cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanotoxicity assessment: all small talk?

This volume of Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews is dedicated to issues in nanomaterials toxicity assessment and understanding. In the past decades, materials engineered into nanotechnology have moved from an exotic research pursuit to inclusion in hundreds of mainstream consumer products with nanomaterials markets exceeding billions of dollars annually. Many medical innovations under assessment now claim benefits from nanotechnology. Drug delivery systems by their very nature are part of these international pursuits with several nanophase formulations approved for human use, and dozens more nano-therapeutics in clinical trials. With this nano-phase invasion of new materials and products into nearly every aspect of life comes increasing calls for prudent assessment of new safety and exposure risks: published health assessments and toxicological studies of nanosystems are growing at exponential rates annually. It is often argued that human exposure to environmental non-engineered, natural sources of nanomaterials is by far and away the most significant exposure to nanomaterials, persisting throughout the human presence on earth. Certainly, the human physiome must have developed tolerance to constant nanoparticulate exposure from diverse natural sources. By contrast, deliberate exposure to human-made nanosystems is a relatively recent phenomenon with no histories yet substantial enough to provide clear or broad-sweeping safety or hazard assessments. One argument in this regard is that synthetic nanomaterials with specific engineered properties (i.e., applied surface coatings, specifically controlled size ranges, dopants, drug inclusion, optical, redox, and electronic properties) concentrated within products as a single species, and distributed into the ecosystem (i.e., disposal into the food chain and ecosystem) are unique to humans at this time. Human tissues and organs have not witnessed such materials or properties. Certainly, in this case of nano-medicines and therapeutics, humans have no evolutionary experience with nano-engineered systems in acute dosing regimens. These arguments about possible “exotic nanomaterials toxicity” have brought about a flurry of concerns from particulate toxicologists in defense of humans as both public stakeholders of substantial government speculations in this enterprise, and possible unwitting victims of adverse nanotechnology impacts.[1,2]
Exploring the impact of employee turnover on the effectiveness of software development team archetypes

This paper presents an agent-based simulation study that explores the effects of team behavior on the efficiency and effectiveness of software development organizations that pursue incremental and iterative processes. The conceptual model underlying the simulation framework is based on the fundamental tenets of organization theory. The organization-theoretic perspective to simulation modeling of software processes entails characterizing the components of organizational design, as well as types of team cooperation mechanisms that are associated with selected team archetypes. We present the simulation framework Team-RUP and use it to examine the extent of the impact of turbulence (i.e., employee turnover) on the effectiveness of software development under various team archetypes. We observe that asynchronous team cooperation models are less predictable than synchronous models. Also, teams that utilize bottom-up coordination strategies are more adept at responding to change.
Multiresolution framework for backward motion compensation

Hierarchical decomposition of images and their relationship with motion fields continues to be a hotly pursued topic, and the role of backward motion information in coding is beginning to capture the interest of the video coding community. This paper simultaneously addresses some of the fundamental issues in multi-resolution and backward motion systems. From a coding viewpoint, a multi-resolution motion hierarchy should be coupled with an estimation system that deals with a maximally subsampled wavelet decomposition of the frames, to avoid redundancy of representation. Through a frequency domain argument, we expose the difficulties associated with such an approach, and in fact show that a band-to-band motion compensated estimation in a wavelet domain is not possible. This analysis leads to an alternative approach for estimation of detail bands. The resulting estimation errors were coded through a zerotree quantizer. We circumvented the causality problem associated with determination of zerotree information in a recursive coder through using a suitable substitute zerotree. Simulations show that a prototype coder of this type is very competitive, with a performance similar to forward (block-based) coders. The results show that the commonly held belief by many, that backward (pel-based, or pel-recursive) coding algorithms are inherently inferior to block-based methods, is not true, and will hopefully spawn interest and open a debate on the role of backward motion information in video coding.
Geochemical characteristics of rare earth element movement during incipient alteration of pyroxenes in Guatemalan corestones

Earth scientists currently use changes in major and minor elements as an indication of rock alteration. Work on spheroidal weathering has shown an increase in the rare earth element ( REE ) whole-rock abundances can accompany minor changes in major elements and highlights the need for new, more sensitive, geochemical techniques of detecting incipient alteration. Augites from the core and rind of a corestone system from the Tecuamburro complex in SE Guatemala are examined to determine their role in the whole-rock REE increases.
The Acquisition of Inflection: A Parameter-Setting Approach

First written in 1986, prior to the many findings concerning the optionality of finiteness and the root infinitive phenomenon, this article attempts to extend the parameter-setting model of grammatical development to the acquisition of inflectional morphology. I propose that the Stem Parameter, which states that a stem is/is not a well-formed word in the language, is set early, and that a positive vs. negative setting directly affects the timing and manner in which children acquire inflectional morphemes. Related to this, I propose that the distinction between core and peripheral grammar (Chomsky (1981)) provides a complexity metric for grammatical development.
Irrigation effects on pinitol content of jojoba leaf blades and floral buds

