cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recruitment-limitation in open populations of Diadema antillarum: an evaluation

Empirical evidence from studies of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum suggests that this organism widely disperses its offspring, that both recruitment and mortality rates are independent of local densities, and that local food availability does not regulate local population sizes. These attributes would indicate that local populations are generally open and recruitment-limited. Given that current populations have been devastated by a 1983–1984 mass mortality event which spread throughout the range of this species, we examine current population trends and evaluate the prospects for population recovery under the assumptions of recruitment-limitation and density-independent rates of recruitment and mortality. Specifically, we evaluate the dynamics of five, local populations at Lameshur Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. in order to 1) determine current rates of recruitment and mortality, 2) predict population densities based on the above assumptions, 3) compare predicted densities against observed 1984–1988 densities, and 4) predict future population densities based on current trends. We estimate current recruitment rates at 0.02–0.11 individuals/m2/yr and per capita mortality rates at 0.27–0.47 deaths/yr. Over the period 1985–1988, predicted densities based on these annual rates did not differ significantly from actual observed densities. Therefore, the assumptions that recruitment and mortality rates are density-independent and that local populations are recruitment-limited are sufficient, at present, to adequately predict current population trends. These trends indicate no recovery towards pre-mass mortality densities. The above description of the dynamics of open, recruitment-limited populations may be appropriate for a wide variety of organisms. We note the prevalence of animals with extensive larval dispersal capabilities. Populations located near the limits of their distribution, in freshwater streams and ponds, mountain tops, or other similarly isolated populations may also be subject to recruitment-limitation. Remote, recruitment-limited populations are likely to be more susceptible to local extinction than less remote populations. Dispersal distances and the scale of the processes controlling recruitment and mortality are important determinants of the degree of openness of local populations.
Ethical considerations in the communication of unexpected information with clinical implications.

Implicit ubiquitously in beneficence is our obligation to make informed decisions and aid others in doing so as well. Therefore, cases involving the unanticipated discovery of information with clin...
Sterol synthesis. Chemical synthesis of 3β-benzoyloxy -14α, 15α-epoxy-5α-cholest-7-ene, a key intermediate in the synthesis of 15-oxygenated sterols

Abstract 3β-Benzoyloxy-14α, 15α-epoxy-5α-cholest-7-ene was obtained in 96% yield upon treatment of 3β-benzoyloxy-5α-cholesta-7, 14-diene with m -chloroperbenzoic acid. The Δ 7 -14 α , 15α-epoxy-steryl ester provides a useful intermediate for the syntheses of sterols with an oxygen function at carbon atom 15. For example, treatment of 3β-benzoyloxy-14α, 15α-epoxy-5α-cholest-7-ene with methanolic hydrochloric acid gave 3β-benzoyloxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one in 82% yield.
Impact of spine surgery on signs and symptoms of spinal deformity.

Paediatric scoliosis is associated with signs and symptoms including reduced pulmonary function, increased pain and impaired quality of life, all of which worsen during adulthood, even when the curvature remains stable. Spinal fusion has been used as a treatment for nearly 100 years. In 1941, the American Orthopedic Association reported that for 70% of patients treated surgically, outcome was fair or poor: an average 65% curvature correction was reduced to 27% at >2 year follow-up and the torso deformity was unchanged or worse. Outcome was worse in children treated surgically before age 10, despite earlier intervention. Today, a reduced magnitude of curvature obtained by spinal fusion in adolescence can be maintained for decades. However, successful surgery still does not eliminate spinal curvature and it introduces irreversible complications whose long-term impact is poorly understood. For most patients there is little or no improvement in pulmonary function. Some report improved pain after surgery, some...
The Learning Curve for Surgical Margins After Open Radical Prostatectomy: Implications for Margin Status as an Oncological End Point

Purpose: Surgical margin status is commonly used as an end point for surgical learning. We examined the surgical margin learning curve and investigated whether surgical margins are a good marker for oncological outcome.Materials and Methods: The study cohort included 7,765 patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy by 1 of 72 surgeons at a total of 4 major American academic medical centers. We calculated the learning curve for surgical margins and a concordance probability between the surgeon rates of positive surgical margins and 5-year biochemical recurrence.Results: A positive surgical margin was identified in 2,059 patients (27%). On multivariate analysis surgeon experience was strongly associated with surgical margin status (p = 0.017). The probability of a positive surgical margin was 40% for a surgeon with 10 prior cases, which decreased to 25% for a surgeon with 250 (absolute difference 15%, 95% CI 11 to 18). Learning curves differed dramatically among surgeons. For surgeon p...
Structural organization of the dynein-dynactin complex bound to microtubules

EM analyses reveal the architecture of cytoplasmic dynein in complex with dynactin and the BicD2 cargo adaptor on microtubules, showing the quaternary complex positioned for unidirectional movement and cargo recruitment.
Smoking, Depression, and Gender in Low-Income African Americans with HIV/AIDS

