cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reflections on Performance Measurement in Cardiovascular Disease

As I complete a 3-year term as the Chair of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association (ACCF/AHA) Task Force on Performance Measures, I have been reflecting on the work of the Task Force and the evolution of the field of performance measurement in cardiovascular disease. I have noticed several consistent themes that merit discussion, given that performance measurement will certainly play an ever more prominent role in the work of clinicians, investigators, and policy-makers. The first is that engagement by clinicians is not only strategically wise—it is also our obligation. Although not all clinicians are convinced, most seem to have accepted the fact that the care that they deliver will be measured. The ACCF/AHA could certainly have decided to fight measurement efforts rather than embrace them. If they had, however, the situation for cardiovascular clinicians would be much worse. Purchasers and consumers insist on measurement, even if this means using poor instruments. Indeed, some measures recently endorsed by the National Quality Forum—the national clearinghouse for national performance measures—use only administrative data or ignore risk-adjustment of outcomes.1 Although in a few cases the use of administrative data has been rigorously validated,2 more often it is simply not up to the task of answering critical questions such as the appropriateness of therapeutic or diagnostic decisions. Risk adjustment of outcomes is fundamental to measures validity and protects the sickest patients from adverse selection. Because the ACCF/AHA have been leaders in quality measurement, many current “best in class” measures for cardiovascular disease use clinical data, consider clinically important exceptions to therapies for process measures, and …
The relationship between the blood pressure responses to exercise following training and detraining periods.

Background Exercise training lowers blood pressure (BP), while BP increases and returns to pre-training values with detraining. Yet, there is considerable variability in these BP responses. We examined the relationship between the BP responses after 6 months of training followed by 2 weeks of detraining among the same people.
First-principles coexistence simulations of supercooled liquid silicon

Abstract We perform first-principles coexistence simulations of the low-density and the high-density phases of supercooled liquid silicon and find a negative slope for the coexisting line in the temperature–pressure plane. Electron density maps and electron-localization function plots of the two phases of silicon show marked differences. The calculated differences suggest more localized electrons in the low-density liquid compared to the high-density liquid, coming from an increased population of covalent bonds, which further explain the calculated negative slope in the two phase coexistence regime. This is consistent with the presence of a pseudo-gap in low-density liquid silicon, absent in the high-density liquid which shows a metallic behavior.
The theory of multistage carcinogenesis

Abstract Cancerous cells in many tissues develop by stages. A normal cell must undergo several mutations to become a neoplastic cell. This paper presents a time-dependent stochastic model to describe the k -stage carcinogenic process. The distribution of the time required for a given number of mutations and the probability of developing neoplastic cells in a given time interval are derived. The problem of estimation for a special case is also discussed.
Content Analysis of Gay Male and Lesbian Personal Advertisements

396 randomly selected gay and lesbian personal advertisements were analyzed for content. Analysis supported the hypotheses that the 198 men are more interested in sexuality and physical attractiveness, while the 198 women are more concerned with the personality characteristics of prospective partners.
Suppression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by a soluble factor produced by CD8+ lymphocytes from HIV-2-infected baboons.

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2)-infected baboons (Papio cynocephalus) provide a valuable animal model for the study of acquired immunodefidency syndrome (AIDS) pathogenesis since many features of disease progression resemble HIV-1-infection of humans. In some HIV-2-infected baboons that are clinically healthy, a CD8+ cell antiviral response, that is partly mediated by a soluble factor, controls viral replication in vitro. In the present study, we demonstrate that CD8+ cells derived from HIV-2-infected baboon peripheral blood, lymph nodes, adenoids and tonsils had antiviral activity in co-cultures of CD8+ and CD4+ cells that inversely correlates with viral load. A soluble factor was found to be active against the chemokine-resistant, syncytium-inducing HIV-1 SF2 and HIV-1 SF33 isolates and was relatively heat stable at 100°C for 10 min. Moreover, inhibition of the transcription from the long terminal repeat of HIV-1 was observed in 1G5 cells after activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Therefore, the soluble suppressing activity of CD8+ cells in HIV-2-infected baboons may be analogous to the CD8+ cell antiviral factor described in human HIV-infected asymptomatic people.
The vibrational spectra and structure of diketene and diketene-d4

Abstract The infrared spectra of gaseous diketene and diketene- d 4 have been measured from 250 to 4000 cm −1 . The infrared spectra of solutions in carbon tetrachloride and carbon disulfide have been recorded over the same range. The Raman spectra of the liquids have been recorded and depolarization values measured. Assignment of the fundamentals based on position, band type, and depolarization values is given. The ring-puckering vibration in diketene was observed in the Raman spectrum at 144 cm −1 , and the vibration appears to be nearly harmonic. The number of depolarized Raman lines suggests a planar ring, but a puckered ring cannot be ruled out.
Dynamic rheology and thermal transitions of surimi seafood enhanced with ω-3-rich oils