Abstract One of the factors limiting jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneid.) production in the USA has been frost damage to flower buds. Research indicates that drought can be used to increase the frost tolerance of jojoba. In certain other plants, frost-hardiness is related to an increase in soluble carbohydrates including pinitol. D-Pinitol is also present in jojoba and is a major soluble sugar constituent of its leaves and buds in the fall and winter. In this study we evaluated the influence of irrigation water management, season and clone on pinitol content of jojoba over a 2 year period. The plants studied were from two clones in two irrigation regimes: a wet treatment (WT) that received water biweekly throughout the growing season, and a dry treatment (DT) that received no irrigation water after June to provide fall and winter water stress. Leaf water potential and relative water content were lower in the fall and winter in the DT than in the WT. Water stress did not appear to stimulate pinitol accumulation in jojoba leaves or flower buds. Pinitol content of leaves was highest in the spring and lowest in the summer. There were no consistent differences between clones in pinitol content of tissue.
PROBING BEHAVIOR OF THE GREENBUG (SCHIZAPHIS GRAMINUM, BIOTYPE C) ON RESISTANT AND SUSCEPTIBLE VARIETIES OF SORGHUM

The probing behavior of biotype C of the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) on susceptible and resistant lines of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench., was electronically monitored. Waveforms corresponding to salivation, phloem ingestion and non-phloem ingestion are described. The results of a parallel study revealed that the rate of population growth of S. graminum was significantly greater on susceptible lines of sorghum [i.e., NC + 70X. SC423 (Purple). SC423 (Tan)] than on resistant lines (i.e., TAM 2567, IS 809). Aphids probing the resistant lines of sorghum showed a significantly reduced imbibition of phloem sap compared with those aphids which fed on susceptible varieties. Also, increased numbers of separate probes and increased duration of non-probing were associated with greenbugs feeding on resistant lines. Greenbugs monitored on the nonhost plant, rice, exhibited non-phloem ingestion, but not phloem ingestion. Resistance in sorghum to greenbugs is associated with the phloem. There appear to be no physial differences between the sorghum varieties in the location of or extent of lignification around the vascular bundles. Hence, resistance probably involves plant natural products associated with the phloem sap. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Probeverhalten von Schizaphis graminum, Biotyp c an resistenten und anfalligen Sorghumsorten Das Probeverhalten des Biotyps C von Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) an anfalligen und resistenten Klonen von Sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench., wurde elektronisch registriert. Wellenfiguren fur den Speichelfluss, die Phloemaufnahme und − nichtaufnahme werden beschrieben. Die Ergebnisse eines Parallelexperiments zeigten, dass die Zuwachsrate von S. graminum bedeutend grosser war an anfalligen Klonen [NC + 70X, SC423 (Purpur), SC423 (Beige)] als an resistenten Klonen (TAM 2567, IS 809). Blattlause an resistenten Klonen saugten wahrend bedeutend kurzerer Zeit Phloemsaft als Blattlause an anfalligen Klonen. Ferner ergab sich eine grossere Zahl Probestiche und eine langere Dauer des Nichtprobens. Blattlause, welche an der Nichtwirtspflanze Reis beobachtet wurden, nahmen Nichtphloemsubstanz aber keinen Phloemsaft auf. Resistenz von Sorghum gegen Sch. graminum steht in Zusammenhang mit dem Phloem. Offenbar gibt es keine physikalischen Unterschiede zwischen den Sorghumklonen in Bezug auf die Verteilung und die Verholzung der Gefassbundel. Daher muss die Resistenz wahrscheinlich mit Inhaltsstoffen des Phloemsafts zusammenhangen.
Prolonged optic tract degeneration modifies optic nerve regeneration

Abstract One optic tract underwent prolonged degeneration after enucleating one eye. Crushing the remaining optic nerve at a later time resulted in regeneration to both tectal lobes. However, density of the tectal projection through the degenerated optic tract was directly related to the duration of optic tract degeneration.
Dynorphin1–13: interaction with other opiate ligand bindings in vitro

Dynorphin1–13 is a potent inhibitor of electrically-induced contractions in the guinea pig ileum, where it has the properties of κ-(ethylketocyclazocine) type opioids. In the brain, however, it has no analgesic potency, yet inhibits that induced by morphine. To gain further insight into its mechanism of action in the latter system, we tested its ability to complete for the binding of several opiates to brain membranes in vitro. Dynorphin1–13 inhibited the binding of all ligands examined, including dihydromorphine, d-Ala2-d-Leu5-enkephalin, ethylketacyclazocine (EKC) and naloxone. In all cases, it reduced the number of high affinity sites and, in the case of EKC, it also increased the Kd. We conclude that the mechanism of dynorphin inhibition is not simple rapidly reversible competition and is certainly not identical with respect to all opiate ligands.
Ontogenesis and nutritive value of warm-season perennial bunch grasses

