cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
I Love What I Do, But… A Relationship Management Survey of Millennial Generation Public Relations Agency Employees

Millennials, those born in 1982 or later, represent the largest and most racially diverse generation, as well as the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. They have been characterized in the popular press as being entitled and lacking a strong work ethic. Millennial agency practitioners were surveyed to determine how they rate their relationships with their employers. We also explored the role of gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. We asked respondents to identify the stresses they experience in those relationships and to suggest ways in which their employers could improve relations. We find that respondents love what they do, but…
Intrasynovial hydrocortisone in the wrist and hand

Abstract A common complication of rheumatoid arthritis in the hand and wrist is the destruction of tendons by the necrotizing action of inflamed synovial tissue. By means of intra-synovial injections of hydrocortisone the inflammatory process may be arrested, and the disruptive process possibly delayed or aborted.
Desmosomes: new perpetrators in tumour suppression

Adherens junctions, which are intercellular adhesive complexes that are crucial for maintaining epithelial homeostasis, are downregulated in many cancers to promote tumour progression. However, the role of desmosomes - adhesion complexes that are related to adherens junctions - in carcinogenesis has remained elusive. Recent studies using mouse genetic approaches have uncovered a role for desmosomes in tumour suppression, demonstrating that desmosome downregulation occurs before that of adherens junctions to drive tumour development and early invasion, suggesting a two-step model of adhesion dysfunction in cancer progression.
A high prevalence of new onset otitis media during parent diagnosed common colds.

Summary Introduction Past studies suggest that the majority of new otitis media (OM) diagnoses is a complication of a colds/flu. A prospective format was used to determine the coincidence of otitis media and parent diagnosed cold/flu episodes in young children followed over a typical cold/flu season. Methods Eighteen families with children aged 1–8 years were followed from October 1 to April 30 using parent-completed daily diaries focused on cold/flu signs and weekly examinations using pneumatic otoscopy for diagnosis of the presence/absence of otitis media. Results Overall, 108 cold episodes were documented in 36 enrolled children with 20 colds (19%) occurring during a pre-existing OM episode and 40 colds (37%) complicated by a new OM episode. Conversely, there were 82 new OM episodes, 40 (49%) were associated with a cold in the individual child and 18 (22%) with a concurrent cold in a family member. The median duration of the OM episodes was approximately 2 weeks but this was longer for OM episodes where earache was reported. Conclusion The results confirm past observation relating new OM episodes to a concurrent cold/flu but show these episodes to usually be of short duration. Two sources of potential bias were identified for point prevalence study formats: the presence of a pre-existing OM for a new onset cold/flu and the possibility of subclinical colds in patients with new OM episodes. These biases reinforce the need for longitudinal study formats to address this important relationship.
Association mapping of spot blotch resistance in wild barley.

Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is an important foliar disease of barley. The disease has been controlled for over 40 years through the deployment of cultivars with durable resistance derived from the line NDB112. Pathotypes of C. sativus with virulence for the NDB112 resistance have been detected in Canada; thus, many commercial cultivars are vulnerable to spot blotch epidemics. To increase the diversity of spot blotch resistance in cultivated barley, we evaluated 318 diverse wild barley accessions comprising the Wild Barley Diversity Collection (WBDC) for reaction to C. sativus at the seedling stage and utilized an association mapping (AM) approach to identify and map resistance loci. A high frequency of resistance was found in the WBDC as 95% (302/318) of the accessions exhibited low infection responses. The WBDC was genotyped with 558 Diversity Array Technology (DArT®) and 2,878 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and subjected to structure analysis before running the AM procedure. Thirteen QTL for spot blotch resistance were identified with DArT and SNP markers. These QTL were found on chromosomes 1H, 2H, 3H, 5H, and 7H and explained from 2.3 to 3.9% of the phenotypic variance. Nearly half of the identified QTL mapped to chromosome bins where spot blotch resistance loci were previously reported, offering some validation for the AM approach. The other QTL mapped to unique genomic regions and may represent new spot blotch resistance loci. This study demonstrates that AM is an effective technique for identifying and mapping QTL for disease resistance in a wild crop progenitor.
Creating a New University-Based Community College Leadership Program

The author describes the process for developing a new Community College Leadership (CCL) curriculum for a certificate, master's, and doctoral degree in adult and higher education. The article details the research strategy in learning about Oklahoma's community colleges, existing national community college leadership programs, relevant courses needed for a leadership emphasis, and the desired methods to deliver such courses. The author describes the additional steps undertaken to create a relationship with Oklahoma's community colleges and their leaders. A qualitative study was conducted to learn from the community college presidents what challenges, knowledge, and skills future leaders needed to possess. The overarching theme that emerged from the study was the political nature of community colleges and leadership. This political theme placed all other themes secondary to the necessity of leaders being cognizant and skilled at being political beings. Even the theme of inadequate funding was linked to poli...
Influence of Nitrogen Addition and Plant Root Parameters on Phytoremediation of Pyrene-contaminated Soil