Individuals with HIV/AIDS have disproportionately high depression and smoking prevalence rates. Smokers with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to opportunistic infections, smoking-related illnesses, and mortality. African Americans (AAs) comprise nearly half of newly diagnosed HIV+ cases. We examined the relationship among smoking, depression, and gender in un- or under-insured AA patients (N = 289) at an urban community HIV/AIDS clinic in the southeastern US. Approximately 33% met criteria for a depressive disorder and 37% endorsed current smoking status. Men were more likely than women to be current smokers and depressed participants were more likely to smoke than non-depressed participants. Women had significantly higher rates of depression compared to men. Both depression and male gender independently predicted current smoking status. Depression and smoking are likely to co-occur in HIV/AIDS patients; however, standard smoking cessation interventions often exclude smokers with comorbid psychiatric and/or medical illnesses. Interventions addressing these comorbidities are warranted.
Discriminative stimulus effects of esteratic local anesthetics in squirrel monkeys

Abstract A number of esteratic local anesthetics serve as positive reinforcers and produce cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects in animals. It has been suggested that the affinity of these compounds for a site on the dopamine transporter, and not their local anesthetic actions, is responsible for these abuse-related behavioral effects. In the present study, three local anesthetics previously shown to be self-administered in animals were examined in squirrel monkeys trained to discriminate cocaine (0.3 mg/kg) from saline in a two-lever, food-reinforced procedure. Dimethocaine (0.1–3.0 mg/kg) fully and dose-dependently substituted for cocaine. Doses of dimethocaine (1.7 mg/kg) and cocaine (0.3 mg/kg) which produced full (> 80%) substitution for cocaine were administered in combination with the dopamine D 1 receptor antagonist SCH 39166 ((−)- trans -6,7,7a,8,9,13b-hexahydro-3-chloro-2-hydroxy- N -methyl-5 H -benzo[ d ]naphtho-(2,1-b)azepine) and the dopamine D 2 receptor antagonist raclopride (both at 0.003–0.03 mg/kg). SCH 39166 fully blocked the cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects of dimethocaine and cocaine, but raclopride produced only partial antagonism of cocaine-lever selection. In addition, there was some evidence that raclopride blocked cocaine-lever responding produced by a lower dose of dimethocaine. In substitution studies, neither procaine (1–10 mg/kg) nor chloroprocaine (1–30 mg/kg) produced cocaine-like effects. These results support a role for dopamine in the behavioral effects of some local anesthetics.
Inactivation of rabbit muscle creatine kinase by hydrogen peroxide.

The effects of xanthine + xanthine oxidase-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) on rabbit muscle creatine kinase (CK) were studied. Xanthine (0.1 mM) + xanthine oxidase (30 mU/ml) inhibited activity of rabbit muscle CK (1.2mU/ml). Catalase (100/ml), but not SOD (100 U/ml), deferoxamine (100μM) or mannitol (20 mM), protected CK from inactivation; suggesting that H2O2 was responsible for inactivation. These results were different from previously reported findings on bovine heart CK that superoxide radicals inactivate the enzyme. Thus, enzymes with homologous structures may have different reactivities to different ROS. H2O2-induced inactivation of rabbit muscle CK was accompanied by a decrease in its thiol group content, whereas no significant changes in the protein structure were detected by SDS-PAGE or carbonyl content. These results suggest that oxidation of -SH groups by H2O2 seems to be a major mechanism of activation of rabbit muscle CK by xanthine + xanthine oxidase. Such inactivation of CK by H2O2...
Monte-carlo simulation of aerosol transport in rising spherical bubbles with internal circulation

Abstract The transport and removal of particles suspended in spherical bubbles rising in a liquid pool are modeled based on a hybrid Eulerian–Monte-Carlo approach. The bubble internal circulation is assumed to be similar to Hill's vortex flow, and equations of motion are solved for a large number of particles accounting for Brownian dispersion, sedimentation, convective, and inertial mechanisms. Particles that impact the bubble surface are assumed to be removed from the bubble. Parametric calculations are presented, and are compared with relevant Eulerian theoretical models. The strength of the bubble internal circulation is shown to be an important parameter affecting the bubble's particle removal rate. Slower internal circulation, which can result from surface active contaminants, will significantly reduce the removal rate of particles by weakening the inertial particle transport mechanism.
Effect of Pepsin on the Growth and Health of Young Dairy Calves Fed Various Milk-Replacer Rations

Summary Sixty-four two-day-old Holstein calves were divided into eight groups and placed on experiment for 70 days, to study the value of supplementing various milk-replacer rations with the enzyme pepsin. Four pairs of replacers were fed which ranged from a high-dried skimmilk-no soya flour ration to a no-dried skimmilk-high soya flour ration. The composition of each pair of replacers was the same, except that four contained 0.5% pepsin and four did not. Since the soya flour contained a higher percentage of protein than the dried skimmilk, as the percentage of soya flour increased in the replacers it was necessary to decrease the amount of dried whey and to increase the percentage of cerelose, in order to keep the protein content of the replacers comparable. Growth rates decreased significantly as the amount of dried skimmilk decreased and the amount of soya flour increased in the ration. Pepsin depressed slightly the rate of growth of all calves. Pepsin-fed calves tend to consume less calf starter and more hay, and required more feed per pound of gain than did the calves which did not receive pepsin. Data presented in this study support an earlier observation that the feeding of a pepsin-supplemented, plant protein milk-replacer ration does not improve the performance of calves.
Tumour microenvironment: TGFβ: the molecular Jekyll and Hyde of cancer

