cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of current docking tools for the simulation of inhibitor binding by the transmembrane domain of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase

Inhibitors of the transmembrane protein sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) are invaluable tools for the study of the enzyme's physiological functions and they have been recognized as a promising new class of anticancer agents. For the discovery of novel enzyme inhibitors, small molecule docking for virtual screens of large compound libraries has become increasingly important. Since the performance of various docking routines varies considerably, depending on the target and the chemical nature of the ligand, we critically evaluated the performance of four frequently used programs — GOLD, AutoDock, Surflex-Dock, and FRED — for the docking of SERCA inhibitors based on the structures of thapsigargin, di-tert-butylhydroquinone, and cyclopiazonic acid. Evaluation criteria were docking accuracy using crystal structures as references, docking reproducibility, and correlation between docking scores and known bioactivities. The best overall results were obtained by GOLD and FRED. Docking runs with conformationally flexible binding sites produced no significant improvement of the results.
The Good-in-Bed Effect: College Students’ Tendency to See Themselves as Better Than Others as a Sex Partner

Self-enhancement refers to the finding that people tend to see themselves as better than others. The present research tested whether people display self-enhancement with regard to beliefs about their competency as sexual partners (the good-in-bed effect). Participants were asked to list good and bad sexually related behaviors more frequently performed by the self or by others. Study 1 demonstrated that people selectively associate themselves with good and others with bad sexual behaviors. In Study 2, independent raters judged bad behaviors associated with the self as less negative than bad behaviors associated with others. Study 3 replicated the good-in-bed effect and also found that when the salience of the comparison between good and bad traits is increased, men are more likely than women to demonstrate the effect. Implications of the results for relationship satisfaction are considered.
A maximum principle for node voltages in finitely structured, transfinite, electrical networks

Transfinite electrical networks have unique finite-powered voltage-current regimes given in terms of branch voltages and branch currents, but they do not in general possess unique node voltages. However, if their structures are sufficiently restricted, those node voltages will exist and will satisfy a maximum principle much like that which holds for ordinary infinite electrical networks. The structure that is imposed in order to establish these results generalized the idea of local-finiteness. Other properties that do not hold in general for transfinite networks but do hold under the imposed structure are Kirchhoff's current laws for nodes of any ranks and the permissibility of connecting pure voltage sources to such nodes. This work lays the foundation for a theory of transfinite random walks, which will be the subject of a subsequent work.
Functional Response and Search Strategy of Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Attacking Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The functional response and search strategy of the predator Podisus maculiventris (Say) attacking 3rd-instar Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), was measured in the laboratory and in a potato field. In laboratory petri dish arenas, predators attacked more prey as prey density increased, attacking a maximum of 7.43 prey in 24 h. Estimates of the area searched declined as prey density increased. The decline in search could be attributed to the accumulated time predators spent handling prey. The functional response of the predator in the field did not resemble that measured in the laboratory. In the field, predators attacked a relatively constant number of prey, regardless of the number of prey provided. Like in the laboratory, the estimated area the predator searched declined as prey density increased. However, in contrast to the laboratory situation, the decline in search could not be attributed to the accumulated time predators spent handling prey as they attacked so few prey in the field. A model of predator search in the field was used to explain the relationship between predator search and prey density. Results are compared with similar measures of the attack rates and the search strategies of P. maculiventris and other species of predators in a different crop, soybeans. Regardless of the predator, prey, or crop, the same search strategy and level of attack was observed. The similarity in attack rates and search strategies in different predator-prey systems and the difference between laboratory and field measurements of the functional response of a predator are discussed with reference to the use of predators in biological control.
Libraries of the Dead: Early Bronze Age Charnel Houses and Social Identity at Urban Bab edh-Dhra', Jordan

Abstract Extensive ethnographic and archaeological research demonstrates that primary and secondary mortuary rituals provide people with a richly textured context to reweave the social fabric of the community following the death of one of its members. The nature, timing, and communal participation in secondary mortuary ceremonies, in particular, allow individuals and groups to reiterate the broader moral and social ethos of the community, while reaffirming, renegotiating, or even severing bonds of social, political, and economic life. Drawing on this anthropological foundation, this study explores the powerful changes in household structures and systems of kinship during the first period of urbanization in Syro-Palestine by examining the skeletal, architectural, and artifactual evidence from the cemeteries at the Early Bronze Age settlement of Bab edh-Dhra', Jordan. Dynamic changes in mortuary practices through time at Bab edh-Dhra', specifically the shift from shaft tomb burials to charnel houses, were associated with the transition from a non-sedentary lifestyle to settled life in a fortified town and a subsequent return to non-urban living. This research demonstrates that each of these profound shifts in lifestyle involved fundamental changes in the societal bonds of the community, particularly structures of kinship.
'A Plantation of Religion' and the Enterprise Culture in Africa: History, Ex-Slaves and Religious Inevitability

