlier that behavioral change occurred was associated with a 9.3% reduction (IRR, 0.907; 95% CI, 0.890-0.925) in incidence. For mortality, each day earlier that school closures occurred was associated with a subsequent 3.8% reduction (IRR, 0.962; 95% CI, 0.926-0.998), and each day of advance in behavioral change was associated with a 9.8% reduction (IRR, 0.902; 95% CI, 0.869-0.936). Simulations suggest that a 2-week delay in school closures alone would have been associated with an additional 23 000 (95% CI, 2000-62 000) deaths, whereas a 2-week delay in voluntary behavioral change with school closures remaining the same would have been associated with an additional 140 000 (95% CI, 65 000-294 000) deaths. Conclusions and Relevance In light of the harm to children of closing schools, these findings suggest that policy makers should consider better leveraging the public’s willingness to protect itself through voluntary behavioral change.
Determinants of symptom clusters and associations with health outcomes in childhood cancer survivors: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE).

10046Background: Childhood cancer survivors experience concurrent symptoms, but associations with health outcomes are unknown. We characterize symptom clusters among adult survivors of childhood ca...
Twinning: Coronary Artery Disease in Monozygotic Twins.

We present the case of a patient whose monozygotic twin brother suffered a fatal myocardial infarction at the age of 40. The patient presented with similar symptoms as his brother. Given the family history, ischemic evaluation was undertaken and revealed similar coronary anatomy and severe coronary artery disease (CAD). We review the current literature regarding genetic and environmental factors regarding coronary anatomy, locations of atherosclerotic lesions, and screening in twins.
Political Capital: A Historiography of President Nixon’s Domestic Policy

In overlooking Nixon’s domestic policy agenda, many Americans find themselves lost in a fragmented understanding of a presidency that brought about some of the most significant changes in American history. Writings about President Nixon tend to focus on the controversies revolving around Watergate (as it is one of the most exciting and dramatic elements in American history), and his foreign policy relations. As time drifts further away from Watergate, many scholars are restructuring their focus and developing a “beyond Watergate” approach to understanding the Nixon presidency. By looking beyond Watergate, scholars are finding a Nixon domestic policy that left lasting impacts on three key domestic issues: civil rights, environmental protection, and social welfare. Still, at the heart of this domestic policy lies the divisive presidency of Richard Nixon, which brings with it divided approaches. Since his resignation in 1974, most scholars argue that Nixon’s domestic policy was designed to maximize his political capital. However, the means by which Nixon gained this capital, as well as its use, is a point of ambiguity among scholars.
Medieval Persia 1040-1797

Preface 1. The Land and People of Persia 2. Persia in the Early Islamic Centuries 3. Turkish Rule in Persia 4. Institutions of Saljuq Government 5. The Later Saljuq Period and its Aftermath 6. The Mongols and their coming to Persia 7. The Early Mongol Rulers 8 The Barbarians Civilized? Ghazan and his successors 9. The Empire of Tamerlane 10. Persia in the Fifteenth Century: The Timurids 11. Persia in the Fifteenth Century: The Turkman Dynasties 12. Shah Ism ail I and the Established of Shi ism 13. Crisis, Recovery and Crisis 14 The Apogee of the Safawid Empire 15 The Second Century of Safawid Rule 16 Persia in the Eighteenth Century. Conclusion
Diversity of microbial toluene degradation pathways.

Publisher Summary Toluene is found naturally in petroleum and coal, and is a major component of gasoline. It is also produced by the burning of organic materials and has been detected in cigarette smoke. Toluene is also produced industrially for use as a solvent and in the production of various chemicals. In addition, toluene is produced and emitted by plants. Toluene is also produced industrially for use as a solvent and in the production of various chemicals. The chapter highlights the fact that toluene is produced and emitted by plants. Some bacteria use a dioxygenase to catalyze the formation of a cis-dihydrodiol product, which is then subjected to dehydrogenation to form 3-methylcatechol. Other bacteria have monooxygenases that catalyze the initial hydroxylation at the ortho, meta, or para position of toluene, which is then followed by a second hydroxylation by the same or a different hydroxylase to form catecholic products.
The electron density in the direction of zeta Oph

It is shown that photoionization of vibrationally excited H2 and photodissociation of the H 2 + ions produced thereby constitute a significant electron production route in high UV flux situations. A significant fraction of the electron density in the direction of ζ Oph (−15 km s−1 cloud) deduced from observations may be expected to arise in this way.
Effect of oral contraceptives on the thromboelastogram.