Understanding the dynamics of nutritive values in warm-season perennial bunch grasses with change in ontogenesis is essential to managing their use as forage for livestock or cellulosic bioenergy feedstock. Accumulated growth (not previously harvested) of Alamo lowland and accession 9065018 upland switch grass ( Panicum virgatum ), Lometa Indian grass ( Sorghastrum nutans ), Earl big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii ), San Marcos eastern gama grass ( Tripsacum dactyloides ) and Haskell sideoats grama ( Bouteloua curtipendula ), all native to the southern Great Plains of North America, as well as Selection 75 Klein grass ( Panicum coloratum ), originating in southern Africa but selected in North America, was harvested every 28 d for 3 yr, commencing 1 yr after establishment. Growth stage, crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) over 48 h were evaluated at each date. Some entries, such as Haskell, San Marcos and Selection 75, initiated reproductive growth earlier in the growing season and had higher nutritive value [up to 119 g CP/kg dry matter (DM) and 630 g IVDMD/kg DM] at seed set than those reproducing later in the season. Nutritive value of San Marcos and Selection 75 responded to autumn rainfall with resurging nutritive value (over 100 g CP/kg DM and over 600 g IVDMD/kg DM), whereas others did not. These nuances in nutritive value may be useful in manipulating species composition and season of utilization for grazing bunch grasses, especially when incorporated into opportunistic harvests of bioenergy feedstock. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
An experimental design to reduce dynamics uncertainty in genomic networks

In systems biology, network models are often used as a promising tool to study interactions among cellular components (e.g., genes or proteins). However, these models are typically too complex and biological data is very limited which leads to model uncertainty. Network dynamics involves the evolution of entities over time which is central in developing cancer drugs whose aim is to change the dynamical behavior of the network to avoid cancerous phenotypes. In the presence of uncertainty, network dynamics can be updated in different ways giving multiple dynamic trajectories. In this paper, we propose an experimental design method that can effectively reduces the dynamics uncertainty and improve the performance of the interventions. We use the concept of mean objective cost of uncertainty (MOCU) to quantify dynamics uncertainty. We also incorporate the error of the potential experiments in such a way that the objective from the experimental design is taken into account. As a byproduct of the proposed objective-based experimental design method, we also develop a mathematical framework for applying interventions to interaction-based genomic networks. Furthermore, our proposed approach is well-suited for laboratory tests as the results have biological correspondence. A software package is also programmed based on the proposed experimental design method.
Impact of Interleukin-13 Responsiveness on the Synthetic and Proliferative Properties of Th1- and Th2-Type Pulmonary Granuloma Fibroblasts

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) has emerged as a major cytokine mediator of fibroblast activation and pulmonary fibrosis. Normal (from noninflamed lung), Th1-type (induced by the pulmonary embolization of purified peptide derivative-coated beads in mice sensitized to purified peptide derivative), and Th2-type (induced by the pulmonary embolization of Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen-coated beads in mice sensitized with S. mansoni eggs) primary fibroblast cell lines all exhibited constitutive gene expression of two receptor chains that bind and signal IL-13-mediated cellular events: IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1. However, all three fibroblast cell lines exhibited divergent synthetic and proliferative responses to the exogenous addition of either recombinant IL-13 or a chimeric protein comprised of IL-13 and a truncated version of Pseudomonas exotoxin (IL13-PE), which targets and kills IL-13 receptor overexpressing cells. The exogenous addition of IL-13 to Th1-type and Th2-type fibroblast cultures significantly increased the cellular expression of IL-13Rα2, which may function as an IL-13 decoy receptor. After a 24-hour exposure to IL-13, the total collagen generation and cellular proliferation by Th2-type fibroblasts were significantly higher than that observed in similar numbers of normal and Th1-type fibroblasts. In addition IL13-PE, which binds with highest affinity to IL-13Rα2, exhibited down-regulatory effects on proliferation and matrix generation expression by Th1- and Th2-type, but not normal, fibroblasts. Thus, these data demonstrate that fibroblasts derived from murine pulmonary granulomas exhibit divergent expression of functional IL-13 receptor and this expression dictates the responsiveness and susceptibility to recombinant IL-13 and IL-13 immunotoxin, respectively.
Fast, Approximate Gaussian Mask Algorithm