Dans les siecles qui ont precede l'etablissement de colonies chretiennes au Sierra Leone, les missions europeennes mettaient toute leur energie a convertir les dirigeants, les chefs, les princes et les membres de la noblesse. Cette conversion des elites serait la base de la future Eglise et de son developpement. C'est le mouvement anti-esclavagiste qui pour la premiere fois, a promu un nouveau type d'approche, celle d'une connaissance factuelle des conditions africaines. Cette approche constitue ce que nous appelerions le point de vue afrocentrique de l'evangelisation
The suitability of multi-temporal web-enabled Landsat data NDVI for phenological monitoring – a comparison with flux tower and MODIS NDVI

Three years of flux-tower-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data were compared with contemporaneous 30 m web-enabled Landsat data (WELD) and with 500 m Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) nadir bidirectional reflectance distribution function-adjusted reflectance (NBAR) NDVI data to assess the relative suitability of these different resolutions of freely available satellite data for phenological monitoring. Comparisons were made at two flux tower sites in the United States with average to above average cloud cover. The WELD 30 m NDVI data were found to have higher correlation with the flux tower NDVI data than the MODIS 500 m NBAR NDVI data. The dates of vegetation green-up onset and maximum-greenness onset, derived using an established phenological metric extraction methodology, were generally closer between the flux tower and WELD NDVI data than between the flux tower and MODIS NBAR data. These results indicate that the WELD NDVI time series is suitable for 30 m scal...
Small chain approximation for the electronic structure of polyacetylene

Abstract It is demonstrated that many properties of interest for polyacetylene chains can be predicted on the basis of Hartree-Fock calculations on short model molecules. The equilibrium geometries, energies per C 2 H 2 unit, and isomerization energies converge by a chain length of six or eight carbons. The ionization potential, band gaps, and band widths converge more slowly, but their limiting values can be obtained readily by extrapolating results of calculations on chains up to a length of eight carbons.
Surviving ARDS: A Case of Recurrent “Illicit Drug-Induced” ARDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe manifestation of abnormal pulmonary gas exchange. Many patients in whom this clinical syndrome develops are critically ill, and most do not recover. However, the critical care physician is likely to encounter more patients who have survived this clinical syndrome with recent improvements in the treatment related to this clinical entity. We describe a unique case of a patient who survived multiple episodes of ARDS. We illustrate potential etiologies relating to the multiple ARDS episodes and the recognition of illicit drug use as one of the pathophysiologic factors of recurrent ARDS. We highlight certain diagnostic clues in the patient’s history that may alert the intensivist to the diagnosis of ARDS related to illicit drug use. J Med Cases. 2014;5(1):11-14 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jmc1571w
OXALATE TOXICITY IN CULTURED MOUSE INNER MEDULLARY COLLECTING DUCT CELLS

ABSTRACTPurpose: Oxalate, a metabolic end product and a major constituent of the majority of renal stones, has been shown to be toxic to renal epithelial cells of cortical origin. However, to our knowledge it is unknown whether inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells, which are physiologically exposed to higher concentrations of oxalate, also behave in a similar manner.Materials and Methods: A line of IMCD cells was exposed to oxalate (0.2 to 10 mM) for various time points. Trypan blue, and hematoxylin and eosin stains were used to assess cell morphology and membrane integrity. The production of reactive oxidative species was determined using the nitro blue tetrazolium reaction and crystal violet staining was used to measure cell density.Results: Exposure of IMCD cells to oxalate produced time and concentration dependent changes in the light microscopic appearance of the cells. Long-term exposure to oxalate resulted in alterations in cell viability with net cell loss following exposure to concentrati...
The influence of cobalt, tantalum, and tungsten on the elevated temperature mechanical properties of single crystal nickel-base superalloys

For alloys with the baseline refractory metal level of 3 percent Ta and 10 percent W, decreases in Co level from 10 to 0 percent resulted in increased tensile strength and creep resistance. Substitution of W for Ta resulted in decreased creep life at high stresses but improved life at low stresses. Substitution of Ni for Ta caused large reductions in tensile strength and creep resistance, and corresponding increases in ductility. For these alloys with low Ta plus W totals, strength was independent of Co level. The increases in tensile strength with increases in refractory metal content were related to the increases in gamma volume fraction and solid solution hardening. Increases in strength as Co level decreased were considered to be the result of coherency strain hardening from the increased lattice mismatch. Dislocation shear through the gamma-gamma interface is considered to be the rate limiting step in the deformation process.
Giant cell carcinoma of the lung