The effect of contraceptive drugs on intravascular clot formation was studied in 1133 women by thromboelastographic (TEG) determination of rate of clot formation and clot firmness. Analysis of TEG parameters revealed no significant difference between 435 never users and 328 past users of contraceptive drugs. 47 women in early pregnancy had TEG parameters in between those for users and non-users. Current users had shorter clotting times and firmer clots although very few subjects demonstrated extreme TEG hypercoagulability. These changes were not related to a specific brand component or dose of the contraceptive drug. Longitudinal study is needed to determine whether these minor alterations in the thromboelastogram have clinical significance.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)
Notes on Reproduction of the Gold Dust Day Gecko, Phelsuma laticauda (Gekkonidae) from Hawaii

Abstract: We studied the reproductive cycle of the introduced gecko, Phelsuma laticauda from a histological analysis of museum specimens from Hawaii. All adult males >40 mm SVL exhibited spermiogenesis in samples collected in January to April and in August. Females invariably produced clutches that contained two eggs. The presence of oviductal eggs and concomitant yolk deposition in some of the same females as well as the presence in the population of juveniles during both summer and winter months, indicate P. laticauda produces multiple clutches in Hawaii. The smallest reproductively active female (early yolk deposition) measured 46 mm SVL. Considering the potential negative effects on endemic Pacific island lizards, colonization by P. laticauda should be discouraged.
Monoclonal antibodies for rapid diagnosis and typing of genital herpes infections during pregnancy

Fluorescein-conjugated, type-specific monoclonal antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and group-specific antibody which recognizes both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were used to detect HSV-infected cells in clinical specimens. Specimens were collected from 66 pregnant women with a past history of herpes genitalis or with suspected lesions. Fourteen of 18 samples from which virus was isolated were positive by immunofluorescence test; four of 18 specimens had an insufficient number of cells (less than 50 per smear) for analysis. In one specimen, a positive reaction by immunofluorescence was not confirmed by virus isolation. HSV was typed directly on smears of clinical specimens in 14 instances: three samples were identified as HSV-1, and 11 as HSV-2. Moreover, the immunofluorescence test was used to type HSV isolates in cell cultures in these cases and 40 additional strains. Examination of viral deoxyribonucleic acid fragments obtained by restriction enzyme digestion confirmed the typings; complete agreement was found among the three methods. Immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies is a reliable test for rapid diagnosis and simultaneous typing of genital HSV infections, even in asymptomatic women. With adequate specimens, the specificity and sensitivity of this method approach 100%.
Ultrastructure and physiological effects of nontobacco cigarettes on Tetrahymena.

The ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis was exposed to smoke filtrates from two nontobacco, nonnicotine cigarettes made of grass and lettuce. Ultra- structural alteration consisted primarily of degradation of the mitochondria, including dissolution of the inner tubular cristae and an infolding of both membranes. After exposure to these residues for 60 minutes, ciliastasis occurred and O2 consumption was reduced by more than 90%. The effect of purified nicotine in the amount found in an individual cigarette revealed no substantial reduction in O2 consumption, no ciliastasis, and no loss of ultrastructural integrity. The data suggest that smoke filtrates of any combustion material may produce mitochondrial damage, impairment of O2 consumption, and ciliastasis.
Relationship formation and early risk exposure: Diverging associations with romantic self-concept and attachment.

Early risk exposure reportedly influences romantic relationship formation via an increase in sexualized reproductive strategies and attachment insecurity. Because these are risk adaptations that predict differing interactions in romantic relationships and are complexly related to gender, two studies focused on these features in relation to relationship formation in emerging adulthood. Beyond confirming that self-reported early risk exposure was associated with a more sexualized romantic self-concept, greater numbers of relationships, and greater attachment insecurity, “Study 1” confirmed a hypothesized four-way interaction between gender, early risk, romantic self-concept, and attachment style. “Study 2” clarified the interaction through a regression model predicting a sexualized romantic self-concept differently for men and women. A structural equation model including all the study variables confirmed the hypothesis that pathways for men primarily predicted unrestricted sexuality (i.e., numbers of casual relationships), whereas the pathways for women included direct effects from risk and indicators of committed relationships.
Exploring Tellurides: Synthesis and Characterization of New Binary, Ternary, and Quaternary Compounds

A fast-growing interest in solid state telluride chemistry has taken place during the past several years. Our research in this area has been primarily on the development and applications of several synthetic techniques that can be applied to the synthesis of the tellurides over a wide temperature range (100-1200°C). These techniques include chemical vapor transport, molten-salt, and hydro(solvo)thermal methods. In this article, we report five binary, ternary, and quaternary metal tellurides, BaTe2, TaCu3Te4, RbTaCu2Te4, K2BaSnTe4, and K2Ag2SnTe4, synthesized by the molten-salt (alkali-metal polytelluride flux) reactions at intermediate temperatures (400-550°C). The crystal structures of these compounds have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Crystal data: BaTe2, space group I4/mcm (No. 140), a = 7.181(1), c = 8.898(2) A, Z = 4, R1 = 1.55%, wR2 = 3.46%; RbTaCu2Te4, space group P21cn (No. 33), a = 5.982(2), b = 20.316(3), c = 8.192(2) A, Z = 4, R1 = 7.13%, wR2 = 4.95%; TaCu3Te4, space group P-43m (No. 215), a = 5.930(2) A,Z = 1, R1 = 2.40%, wR2 = 6.48%; K2BaSnTe4, space group I-43m (No. 217), a = 8.393(1) A, Z = 2, R1 = 2.52%, wR2 = 3.56%; K2Ag2SnTe4, space group I -42m (No. 121), a = 8.732(5), c = 7.425(3) A, Z = 2, R1 = 3.06%, wR2 = 7.25%.
Detection of PIGO-Deficient Cells Using Proaerolysin: A Valuable Tool to Investigate Mechanisms of Mutagenesis in the DT40 Cell System