Abstract Surimi-based seafood products are widely accepted and enjoyed worldwide. The U.S. consumption increased in 1980s; however, it leveled thereafter. Food products nutrified with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are in increasing demand due to demonstrated health benefits. Currently, surimi seafood is not nutrified with ω-3 PUFAs. In the present study, surimi seafood was nutritionally-enhanced with ω-3 PUFAs-rich oils (flaxseed, algae, menhaden, krill, and blend). Protein endothermal transitions, heat-induced gelation (elastic modulus, G′), and fundamental texture properties (shear stress) of Alaska pollock surimi nutrified with ω-3 PUFAs-rich oils (flaxseed, algae, menhaden, krill, and blend) were determined and compared to Alaska pollock surimi without oil (control). Differential scanning calorimetry showed that oil addition enhanced thermal transition of actin and did not compromise the transition of myosin. The addition of oil improved heat-induced protein gelation as demonstrated with dynamic rheology. Elastic modulus increased when oil was added. There were no differences ( P > 0.05) in shear stress between surimi gels with and without oil, indicating that nutrification with ω-3 PUFAs-rich oils within the ranges tested did not alter gel strength. This study demonstrates that the nutritional value and gelation of surimi seafood can be enhanced without altering texture properties by addition of ω-3 PUFAs-rich oils.
Down's syndrome and leukemia: Epidemiology, genetics, cytogenetics and mechanisms of leukemogenesis☆

The association of Down's syndrome and leukemia has been documented for over 50 years. Multiple studies have established the incidence of leukemia in Down's syndrome patients to be 10- to 20-fold higher than that in the general population. The age of onset for leukemia in these children is bimodal, peaking first in the newborn period and again at 3-6 years. This increased risk extends into adulthood. All cytogenetic types of Down's syndrome apparently predispose to leukemia. The proportion of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia in patients with Down's syndrome is similar to non-Down's syndrome leukemia patients matched for age. There are case reports in which leukemia, Down's syndrome, and other chromosomal aberrations cluster within a family. In these kindreds, there may be a familial tendency toward nondisjunction. Congenital leukemia also occurs with increased frequency in Down's syndrome patients, and is characterized by a preponderance of acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (similar to non-Down's syndrome patients). Transient leukemoid reactions have been observed in Down's syndrome patients, as well as in phenotypically normal children with constitutional trisomy 21 mosaicism. The transient leukemoid reactions are characterized by a high spontaneous remission rate. However, in some Downs syndrome patients with apparent transient leukemoid reaction, leukemia relapse following periods of spontaneous remission have been reported. Cytogenetic studies of leukemic cells in Down's syndrome patients show a tendency toward hyperdiploidy. Besides trisomy 21, there is no other specific cytogenetic abnormality that is characteristic of the leukemia cells in Down's syndrome patients. The possible mechanisms for leukemogenesis in Down's syndrome patients may involve factors at the levels of the organism, the organ/system, the cell, the chromosomes or the DNA.
The effects of cortisol and actinomycin D injections on chloride cells and branchial Na+K+-ATPase in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract Injections of cortisol, actinomycin D, or combined administration of the hormone and the antiobiotic did not effect rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) branchial Na + K + -ATPase activity. Numbers of chloride cells also did not change following cortisol and actinomycin D treatment. These results are discussed in light of a similar report concerning Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ).
Variation of the phenolic hydroxyl group content in wood lignins

The phenolic hydroxyl group content of wood lignin has been determined in situ by a periodate oxidation method for four softwood and six hardwood species. Hardwood lignins, in contrast to softwood lignins, showed a significant variation among different species in this functional group content which decreased with an increase in the proportion of syringyl units in the wood lignin.
Impact of emulsion-based drug delivery systems on intestinal permeability and drug release kinetics

Lipid based drug delivery systems, and in particular self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), show great potential for enhancing oral bioavailability but have not been broadly applied, largely due to lack of general formulation guidance. To help understand how formulation design influences physicochemical emulsion properties and associated function in the gastrointestinal environment, a range of twenty-seven representative self-emulsifying formulations were investigated. Two key functions of emulsion-based drug delivery systems, permeability enhancement and drug release, were studied and statistically related to three formulation properties - oil structure, surfactant hydrophilic liphophilic balance (HLB) values, and surfactant-to-oil ratio. Three surfactants with HLB values ranging from 10 to 15 and three structurally different oils (long chain triglyceride, medium chain triglyceride, and propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate) were combined at three different weight ratios (1:1, 5:1, 9:1). Unstable formulations of low HLB surfactant (HLB=10) had a toxic effect on cells at high (1:1) surfactant concentrations, indicating the importance of formulation stability for minimizing toxicity. Results also indicate that high HLB surfactant (Tween 80) loosens tight junction at high (1:1) surfactant concentrations. Release coefficients for each emulsion system were calculated. Incorporation of a long chain triglyceride (Soybean oil) as the oil phase increased the drug release rate constant. These results help establish an initial foundation for relating emulsion function to formulation design and enabling bioavailability optimization across a broad, representative range of SEDDS formulations.
The influence of photoperiod on drought induction of dormancy in Lotus scoparius.