Phytoremediation is a method in which plants, soil microorganisms, amendments, and agronomic techniques interact to enhance contaminant degradation. We hypothesized that bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L) and an appropriate amount of N fertilizer would improve remediation of pyrene-contaminated Captina silt loam soil. The soil was contaminated with 0 or 1,000 mg pyrene/kg of soil and amended with urea at pyrene-C:urea-N (C:N) ratios of 4.5:1, 9:1, 18:1, or unamended (36:1). Either zero, one, two, or three bermudagrass sprigs were planted per pot and −33 kPa moisture potential was maintained. Pyrene concentrations, inorganic-N levels, shoot and root parameters, and pyrene degrader microbial numbers were measured following a 100-day greenhouse study. At a C:N ratio of 4.5:1, the presence of plants increased pyrene biodegradation from 31% for the no plant treatment to a mean of 62% for the one, two, and three plant treatments. With no plants and C:N ratios of 4.5:1, 9:1, 18:1, and 36:1, the mean pyrene biodegradation was 31, 52, 77, and 88%, respectively, indicating that increased inorganic-N concentration in the soil reduced pyrene degradation in the treatments without plants. Additionally, none of the one, two, or three plant treatments at any of the C:N ratios were different with a mean pyrene degradation value of 69% after 100 days. Pyrene resulted in reduced shoot and root biomass, root length, and root surface area, but increased root diameter. The pyrene degrading microbial numbers were approximately 10,000-fold higher in the pyrene-contaminated soil compared to the control. At the highest N rate, bermudagrass increased pyrene degradation compared to the no plant treatment, however, in the unvegetated treatment pyrene degradation was reduced with added N.
Will soda restrictions help New York win the war on obesity

Michael M Grynbaum looks at the arguments and research behind New York City’s decision to limit the size of sugary drinks
Synthesis of polynaphthoquinone

Abstract The synthesis of polynaphthoquinone in nitric acid was found to require N(III) catalysis.
The discovery of potent and selective dopamine D4 receptor antagonists

Abstract The identification of a novel dopamine receptor subtype, referred to as the D4 receptor, which binds the atypical antipsychoti drug clozapine with high potency, has led to the initiation of a drug discovery program that aims to find novel inhibitors of this receptor subtype. A selective screening strategy was utilized, in which 4500 compounds chosen on the basis of structural similarities to known biogenic amine receptor antagonists were tested against both the D4 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes. A potent D4-selective compound was discovered.
Co-constructing Meaning in Conversations with an Aphasic Man.

(1995). Co-Constructing Meaning in Conversations With an Aphasie Man. Research on Language and Social Interaction: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 233-260.
Complementary structural mass spectrometry techniques reveal local dynamics in functionally important regions of a metastable serpin.

Summary Serpins display a number of highly unusual structural properties along with a unique mechanism of inhibition. Although structures of numerous serpins have been solved by X-ray crystallography, little is known about the dynamics of serpins in their inhibitory active conformation. In this study, two complementary structural mass spectrometry methods, hydroxyl radical-mediated footprinting and hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange, were employed to highlight differences between the static crystal structure and the dynamic conformation of human serpin protein, α 1 -antitrypsin (α 1 AT). H/D exchange revealed the distribution of flexible and rigid regions of α 1 AT, whereas footprinting revealed the dynamic environments of several side chains previously identified as important for the metastability of α 1 AT. This work provides insights into the unique structural design of α 1 AT and improves our understanding of its unusual inhibition mechanism. Also, we demonstrate that the combination of the two MS techniques provides a more complete picture of protein structure than either technique alone.
An Evaluation of a Hearing Conservation Program—A Five-Year Longitudinal Study

The effectiveness of a hearing conservation program was investigated by analyses of changes in hearing threshold levels over a 5-year period among 2770 male employees of the DuPont Company. The study focused on 1966 men in this group whose level of noise exposure did not change during the study period. Three categories of noise levels were established. One consisted of areas in which the level was below the hearing conservation criterion, approximately 90 dBA; the other two were above that level. The mean differences in hearing levels were essentially the same in the three noise level categories, at each test frequency, and regardless of the hearing level at the beginning of the study period. We therefore concluded that a hearing conservation program whose components include periodic audiometric testing and ear protection, and which utilizes a hearing conservation criterion of approximately 90 dBA, is capable of protecting the hearing of noise-exposed workers.
Chemosystematic implications of flavonoids and C-Glycosylxanthones in ‘ferns’