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) signalling regulates cancer through mechanisms that function either within the tumour cell itself or through host-tumour cell interactions. Studies of tumour-cell-autonomous TGFbeta effects show clearly that TGFbeta signalling has a mechanistic role in tumour suppression and tumour promotion. In addition, factors in the tumour microenvironment, such as fibroblasts, immune cells and the extracellular matrix, influence the ability of TGFbeta to promote or suppress carcinoma progression and metastasis. The complex nature of TGFbeta signalling and crosstalk in the tumour microenvironment presents a unique challenge, and an opportunity to develop therapeutic intervention strategies for targeting cancer.
EEG asymmetries in recognition of faces: Comparison with a tachistoscopic technique

Abstract Twelve field-dependent and twelve field-independent women, who had previously shown opposite superiorities in a tachistoscopic face recognition task, returned to the laboratory for a session in which EEG asymmetry was measured during two facial and two verbal recognition tasks. Although task-related EEG asymmetries were observed, there was no effect of cognitive style on either direction or amount of asymmetry. These results suggest a lack of comparability among different methods of assessing individual differences in lateral functions.
Thermoelastic-Damping Noise from Sapphire Mirrors in a Fundamental-Noise-Limited Interferometer

We report the first high-precision interferometer using large sapphire mirrors, and we present the first direct, broadband measurements of the fundamental thermal noise in these mirrors. Our results agree well with the thermoelastic-damping noise predictions of Braginsky, et al. [V. B. Braginsky, M. L. Gorodetsky, and S. P. Vyatchanin, Phys. Lett. A 264, 1 (1999)] and Cerdonio et al. [M. Cerdonio, L. Conti, A. Heidmann, and M. Pinard, Phys. Rev. D 63, 082003 (2001)], which have been used to predict the astrophysical reach of advanced interferometric gravitational wave detectors.
Social reciprocity in handicapped and nonhandicapped children in a dyadic play situation

Abstract Social reciprocity behavior was compared for handicapped and nonhandicapped preschool children when they were in play situations with both handicapped and nonhandicapped partners. In a counterbalanced design, handicapped and nonhandicapped children were paired with both handicapped and nonhandicapped play partners, and the social initiation and response sequences of the dyads were observed. Types of initiation observed were friendly statements, friendly questions, mildly negative advances, and demanding statements. Friendly, ignoring, and negative responses were observed to these initiations. Handicapped and nonhandicapped children did not differ on overall number of initiations. However, they did differ on the types of initiation they made. Handicapped children asked fewer friendly questions and engaged in more demanding initiations than expected. Both groups made more initiations when paired with handicapped partners than when paired with nonhandicapped partners, but the groups did not differ on the types of initiation made to handicapped and nonhandicapped partners. The handicapped children made more ignoring and negative responses to friendly initiations than the nonhandicapped children. Behaving similarly, both groups tended to respond negatively to negative and demanding initiations.
Laser-assisted epitaxy of III-V compounds

Laser-assisted epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductors has been achieved using both pyrolytic and photolytic reactions. A focused beam from an argon laser operating at 514.5 nm was used to 'direct-write' epitaxial microstructures using the pyrolytic process, whereas an excimer laser was utilized to examine the photolytic process. Dependence of the film properties on the laser parameters is investigated. This discussion is limited to homo- and heteroepitaxy of GaP.
Urinary excretion of sulfate and glucuronate conjugates in a free living population of adult males.

The measured levels of urinary conjugates of sulfate and of glucuronic acid in each subject were compared. Additionally, the potential influence of several dietary and nondietary factors upon conjugate excretion was evaluated using the statistical F-test
Cermet coatings for magnetic fusion reactors

Abstract Cermet coatings consisting of SiC particles in an aluminum matrix were produced by a low pressure chamber plasma spray process. Properties of these coatings are being investigated to evaluate their suitability for use in the next generation of magnetic confinement fusion reactors. Although this preliminary study has focused primarily upon SiC-Al cermets, the deposition process can be adapted to other ceramic-metal combinations. Potential applications for cermet coatings in magnetic fusion devices are presented along with experimental results from thermal tests of candidate coatings.
Reproducibility study on the Scheimpflug Cataract Video Camera.