Many species of plants in Mediterranean climate regions have evolved deciduousness, causing reduced leaf area during the long summer drought characteristic of Mediterranean climates. This summer deciduous growth form has been considered a plant adaptation in Mediterranean regions allowing survival during periods of extreme water stress. Many studies have suggested the ecological importance of this growth form but few studies have examined the physiological stimulus for deciduousness.
Closeting and the Quality of Lesbian Relationships

Analysis of data collected from 124 lesbians currently involved in a couple relationship indicated that closeting is related to the couple's relationship quality. Openness vs. secrecy with family and friends is most highly associated with the quality of their relationship. Further analyses suggested that particular family behaviors-inviting a member's lesbian partner to family events and accepting demonstrations of affection between the couple-can influence their relationship. These findings underscore the importance of support from family members and indicate the need for future studies to include multiple measures of closeting.
Mechanism based lumping of pyrolysis reactions: Lumping by reactive intermediates

Abstract A mechanism-oriented kinetic model has been developed with a small CPU requirement which allows the model to be incorporated into a reactor simulation with fluid dynamics and heat and mass transfer. The model achieves a small CPU requirement by lumping rdicals with similar reactivity together. A 42-lump subset of the 10 5 or more radicals is used to describe all the elementary reactions with a high degree of accuracy. Structure/reactivity relationships are utilized to provide rate constants for these elementary steps. The model predictions are compared to the results of full mechanistic simulations and the reaction of pure and synthetic mixtures of model compounds.
THE MECHANISM OF HISTIDASE INDUCTION AND FORMATION IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS.

The role of the inducer, L -histidine, in the synthesis of histidase ( L -histidine ammonia lyase, B.C. 4.3.1.3) in Bacillus subtilis was investigated. It was found that induced cells poisoned with actinomycin, an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, lose their capacity for the formation of a protein precursor of histidase at a rate which is independent of the presence or absence of the inducer. These results show that the inducer does not increase the intracellular level of histidase-specific messenger RNA by preventing the destruction of the major portion of this material, the fraction that is engaged in protein synthesis. The possibility has not been excluded that the inducer exerts its effect by bringing about the stabilization of the messenger RNA that is still attached to DNA or has not yet become attached to ribosomes. Alternatively, the inducer may actually stimulate the synthesis of histidase-specific messenger RNA. The conversion of the precursor to active enzyme appears to involve polymerization of monomers, rather than the release of ribosome-bound inactive enzyme.
STRUCTURE OF THE ROYAL ANN CHERRY CUTICLE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO CUTICULAR PENETRATION

The structure of the Royal Ann cherry cuticle (Prunus avium L.) was determined and interpreted in the light of its possible significance to cuticular penetration by a S02-calcium bisulfite brine. The morphology of the cuticle was determined by standard histological and histochemical techniques. The surface structure of the cuticle was found to have a smooth to granular sheet or layer of surface wax, which when removed revealed a porous sponge-like surface. The cuticular surface showed intermittent birefringence, which increased as the fruit matured. Ectodesmata were found to occur over anticlinal walls and in guard cells on both sides of the fruit, with more on the side opposite the suture. Both sides had stomata with more occurring on the suture side. Secondary bleaching was found to alter the structure and permeability of the cuticle.
Proposed nutritional importance of plant exudates in the diet of the Panamanian tamarin, Saguinus oedipus geoffroyi

Data collected on the feeding behavior of Saguinus oedipus geoffroyi(Panamanian tamarin) in Panama show that plant exudates, as well as insects and fruits, are a major component of the diet. During the months of May, June, and July, tamarins were observed clinging to the trunks of Anacardium excelsum(Anacardiaceae) while feeding on exudates. These observations accounted for greater than 14% of the total feeding time of this primate. Nutritional analyses indicate that Anacardiumexudates provide these tamarins with a rich source of the mineral calcium as well as protein, carbohydrates, and water. The seasonal pattern of exudate feeding observed in S. oedipusappears to coincide with certain nutritionally sensitive periods of the reproductive cycle and may serve to offset a potential mineral imbalance incurred during the terminal phase of gestation and lactation.
Biologic characteristics of patients with hypocellular myelodysplastic syndromes

Abstract Rates of proliferation and apoptosis as well as expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and the number of macrophages were measured in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of 33 patients who presented with hypocellular (cellularity
A time-slot and channel assignment algorithm in OFDM/TDMA wireless mesh networks