While isogenic DT40 cell lines deficient in DNA repair pathways are a great tool to understand the DNA damage response to genotoxic agents by a comparison of cell toxicity in mutants and parental DT40 cells, no convenient mutation assay for mutagens currently exists for this reverse-genetic system. Here we establish a proaerolysin (PA) selection-based mutation assay in DT40 cells to identify glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor deficient cells. Using PA, we detected an increase in the number of PA-resistant DT40 cells exposed to MMS for 24 hours followed by a 5-day period of phenotype expression. GPI anchor synthesis is catalyzed by a series of phosphatidylinositol glycan complementation groups (PIGs). The PIG-O gene is on the sex chromosome (Chromosome Z) in chicken cells and is critical for GPI anchor synthesis at the intermediate step. Among all the mutations detected in the sequence levels observed in DT40 cells exposed to MMS at 100 µM, we identified that ∼55% of the mutations are located at A:T sites with a high frequency of A to T transversion mutations. In contrast, we observed no transition mutations out of 18 mutations. This novel assay for DT40 cells provides a valuable tool to investigate the mode of action of mutations caused by reactive agents using a series of isogenic mutant DT40 cells.
A New Look at Equatorial Quasi-Biennial Oscillation Models

Simplified quasi-biennial oscillation models are studied, taking bifurcation theory into account. It is found that the model has a trivial steady solution of no mean zonal flow when the two components of the wave forcing are symmetric. The steady solution becomes unstable with respect to an oscillatory eigenmode when the amplitude of the wave forcing exceeds a critical value. Periodic solutions branch off from the steady solution at this point because of Hopf bifurcation. If the two components are not symmetric, the model has a nontrivial steady solution with nonzero mean zonal flow. Hopf bifurcation takes place and periodic solutions which are not symmetric with respect to time appear. A two-level model is developed to analyze the quasi-biennial oscillation mechanism. It is shown that both vertical diffusion and the shielding effect are needed to obtain periodic solutions.
Perception is Theory Laden: The Naturalized Evidence and Philosophical Implications

This paper proposes a set of criteria for an appropriate experiment on the issue of the theory ladenness of perception. These criteria are used to select a number of experiments that use: belief-based ambiguous figures, fragmented figures, or memory color. Crucially, the data in experiments of this type are based on the participant’s qualitative visual experience. Across many different types of experimental designs, different types of stimuli, and different types of belief manipulation, these experiments show the impact of belief/theory on visual perception. Using an ecological validity argument, I conclude that attention-based interpretations of these findings are not successful because the relevant epistemological issues only require that we examine final perception, in the sense of visual awareness of the everyday world. Finally, I argue that the epistemological consequences of theory-ladenness can be reduced by using a top-down/bottom-up theoretical framework and by adopting appropriate methodological procedures to data derived from individual observations.
Metavanadate at the active site of the phosphatase VHZ.

Vanadate is a potent modulator of a number of biological processes and has been shown by crystal structures and NMR spectroscopy to interact with numerous enzymes. Although these effects often occur under conditions where oligomeric forms dominate, the crystal structures and NMR data suggest that the inhibitory form is usually monomeric orthovanadate, a particularly good inhibitor of phosphatases because of its ability to form stable trigonal-bipyramidal complexes. We performed a computational analysis of a 1.14 A structure of the phosphatase VHZ in complex with an unusual metavanadate species and compared it with two classical trigonal-bipyramidal vanadate-phosphatase complexes. The results support extensive delocalized bonding to the apical ligands in the classical structures. In contrast, in the VHZ metavanadate complex, the central, planar VO(3)(-) moiety has only one apical ligand, the nucleophilic Cys95, and a gap in electron density between V and S. A computational analysis showed that the V-S interaction is primarily ionic. A mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of metavanadate in the active site from a dimeric vanadate species that previous crystallographic evidence has shown to be able to bind to the active sites of phosphatases related to VHZ. Together, the results show that the interaction of vanadate with biological systems is not solely reliant upon the prior formation of a particular inhibitory form in solution. The catalytic properties of an enzyme may act upon the oligomeric forms primarily present in solution to generate species such as the metavanadate ion observed in the VHZ structure.
Bladder Cancer Immunotherapy: BCG and Beyond

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has become the predominant conservative treatment for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Its mechanism of action continues to be defined but has been shown to involve a T helper type 1 (Th1) immunomodulatory response. While BCG treatment is the current standard of care, a significant proportion of patients fails or do not tolerate treatment. Therefore, many efforts have been made to identify other intravesical and immunomodulating therapeutics to use alone or in conjunction with BCG. This paper reviews the progress of basic science and clinical experience with several immunotherapeutic agents including IFN-α, IL-2, IL-12, and IL-10.
Behavioral influences on the evolution of human genetic diversity.