The Zeiss Scheimpflug Cataract Video Camera was designed to photograph, store and analyze cataracts in a semi-automated fashion for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. We conducted a reproducibility study of this system. Twenty-four normal and 61 cataractous eyes were photographed twice by each of two of the authors in the 90° meridian and microdensitometry was performed on each of the stored images. Reproducibility was then determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient to determine whether or not the differences encountered were due to variability in the system or due to actual differences among the images. The intraclass correlation in the lens nucleus was 0.995 with 95% confidence limits of. 992-.996. Therefore, reproducibility was 99.5%. In the anterior cortex, intraclass correlation was. 941 with 95% confidence limits of. 919-.959. In the posterior cortex intraclass correlation was. 905 with 95% confidence limits of. 870-.932. Reproducibility with this instrument was therefore excelle...
INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION AND TECHNICAL SERVICE LINKAGES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM TORONTO

This paper focuses on some of the main technological associations which exist between small manufacturing firms and specialist units in the producer services. It is argued that knowledge-intensive inputs from external consultants play a major enabling role in local industrial innovation. Empirical evidence from a stratified sample of Toronto manufacturers is used to illustrate the scale, nature, and effects of current linkage arrangements. Survey data are presented which indicate that small industrial firms deliver substantial streams of income to local consultants. A major finding of the survey is that technical service inputs assist the export and innovation objectives of small Toronto firms.
Spectroscopic properties and potential energy curves of GaH

Abstract Spectroscopic properties and potential energy curves of several electronic states of SnF + are computed using the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) followed by first- and second-order configuration interaction (FOCI, SOCI) methods that include up to 1.6 million configurations. Spin-orbit effects were incorporated using the relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) method. Spectroscopic properties of several excited electronic states of SnF + are reported, none of which is observed at present.
Phospholipid composition of lamellar bodies formed by fetal rabbit lung type II cells in organ culture.

Abstract Lung tissue obtained from fetal rabbits of 23 days gestational age was maintained in organ culture to study the in vitro formation of lamellar body phospholipids. During the culture period, the epithelium of the prealveolar ducts of the explants differentiated to form type II pneumonocytes. After 8 days in culture, the explants were harvested, homogenized, and two lamellar body fractions were isolated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The lamellar body fraction which best retained the distinct multilamellar structure was recovered at the interface between a solution of buffer without sucrose and buffer containing 0.41 m sucrose. The phospholipid compositions of both lamellar body fractions were similar to those reported for lamellar bodies and surfactant isolated from fetal rabbit lung, with the exception of a slightly higher phosphatidylethanolamine content. The disaturated phosphatidylcholine content of the lamellar body fractions, expressed as a percentage of total lipid phosphorus, was not influenced by the presence of palmitate in the medium.
Sonographic differentiation of digital tendon rupture from adhesive scarring after primary surgical repair.

Purpose After the surgical repair of finger tendons finger range of motion may be limited by tendon rupture or adhesive scarring. Differentiating tendon rupture from adhesive scarring may be difficult clinically. Digital tendon sonography allows the evaluation of tendon integrity in a dynamic setting. Our objective was to determine if sonography could differentiate tendon rupture from adhesive scarring in patients who have had primary tendon repair. Methods A retrospective review was performed of the radiographic, clinical, and surgical records of patients referred for finger sonography over a 2-year period. Twenty-eight digits in 21 patients were evaluated for finger tendon disruption after primary surgical repair. The diagnosis of complete tendon rupture was made when 1 or more of the following was identified: a gap separating the proximal and distal tendon margins, visualization of only the proximal tendon margin, or visualization of only the distal tendon margin. Adhesive scarring was diagnosed if the tendon appeared intact with abnormal peritendinous soft tissue abutting or partially encasing the tendon, with synovial sheath thickening, or with restricted tendon motion during dynamic evaluation. Results Sonography correctly identified tendon rupture or adhesive scarring in 27 of 28 digits with 1 false-positive case (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 93%; positive-predictive value, 93%; negative-predictive value, 100%; accuracy, 96%). Conclusions Sonography is an accurate modality for differentiating tendon rupture from adhesive scarring in patients with prior surgical tendon repair. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic, Level I.
Isolating spectral contributions from local field effects in an atomic vapor using two-quantum 2D FT optical spectroscopy

Two-quantum 2D Fourier transform optical spectroscopy is used to separate the contributions of dipole-dipole interactions to the overall nonlinear optical response which isolates them from the atomic resonances in rubidium vapor that generated them.
The geometry of M-branes wrapping special Lagrangian cycles

We characterize the geometry produced by M5-branes wrapping a special Lagrangian 3-cycle in a Calabi–Yau 3-fold. The presence of the brane replaces the Calabi–Yau by a real manifold with an almost complex structure. We show that, in this classification, a distinguished (1, 1)-form as well as a globally defined (3, 0)-form plays an important role. The requirements of supersymmetry preservation impose constraints on these structures which can be used to classify the background.
New quasi one-dimensional AxNb6X8 phases isostructural with Nb3Te4