In order to use the available capacity of OFDM/TDMA wireless mesh networks as efficiently as possible, the maximum number of simultaneous transmissions must be scheduled in such a way that collisions are avoided. In order to achieve this goal, we introduce a scheduling algorithm that assigns both time slots and channels to wireless transmission links in a conflict free manner. For the scheduling of both time slots and channels, we introduce a new extended conflict graph consisting of two graphs, one weighted and claw-free, the other not weighted and not claw-free. For the purpose of maximizing the total throughput of the network, we propose an algorithm that finds the maximum independent set of the graphs. Since the second extended graph is not always claw-free, we introduce a greedy algorithm that finds an approximate maximum independent set of the second graph in polynomial time. Comparisons are made using our proposed algorithm and the exact graph coloring algorithm. As the simulation results show, the greatest throughput is achieved using the proposed algorithm.
Solubility in system CO(NH 2 ) 2 -NH 4 NO 3 -H 3 PO 4 -H 2 O

Solubility data were obtained in the system CO(NH2)2-NH4NO3-H3PO4-H2O at 0° and 15°C. The results show that high-analysis solution fertilizers can be produced from standard urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) and phosphoric acid materials. These acidic solution fertilizers contain up to 35% total plant nutrient (TPN = N + P2O5 + K2O), with N:P2O5 ratios varying from 20:1 to 1.5:1. Potential liquid products having fertilizer grades of 23-12-0, 26-9-0, 28-6-0, and 31-3-0 are feasible.
Effects of age, density, and geometry on the bending strength of human metatarsals.

In this basic study, we investigated the relative roles of donor age, bone density, and bone geometry in determining structural strength of human metatarsals tested in a four-point bending configuration. Density measurements were made noninvasively using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and geometric measurements were made by digitally imaging cross-sections of specimens. Correlations between area bone mineral density and metatarsal strength were strong (r2 = 0.83,0.81 for second and third metatarsals, respectively) and were not improved by including cross-sectional area or minimum moment of inertia in multiple regression analyses. Increased donor age was associated with decreased bending strength (r2 = 0.51 and 0.45, respectively), which was expected because increased age correlated significantly with decreased bone density (r2 = 0.69 and 0.80, respectively). These results indicate that the strength of human metatarsals generally decreases with age and that this decrease is likely attributable to decrea...
Root polytopes, triangulations, and the subdivision algebra. I

The type A n root polytope P(A + n ) is the convex hull in R n+1 of the origin and the points e i — e j for 1 ≤ i < j ≤ n + 1. Given a tree T on the vertex set [n + 1], the associated root polytope P(T) is the intersection of P(A + n ) with the cone generated by the vectors e i ― e j , where (i, j) ∈ E(T), i < j. The reduced forms of a certain monomial m[T] in commuting variables x ij under the reduction x ij x jk → x ik x ij + x jk x ik + βx ik can be interpreted as triangulations of P(T). Using these triangulations, the volume and Ehrhart polynomial of P(T) are obtained. If we allow variables x ij and x kl to commute only when i, j, k, l are distinct, then the reduced form of m[T] is unique and yields a canonical triangulation of P(T) in which each simplex corresponds to a noncrossing alternating forest. Most generally, in the noncommutative case, which was introduced in the form of a noncommutative quadratic algebra by Kirillov, the reduced forms of all monomials are unique.
Generation, propagation, and amplification of dark solitons

The use of guided-wave Mach–Zehnder interferometers to generate dark solitons with constant background is further examined. Under optimal conditions, both the input optical power and the driving voltage can be reduced by 30% as compared with the case of complete modulation. Dark solitons are also found to experience compression through amplification. When the gain coefficient is small, adiabatic amplification is possible. Besides being used for loss compensation, Raman amplification can be used as the gain mechanism for adiabatic amplification. The frequency and time shifts caused by intrapulse stimulated Raman scattering are both found to be smaller than those for bright solitons by a factor of 2. Finally, the propagation properties of even dark pulses are described quantitatively.
Auto-anti-idiotypy, autoimmunity and some thoughts on the structure of internal images.