Background. Giant cell carcinoma of the lung has been described as an aggressive tumor characterized by extensive local and distant disease and extremely short survival. In 1981, the World Health Organization defined giant cell carcinoma as a variant of large cell carcinoma. Before then giant cell lung cancer was a descriptive term, but it was not considered a separate entity. Methods. The authors retrospectively studied 16 cases of giant cell carcinoma of the lung. Results. These cases had a prognosis that was not appreciably different from that for lung cancer of other non-small cell histologic types. Of those patients with pathologic Stage I or II at resection, five of nine are alive and disease-free from 20 to 116 months and one has died without evidence of disease at 15 months. Conclusions. Based on this series and a review of the literature, there appears to be an increased incidence of both clinical and subclinical gastrointestinal tract involvement in patients with this histology, compared with patients with other non-small cell histologic types. The authors conclude that patients with giant cell carcinoma of the lung have a prognosis similar to that of patients with other non-small cell histologic types, and that clinicians should be aware of the increased incidence of gastrointestinal tract involvement in this disease. Cancer 1992; 70:606–610.
The effects of a stress management training programme on police officers

Parce que le metier de policier est un des plus stressant qu'un individu puisse choisir, les auteurs ont concu un stage de formation qui vise a la reduction et au controle du stress chez des individus qui y sont particulierement sensibles. On presente une description de ce stage qui a ete suivi par des fonctionnaires de police ayant des responsabilites administratives. Avant et apres le stage, ces derniers ont rempli une echelle de stress, un questionnaire sur la satisfaction dans le travail et une echelle qui mesure l'humeur
Blood spot thyroxine-binding globulin: A means to reduce recall rate in a screening strategy for neonatal hypothyroidism

inat ion? However, epinephrine does not appear to have any effect on T4 deiodination in human beings? Thyroid hormones are thermogenic, increase oxygen consumption, and have anabolic and catabolic effects. The reduction in extra-thyroidal T3 production that occurs in many illnesses would be expected to reduce the rate of many of these processes. In this context, it is not surprising that hypoxia should have a similar effect on extrathyroidal thyroid hormone metabolism. In this setting, reduced oxygen consumption in tissues sensitive to thyroid hormone, e.g., liver, would spare oxygen for those tissues in which oxygen consumption is not regulated by thyroid hormones, e.g., brain. Almost 30 years ago, it was demonstrated that experimentally induced hypothyroidism in the rat increased the animal 's resistance to anoxia. ' ~
Foster children need more help after they reach the age of eighteen

Abstract The research shows that there are presently about a half million children in foster care, and approximately 20,000 of these youths will turn eighteen years of age, be classified as adults and emancipate or “age out” of the foster care system each year. The capacity to graduate from high school is often difficult and challenging for foster children. Typically, foster children have no continuity in their high school educational experience. These children will attend several high schools before they graduate, and if they move during the school year, classes will be frequently interrupted by changes—often requiring them to move when classes are in session. They will also have no consistency in the development of their educational plan of study because they will see several guidance counselors who mostly will be unfamiliar with the foster child's social history, background and ability. Foster children will also frequently experience breaks in their direct instruction requiring them to adjust to different teachers, courses, school rules, and expectations. This article addresses and answers the following two questions: (1) “Why do foster children have difficulty after they leave high school?” and (2) “What can be done to help Foster Children Make a More Successful Transition to an Independent life?
Nonideal Effects Behind Reflected Shock Waves in a High-Pressure Shock Tube

Abstract. Shock tubes often experience temperature and pressure nonuniformities behind the reflected shock wave that cannot be neglected in chemical kinetics experiments. Because of increased viscous effects, smaller tube diameters, and nonideal shock formation, the reflected-shock nonidealities tend to be greater in higher-pressure shock tubes. Since the increase in test temperature ( $\Delta T_5$ ) is the most significant parameter for chemical kinetics, experiments were performed to characterize $\Delta T_5$ in the Stanford High Pressure Shock Tube using infrared emission from a known amount of CO in argon. From the measured change in vibrationally equilibrated CO emission with time, the corresponding d $T_5/$ dt (or $\Delta T_5$ for a known time interval) of the mixture was inferred assuming an isentropic relationship between post-shock temperature and pressure changes. For a range of representative conditions in argon (24–530 atm, 1275–1900 K), the test temperature 2 cm from the endwall increased 3–8 K after 100 $\mu$ s and 15–40 K after 500 $\mu$ s, depending on the initial conditions. Separate pressure measurements using a shielded piezoelectric transducer confirmed the isentropic assumption. An analytical model of the reflected-shock gas dynamics was also developed, and the calculated $\Delta T_5$ 's agree well with those obtained from experiment. The analytical model was used to estimate the effects of temperature and pressure nonuniformities on typical chemical kinetics measurements. When the kinetics are fast ( $<300\mu$ s), the temperature increase is typically negligible, although some correction is suggested for kinetics experiments lasting longer than 500 $\mu$ s. The temperature increase, however, has a negligible impact on the measured laser absorption profiles of OH (306 nm) and CH $_3$ (216 nm), validating the use of a constant absorption coefficient. Infrared emission experiments are more sensitive to temperature and density changes, so $T_5$ nonuniformities should be taken into account when interpreting ir-emission data.
The Influence of Zn2+ on the Global Structure of the Prion Protein