Abstract A large number of new ternary niobium chalcogenides A x Nb 6 X 8 with A = Na,K,Rb,Ca,Cu,Ag,In,Zn,Cd,Sn,Pb and Bi, X = S,Te and A = Sn,Pb and Bi, for X = Se have been synthesized by molten salt ion exchange and/or ternary element insertion. TlNb 6 X 8 with X = S,Te were prepared for the first time by high temperature methods. The A cations are incorporated into large empty channels of the three-dimensional network structure of Nb 3 X 4 . The volume of the crystal lattice is nearly independent of the size of the cations. The extent of insertion (the value of x) appears to be limited primarily by electronic effects.
NEM relays using 2-dimensional nanomaterials for low energy contacts

Nanoelectronics based on 2-dimensional layered materials is a field of rapidly growing interest. In particular, graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) exhibit remarkable properties that can be exploited for many applications. Most electronic devices based on 2D materials, however, focus on the electronic properties of the material: 2D materials are usually utilized as semiconducting pathways for carriers (e.g. channels in transistors) or as conductors (e.g. interconnects, transparent conductor). In this work, we investigate the use of 2D materials as interfacial layers to improve the contacts of Nano-Electro-Mechanical(NEM) switches exploiting its surface and mechanical properties. In this study, the 2D layers will be used as the electrical contacts for the moving mechanical relays.
Costs and Clinical Quality Among Medicare Beneficiaries: Associations with Health Center Penetration of Low-Income Residents

Objective Determine the association between access to primary care by the underserved and Medicare spending and clinical quality across hospital referral regions (HRRs).
A Radiation Hybrid Mapping Panel for the Rhesus Macaque

The genomes of nonhuman primates have recently become highly visible candidates for full genome analysis, as they provide powerful models of human disease and a better understanding of the evolution of the human genome. We describe the creation of a 5000 rad radiation hybrid (RH) mapping panel for the rhesus macaque. Duplicate genotypes of 84 microsatellite and coding gene sequence tagged sites from six macaque chromosomes produced an estimated whole genome retention frequency of 0.33. To test the mapping ability of the panel, we constructed RH maps for macaque chromosomes 7 and 9 and compared them to orthologous locus orders in existing human and baboon maps derived from different methodologies. Concordant marker order between all three species maps suggests that the current panel represents a powerful mapping resource for generating high-density comparative maps of the rhesus macaque and other species genomes.
Central GABA activation and behaviors evoked by tail-pinch stress in the rat.

Abstract Experiments were conducted to evaluate the possibility that central GABA A receptors are involved in the stress response of rats. Separate groups of animals were implanted bilaterally with cannulae in the lateral cerebral ventricle, substantia nigra, and anterior to the rostral margin of the substantia nigra. Microinjections of the GABA A agonist muscimol into each of these areas augmented the stress response evoked by moderate tail pinch. Although consistent changes in the amount of food eaten in response to stress were not observed, stress-evoked gnawing was significantly increased by muscimol at all three sites. Additionally, intraventricular muscimol resulted in an enhancement of stress-evoked oral stereotypy, revolution (escape behavior), and vocalization. The data suggest that a GABAergic component exists in the central mediation of stress. The results are discussed in regard to possible interactions between GABA and central dopamine systems.
Magnetic resonance imaging of acute orthopedic trauma to the lower extremity

This article reviews the role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating suspected or known lower limb fractures of the hip, knee, ankle, and forefoot.
Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans

Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans is often associated with a reticulosis, lymphoma, or connective tissue disorder. A review of the literature indicates that certain cases remain idiopathic, however. Even with modern laboratory tests made recently available, including immunofiuorescence and capillary microscopy, malignant associated change (MAC) in peripheral blood smears and intradermal autologous white cell test, a serious underlying disturbance could not be determined in a 74-year-old man with poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans of 30 years' duration. This condition may be regarded as primarily a skin disease, or otherwise as a prodromal phase of a potentially lethal systemic process that may evolve at a rate slower than the life span of the subject.
Maternal retrieving behavior in rats as predicted by locomotor activity and weight of six-day-old pups

On the 6th day postpartum, retrieval latencies, body weights, and two activity measures were quantified for the 88 pups of 10 primiparous albino rat mothers. Sex of the pups was identified on the 22nd day and stepwise linear regression analyses were performed. If individual differences among mothers are ignored, the best predictor of retrieval latency is pup activity: Mothers retrieve their less active pups faster. If individual differences are held constant, mothers retrieve their lighter pups faster. These findings are in contrast to studies in which inactivity was experimentally produced by killing or sedating the pups as well as to popular legends which assert that mother animals give preferential treatment to their stronger pups.
Infrared/X-ray intensity variations and the color of Sgr A*