Abstract Unique aspects of human behavior account for special features of human evolution. For instance, the best data on the mating patterns of undisturbed hunting–gathering populations are those of Norman Tinsdale for Australian Aborigines. Among some 574 linguistically distinct tribes, he collected information on 755 marriages from the period prior to significant contact with Europeans. One can extrapolate from these data on 1510 individuals. In an average tribe of some 500 individuals, 62–65 of them would have had one parent who was a member of a different tribe and 7 or 8 of them would have been offspring of a parent from a distant tribe, not an adjacent one. Such rates of intergroup marriage, generation after generation, would have produced considerable gene flow, a pattern that likely has occurred during most of human prehistory. The pattern of descent is trellis-like, not one of successive fissioning. Some genetic diversity between tribes must have existed, but most genetic variation would have been within rather than between tribal groups. One implication of this pattern is that ethnically defined groups are not a suitable basis for studying human genetic diversity. Geographically stratified random sampling of the species would be more likely to ensure an unbiased estimate of genome variability.
Flight test results from the ultrahigh-resolution electro-optical framing camera containing a 9216 by 9216 pixel wafer scale focal plane array

Abstract : The details of the fabrication and results of laboratory testing of the Ultra High Resolution Framing Camera containing onchip forward image motion compensation were presented to the SPIE at Airborne Reconaissance XXII in 1998. Three airborne flight tests of the Camera system have since been conducted with excellent results. This paper summarizes predicted performance for the Camera and presents some of the flight test imagery and data.
High Quality 100 Å Thermal Oxide

The growth of high quality 100 A thermal oxide is investigated. Different growth conditions including oxidation temperature, oxidation rate, and gas ambient are explored and they all produce good oxides. However, it will be demonstrated that the best oxide with defect density as low as 0.2cm −2 , breakdown field ≃ 12 MV/cm and good reproducibility is grown with low temperature (800°C) low rate oxidation in dry oxygen. The midgap interface trap density of this oxide is ∼ 2.0 × 10 10 eV −1 cm −2 obtained from high-frequency and quasi-static C-V data. A model based on physical mechanisms controlling the kinetics of thin oxide growth is developed to understand how the quality of thin oxide is affected by growth conditions and to explain why the low temperature oxidation in dry oxygen yields the best film.
Porphyrins XXVIII. Extended Hückel calculations on metal phthalocyanines and tetrazaporphins

Extended Huckel (EH) calculations on Mg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and VO complexes of phthalocyanine and tetrazaporphin are reported and the results compared to similar calculations on porphyrins. The smaller ring size of phthalocyanine gives rise to a larger ligand field. The bridge nitrogen atoms give rise to n - π * transitions, which are probably in the region of the Soret band. In Ni, Co, Fe, and Mn there is strong mixing of the bridge N2p σ and metal b 2g (d xy ), which should affect the ligand field. Extra absorption bands observed in the near uv of NiPc and CoPc are attributed to d π → π * transitions. A general symmetrized EH program is reported that speeds calculations on large systems.
USING ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE WITH A DICHOTOMOUS DEPENDENT VARIABLE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

A study was conducted to determine if analysis of variance techniques are appropriate when the dependent variable has a dichotomous (zero-one) distribution. Several 1-, 2-, and 3-way analysis of variance configurations were investigated with regard to both the size of the Type I error and the Power. The findings show the analysis of variance to be an appropriate statistical technique for analyzing dichotomous data in fixed effects models where cell frequencies are equal under the following conditions: (a) the proportion of responses in the smaller response category is equal to or greater than .2 and there are at least 20 degrees of freedom for error, or (b) the proportion of responses in the smaller response category is less than .2 and there are at least 40 degrees of freedom for error.
A compact beam position monitor for use inside a free electron laser wiggler