The prion protein (PrP) is implicated in the fatal neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). These illnesses are unique because a cellular form of PrP misfolds to create an infectious agent, PrPSc. All birds and mammals produce PrP, however, very few naturally develop TSEs. Despite the fact that PrP is conserved among these species, little is known about its normal physiological function. Growing evidence suggests that PrP binds both copper and zinc in vivo. These metals induce PrP endocytosis, inhibit in vitro fibril formation, and promote intermolecular interactions. Metal binding occurs in the flexible and unstructured N-terminal half of PrP. Zinc binding is restricted to the repeat region known as the octarepeats (PHGGGWGQ), in which the four histidines from the octarepeat domain coordinate a single Zn2+ atom. The structured C-terminal domain is the proposed initiation site of the conversion to PrPSc. The global structure of PrP bound to Zn2+ is unknown, and in particular, whether metal ion coordination influences the structured C-terminal domain. To study the potential interaction of the N- and C- termini upon Zn2+ binding, we created 15N labeled mouse PrP for NMR studies. We titrated Zn2+ into the protein and examined the changes in the HSQC spectra. The results from this study will help to determine whether Zn2+ plays a protective or harmful role in the progression to prion diseases. Furthermore, it might lend insight into the physiological function of PrP.
Where Does the President Stand? Measuring Presidential Ideology

Although estimating the revealed preferences of members of Congress is straightforward, estimating the position of the president relative to Congress is not. Current estimates place the president as considerably more ideologically extreme than one would expect. These estimates, however, are very sensitive to the set of presidential positions used in the roll call analyses for the 103rd through 109th Congresses. The president often obtains more moderate ideal point estimates relative to Congress when including positions based on signing bills into law.
Optical Control of Microdroplets for Cell-Encapsulating Polymerase Chain Reaction

Laser heating for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers fast amplification times—15 min or less from cell lysis to assay completion. PCR is conducted for breast cancer cell DNA and calibrated via fluorescent oligo melting.
Formation of Colonies in Soft Agar Medium by Regenerating Liver Cells

SummaryThe culture of actively regenerating liver tissue in soft agar reveals the presence of a cell population, not previously described, which includes (a) cells capable of forming hematopoietic colonies and (b) additional cells producing colonies with epithelioid characteristics.
Ethephon and auxin induce mycorrhiza‐like changes in the morphology of root organ cultures of Mugo pine

The effects of ethylene and auxin on the morphology and anatomy of root organ cultures of Pinus mugo Turra var. mugo were investigated to test the hypothesis that changes in root morphology associated with formation of ectomycorrhizae may be related to ethylene produced by ectomycorrhizal fungi or by host plant roots in response to fungus-produced auxin. Morphological changes characteristic of mycorrhizal infection include dichotomous branching of lateral roots, inhibition of root hair formation and enlargement of cortical cells. Lateral roots on non-mycorrhizal root organ cultures, grown in a defined medium, underwent dichtotomous branching while root hair formation was inhibited in response to the ethylene released by 50 and 100 μM ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid), but no effect on cortical cell dimensions was observed. The auxin, naphthaleneacetic acid (1 and 10 μM) also stimulated dichotomous branching and inhibited root hair formation, but to a lesser extent and with a greater lag time than ethephon. Auxin-stimulated ethylene production by root organ cultures was demonstrated. This appeared to be responsible, at least in part, for the auxin-induced dichotomous branching since the ethylene action inhibitor, silver thiosulfate (0.1 mM) inhibited the response to auxin by 35%.
CONTROL SINGULARITIES OF CODIMENSIONS ONE AND TWO

Abstract In this paper, we classify singularities of control systems of codimension one and two.
Fault-tolerant multibeam photonic beamforming for wideband array antennas

the fiber-optic variable optical attenuator (VOA). A phased array antenna beamformer is a multi-point to multipointconfiguration where a series of independently controlled VODLs and VOAs provide the delay and gain values,respectively, for radar beam steering and shape controls. The requirements for these VODLs and VOAs in terms of
Effective one-component description of two-component Bose-Einstein condensate dynamics

We investigate dynamics in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates in the context of coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations and derive results for the evolution of the total density fluctuations. Using these results, we show how, in many cases of interest, the dynamics can be accurately described with an effective one-component Gross-Pitaevskii equation for one of the components, with the trap and interaction coefficients determined by the relative differences in the scattering lengths. We discuss the model in various regimes, where it predicts breathing excitations, and the formation of vector solitons. An effective nonlinear evolution is predicted for some cases of current experimental interest. We then apply the model to construct quasistationary states of two-component condensates.
Electrosorption of β-naphthol on graphite