We report the frst time-series measurements of Sgr A*-IR's broadband infrared color. Using the newly commissioned laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS AO) system on the Keck II telescope, we imaged Sgr A*-IR, in the broadband liters H (1.6 μm), K' (2.1 μm), and L' (3.8 μm) every 3 minutes over the course of 120 minutes, during which time the Chandra X-ray Observatory was also monitoring the Galactic center. Complementary measurements of Sgr A*'s L'- and Ms (4.7 μm)-band flux densities were obtained on a separate night with the natural guide star AO system. During our observations, Sgr A*-IR,'s flux density showed a wide range of values (2 to 12 mjy at 2.1 μm), which are associated with at least 4 peaks in the infrared emission and are among its highest infrared flux density measurements. However, all our near-infrared color measurements are consistent with a constant spectral slope of α = -0.9 ± 0.2 (Fν propto να), independent of intensity, wavelength, time, or outburst. Assuming that the infrared wavelengths probe synchrotron emission, we interpret the lack of variation in the infrared spectral index as an indication that the acceleration mechanism leaves the distribution of the bulk of the electrons responsible for the infrared emission unchanged. During our coordinated infrared observations, no elevated X-ray emission was detected. While the less frequent X-ray outbursts have shown correlated emission in previous studies, the lack of X-ray variation during the significant infrared variations reported here indicates that one may not be able to connect the infrared and X-ray emission to the same electrons. We suggest that while the acceleration mechanism leaves the bulk of the electron energy distribution unchanged, it generates a variable high-energy tail. It is this high-energy tail that gives rise to the less frequent X-ray outbursts.
Chemisorption theory for metallic surfaces: Convergence of surface localized orbitals for Ti(0001) clusters

A theory for treating chemisorption on metallic surfaces has been proposed based on a large cluster model for the lattice, treated approximately from which an N-electron subspace for a local region is defined by a unitary, localization transformation. The local N-electron suspace is then treated accurately by configuration interaction as embedded in the fixed field of the interior of the lattice. Exchange energy maximization with sites on the Ti(0001) surface is examined for clusters of titanium atoms Ti/sub M/ (M = 1,10,28,30,54,84) to study the convergence of the localized-orbital description as a function of cluster size. Localized orbitals are obtained by transformation of the self-consistent-field solution and the energetics of these orbitals are examined by diagonalization of the Fock operator subject to the localization constraint.
Scaring the Snus Out of Smokers: Testing Effects of Fear, Threat, and Efficacy on Smokers’ Acceptance of Novel Smokeless Tobacco Products

Novel smokeless tobacco products (such as snus) are aggressively promoted to smokers by the tobacco companies. The Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM; Witte, 1992) was used to evaluate the current perceptions of threat, efficacy, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding snus in a nationally representative sample of 1,836 smokers. Participants were then exposed to messages designed to discourage smokers from trying snus. On average, smokers perceived health threat of snus as somewhat serious, but believed they can effectively avert this threat. Support was found for the EPPM's proposition that when efficacy is high, greater perceived threat is associated with greater desired outcomes (less favorable attitudes toward snus and lower behavioral intentions to try snus in the future). No support was found for the proposition that when perceived efficacy is low, greater threat is associated with greater message rejection. Instead, message rejection was explained by fear felt while exposed to the anti-smokeless ads. This finding indicates the need to more clearly distinguish between cognitive (danger control) and affective (fear control) responses posited by the EPPM.
Reduced-order discrete element method modeling

Abstract Reduced-order modeling (ROM) techniques are playing a very significant role in the recent literature bridging the gap between computationally expensive simulators and their application in optimization and control of distributed parameter systems. In modeling of solid-based processes, Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a very popular high-fidelity modeling approach which enables the tracking of discrete entities as they are processed inside complex geometries interacting with each other and with process boundaries. However, the computational cost of DEM models limits their applicability to simulation of specific and limited number of cases. In this work, we develop the DE–ROM (Discrete Element–Reducer-order model) approach which reduces the computational cost—while maintaining model accuracy—of expensive DEM models. The proposed methodology is based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), combined with surrogate-model mapping and data imputation for the cases where there is missing information. The results of the application of the developed method to the powder mixing process, demonstrate that the DE–ROM model produces accurate profiles of distributed particle properties in real time. Finally, the developed model is used for the identification of the optimal design and operating conditions of the mixing process.
Safety of rapid administration of flumazenil in patients with ischaemic heart disease.

The purpose of this study was to determine if higher (36 micrograms.kg-1) doses of flumazenil (a new benzodiazepine (BZ) antagonist) produced an effect on haemodynamics. Twelve patients with class III-IV angina were entered into this double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study. BZ were withheld for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Patients were placed on an ambulatory monitor 18 h prior to surgery to record changes in heart rate rhythm and ST segment changes. The patients were given secobarbital 100-200 mg and morphine 0.12 mg.kg-1 90 min prior to surgery. Flumazenil or placebo was given in divided doses every 3 min (1 mg, 1 mg, 1 mg). Complete haemodynamic profiles were obtained at baseline and 2 min following each injection of flumazenil. Flumazenil produced a minimal but statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (147 +/- 13.9 to 137 +/- 18.4 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (74 +/- 14.8 to 67 +/- 13 mmHg). There was no consistent effect on heart rate, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure or cardiac index. We conclude that flumazenil is safe when administered in relatively high doses to patients with ischaemic heart disease who have not received benzodiazepines.
A Nature Language: An Agenda to Catalog, Save, and Recover Patterns of Human–Nature Interaction