Abstract An all-aluminum, non-intrusive beam position monitor (BPM) with a 27 mm diameter, clear aperture is described, along with its associated electronics. The device is small enough to fit inside a free electron laser (FEL) wiggler magnet as part of the beam pipe, and all signal leads are brought out horizontally to accommodate the wiggler geometry. A stripline configuration is used to allow precise mechanical construction and alignment of the probe electrodes, although the nominal 50 ns electron beam pulse length makes the electrical performance resemble that of a loop coupler. The large effective loop area generates nearly 0.5 V ns/A of signal amplitude from each loop. The maximum beam current to be accommodated is 3 kA. The probes are spaced axially so as to be insensitive to the wiggling motion of the beam, and a special design feature allows the cancellation of signals due to direct charge interception from beam halo, and of X-ray Compton signals. Overall accuracy is expected to be better than 0.1 mm over a 2 mm diameter aperture, and 1 mm over a 20 mm diameter aperture. With gain control, the electronics channels have a 50 dB instantaneous dynamic range on the position signal. Hybrid junctions provide front-end differencing, and gated integrators allow sampling of different parts of the signal pulse. We have developed a procedure for separate calibration of position error components, such as the offset of the electrical from the mechanical axis and the electronics channel errors. An on-line calibration signal allows frequent recalibration of the electronics channel gains. After calibration, both fixed and variable errors are entered in the signal processing software and are used for real-time correction of the position signal. In this paper, bench test results are given for the first prototype BPM.
A criterion to determine uniform and non-uniform stratified liquid-gas flow through horizontal tubes

Non-uniform liquid-gas stratified flow (i.e. flow with an interfacial level gradient, ILG) can exist when high viscosity liquids and/or large diameter tubes are used. The available data, covering a wide range of liquid viscosities (0.8 to 310 mPa.s) and tube diameters (0.0254 m to 0.216 m), are analyzed. It is shown that the Lockhart-Martinelli parameter, X less than or equal to 1 is a criterion to determine uniform stratified flow and disappearance of ILG. In addition, interfacial shear stress relationships are also shown to be indicative of different types of stratified flow.
Much more than a telescope.

Imagine that the Hubble Space Telescope never existed—that it fell victim to budget overruns, schedule slips, and the tragedy of the Challenger disaster, and was ultimately canceled. Breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe would not have occurred, countless young people around the world would not have been inspired, and U.S. leadership in science and space would be far less. The United States is at a similar crossroads today. Last month, an appropriations committee in the House of Representatives voted to terminate Hubble's successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, as part of the 2012 budget for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Senate has yet to be heard from, but the numbers in the Budget Control Act of 2011 that passed earlier this month suggest that the Senate could make the funds available to restore funding for the Webb, to the benefit of astronomy and the nation.
Knowledge-based resources as determinants of MNC structure: tests of an integrative model

This paper develops and tests a theoretical model of the structural choice by multinational corporations (MNCs). The model draws on three research streams: the contingency framework, integration–responsiveness (IR) framework, and organizational economics. Insights from the three streams of work are integrated into a theory of optimal structural choice under the assumption that both the MNC and its managers make decisions on the basis of their self-interests. An important feature of the model is its exposition of knowledge-based resources as a key determinant of MNC structure. The predictions of the model are tested on a sample of 101 MNCs using a multivariate regression approach. The results confirm the role of knowledge-based resources in influencing MNC structures.
P-Glycoprotein involvement in cuticular penetration of [14C] thiodicarb in resistant tobacco budworms

Pesticides have been shown to interact with the multidrug resistance protein associated with cancer chemotherapy, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). P-gp, therefore, has also been implicated in the development of pesticide resistance. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect P-gp has on the accumulation of the carbamate pesticide, thiodicarb. For these studies, resistant tobacco budworm larvae, expressing four times the P-gp as susceptible larvae, were pretreated with the P-gp inhibitor, quinidine, and challenged topically with thiodicarb. Quinidine enhanced thiodicarb toxicity in a dose-dependent manner, with mortality in the presence of P-gp inhibition increased up to 33%. Quinidine treatment increased [14C]thiodicarb accumulation 2- to 3-fold as compared to thiodicarb treatment alone. This study suggests that P-gp contributes to quinidine synergism of thiodicarb toxicity and suggests that P-gp may be involved in cuticular resistance to pesticides.
Environmental characteristics affecting Helianthus annuus distribution in a maize production system

Abstract Population density and seedling growth stage were measured over three years along transects passing through patches of feral Helianthus annuus in fields of maize. The effect of topographic position on seed re-dispersal via erosion was investigated, and density of H. annuus was significantly correlated ( P H. annuus seeds was recovered, most of which were found at lower topographic positions – their movement being facilitated by water flow down slope. Seeds at the lowest topographic positions were not moved to other topographic positions. Prevailing wind moved seeds to a lesser degree. The association of weedy H. annuus with SOC and the dispersal to lower topographic positions appear to be useful factors in explaining its distribution and might be generalized to other weed species and systems.
Dynamic Modeling of a 110-Cell PEM Fuel Stack Considering Temperature and Two-Phase Effects

Dynamic models currently proposed in published papers are either based on Computational Fluid Dynamics or lumped parameters. The model based on the CFD needs high number of parameters and variables that cannot be easily measured and characterized, while the lumped model does not well represent the real behavior. We developed a stack model that considers two-phase effects in gas flow channels and gas diffusion layers, and temperature effects in the cell. Firstly, we construct a 20 cell model and analyze the cell performance dependent upon locations of the cells. The results of distribution of the physical quantities are used to extend the cells to a 100 cell. Included are analyses of the dynamic performances of the 20-cell stack and the proposed 110-cell stack models.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Answering Orientation Questions and Following Single-Step Verbal Commands: Effect on Aspiration Status