Application of principles proposed by N. K. Jerne has led to the development of an auto-anti-idiotypic protocol for the preparation of monoclonal antibodies specific for receptors for acetylcholine, adenosine (A1), TSH, glucocorticoids and aldosterone. The properties ot these antibodies are described with reference to their behavior as internal images of auto-antibodies found in patients with autoimmune diseases or of ligands of the various receptors. The molecular basis of “internal imagery” is discussed in the context of specific antibodies and, in particular, with respect to the hemoglobin-myoglobin family of proteins. We venture the conclusion that immunoglobulins that mimic other biologically active polypeptides need not share primary sequence homologies.
Matrix Metalloproteinases Increase Very Early During Experimental Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Microvascular integrity is lost during focal cerebral ischemia. The degradation of the basal lamina and extracellular matrix are, in part, responsible for the loss of vascular integrity. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may play a primary role in basal lamina degradation. By using a sensitive modification of gelatin zymography, the authors investigated the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in frozen 10-microm sections of ischemic and nonischemic basal ganglia and plasma samples of 27 non-human primates after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) for various periods. The gelatinolytic activities were compared with parallel cell dUTP incorporation in the ischemic zones of adjacent sections. In the brain, the integrated density of MMP-2 increased significantly by 1 hour after MCAO and was persistently elevated thereafter. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression was highly correlated with the extent of neuron injury and the number of injured neurons (r = 0.9763, SE = 0.004, 2P < 0.0008). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression only was significantly increased in subjects with hemorrhagic transformation. In plasma, only MMP-9 increased transiently at 2 hours of MCAO. These findings highlight the early potential role of MMP-2 in the degradation of basal lamina leading to neuronal injury, and an association of MMP-9 with hemorrhagic transformation after focal cerebral ischemia.
Extending the 3ω-method to the MHz range for thermal conductivity measurements of diamond thin films

Abstract With diamond becoming increasingly important for high-power and high-speed electronics, optical, and micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) applications, we are developing experimental techniques to measure the thermal conductivity of this material. Thermal conductivity values reported in the literature cover a wide range depending on the particular crystalline structure of these thin films which range from nano to poly (micro) crystalline structures. A special challenge is the measurement of the thermal conductivity of very thin diamond films. In this paper we summarize our implementation of the so-called 3ω method [D. G. Cahill, R. O. Pohl, Phys. Rev. B 35 (1987) 4067.; D. G. Cahill, H. E. Fischer, T. Klitsner, E. T. Swartz, R. O. Pohl, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A7 (1989) 1259.; D. G. Cahill, Ref. Sci. Instrum. 61 (2) (1990) 802.; D. G. Cahill, M. Katiyar, J. R. Abelson, Phys. Rev. B 50 (1994) 6077. [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] ]. Our technique aims at measuring the thermal conductivities of the entire range of diamond materials including thin films. The experiments are designed to measure at driving frequencies in the megahertz range to keep the thermal wavelength shorter than the film thickness. In addition the appropriate data analysis technique for fitting the results in this frequency range has been developed. To test the method we performed measurements on thick glass disks (1.5 W/m·K) and silicon dioxide thin films (thicknesses between 300 nm and 3 μm, 1.6 W/m·K). The first successful measurements on diamond films were performed on a 16 μm thick ultra-nano crystalline thin film, which yielded 26 W/m·K.
Effects of lactation feed intake and creep feeding on sow and piglet performance

A total of 84 sows (PIC Line 1050) were blocked according to day of farrowing and parity and allotted in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with lactation feed intake (ad libitum vs. restricted) and creep feeding (no vs. yes) as factors. Sows fed for ad libitum intake (ad libitum-fed) were allowed free access to a common lactation diet (3,503 kcal of ME/kg, 0.97% standardized ileal digestible Lys), and sows with restricted intake (restricted-fed) were fed 25% less than ad libitum-fed sows. A creep diet (3,495 ME/kg, 1.56% standardized ileal digestible Lys) with 1.0% chromic oxide was offered to creep-fed pigs from d 3 to 21. Fecal samples from creep-fed pigs were taken with sterile swabs on d 7, 14, and 21, and color was assessed to categorize pigs as eaters or non-eaters. There were no interactions (P > 0.15) between lactation feed intake and creep feeding. Ad libitum-fed sows had greater (P 0.34) sow BW and backfat loss but increased days to estrus (5.4 vs. 4.9 d; P 0.16) effect on preweaning growth performance. Postweaning performance of creep-fed and non-creep-fed pigs was similar (P > 0.86). When individual pigs were categorized on the basis of creep feed consumption category, eaters had greater (P < 0.05) ADG (393, 376, and 378 g) and total BW gains (11.0, 10.5, and 10.6 kg) than non-eaters or non-creep-fed pigs. In conclusion, creep feeding for 18 d did not affect preweaning and lactating sow performance. Low feed intake during lactation negatively affected sow and litter performance. Creating more creep-feed eaters during the lactation period may benefit postweaning performance. Therefore, dietary and nondietary factors that can enhance the proportion of eaters in litters should be investigated.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF NANOPLANKTON FROM THE NORTH PACIFIC CENTRAL GYRE1