Abstract We as a species are losing rich and diverse forms of interaction with nature: the awe, for example, of encountering an animal in the wild or a slug underfoot, of sleeping under the night sky, or of even seeing the night sky in our urban settings. The loss is happening quickly (in terms of decades) and potentially impoverishing us as a species, physically and psychologically. Toward addressing this problem, we propose a new research agenda that is focused on generating what we are calling a Nature Language—a way of speaking about patterns of interactions between humans and nature and their wide range of instantiations, and the meaningful, deep, and often joyful feelings that they engender. Many of these patterns presumably emerged during the course of our evolutionary history. In this article, we share some of our initial thinking about a nature language so as to initiate dialog with the ecopsychology community. If a nature language project proves successful, it will allow people to speak more rea...
Intraspecific litter diversity and nitrogen deposition affect nutrient dynamics and soil respiration

Anthropogenic forces are concurrently reducing biodiversity and altering terrestrial nutrient cycles. As natural populations decline, genetic diversity within single species also declines. The consequences of intraspecific genetic loss for ecosystem functions are poorly understood, and interactions among intraspecific diversity, nitrogen deposition, and nutrient cycling are unknown. We present results from an experiment that simulated both a decline in biodiversity and an increase in nitrogen deposition. In soil microcosms, we tested effects of variation in intraspecific litter diversity and nitrogen deposition on soil respiration and nitrogen leaching. Increases in intraspecific litter diversity increased soil respiration overall, with the greatest increases in respiration occurring under high nitrogen deposition. Nitrogen deposition increased the amount of inorganic nitrogen leached, while the amount of dissolved organic nitrogen leached was correlated with initial litter chemistry (lignin concentration) and remained independent of litter diversity and nitrogen deposition treatments. Our results demonstrate the potential for losses in genetic diversity to interact with other global environmental changes to influence terrestrial nutrient cycles.
Antidepressants were associated with increased risk for adverse outcomes in depressed elders

Source Citation Coupland C, Dhiman P, Morriss R, et al. Antidepressant use and risk of adverse outcomes in older people: population based cohort study. BMJ. 2011;343:d4551. 21810886
Mutual Composite Fermion and Composite Boson approaches to balanced and imbalanced bi-layer quantum Hall system: An electronic analogy of the Helium 4 system

Abstract We use both Mutual Composite Fermion (MCF) and Composite Boson (CB) approach to study balanced and imbalanced Bi-layer Quantum Hall systems (BLQH) and make critical comparisons between the two approaches. We find the CB approach is superior to the MCF approach in studying ground states with different kinds of broken symmetries. In the phase representation of the CB theory, we first study the Excitonic superfluid (ESF) state. The theory puts spin and charge degree freedoms in the same footing, explicitly bring out the spin–charge connection and classify all the possible excitations in a systematic way. Then in the dual density representation of the CB theory, we study possible intermediate phases as the distance increases. We propose there are two critical distances dc1
Evaluation of four methods for separation of lymphocytes from normal individuals and patients with cancer and tuberculosis.

Abstract An optimal technique was sought for lymphocyte recovery from normal and chronic diseased individuals. Lymphocytes were separated by four techniques: Plasmagel, Ficoll—Hypaque, a commercial semiautomatic method, and simple centrifugation using blood drawn from ten normal individuals, ten cancer patients, and ten tuberculosis patients. The lymphocyte mixture obtained after using each method was analyzed for percent recovery, amount of contamination by erthrocytes and neutrophils, and percent viability. The results show that the semiautomatic method yielded the best percent recovery of lymphocytes for normal individuals, while the simple centrifugation method contributed the highest percent recovery for cancer and tuberculosis patients. The Ficoll—Hypaque method gave the lowest erythrocyte contamination for all three types of individuals tested, while the Plasmagel method gave the lowest neutrophil contamination for all three types of individuals. The simple centrifugation method yielded all viable lymphocytes and thus gave the highest percent viability.
Human topoisomerase IIα nuclear export is mediated by two CRM-1-dependent nuclear export signals

Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is a major obstacle in the treatment of leukemia and multiple myeloma. We have previously found that myeloma and leukemic cells in transition from low-density log phase conditions to high-density plateau phase conditions export substantial amounts of endogenous topoisomerase II alpha from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In order for topoisomerase-targeted chemotherapy to function, the topoisomerase target must have access to the nuclear DNA. Therefore, the nuclear export of topoisomerase II alpha may contribute to drug resistance, and defining this mechanism may lead to methods to preclude this avenue of resistance. We have identified nuclear export signals for topoisomerase II alpha at amino acids 1017-1028 and 1054-1066, using FITC-labeled BSA-export signal peptide conjugates microinjected into the nuclei of HeLa cells. Functional confirmation of both signals (1017-1028 and 1054-1066) was provided by transfection of human myeloma cells with plasmids containing the gene for a full-length human FLAG-topoisomerase fusion protein, mutated at hydrophobic amino acid residues in the export signals. Of the six putative export signals tested, the two sites above were found to induce export into the cytoplasm. Export by both signals was blocked by treatment of the cells with leptomycin B, indicating that a CRM-1-dependent pathway mediates export. Site-directed mutagenesis of two central hydrophobic residues in either export signal in full-length human topoisomerase blocked export of recombinant FLAG-topoisomerase II alpha, indicating that both signals may be required for export. Interestingly, this pair of nuclear export signals (1017-1028 and 1054-1066) also defines a dimerization domain of the topoisomerase II alpha molecule.
Evaluation of Adenine Therapy for Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