Abstract Isotherms for the adsorption of β-naphthol from a buffered aqueous solution of 0.5 M K2SO4 onto graphite were detemrined over a range of potential of 1.27 V. The adsorbent was a packed bed of −100 + 120 mesh graphite powder. Sufficient surface area was available to calculate accurately the amount adsorbed by measuring spectrophotometrically the change in adsorbate concentration in the bulk solution. At all potentials, a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, modified for the displacement of solvent molecules, was followed up to 60–65% of monolayer coverage. The ratio of projected areas of β-naphthol and water molecules was consistent with the experimentally derived number of solvent molecules displaced, six. The largest amount of adsorption observed, 2.5×10−10 mol cm−2, agreed with the calculated monolayer coverage of β-naphthol molecules lying in flat orientation on the graphite surface. Adsorption increased at more positive potentials. Over the range of potential investigated, the adsorbability constant increased sixfold. Desorption was only partially reversible.
Diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis with oculopneumoplethysmography alone and in combination with MRA

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of oculopneumoplethysmography (OPG) for the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis both alone and in conjunction with carotid magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Methods This retrospective study reviewed patients who had undergone both OPG and digital subtraction angiography (DSA, 90 patients, 174 vessels) within two weeks to determine the accuracy of OPG with DSA as the reference standard for the detection of carotid artery stenosis. Three carotid artery stenosis thresholds (≥50%, ≥70%, ≥80%) were analyzed. The accuracy of the combination of OPG and MRA was analyzed in a subset of patients who underwent OPG and MRA and DSA (53 patients, 94 vessels). Results The sensitivity and negative predictive value of OPG increased with higher-degree carotid artery stenoses, and for lesions ≥ 80%, these values were 85.3% and 94.2%, respectively. Specificity and positive predictive values were lower at all thresholds, and were 72.9% and 49.3%, respectively, at the ≥80% stenosis threshold. When OPG and MRA were concordant, the sensitivity and specificity for carotid artery stenoses ≥ 80% were 91.0% and 97.8%, respectively. OPG correctly identified 71.4% of false-positive and 80.0% of false-negative magnetic resonance angiographies for that degree of carotid artery stenosis. Conclusion OPG appears to be an accurate rule-out test for hemodynamically significant carotid artery stenosis. OPG augments the accuracy of MRA for detection of carotid artery disease.
An Epistatic Relationship between the Viral Protein Kinase UL97 and the UL133-UL138 Latency Locus during the Human Cytomegalovirus Lytic Cycle

ABSTRACT We report that UL133-UL138 ( UL133/8 ), a transcriptional unit within the UL b ′ region (UL b ′) of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome, and UL97, a viral protein kinase encoded by HCMV, play epistatic roles in facilitating progression of the viral lytic cycle. In studies with HCMV strain TB40/E, pharmacological blockade or genetic ablation of UL97 significantly reduced the levels of mRNA and protein for IE2 and viral early and early-late genes during a second wave of viral gene expression that commenced at between 24 and 48 h postinfection. These effects were accompanied by significant defects in viral DNA synthesis and viral replication. Interestingly, deletion of UL133/8 likewise caused significant defects in viral DNA synthesis, viral gene expression, and viral replication, which were not exacerbated upon UL97 inhibition. When UL133/8 was restored to HCMV laboratory strain AD169, which otherwise lacks the locus, the resulting recombinant virus replicated similarly to the parental virus. However, during UL97 inhibitor treatment, the virus in which UL133/8 was restored showed significantly exacerbated defects in viral DNA synthesis, viral gene expression, and production of infectious progeny virus, thus recapitulating the differences between wild-type TB40/E and its UL133/8 -null derivative. Phenotypic evaluation of mutants null for specific open reading frames within UL133/8 revealed a role for UL135 in promoting viral gene expression, viral DNA synthesis, and viral replication, which depended on UL97. Taken together, our findings suggest that UL97 and UL135 play interdependent roles in promoting the progression of a second phase of the viral lytic cycle and that these roles are crucial for efficient viral replication. IMPORTANCE A unique feature of the herpesviruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), is that they can undergo latency, a state during which the virus silences its gene expression, which allows lifelong viral persistence in immunocompetent hosts. We have uncovered an unexpected link between a cluster of HCMV genes involved in latency, UL133-UL138 , and a virally encoded protein kinase, UL97, which plays crucial roles in manipulating the cell cycle during HCMV lytic replication. Although viral immediate early (IE) gene expression is essential for HCMV lytic replication, the activation of IE gene expression in latently infected cells is not sufficient to result in production of infectious virus. Our findings here and in an accompanying study (M. Umashankar, M. Rak, F. Bughio, P. Zagallo, K. Caviness, and F. D. Goodrum, J. Virol. 88:5987–6002, 2014) show that proteins expressed from the UL133-UL138 latency locus and UL97 play interdependent roles in overcoming checkpoints that restrict the viral lytic replication cycle, findings which suggest intriguing implications for establishment of and reactivation from HCMV latency.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SYNOPTIC PATTERNS IDENTIFIED BY THE KIRCHHOFER TECHNIQUE: A MONTE CARLO APPROACH