Gaussian Mask is an algorithm for localizing fluorophores in microscopy. Using simulated images, substantial speed improvements are shown to be possible if good initial position estimates are available and the fitting function is Taylor-expanded.
The use of RF signal simulation in a radio telescope control system

In addition to reliably controlling hardware, a control system should instill confidence by clearly reflecting the user's commands. If the control system of a radio telescope is capable of simulating the effects of the electronics on the RF signal, the user can be provided with practical descriptions of his or her observing configurations. A simulation allows a direct characterization of the RF signal representation rather than a raw list of attenuator, mixer or filter settings. However, because simulation is practical only if it can be kept current and accurate; it must keep pace with both engineering and operational modifications. This is possible if the software interfaces for each telescope device are identical, thus permitting hardware enhancements in the simulation to be implemented as formulated additions rather than as changes. The design of the portable monitor and control system, Ygor, used by the Green Bank Telescope treats each telescope device as an independent unit with identical control interfaces. Differences among devices are reflected by distinct sets of control Parameters. Those Parameter subsets that affect the RF signal representation are passed on to a simulation program which computes basic frequency characteristics throughout the telescope. The signal descriptions are provided to the observers as feedback both in the user interfaces and as part of their data.
Linear stochastic approximation driven by slowly varying Markov chains

We study a linear stochastic approximation algorithm that arises in the context of reinforcement learning. The algorithm employs a decreasing step-size, and is driven by Markov noise with time-varying statistics. We show that under suitable conditions, the algorithm can track the changes in the statistics of the Markov noise, as long as these changes are slower than the rate at which the step-size of the algorithm goes to zero.
Polymorphic phase behavior of lysophosphatidylethanolamine dispersions. A thermodynamic and spectroscopic characterization

We have investigated the phase behavior of aqueous dispersions of a series of synthetic lysophosphatidylethanolamines as a function of the acyl chain length. Lysophosphatidylethanolamines exhibit phase polymorphism encompassing a well-ordered crystalline phase which may arise either from a metastable interdigitated lamellar gel phase or a metastable micellar phase. The time course of interconversion between these various phases have been outlined by observing the low temperature incubation time dependence of the calorimetric thermograms. We have determined differences in structure of these phases by Raman spectroscopy and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It appears that a principal contribution to this polymorphic phase behavior lies in the nature of headgroup hydration and headgroup-headgroup interactions.
Implicit responses and conceptual similarity

This study offers an explanation for the superior free recall of conceptually related words. In this explanation the common implicit associational response (IAR) is assumed to produce increased frequency of the appropriate representational response (RR) via the backward association. The theory leads to the prediction that in a series of conceptually related words those presented first in the series will be better recalled than those presented later. Although the amount of facilitation and the number of “early” words facilitated depended somewhat on the number of conceptually related words presented, the results gave some support to the prediction. Furthermore, a second study demonstrated that the facilitation of the earlier words resulted from events taking place during presentation, i.e., during learning, and not during recall.
An assessment of the Huntley (2000) baildown tests data analysis method.

Introduction Oil baildown tests are routinely conducted in practice for determining oil conductivity in aquifers. The commonly used approach, in practice, is to adapt the existing slug test data analysis methods even though there are more sophisticated approaches based on numerical models (e.g., Zhu et al. 1993). Unfortunately, there are some controversial issues in applying especially the existing slug test data analysis methods to drawdown data for oils in aquifers and these are the main reasons for this commentary. Over 10 years ago, Huntley (2000) published a method under the title “Analytic Determination of Hydrocarbon Transmissivity from Baildown Tests.” This method is also included in the American Petroleum Institute (API) Interactive Guide (2002, Version 2.0, Release 2.04) based on Beckett and Lyverse (2002). Huntley presents his method mainly by applying the Bouwer and Rice (1976) slug test data analysis method with some modification to oil baildown tests by including a density correction factor. The same API Interactive Guide also includes the Lundy and Zimmerman Method (Lundy 2002), which is also based on the same modification on the Bouwer and Rice (1976) slug test data analysis method (Lundy 2002). Most importantly, the Lundy and Zimmerman method does not use a density correction factor as the case is for the Huntley method. The Bouwer and Rice slug test data analysis method is based on the Thiem equation (Thiem 1906), which predicts the drawdown in a confined aquifer under steady-state conditions. Therefore, the aforementioned modification by Huntley, and Lundy and Zimmerman imply that, in reality, the Thiem equation is modified.
Developing ASEAN5 Bond Markets: What Still Needs to Be Done?