The use of oral adenine to prevent the devastating neurologic consequences of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome has a sound theoretical basis, and has been proposed for management of this aspect of the disease. We have attempted therapy of two patients with adenine begun in one patient, during the first month of life. Preliminary experiments in rats explored the toxicity of adenine; pretreatment with allopurinol (10 mg/kg) reduced the nephrotoxic effects of the insoluble adenine metabolite, 2,8-dioxyadenine, at adenine doses of 70 mg/kg. Two patients, a 13-year-old male with established neurologic disease and self-mutilation, and a normal-appearing one-month-old boy with documented hypoxanthine-guanine phophoribosyltransferase (PRT) deficiency, were given adenine in doses up to 65 mg/kg/day. Toxicity was monitored by daily estimations of dioxyadenine content of urinary sediment and close attention ot parameters of renal functon; in both patients toxicity necessitated reduction in dose or addition of allopurinol. Erythrocyte 5-phosphori-bosyl-l-pyrophosphate which was normally elevated (40–70 mμmol/ml) as a consequence of PRT deficiency in these patients, was reduced to 5–15 mμmol/ml during adenine treatment, but not to within the normal range (1–5 mμmol/ml). The high uric acid excretion in both was unchanged. Despite treatment of the younger child for seven months, he developed spasticity, motor retardation and early self-mutilation. The older child alos showed no improvement in neurologic dysfunction. We conclude that adenine is of no therapeutic benefit, and is potentially toxic, in treatment of patients with the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.
The duration and convexity of convertible preferred stock: an extension

The purpose of this paper is to provide mathematical expressions for the duration and convexity of a convertible preferred stock. In general, the duration of a convertible preferred stock is the product of the Macaulay duration for a pure preferred stock and an elasticity measure that relates the convertible's price to the price of its straight preferred component. Convexity has two parts. The first is based on the convexity of the pure preferred element, while the second is predicated on the gamma coefficient of the embedded call option.
High hydrostatic pressure protection of a pectinase cocktail against thermal inactivation

Abstract Pectinase cocktails, containing pectinases, hemicellulases, and cellulases are used in the production of commercial apple juice to reduce juice viscosity, increase yield, and to clarify the final product. The kinetics of inactivation of a commercial pectinase formulation was studied at 0.1–400 MPa and 55.0–85.0 °C. High hydrostatic pressure slowed the rate of inactivation of the pectinase cocktail treated at inactivating temperature conditions by up to 19-fold at 77.0 °C, 350 MPa compared to inactivation at atmospheric pressure at the same temperature. Apparent activation energies of enzyme inactivation at 200–400 MPa were lower (107.3–154.4 kJ mol −1 ) than at 0.1 MPa (195.6 kJ mol −1 ).
Intrinsic motivation among clinic-referred children

This study examined the reliability and validity of Harter’s (1980, 1981) intrinsic motivation questionnaire among 50 children referred for evaluations to an interdisciplinary clinic. With one exception, the five scales proved to have acceptable internal consistency reliability. The curiosity scale’s reliability was markedly lower than that reported for other samples. Factor analysis of the five scales revealed the same two-factor structure as reported in research with non-clinical samples. An intrinsic motivation-personality composite, derived from maternal reports on the California Child Q-Set (Block & Block, 1980), provided correlational support for the validity of two scales: preference for challenge and curiosity. Moreover, significant correlations were obtained between several scales and academic retention, tested intelligence, and educational attainment of the child’s father.
Unsuccessful Success? Failed No-Confidence Motions, Competence Signals, and Electoral Support

If no-confidence motions are primarily motivated by bringing down governments, why do only approximately 5% of no-confidence motions in advanced parliamentary democracies from 1960 result in the termination of government? In this project the author addresses this puzzle by developing a formal model of the electoral benefits of no-confidence motions and tests these hypotheses with the use of an original data set. No-confidence motions represent highly visible opportunities for opposition parties to highlight their strength or ability compared to the government in the hopes of improving their vote shares. The author finds support for the signal-based theory on a sample of 20 advanced parliamentary democracies from 1960 to 2008. Although no-confidence motions result in decreases for the government parties, the opposition parties that propose the motion experience boosts in vote share. This relationship is even stronger when the proposing party is an alternative governing possibility—illustrated by the condit...