The Kirchhofer technique for identifying spatial patterns in climate data depends on the threshold and minimum size used to define the groups. As a result, the analyst cannot be sure whether the groups defined by the Kirchhofer technique represent meaningful meteorological phenomena or whether they emerge due to random chance. Monte Carlo techniques are used to generate a three-dimensional surface that can be used to evaluate the statistical significance of the groups identified from the historical record for summertime maximum daily temperature in the mid-continental region of the US. Statistically meaningful groups can be identified using stringent criteria for threshold and minimum group size. Choosing among these values depends on how the groups are used and the importance of parsimony to that process. The reliability of critical values can be evaluated by comparing the statistical significance of results for individual groups generated by existing techniques. Copyright © 1999 Royal Meteorological Society.
Anatomical, Clinical, and Electrodiagnostic Features of Radial Neuropathies

The radial nerve is the major nerve serving the extensor compartment of the arm. This article describes the anatomic features, clinical features based on lesion location, electrodiagnostic assessment, prognosis, and treatment of radial neuropathies. Numerous traumatic causes have been reported to result in radial neuropathies, including compression or stretch injury, surgical insult, or trauma. Entrapment is a rare cause of radial neuropathy. Electrodiagnostic testing has been used to distinguish radial neuropathy from other disorders presenting with wrist or finger drops. In addition, its use may aid in determining the prognosis for recovery of functional movement.
Prospective study evaluating the use of IV contrast on IMRT treatment planning for lung cancer.

Purpose: To investigate the impact of exclusively using intravenous (IV) contrast x-ray computed tomography (CT) scans on lung cancer intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning. Methods: Eight patients with lung cancer (one small cell, seven nonsmall cell) scheduled to receive IMRT consented to acquisition of simulation CT scans with and without IV contrast. Clinical treatment plans optimized on the noncontrast scans were recomputed on contrast scans and dose coverage was compared, along with the γ passing rates. Results: IV contrast enhanced scans provided better target and critical structure conspicuity than the noncontrast scans. Using noncontrast scan as a reference, the median absolute/relative differences in mean, maximum, and minimum doses to the planning target volume (PTV) were −4.5 cGy/−0.09%, 41.1 cGy/0.62%, and −19.7 cGy/−0.50%, respectively. Regarding organs-at-risk (OARs), the median absolute/relative differences of maximum dose to heart was −13.3 cGy/−0.32%, to esophagus was −63.4 cGy/−0.89%, and to spinal cord was −16.3 cGy/−0.46%. The median heart region of interest CT Hounsfield Unit (HU) number difference between noncontrast and contrast scans was 136.4 HU (range, 94.2–161.8 HU). Subjectively, the regions with absolute dose differences greater than 3% of the prescription dose were small and typically located at the patient periphery and/or at the beam edges. The median γ passing rate was 0.9981 (range, 0.9654–0.9999) using 3% absolute dose difference/3 mm distance-to-agreement criteria. Overall, all evaluated cases were found to be clinically equivalent. Conclusions: PTV and OARs dose differences between noncontrast and contrast scans appear to be minimal for lung cancer patients undergoing IMRT. Using IV contrast scans as the primary simulation dataset could increase treatment planning efficiency and accuracy by avoiding unnecessary scans, manually region overriding, and planning errors caused by nonperfect image registrations.
The enzymic oxidation of 6-methylpurine

Abstract 6-Methylpurine is oxidized by mammalian xanthine oxidase first at C-8 and then at C-2. It thus behaves similarly to purines with a polar substituent at C-6. The rate of conversion of 6-methylpurine is only about 1 500 of that of xanthine oxidation. It appears improbable that the high toxicity of 6-methylpurine is due to the absence of a detoxifying mechanism.
Management of radial sclerosing lesions of the breast diagnosed using percutaneous vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy: recommendations for excision based on seven years’ of experience at a single institution

Background Radial sclerosing lesions (RSLs) of the breast are benign lesions that can mimic carcinoma on mammography and are frequently associated with malignancy. Guidelines for the selection of patients with RSL on core needle biopsy who require surgical excision are not well defined. We describe the clinical management of RSL diagnosed using a percutaneous vacuum-assisted 9- or 11-gauge stereotactically guided core needle biopsy (SCNB) device. Methods We retrospectively evaluated data on patients with mammographically detected RSLs sampled by SCNB between 2001 and 2007. Demographic data, the size and type of lesion and histological findings were correlated with subsequent surgical excision data. Clinical and radiological follow-up data were collected. Results Among 80 patients with RSLs, 19 underwent surgical excision, and 61 had mammographic surveillance only. RSLs associated on imaging with an underlying architectural distortion were more frequently excised than those associated with calcifications (P = 0.003). The presence of residual calcifications/architectural distortion on post-biopsy mammogram significantly correlated with subsequent excision (P = 0.00003). Proliferative and/or atypical RSLs were more often excised than nonproliferative RSLs (P = 0.00001). In two patients, proliferative RSL was upgraded to atypical RSL on excision. Clinical and mammographic follow-up for a mean of 32 months (standard deviation, ±23) in the group without excision showed no cancer. Conclusions Architectural distortion on imaging, residual abnormality on post-biopsy mammogram and the presence of proliferative changes and/or epithelial atypia on SCNB were parameters leading to increased performance of surgical excision in our series. No diagnoses were upgraded to malignancy after excision of RSLs, suggesting that more extensive sampling by a 9- or 11-gauge SCNB device, followed by meticulous correlation of radiological and pathological findings and close clinical/radiological follow-up, could obviate surgical excision in the majority of RSL cases without associated atypia on SCNB.
Actuarial risk assessment: Reflections on an emerging social-scientific tool