This paper examines a range of issues relating to bond markets in the ASEAN5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) - physical infrastructure including trading, clearing and settlement; regulation, supervision and legal underpinnings; and derivatives markets - and finds that the frameworks compare well with other Emerging Markets, following a decade of reform. A number of areas where further enhancements could be made are highlighted. The paper also examines the interrelationship between central bank management of short-term interest rates and domestic currency liquidity, and development of the wider money and bond markets; and suggests some lessons from the recent crisis in developed country financial markets which may be important for the future development of the ASEAN5 markets.
The consequences of generation

Abstract Seven experiments are reported showing that encoding conditions producing a typical generation effect (better memory for generated than for previously read items) in cued recall and in recognition produce a negative generation effect (better memory for previously read than for generated items) in free recall, as well as a clustering advantage for the previously read items. Taken together, the experiments supported the hypothesis that generation enhanced stimulus-response and/or response-specific processing, but interfered with response-relational processing (i.e., associating responses in the list). In addition, this interference effect was caused by subject failure, in the generate conditions, to process the response-relational information after generating the targets, despite ample time to do so. The results are discussed in relation to both the multifactor theories of the generation effect and the transfer-appropriate procedures approach to explaining dissociations between implicit and explicit tests of memory.
The Effects of Chronic Handling on the Incidence of Leg Abnormalities and Several Blood Parameters in Turkeys

Twelve hundred day-old Nicholas toms were randomly distributed among 47 pens as part of two experiments designed to evaluate the effects of chronic handling on leg weakness and several blood parameters. From 5 until 19 weeks of age, one half of the birds, designated as the handled group, was subjected to physical examination once each day, 5 days a week, in an effort to detect the development of leg abnormalities. They were also removed from their pens and weighed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks of age. The remaining birds, referred to as nonhandled, were exposed to the minimum amount of human contact necessary for proper management. Experiment 1 involved only birds in the handled group. When a leg weakness was detected, the afflicted bird and a healthy control from the same pen were bled. Determinations were made of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count, and the plasma levels of uric acid, inorganic phosphate, calcium, alkaline phosphatase activity, testosterone, and corticosterone. Lame birds were found to have significantly higher total leukocyte counts and plasma corticosterone concentrations than healthy controls, the other parameters being unaffected. Experiment 2 was performed using both handled and nonhandled birds, 19 weeks of age. Lame and healthy subjects from each group were selected. Blood parameters identical to those in Experiment 1 were measured; it was found that lame birds had significantly higher plasma corticosterone levels than healthy controls and that chronic handling caused significant decreases in packed cell volume, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase activity, and corticosterone. Handling did not affect the incidence of leg weakness or mean final body weight.
Optimizing measurement of the electrical anisotropy of muscle

Skeletal muscle is electrically anisotropic, with applied high-frequency electrical current flowing more easily along than across muscle fibers. As an early step in harnessing this characteristic for clinical use, we studied approaches for maximizing the measured anisotropy by varying electrode size and applied current frequency in the tibialis anterior of 10 normal subjects. The results were compared to those from two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Current was applied percutaneously, first parallel and then perpendicular to the major fiber direction of the muscle at frequencies ranging from 20 kHz to 1 MHz, using a fixed voltage–electrode length and varying the current–electrode length. The measured anisotropy was most pronounced using the longest length current electrodes and with a 125-kHz applied frequency for the major outcome parameter phase. In addition, the two ALS patients showed very distinct anisotropic patterns. These results support the belief that, with the appropriate measurement technique, non-invasive assessment of electrical anisotropy of muscle may have useful clinical application.
Prolonged Consumption by Infants of Wheat-Based Diets with and without Casein or Lysine Supplementation

Infants consumed 75% of calories as 82% extraction wheat flour with satisfactory short-term protein and energy digestion. Protein needs, repre sented by N retentions from casein, probably were not satisfied. Long-term (3+ months) studies in four infants showed that 50% calories and 80% protein from wheat (casein added to 8% protein calories) supported weight gain and linear growth more than expected. Prolonged feeding of 75%calories and 100%protein from wheat was attempted in three infants. In the oldest (15.5 months), digestibility and growth was satisfactory; in one, despite good digestion, weight gain and growth was inadequate and serum albumin fell until 0.2% lysine was added; and in another, weight gain was satisfactory but albumin fell to 3.25 g/dl and growth was inadequate. In six other infants, lysine addition during the 2nd of 3 months was associated with significant increase in N retention and weight gain and stabilization of albumin; lysine withdrawal resulted in significant decrease in weight gain with no effect on N retention or albumin; growth was barely adequate during 3-month study. Serum cholesterol fell only when dietary protein was inadequate. It is practically impossible for unsupplemented wheat to satisfy protein needs of infants and most small children. J. Nutr. Ill: 1917-
A Pattern-Based Technique for Developing UML Models of Access Control Systems