In the acute-care setting patients with altered mental status as a result of such diverse etiologies as stroke, traumatic brain injury, degenerative neurologic impairments, dementia, or alcohol/drug abuse are routinely referred for dysphagia testing. A protocol for dysphagia testing was developed that began with verbal stimuli to determine patient orientation status and ability to follow single-step verbal commands. Although unknown, it would be beneficial to ascertain if this information on mental status was predictive of aspiration risk. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there was a difference in odds for aspiration based upon correctly answering specific orientation questions, i.e., 1. What is your name? 2. Where are you right now? and 3. What year is it?, and following specific single-step verbal commands, i.e., 1. Open your mouth. 2. Stick out your tongue. and 3. Smile. In a consecutive retrospective manner data from 4070 referred patients accrued between 1 December 1999 and 1 January 2007 were analyzed. The odds of liquid aspiration were 31% greater for patients not oriented to person, place, and time (odds ratio [OR] = 1.305, 95% CI = 1.134–1.501). The odds of liquid aspiration (OR = 1.566, 95% CI = 1.307–1.876), puree aspiration (OR = 1.484, 95% CI = 1.202–1.831), and being deemed unsafe for any oral intake (OR = 1.688, 95% CI = 1.387–2.054) were, respectively, 57, 48, and 69% greater for patients unable to follow single-step verbal commands. Being able to answer orientation questions and follow single-step verbal commands provides information on odds of aspiration for liquid and puree food consistencies as well as overall eating status prior to dysphagia testing. Knowledge of potential increased odds of aspiration allows for individualization of dysphagia testing thereby optimizing swallowing success.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER CARTOGRAPHY TO THE STUDY OF COGNITIVE CONFIGURATIONS

Cartographic theory and techniques are applied to the study of environmental cognition in an urban setting. Cognitive configurations of Columbus, Ohio derived from nonmetric multidimensional scaling are analyzed by location. A distinction is made between the distortion, or average accuracy, and the fuzziness, or dispersion, of estimates associated with forty-nine location cues. Computer mapping techniques are used to portray the distortion and fuzziness of each of these cues individually, and then in the form of a composite map.
Prediction of herdlife and lifetime production from first lactation production and individual type traits in Holstein cows.

Abstract Herdlife from first calving to removal and lifetime milk and fat yields were predicted from production and type measures of 34,675 Holstein cows in first lactation. Multiple squared correlations ranged from .053 to .152. Inclusion of descriptive type codes after linear and quadratic effects of milk and fat yields in first lactation increased multiple squared correlations for herdlife by 45% and for lifetime milk yield by 21%. Differences in herdlife and lifetime milk yield among alternative codes for fore udder, rear udder, udder support, and miscellaneous traits far exceeded differences among alternative codes for all other traits. After adjustment for production and final score in first lactation, ranges in effects of alternative codes exceeded 10% of mean herdlife for fore udder, rear udder, udder support, and miscellaneous traits, and 10% of mean lifetime milk yield for rear udder, udder support, and miscellaneous traits. Additionally, conformational and functional desirability were nearly synonymous for fore udder, rear udder, and udder support codings. However, several codes with relatively large effects on herdlife and lifetime milk yield offered little potential for indirect improvement in cow longevity due to their low frequency.
Donor-Acceptor Thiolated Polyenic Chromophores Exhibiting Large Optical Nonlinearity and Excellent Photostability

We have successfully utilized epoxyisophorone ring-opening chemistry to efficiently incorporate the butylthio group to the phenyltetraene bridge of highly efficient nonlinear optical chromophores in high overall yield. By following the guidance of Dewar’s rules, the sulfur atom functions as a moderate π-accepting group at a starred position of the conjugated bridge. Several of very critical material parameters of the phenyltetraenic chromophores for device applications have been intrinsically and simultaneously improved through such a simple and straightforward engineering of molecular structures. Compared with the nonsubstituted analogue 2, thiolated chromophore 1 achieves higher molecular hyperpolarizability (34%), enhanced E-O coefficient (38%), significantly improved photochemical stability against 1O2 (by an order of magnitude), and better optical transparency (17 nm blue-shifted λmax absorption spectrum).
Spatio-Temporal Couplings of Gaussian Pulses and Beams

We show that there are four previously undiscovered first order spatio-temporal couplings in ultrashort laser pulses. Our model not only identifies all possible couplings, but also yields explicit relations between the different couplings.
Retrograde cerebral and distal aortic perfusion during ascending and thoracoabdominal aortic operations