Nanoplankton was collected from the North Pacific Central Gyre during a cruise of R/V “Melville” in August 1985. Water samples from the surface and the deep chlorophyll maximum layer were fixed with glutaraldehyde and prepared for electron microscopy observation using formvar coated grids. The grids were examined first by epifluoresence microscopy under blue light to differentiate chloroplast and non-chloroplast containing cells. The surface and deep samples were dominated strongly by members of the Prymnesiophyceae, accounting for 55% of the total number of organisms identified. Prymnesiales and Coccosphaerales were equally abundant although coccoliths-bearing cells tended to dominate in the deep chlorophyll maximum layer. Heterotrophic choanoflagellates were also abundant at depth and were characterized by a high species diversity. Micromonas pusilla (Butcher) Manton & Parke was the major representative of the Prasinophyceae and was observed commonly within the deep chlorophyll maximum. Our observations reveal several new species, including autotrophic and heterotrophic specimens, and demonstrate the importance of knowing the structure of the planktonic community for ecological purposes. Indeed, the presence of a large number of heterotrophic organisms in the deep water suggests an active microbial food chain which may play an important role in regulating plankton processes in oligotrophic waters.
Improving web browsing on handheld devices

Small screen devices such as PDA's and mobile phones provide a real challenge for displaying web pages. I am exploring alternative display and interaction paradigms for browsing the web on handheld devices.
Maternal perceptions of infant exercise in the neonatal intensive care unit.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify important factors that influence mothers' perceptions of engaging in exercise with their preterm infants. Design Qualitative, semistructured individual interviews. Setting Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Participants Thirteen mothers of preterm infants who were in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods Two researchers conducted interviews with mothers in English or Spanish. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Results Mothers tended to view infant exercise as beneficial but feared for the safety of their infants. They perceived nurses as experts who could safely exercise their infants but feared that they themselves might harm their infants. Factors that influenced their beliefs included previous experiences with infant exercise and views regarding the fragility or the strength of their own infants. Mothers identified nurses, doctors, family members, and research studies as trusted sources of information on exercise efficacy and safety. Conclusion Understanding and addressing mothers' perceptions is a crucial component of a nursing intervention that teaches parents to do assisted exercises at home with their preterm infants.
On the behavior of closed tibial fractures: clinical/radiological correlations.

Objective: To review the treatment of closed diaphyseal tibial fractures with functional braces and to identify patient and fracture characteristics, as well as possible correlations, that could be used to determine final outcomes. Design: A comprehensive review of data obtained from 1,000 diaphyseal tibial fractures. Setting: Major university teaching hospital. Intervention: Identification of patient and fracture characteristics, including type and level of fracture, initial shortening and angulation, and severity of injury, to be correlated with final shortening and angulation and speed of healing. Main Outcome Measurements: Degree of shortening and angulation; speed of healing. Results: Neither the level nor the type of tibial fracture significantly influenced healing time, although there was a considerably higher probability of delayed union in fractures produced from vehicular accidents, as well as in comminuted and segmental fractures. Any delay in application of the functional brace resulted in slower healing. Maximum shortening of the fractures occurred at the time of the initial injury, with no additional shortening experienced after the introduction of graduated weight-bearing ambulation. Compared with a mean initial shortening of 4.25 millimeters, the overall final shortening of fractures was 4.28 millimeters. Conclusions: Correlations exist between patient and fracture characteristics that influence the final outcome for closed diaphyseal fractures treated with functional braces.
Evidence suggesting that iron and calcium are interrelated in oxidant-induced DNA damage

Evidence suggesting that iron and calcium are interrelated in oxidant-induced DNA damage. The effect of iron chelators and agents that buffer cytosolic-free calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) on hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA strand breaks in LLC-PK 1 cells has not been previously examined. In addition, the interrelationship between iron and calcium in the pathogenesis of DNA damage has not been studied in any model of tissue injury. Exposure of LLC-PK 1 cells to 1 mM hydrogen peroxide resulted in marked DNA damage, as measured by the alkaline unwinding assay (residual intact double stranded DNA at 10 min, control: 88 ± 1%; hydrogen peroxide-treated cells: 17 ± 3%, N=8). The iron chelators, 1,10-phenanthroline and deferoxamine, and agents which buffer [Ca 2+ ] i ], BAPTA and quin-2, provided highly significant protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA strand breaks. We then examined the effect of iron chelators on hydrogen peroxide-induced rise in [Ca 2+ ] i ] in LLC-PK 1 cells. Both 1,10-phenanthroline and deferoxamine prevented the marked and sustained rise in [Ca 2+ ] i ] induced by exposure of LLC-PK 1 cells to 1 mM hydrogen peroxide ([Ca 2+ ] i ] at 15 min, control 100 ± 3 nM; hydrogen peroxide 195 ± 14 nM; 1,10-phenanthroline + hydrogen peroxide 100 ± 4 nM; deferoxamine + hydrogen peroxide 106 ± 4 nM; N=4). We excluded the possibility that the iron chelators were directly chelating calcium by performing experiments using a cell free system. We also confirmed that BAPTA and quin-2, in concentrations used in our study, chelate calcium but not iron or copper. Our data thus indicate a role for both iron and calcium in hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA strand breaks, and suggest that the effect of iron chelators in preventing DNA damage may be related at least in part to their ability to prevent oxidant-induced rise in [Ca 2+ ] i ].
The evoked heart rate response: the influence of auditory stimulus repetition, pattern reversal, and autonomic arousal level.