This paper describes a pattern-based technique for systematic development of UML models of secure systems using access control. Access control is viewed and specified as a design pattern. An access control pattern is applied to a functional UML model of an application to be secured using a composition algorithm. We demonstrate the technique using mandatory access control (MAC) and a model of a simple file system. We also discuss how the composed model can be evaluated for security assurance expected from the applied access control
Mothers of sexually abused children: an MMPI study

Thirty-seven mothers of sexually abused children were contrasted with 41 mothers who were receiving outpatient psychotherapy and with 76 women with no history of psychiatric disturbance on the MMPI. The groups were matched on age and socioeconomic status, and significant between-group differences were noted. Outpatients and mothers of sexually abused children were significantly more elevated than the normal comparison group on the majority of the scales. Mothers of sexually abused children differed from psychiatric outpatient mothers on several scales. The 4-3 and spike 4 MMPI code-types were significantly more common in mothers of sexually abused children than in outpatient mothers. Differences in the child's sexual abuse characteristics were related to MMPI scales of the mother. Language: en
Relations between motivation to argue and the argumentativeness of adversaries

This study examined whether motivation to argue would be influenced by the trait argumentativeness of an individual, and the similarity of a potential adversary in the trait predisposition. One hundred thirty‐six participants identified as either high or low in trait argumentativeness anticipated they would engage in an argument with a similar or dissimilar adversary. Motivation to argue was assessed by a set of five dependent measures. Results indicated that the adversary's level of argumentativeness produced a difference on high, but not low, argumentative individuals’ motivation to argue. In general, high argumentatives were more motivated to argue than lows, and high argumentatives were more motivated to argue with an adversary similar to themselves in the trait predisposition.
Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support versus Organ Transplantation: Past, Present, and Future

For more than 30 years, heart transplantation has been a successful therapy for patients with terminal heart failure. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was developed as a therapy for end-stage heart failure at a time when cardiac transplantation was not yet a useful treatment modality. With the more successful outcomes of cardiac transplantation in the 1980s, MCS was applied as a bridge to transplantation. Because of donor scarcity and limited long-term survival, heart transplantation has had a trivial impact on the epidemiology of heart failure. Surgical implementation of MCS, both for short- and long-term treatment, affords physicians an opportunity for dramatic expansion of a meaningful therapy for these otherwise mortally ill patients. This review explores the evolution of mechanical circulatory support and its potential for providing long-term therapy, which may address the limitations of cardiac transplantation.
Lengthening of the achilles tendon in diabetic patients who are at high risk for ulceration of the foot.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which pressure on the plantar aspect of the forefoot is reduced following percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles tendon in diabetic patients who are at high risk for ulceration of the foot. Methods: Ten diabetic patients who had a history of neuropathic plantar ulceration of the forefoot were enrolled in a laboratory gait trial. A repeated-measures design and a computer analysis of force-plate data were used to examine dynamic pressures on the forefoot, with the patient walking barefoot, immediately before percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles tendon and at eight weeks afterward. Although the wound in each patient had healed at least one month before the operation, we considered the patients to be at high risk for ulceration because they had had an ulcer previously. Results: The mean peak pressure (and standard deviation) on the plantar aspect of the forefoot decreased significantly from 86 ± 9.4 newtons per square centimeter preoperatively to 63 ± 13.2 newtons per square centimeter at eight weeks postoperatively (p < 0.001). Commensurately, the mean dorsiflexion of the ankle joint increased significantly from 0 ± 3.1 degrees preoperatively to 9 ± 2.3 degrees at eight weeks postoperatively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that peak pressures on the plantar aspect of the forefoot are significantly reduced following percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles tendon in diabetic patients who are at high risk for ulceration of the foot. We are unaware of any other reports in the medical literature that describe such findings. These data may lend support to studies that have indicated that this procedure should be used as an adjunctive therapeutic or prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of neuropathic ulceration.
When is ERIC Useful? A Background and Current Overview of the Education Resources Information Center

The Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) underwent substantial change during the 2004 contract cycle. Since it began in 1966, it has always been a highly respected and heavily used bibliographic resource, but some users are unaware of its current status due to the recent changes in its format and availability. This update highlights major developments and assesses the resulting ERIC product in light of the current education index marketplace.
The West Indies as a laboratory of biogeography and evolution.