Background. Several alternative circulatory management techniques during thoracic aortic reconstruction have been implemented at this institution. This study was performed to assess whether retrograde cerebral perfusion during proximal aortic operations and distal aortic perfusion during thoracoabdominal aortic operations have improved outcomes. Methods. A retrospective review of 156 patients undergoing elective and emergent operations of the thoracic aorta over the past 7 years was performed. Seventy-five patients underwent proximal aortic procedures: 22 with ascending aneurysms, 45 with type A dissections, and 8 with arch reconstructions. Eighty-one patients underwent descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal procedures: 26 with Crawford type I aneurysms, 18 with type II, 8 with type III, 8 with type IV, 11 with traumatic transections, and 10 with type B dissections. Outcomes measured were neurologic injury, renal failure, and mortality. Results. For proximal aortic procedures, the stroke rate was 12% using cardiopulmonary bypass and 48% using hypothermic circulatory arrest. The addition of retrograde cerebral perfusion decreased the stroke rate to 0% ( p p p p Conclusions. Retrograde cerebral perfusion decreases the stroke rate and mortality rate in proximal aortic operations and distal aortic perfusion decreases the rates of neurologic injury, renal failure, and mortality in thoracoabdominal aortic operations.
Temperature-independent near-infrared analysis of lysozyme aqueous solutions.

Digital Fourier filtering is used to produce a temperature-insensitive univariate calibration model for measuring lysozyme in aqueous solutions. Absorbance spectra over the 5000−4000 cm-1 spectral range are collected for lysozyme standards maintained at 14 °C. These spectra are used to compute the calibration model while a set of spectra collected at temperatures ranging from 4 to 24 °C are used to validate the accuracy of this model. The root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) is 0.279 mg/mL over a tested lysozyme concentration range of 0.036−51.6 mg/mL. The detection limit is 0.68 mg/mL. In addition, multivariate calibration models based on partial least-squares regression (PLS) are evaluated and compared to the results from the univariate model. PLS outperforms the univariate model by providing a RMSEP of 0.090 mg/mL. Analysis of variance showed that both calibration methods effectively eliminate the adverse affects created by variations in solution temperature.
Sudden cardiac arrest in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function: A clinical dilemma

Stratifying the risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in individuals with preserved systolic function remains a pressing public health problem. Current guidelines for the implantation of cardiac defibrillators largely ignore patients with preserved systolic function, even though they account for the majority of cases of SCA. Risk stratification for such individuals may be increasingly feasible. Notably, most individuals who experience SCA have structural heart disease, even if undiagnosed. Thus, clinical risk scores have been developed to identify individuals at high risk. Moreover, there are now promising data that T-wave alternans, alone and in combination with other indices, effectively predicts SCA in this population. This article presents our current understanding of SCA caused by ventricular arrhythmias in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function, and attempts to build a framework to predict risk in this population.
Obesity Disparities in Preventive Care: Findings From the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 2005–2007

Obesity and its consequences are a major health concern. There are conflicting reports regarding utilization of preventive health-care services among obese patients. Our objective was to determine whether obese patients receive the same preventive care as normal weight patients. Weighted patient clinic visit data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) were analyzed for all adult patient visits with height/weight data (N = 866,415,856) from 2005 to 2007. Preventive care practice patterns were compared among different weight groups of normal, obese, and morbidly obese. Obese patients received the least number of preventive exams with a clear gradient present by weight. Obese patients were significantly less likely to receive cancer screening including breast examination (normal weight, reference, obese, odds ratio (OR), 0.8), mammogram (obese OR, 0.7), pap smear (obese OR, 0.7), pelvic exam (obese OR, 0.8), and rectal exam (obese OR, 0.7). The obese population also received less tobacco (obese OR, 0.7) and injury prevention education (obese OR, 0.7), yet significantly more diet, exercise, and weight reduction education. Significant differences in clinic practice patterns relative to normal weight patients were also evident with more physician referral (obese OR, 1.2) and less likely to see physician at the index clinic visit (obese OR, 0.8) and less likely to receive psychotherapy referral (obese OR, 0.6). Significant gaps in preventive care exist for the obese including cancer screening, tobacco cessation and injury prevention counseling, and psychological referral. Although obese patients received more weight-related education, this emphasis may have the consequence of de-emphasizing other needed preventive health measures.
Cross Modal Object-Based Attentional Guidance

Conclusions • Object-based attention is utilized cross-modally. • Auditory cues elicit object-based effects in visual targets; visual cues elicit object-based effects in auditory targets. • Attentional selection combines information from both the auditory and visual modalities to create a complete, multisensory representation of the external world. • Object-based attention, even cross-modally, acts as a default setting that can be overridden in the presence of an alternate, more effective strategy. Adapted a standard object-based attention paradigm (Egly, Driver, & Rafal, 1994):
Wind dispersal of oribatid mites as a mode of migration