A brief two-component auditory stimulus was repeatedly presented at 10-sec intervals to 48 college students. Analysis of the pattern of sec-by-sec changes in heart rate (HR) revealed that the only reliable response to the first stimulus was HR deceleration. During the remainder of the first 20 trials, an acceleration was the predominant response in the HR curves. When the stimulus pattern was reversed on trial 21 to study “dishabituation,” only a HR deceleration was again observed. A significant habituation effect appeared across trials employing an index based upon the difference between peak and trough values. Further analysis revealed that the two response components reflected in the peak and trough values of this index showed different rates of response decrement. The acceleratory component showed a rapid initial decrement and remained stable on subsequent trials, whereas the deceleratory component diminished more gradually. Level of autonomic arousal, as measured by skin conductance level, was unrelated to HR habituation.
Teacher and Parent Views on Standardized Testing: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Uses and Influencing Factors.

Abstract In this study, elementary teachers and parents from two cultural groups, Middle Eastern and White Other, were surveyed regarding their views on standardized testing. The views of teachers of grades 3 to 5 were also compared with those of grades kindergarten to 2. The responses of teachers (n= 159) and parents (n=134) on the uses of standardized testing, ways to increase test scores, year-to-year changes in test scores and amount of personal and child stress were compared. While similar on several aspects, teachers and parents overall differed in their views of the uses of standardized testing. Parents supported the use of standardized tests to compare teachers, schools, school districts and administrators, while teachers opposed such uses. Teachers, unlike parents, reported considerable personal stress and some child stress due to standardized testing. These findings were particularly strong in teachers of upper grade children. Differences in views were also attributed to cultural differences. Th...
Individual and interactive effects of Amur honeysuckle ( Lonicera maackii ) and white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) on herbs in a deciduous forest in the eastern United States

Invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) has reduced diversity, growth, and reproduction of native herbs in the Midwest USA. These effects may be compounded by browsing from overabundant white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We used experimental treatments of honeysuckle (present, absent, removed) and deer (present, excluded) to measure their independent and interactive impacts on diversity, richness, and abundance of herbs in a deciduous forest in southwestern Ohio, USA. Species diversity and richness of herbs were not affected by honeysuckle or deer. Honeysuckle reduced abundance of annuals, graminoids, spring perennials, and summer perennials; deer decreased abundance of annuals and spring perennials, but increased abundance of graminoids. A deer × honeysuckle interaction showed that when honeysuckle was absent or removed, browsing by deer kept abundance of annuals and spring perennials low. Effects of honeysuckle and deer also were assessed for the three most abundant herbs: honeysuckle reduced abundance of Carex rosea and Sanicula odorata, and deer reduced abundance of Viola soraria. Herb abundance varied seasonally and annually. Honeysuckle and deer reduced number of leaves/stem of Maianthemum racemosum and a deer × honeysuckle interaction indicated that the negative effect of honeysuckle was released only when deer were excluded. Herb abundance and M. racemosum rebounded to or near to control levels after removal of honeysuckle. Our findings revealed that impacts of invasive honeysuckle or overabundant deer were not the same across all levels of biological organization (i.e., individual species, growth forms, community measures of species diversity/richness). Measuring impacts of these species at multiple levels of biological organization, considering deer × honeysuckle interactions, and collecting data for several years to account for seasonal and annual fluctuations will help guide management plans. The rapid response by herbs to removal of honeysuckle demonstrated the resilience of this community and is a hopeful sign for restoration of native understory herbs.
Evaluation of stormwater BMPs for implementing industrial stormwater permitting strategy

This study assesses the performance of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) in industrial sectors and their effluent quality to facilitate the development of technology-based numerical effluent criteria. Generally, retention ponds outperform other BMP types for reducing total suspended solids, and media filter and wetland basins outperform other BMPs for metal removal. Detention basins were not effective in reducing stormwater pollution although they can retain the stormwater before entering surface waters. However, many BMPs show high variability of influent and effluent concentrations and no significant difference between them, which makes it difficult to determine the effectiveness of the BMP. In some cases, low influent concentrations govern the distribution of effluent concentrations and effluent concentrations are often greater than inflow concentrations. The analysis results can be used to assist in the developing a watershed based multisector industrial stormwater general permit to ensure compliance with total maximum daily loads. The results also suggest the need for additional monitoring data.
Complete Genome of Bacillus thuringiensis Myophage BigBertha.