The purpose of this paper is to highlight recent developments in the practice of empirical social research, paying particular attention to the relationship between social-science practice, social-control strategies, and the role of interpretive frame-works. The essay describes how the social-scientific emphasis on quantification within a value-neutral framework corresponds to an overall reluctance within the social sciences to evaluate the phenomena of social life within an historical and moral context. Within this framework, it is argued that actuarial risk assessment, as a social science practice, meets the managerial needs of advanced industrial societies by legitimating interpretive frameworks which focus primarily on prediction as the main criterion in understanding social processes and by producing concrete technologies which facilitate the management effort. This essay calls upon quantitative social scientists to reflect upon the ways in which our practices and products may inadvertently project value positions that ought not be promoted without critical evaluation.
Synthesis and characterization of europium sulfide

Abstract EuS and other compounds within the system Eu-S have been investigated for possible use as laser window materials. These materials have been synthesized at various temperatures in evacuated quartz ampoules and their phase stability is shown by means of a tentative phase diagram. The resistance of EuS to oxidation is investigated up to 900°C. IR transmission measurements show no characteristic absorption for as-synthesized Eus in the 10.6 μm region but samples previously heated to 500°C and 700°C show absorption in the region between 1200 cm −1 and 800 cm −1 .
Nuclear Reactions in Semiconductors

Soft upsets in semiconductor memory devices can be produced by charged particles produced in nuclear reactions in the semiconductor or in its surrounding materials. We have calculated the particle production cross sections for incident neutrons and protons in various semiconductor materials in the energy range of 5 to 75 MeV. The common semiconductor elements and compounds all have approximately the same alpha particle production. There is also appreciable proton and heavy ion production which under some conditions may cause upsets.
Modelling Inter- and Intra-specific Competition in Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Plantations on Cutover, Site-prepared Lands

Abstract The presence of volunteer hardwood species in loblolly pine plantations demands studies on both intra- and inter-specific competition in order to build growth and yield models and to guide vegetation management for these stands. This paper, based on analyses of data collected from a thinning study, reports an investigation of responses of loblolly pine and hardwood species towards intra- and inter-specific competition. Under high levels of overall competition, hardwood species were more competitive, both intra- and inter-specifically. Intra-specific competition was more effective in reducing hardwood basal area growth than inter-specific competition under high levels of overall competition. However, under low levels of overall competition, intra- and inter-specific competition were quantitatively similar toward loblolly pine basal area growth. The basal area growth of hardwoods was significantly related to levels of inter-specific competition, but not with intra-specific effects under low levels of overall competition. More than half of the variability in loblolly pine basal area growth under unthinned control and light thin treatments could be accounted for by competition effects. However, only one third of the variability could be explained for loblolly pine under heavy thin treatment. For hardwood species, the percentage of growth variation accounted for by competition was about 45%, and did not change among the thinning treatments. Different resource demands between the two categories of tree species and a certain amount of thinning shock were suggested by the modelling results.
Conduction-Electron Screening in the Bulk and at Low-Index Surfaces of Ta Metal

High-resolution core-level photoemission spectra from Ta(100) have been measured. The well-resolved peak from the first atomic layer allows a separate assessment of bulk and surface-layer screening responses: singularity indices {alpha}{sub {ital B}}=0.10{plus_minus}0.01 and {alpha}{sub 100}=0.205{plus_minus}0.025, respectively, are obtained. The measured surface-atom lifetime broadening of 70{plus_minus}20 meV (compared to 37{plus_minus}5 meV in the bulk) is consistent with published Auger--photoemission coincidence measurements. The result for the bulk singularity index has been applied in the analysis of previous data in order to extract the screening response in the first atomic layer of Ta(111) ({alpha}{sub 111}=0.16{plus_minus}0.01) and Ta(110) ({alpha}{sub 110}=0.150{plus_minus}0.015). The trend in surface {alpha}`s implies an increasingly atomic character for the surface-layer atoms as one proceeds from Ta(110) to Ta(111) to Ta(100).
Designing Information for Remediating Cognitive Biases in Decision-Making

Software is playing an increasingly important role in supporting human decision-making. Previous HCI research on decision support systems (DSS) has improved the information visualization aspect of DSS information design, but has somewhat overlooked the cognitive aspect of decision-making, namely that human reasoning is heuristic and reflects systematic errors or cognitive biases. We report on an empirical study of two cognitive biases: conservatism and loss aversion. Two remediation techniques recommended by previous research were tested: the expected return method, an actuarial-inspired approach presenting objective metrics; and bootstrapping, a technique successful in improving judgment consistency. The results show that the two biases can occur simultaneously and can have a huge impact on decision-making. The results also show that the two debiasing techniques are only partly effective. These findings suggest a need for more research on debiasing, and indicate some directions for exploring debiasing techniques and building decision support systems.
Increased seawater survival and contribution to the fishery of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) by supplemental dietary salt.