Abstract Oribatid mites are important colonizers of young soils, but little is known about their immigration pathways. In this study, one often-stated hypothesis was tested quantitatively: that wind is an important dispersal pathway. The aim was (1) to detect wind dispersal in oribatid mites (using sticky traps at different heights above ground level) and to determine factors influencing wind dispersal, (2) to investigate whether oribatids can survive wind dispersal and immigrate by wind into young soils (using mini-pitfall traps in test plots with oribatid-free substrate, active immigration being prohibited) and (3) to find out whether those oribatids are able to colonize young soils (using soil cores from the test plots). The results demonstrate (1) that mainly arboreal oribatid species were dispersed by wind – even at 160 m height – and can therefore be spread over large distances. Nevertheless, about 10% of the wind-dispersed oribatid mites belonged to species able to live in the soil and may therefore be potential colonizers of young soils. The number of specimen and species transported by wind was the highest close to the soil surface and the number of dispersed individuals was mainly influenced by seasonality and humidity. The results also suggest that the probability of a soil oribatid being dispersed by wind depends on its original microhabitat (tree habitats > soil surface > deeper soil layers) and its body weight. It was also shown that soil-dwelling oribatid mites survived wind dispersal and immigrated by wind into the test plots and that colonization of the test plots took at least 2 months longer than immigration. However, colonization success was low during the first 2 years of investigation and only Trichoribates incisellus was found several times in the nutrient-poor substrate. Therefore, wind dispersal is an important migration pathway, especially for arboreal oribatids. We suggest that immigration into young soils most likely occurs by repeated short-distance dispersal. Only some species are able to survive the hostile conditions of wind dispersal as well as of pioneer soils, but those that do are potentially the founders of new populations.
Near Wake of a Blunt Body at Hypersonic Speeds

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the characteristics of the near wake of a blunt body in hypersonic flow. Base-pressure and body-surface pressure measurements are combined with hot-wire and pitot-pressure data to describe the free shear layer, the base-flow region, the recompression zone, and the initial development of a laminar wake. It is found that the postulate of thin shear layers is valid for Reynolds numbers greater than about 104, if the Mach number Me external to the shear layer is not large. Detailed measurements with a steady-state hot-wire behind a two-dimensiona l circular cylinder indicate that the maximum pressure rise occurs downstream of the stagnation point formed by the merging shear layers. The hot-wire measurements are corroborated by base-pressure data obtained with cylinders and wedges. Comparison between the experimental and theoretical results points out the importance of the base-flow temperature and the initial shear-layer profile in determining the observable characteristics of the near wake.
Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium and rhenium nucleosides

We report the synthesis and characterization of new ruthenium and rhenium nucleosides [Ru(tolyl-acac)2(IMPy)-T] (tolyl-acac=di(p-methylbenzonatemethane), IMPy=2'-iminomethylpyridine, T=thymidine) (5) and [Re(CO)3(IMPy)-T]Cl (9), respectively. Structural analysis of 9 shows that the incorporation of this metal complex causes minimal perturbation to the sugar backbone and the nucleobase. Eletrochemical (5, E1/2=0.265 V vs NHE; 9, E1/2=1.67 V vs NHE), absorption (5, lambdamax=600, 486 nm; 9, lambdamax=388 nm), and emission (9, lambdamax=770 nm, pi=17 ns) data indicate that 5 and 9 are suitable probes for DNA-mediated ground-state electron-transfer studies. The separation and characterization of diastereoisomers of 5 and bipyridyl-based ruthenium nucleoside [Ru(bpy)2(IMPy)-T]2+ (7) are reported.
Effects of liming on yield, forage cation composition, and tetany potential of wheat in Kansas 1/

Abstract We studied the effects of liming on dry matter production, nutrient composition, and grain yields of wheat in field experiments conducted on two soil types at three locations during the 1976–77 and 1977–78 growing seasons. Lime sources were commercial agricultural lime, finely divided stack dust, and dolomitic limestone (which contained 10.6% Mg). Lime applied at 2,800 kg/ha in the 1976–77 and 10,750 kg/ha in the 1977–78 experiments provided Mg from the dolomite at rates of 300 and 1,140 kg/ha, respectively. Soil pH was significantly increased by liming, but Mg saturation percentages were significantly greater only at the 1,140 kg/ha rate. Forage dry matter and grain yields were not increased by lime applied at the lower rate, but significant increases were found in dry‐matter production in the late fall and spring samplings of the 1977–78 experiment. Those increases in plant growth and dry matter production were probably due to reductions in the soluble Mn and Al concentrations in the soil. Fora...
Sodium-potassium measurement interferences in various biological fluids.

Abstract The filter-photocell flame photometers, operated with low-temperature flames, have come into widespread use for the measurement of sodium and potassium in serum 1,2 . These instruments function well in this measurement for which they were designed. Their use for measurements with biological fluids other than serum, where the sodium/potassium ratio may be markedly different, was found to require great precaution. This note describes the precautions necessary in the determination of sodium and potassium in mucus (tracheobronchial), duodenal fluid, saliva, and sweat with a commonly used flame photometer. These particular fluids are of interest in investigations of cystic fibrosis.