ABSTRACT BigBertha is a myophage of Bacillus thuringiensis, a widely used biocontrol agent that is active against many insect pests of plants. Here, we present the complete annotated genome of BigBertha. The genome shares 85.9% sequence identity with Bacillus cereus phage B4.
A new quasi-Yagi antenna for planar active antenna arrays

In this paper, a novel broadband planar antenna based on the classic Yagi-Uda dipole antenna is presented, and its usefulness as an array antenna is explored. This "quasi-Yagi" antenna is realized on a high dielectric-constant substrate, and is completely compatible with microstrip circuitry and solid-state devices. This antenna achieves a measured 48% frequency bandwidth for voltage standing-wave ratio <2, better than a 12-dB front-to-back ratio, smaller than -15 dB cross polarization, and 3-5-dBi absolute gain. Mutual coupling of the antenna in an array environment is investigated. Finally, three simple arrays are presented, demonstrating the usefulness of the antenna as an array element. This novel antenna should find wide application in wireless communication systems, power combining, phased arrays, and active arrays, as well as millimeter-wave imaging arrays.
Exposure and Soft-Tissue Dissection

The underlying premise of this article is that a thorough knowledge of anatomy, both topographic and deep, is the fundamental basis for all soft-tissue dissection. The surgeon must begin the dissection in normal anatomy, where structures are easily recognizable, and work toward the area of pathology where the anatomy may be radically distorted. Planes of anatomy are the key to soft-tissue dissection, and once a normal anatomic plane is identified, the surgeon should stay in that plane. All soft tissues are damaged by our most precise attempts at careful dissection, and in handling soft tissues, contact with sharp or toothed instruments must be minimized and purposeful. Postoperative scarring is the enemy, but the deleterious effects of tissue adherence can be minimized by starting active and passive motion within 3 to 5 days postoperatively, unless the operation itself dictates longer immobilization.
Out-of-hospital pleomorphic ventricular tachycardia and resuscitation: Association with acute myocardial ischemia and infarction

Pleomorphic ventricular tachycardia is characterized by QRS complexes with repeated variation in polarity, amplitude, and regularity. When associated with prolongation of the QT interval, the term torsades de pointes is used to describe the arrhythmia. It usually is seen clinically in association with class IA antiarrhythmic drugs such as quinidine and procainamide, bradycardia, hypokalemia, and, much less often, other drugs and electrolyte disorders as well as a result of congenital and neurogenic causes. It also may accompany acute myocardial infarction or ischemia. We describe four patients in whom pleomorphic ventricular tachycardia was observed as the presenting rhythm or during the course of resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In all four patients, acute myocardial ischemia appeared to be the provocative mechanism. Therapeutic implications include an awareness of the unusual behavior of this arrhythmia, especially its propensity to terminate spontaneously. Such awareness may prevent the delivery of unnecessary defibrillatory shocks.
Effects of Intake of a Mixed Diet by Dairy Steers on Digestion Events

Ruminally cannulated steers were in a 4 X 4 Latin square to determine the effect of amount of feed ingested on fiber digestion and other digestion events. Alfalfa haylage, corn silage, and a corn-soybean meal mix were incorporated in a ratio 45:20:35 (dry matter) and fed at either 100, 85, 70, or 55% of ad libitum intake. Acid-insoluble ash, lanthanum, and chromium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid were digestion, particulate, and liquid markers. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and cell solubles decreased linearly as feed intake increased. The fiber fraction digested was a larger percentage of the dry matter digested at low than at high intakes of feed. A more rapid rate of cellulose disappearance and a slow rate of passage of particulate matter through the rumen and total digestive tract with decreasing feed intake were key factors responsible for bringing about changes of digestion coefficients. A consistently lower rumen pH of steers at high intakes of feed was thought to account for the slower rate of ruminal fiber disappearance. The lower tract accounted for 11 to 17% of dry matter disappearance, and tended to play a greater role during periods of high feed intake. Rumen and fecal sampling techniques provided similar ruminal rates of solids passage.
Using in-class debates as a teaching tool

In-class debates can be used as an excellent teaching tool in engineering courses. They can provide students the opportunity to synthesize course information, encourage related outside research, improve critical thinking, and develop verbal communication skills. When debate topics are sufficiently scoped, students are encouraged to tie together the major concepts of the course as they prepare their debate positions. The public nature of the debate format makes students naturally want to perform well. This teaching technique has been used successfully in computer science courses in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Young Children’s Automatic Encoding of Social Categories

The present research investigated young children's automatic encoding of two social categories that are highly relevant to adults: gender and race. Three- to 6-year-old participants learned facts about unfamiliar target children who varied in either gender or race and were asked to remember which facts went with which targets. When participants made mistakes, they were more likely to confuse targets of the same gender than targets of different genders, but they were equally likely to confuse targets within and across racial groups. However, a social preference measure indicated that participants were sensitive to both gender and race information. Participants with more racial diversity in their social environments were more likely to encode race, but did not have stronger racial preferences. These findings provide evidence that young children do not automatically encode all perceptible features of others. Further, gender may be a more fundamental social category than race.