Abstract Addition of sodium chloride (NaCl) to the diet of juvenile fall chinook salmon for 6 weeks prior to release resulted in 65% greater adult recovery in the fishery and return to the hatchery than obtained with controls fed an unsupplemented diet. In a separate study, juvenile fall chinook salmon fed supplemental sodium chloride had significantly higher gill sodium and potassium (Na + K + ) ATPase activities and greater survival than controls when transferred directly to seawater net-pens.
An Examination of Perceptions and Usage of Regression Diagnostics in Organization Studies

Few studies have evaluated the use of perhaps the most dominant analytic technique in organization studies-linear regression models. In this research, we investigate the extent to which researchers understand the assumptions and verify the appropriateness of linear regression modeling techniques prior to using them. After examining regression usage in leading journals and two samples of researchers in organization studies, we find that the assumptions and requirements of regression modeling are commonly neglected. We discuss consequences of disregarding these assumptions, the role of researchers' beliefs and understanding in not using diagnostics, and various diagnostic tools and statistical software which may be employed to assess regression assumptions. We conclude with a call for greater recognition of the importance of diagnostic checking and an increased application of diagnostics in organization studies.
Styles of Dealing with Hostility

The ineffectual management of hostility and other comparable emotions has been identified as an unfavorable factor affecting the prognosis of an individual's over-all adjustment as well as the even...
The Ultimate Analysis of Natural Waters

Abstract Although waters have been analyzed for over 2,000 years, no one has yet accomplished a truly complete analysis for the detection and determination of all the ions, the molecules and complex species that must be present. The significance and challenge of the ultimate analysis of waters is discussed. While testifying in a court case in the 1890's, Professor Angstrom swore that all major discoveries had already been made. In the light of modern progress, this statement appears quite naive. Yet, during recent years, most chemists have felt that methods for analyzing water were adequate and virtually complete; hence, for many years relatively little research was conducted on analytical methods for water analysis. However, there is a real frontier awaiting the chemist who desires to really know the constituents of natural waters. In fact, no one has ever done a complete analysis of a water sample. Although all cations likely to be present may have been reported, little work has been done on the large n...
Human protoporphyria: Reduced cutaneous photosensitivity and lower erythrocyte porphyrin levels during pregnancy

Abstract Background: Women with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) have reported increased sunlight tolerance during pregnancy. Review of clinical information in an existing database for an EPP population study found five women who had six pregnancies while enrolled. All had experienced attenuated photosensitivity during gestation. Objective: Our purpose was to gain insight into whether altered porphyrin metabolism during pregnancy might explain this phenomenon. Methods: Erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels obtained for these women during six periods of gestation were compared with data accumulated over the course of several years during nongestational periods. Results: Erythrocyte porphyrin levels were lower during pregnancy. The differences of the means for values obtained during nongestational periods versus values obtained during pregnancy for each woman were found to reach or approach significance ( p p = 0.042) or when adjusted for possible seasonal effects of sunlight on erythrocyte porphyrin levels by separation into data sets for low sunlight months (October–April) ( p = 0.039) or high sunlight months (May–September) ( p = 0.057). Conclusion: These observations suggest that a beneficial physiologic effect of pregnancy in patients with EPP may be a lower circulating erythrocyte protoporphyrin burden that leads to reduced photosensitivity. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;36:40-3.)
Cockroach hosts in thermal gradients suppress parasite development

Cockroaches parasitized by the temperature-sensitive acanthocephalan Moniliformis moniliformis exhibit a variety of behavioral alterations, so we asked if parasitized cockroaches defended themselves against the parasite with altered thermal choices. We tested the null hypothesis that cockroaches infected with M. moniliformis do not alter temperature choice in two ways: by direct observation and, indirectly, by observation of parasite development after a prolonged developmental period. When we compared acanthocephalan development in cockroaches that were allowed to use thermal gradients to acanthocephalan development in cockroaches held at constant temperatures, we found that in two cockroach species (Supella longipalpa and Blatta orientalis), acanthocephalan development was greatly retarded, a result that is consistent with the cockroaches spending time in cold temperatures. Parasitized animals exhibit behavioral alterations that can have profound effects on parasite transmission and host well-being; neither the beneficiaries of those alterations nor the alterations themselves are easily predictable.