Islands have long provided material and inspiration for the study of evolution and ecology. The West Indies are complex historically and geographically, providing a rich backdrop for the analysis of colonization, diversification and extinction of species. They are sufficiently isolated to sustain endemic forms and close enough to sources of colonists to develop a dynamic interaction with surrounding continental regions. The Greater Antilles comprise old fragments of continental crust, some very large; the Lesser Antilles are a more recent volcanic island arc, and the low-lying Bahama Islands are scattered on a shallow oceanic platform. Dating of island lineages using molecular methods indicates over-water dispersal of most inhabitants of the West Indies, although direct connections with what is now southern Mexico in the Early Tertiary, and subsequent land bridges or stepping stone islands linking to Central and South America might also have facilitated colonization. Species–area relationships within the West Indies suggest a strong role for endemic radiations and extinction in shaping patterns of diversity. Diversification is promoted by opportunities for allopatric divergence between islands, or within the large islands of the Greater Antilles, with a classic example provided by the Anolis lizards. The timing of colonization events using molecular clocks permits analysis of colonization–extinction dynamics by means of species accumulation curves. These indicate low rates of colonization and extinction for reptiles and amphibians in the Greater Antilles, with estimated average persistence times of lineages in the West Indies exceeding 30 Myr. Even though individual island populations of birds might persist an average of 2 Myr on larger islands in the Lesser Antilles, recolonization from within the archipelago appears to maintain avian lineages within the island chain indefinitely. Birds of the Lesser Antilles also provide evidence of a mass extinction event within the past million years, emphasizing the time-heterogeneity of historical processes. Geographical dynamics are matched by ecological changes in the distribution of species within islands over time resulting from adaptive radiation and shifts in habitat, often following repeatable patterns. Although extinction is relatively infrequent under natural conditions, changes in island environments as a result of human activities have exterminated many populations and others—especially old, endemic species—remain vulnerable. Conservation efforts are strengthened by recognition of aesthetic, cultural and scientific values of the unique flora and fauna of the West Indies.
What are postpartum women doing while the rest of the world is asleep

Large individual differences characterize maternal postpartum sleep and adjustment. Our goal was to explore aspects of mothers' nocturnal environments and behaviours that may explain differences in postpartum adjustment. A total of 201 mothers of infants aged 0-6 months completed an online survey with demographics, number and duration of nocturnal awakenings, caretaking behaviours, environment and nocturnal activities during 'one typical night during the past week'. Mothers reported 2.9 [standard deviation (SD) ± 1.7] nocturnal awakenings, each lasting 33.9 (SD ± 22.5) min. Infant age was related inversely to duration but unrelated to number of awakenings. Falling asleep while feeding was less frequent among exclusively formula-feeders. Among the entire sample, mothers used a cellphone (59%), backlit tablet (25%), TV (20%) and computer (16%) during nocturnal awakenings. Watching TV and using a computer were each associated with longer nocturnal awakenings. Eighty-nine per cent of women used ≥1 extra light source during nocturnal awakenings: night light (35%), light from a cracked door (28%), desk lamp (25%), electronic device (19%) or room light (14%). Light source(s) was unrelated to number or duration of nocturnal awakenings. These data suggest that, although supplemental light sources were not associated with awakenings, TV and computer use accounted for longer awakenings. Feeding method and technology use may help to explain individual differences in postpartum adjustments and may be targets for more effective interventions.
SUN: A Bayesian framework for saliency using natural statistics.

We propose a definition of saliency by considering what the visual system is trying to optimize when directing attention. The resulting model is a Bayesian framework from which bottom-up saliency emerges naturally as the self-information of visual features, and overall saliency (incorporating top-down information with bottom-up saliency) emerges as the pointwise mutual information between the features and the target when searching for a target. An implementation of our framework demonstrates that our model’s bottom-up saliency maps perform as well as or better than existing algorithms in predicting people’s fixations in free viewing. Unlike existing saliency measures, which depend on the statistics of the particular image being viewed, our measure of saliency is derived from natural image statistics, obtained in advance from a collection of natural images. For this reason, we call our model SUN (Saliency Using Natural statistics). A measure of saliency based on natural image statistics, rather than based on a single test image, provides a straightforward explanation for many search asymmetries observed in humans; the statistics of a single test image lead to predictions that are not consistent with these asymmetries. In our model, saliency is computed locally, which is consistent with the neuroanatomy of the early visual system and results in an efficient algorithm with few free parameters.
Quasi-maximum likelihood estimation of discretely observed diffusions

Summary This paper introduces a quasi-maximum likelihood estimator for discretely observed diffusions when a closed-form transition density is unavailable. Higher-order Wagner–Platen strong approximation is used to derive the first two conditional moments and a normal density function is used in estimation. Simulation study shows that the proposed estimator has high numerical precision and good numerical robustness. This method is applicable to a large class of diffusions.
Decision-making in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: the impact of frailty in older adults with aortic stenosis

Patients with severe aortic stenosis are commonly elderly and with significant comorbidity. Surgical intervention can improve symptoms and survival in severe aortic stenosis. However, a large proportion of patients do not undergo surgical intervention because they are deemed to be inoperable or too high risk. Over the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been developed, providing an effective, less-invasive alternative to open cardiac surgery for inoperable or high-risk patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of risk assessment in TAVR. Specifically, this article reviews the epidemiology of aortic stenosis, describes the risks and benefits of TAVR across multiple outcome measures, explores frailty and other elderly risk factors as metrics for improved risk assessment and discusses the application of improved risk assessment in TAVR decisions.
Streptomycetes in house dust: associations with housing characteristics and endotoxin

In addition to mold, indoor bioaerosols also contain bacterial components that may have implications for human health. Endotoxin is a cell wall component in Gram-negative bacteria present at varying levels indoors that has been found to have respiratory health implications. Streptomyces is a large genus of Gram-positive bacteria, and some species have been shown to produce inflammatory reactions in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of streptomycetes levels in house dust and to compare the variation in streptomycetes levels with that in endotoxin levels. Dust was collected by floor vacuuming from 178 homes in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Streptomycetes levels were measured by quantitative PCR, and endotoxin was assayed by the Limulus amebocyte lysate method. Associations between home characteristics and bacterial contaminants, expressed as concentration and load, were investigated through multiple regression analyses. The presence of two or more dogs was a strong predictor of both streptomycetes and endotoxin levels. Season of dust collection and levels of outdoor molds were predictors of streptomycetes but not endotoxin levels. In contrast, number of inhabitants was a significant predictor of endotoxin load only. Neither streptomycetes nor endotoxin levels were associated with metrics of moisture damage. Practical Implications This study adds to the understanding of the sources of bacterial contaminant in indoor environments. The results suggest that streptomycetes have mostly outdoor sources, whereas indoor sources are more important for endotoxin. The results also indicate that the presence of pets, particularly two or more dogs, is a strong source of bacterial contamination. In this study, neither streptomycetes nor endotoxin levels were significantly associated with metrics for moisture damage. Both endotoxin and streptomycetes levels may represent too large and diverse bacterial taxa to be consistent indicators of indoor moisture damage.
Interdigitated Array Electrodes with Magnetic Function as a Particle-Based Biosensor

A particle-based electrochemical biosensor was developed by integrating soft magnetic material, NiFe, with interdigitated array (IDA) electrodes. The NiFe strips were embedded beneath the IDA electrodes and acted as magnetic traps to collect the enzyme labeled paramagnetic particles from a microchannel flow of particle suspension. The IDA electrodes, which overlap on top of the NiFe strips, are designed to detect in close proximity the enzyme product that is produced from the particle surface. The sensors were fabricated in such a way that the particles were positioned among IDA electrodes without blocking the active electrode surface. The theoretical prediction of the sensor response is presented. It is expected that both sensitivity and limit of detection of the biosensor would be improved significantly.
Experiencing Discrimination Increases Risk Taking

Prior research has revealed racial disparities in health outcomes and health-compromising behaviors, such as smoking and drug abuse. It has been suggested that discrimination contributes to such disparities, but the mechanisms through which this might occur are not well understood. In the research reported here, we examined whether the experience of discrimination affects acute physiological stress responses and increases risk-taking behavior. Black and White participants each received rejecting feedback from partners who were either of their own race (in-group rejection) or of a different race (out-group rejection, which could be interpreted as discrimination). Physiological (cardiovascular and neuroendocrine) changes, cognition (memory and attentional bias), affect, and risk-taking behavior were assessed. Significant participant race × partner race interactions were observed. Cross-race rejection, compared with same-race rejection, was associated with lower levels of cortisol, increased cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance, greater anger, increased attentional bias, and more risk-taking behavior. These data suggest that perceived discrimination is associated with distinct profiles of physiological reactivity, affect, cognitive processing, and risk taking, implicating direct and indirect pathways to health disparities.
Vignettes: A distributed discrete event simulation system

The authors discuss Vignettes, a visual simulation programming system. Using Vignettes, a simulation analyst develops a simulation model in the form of extended queuing networks; Vignettes networks are constructed interactively on a graphics workstation. The authors begin by describing Vignettes, its icons and objects. They describe the implementation of Vignettes using a distributed discrete event simulation concept on a network of workstations. Specifically, they implement a form of D. R. Jefferson's (1985) time warp concept called remote process execution (RPE). RPE is a form of dynamic process allocation. That is, in order to minimize rollback on n physical processors, the n lowest simulation times of the m logical processes (m>n) are scheduled on the n disjoint processors. In order to maintain this schedule dynamically, logical processes may have to be moved among the processors during simulation. >
Using the history of mathematics as a source of technology-rich problems

Computing technologies can help motivate students to explore problems and topics from the history of mathematics. Because the activities are project based, the role of the teacher becomes that of a resource. Modified assessment techniques must be implemented. On the part of both the teacher and the students, the end results are increased mathematical understanding as well as a better appreciation of both how mathematical ideas developed historically and the individuals behind these developments.