Abstract The distribution of polyphenolics, especially flavonoids, has led to a better understanding of many aspects of pteridophyte phylogeny, especially at generic and specific levels. However, it has not revealed anticipated interfamilial tendencies. In general, the leptosporangiate ferns appear to be rather conservative with respect to their polyphenolic profiles. All putatively primitive leptosporangiate ferns appear to accumulate a ‘basic complement’ consisting of kaempferol and quercetin 3- O -glucosides and 3- O -rhamnoglucosides. More advanced species may add to this basic complement or, instead, they may accumulate flavone, C -glycosylflavone and/or flavanone derivatives. The distribution of compounds has indicated a dichotomy between the Psilotales and the leptosporangiate ferns. Based on polyphenolic profiles, the Marattiales can be separated into two groups. Information for interpreting tendencies within the Ophioglossales is lacking. New chemical information is presented for gaining insights into the Hymenophyllaceae, Schizaeaceae, Marsileaceae, Psilotales and Marattiales.
Signals Assimilable by Living Organisms and by Machines

Man-machine systems may be highly unified and tightly coupled so that they operate practically as a single entity or they may be loosely coupled so that the interfaces are easily discernible and the interaction easily understood whether the interface be close to the biological organism, as in the case of bio-transducers or close to the machine as in conventional digital computers. In most existing cases, however, there is an unnecessary degree of formalization of the intercommunication in terms of an over-simplified clumsy physical or mathematical model or code. It appears possible to develop communication codes based on mathematical models more closely in conformity with indwelling biological codes and thus to facilitate man-machine and other bio-engineering interactions with expected simplification and performance improvement of machine systems and subsequent development of much more tightly knit, effectively functional man-machine systems.
Interaction of the influenza hemagglutinin fusion peptide with lipid bilayers: area expansion and permeation.

Fusion is a crucial event in the infection of animal cells by enveloped viruses (e.g., HIV or influenza). Viral fusion is mediated by glycoproteins, spanning the viral envelope, which attach to a membrane surface and induce fusion of the viral envelope to the cellular membrane. Influenza fusion protein (hemagglutinin) contains an amino-terminal segment critical to fusion, referred to as the fusion peptide. We show here that the native fusion peptide (wt-20) of hemagglutinin destabilizes membranes formed of 99% 1 -stearoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (SOPC). The first step in destabilization is rapid insertion of the peptide into the membrane, in which membrane area increases by as much as 11% in just seconds. We visualized and quantified the area expansion by using optical video microscopy combined with micropipette aspiration. This rapid membrane area expansion is followed by the formation of membrane defects in the size range of 0.5 nm, and results in membrane rupture. Both the rate of area increase and maximum area increase are significantly higher at a pH near 5.0 compared to pH 7.0. These results suggest that enhanced membrane insertion of wt-20 and accompanying area expansion at pH 5.0 are responsible for the relatively greater lytic activity at this pH. We show that a deletion of the N-terminal glycine of wt-20 results in a lack of area expansion or membrane perturbation at pH 5.0.
Comparative effect of microwaves and boiling on the denaturation of DNA

The effect of heat and microwave denaturation of small volumes of double-stranded plasmid DNA has been compared. Samples of intact plasmid DNA had plasmid DNA linearized by digestion with EcoRI were conventionally denatured in a boiling water bath or denatured by 2450 MHz of microwave energy for 0-300 s. Heat denaturation for periods longer than 120 s caused breakdown of linearized plasmid DNA; however, microwave denaturation for 10-300 s caused no apparent degradation of linearized DNA. Breakdown of DNA forms II and III was noted in plasmid DNA subjected to 300 s of either heat or microwave denaturation but breakdown of forms II and III occurred more quickly with heat than with microwave treatment. Microwave treatment was also found to be better than heat to denature 32P-labeled DNA probes subsequently used to detect homologous DNA samples immobilized on nitrocellulose filters. A microwave-treated 32P-labeled DNA probe was able to hybridize to DNA samples 20 times more dilute than a heat-treated 32P-labeled DNA probe. Depending on the form of DNA to be analyzed, these results indicate that small volumes of DNA solutions and radiolabeled DNA probes can be effectively denatured in a conventional microwave oven.
Dietary separation of meat and milk a cultural‐geogmaphical inquiry

The dietary separation of meat and milk, often considered unique to Judaism, is found in four widely separated regions: Southwest Asia, central Sahara, East Africa, and Southwest Africa. Hypotheses...
The regulation of pinocytosis in mouse macrophages. II. Factors inducing vesicle formation.

The pinocytosis-inducing effect of a number of molecular species was studied in cultures of mouse macrophages. Agents were added to a basal medium containing 1% NBCS-No. 199 and allowed to interact with cells for 150 min. Vesicle counts were then performed and compared to control cells in the basal medium. Certain proteins, i.e. albumin and fetuin, with isoelectric points of five and below were found to be potent stimulators of vesicle formation. Basic proteins including lysozyme, histone, and protamine had little influence at sublethal concentrations. The pinocytosis-stimulating activity of bovine plasma albumin could be markedly depressed by removal of bound fatty acids. The addition of either oleic or linoleic acid to de-fatted albumin restored its inducing properties to initial levels. The activity of fetuin could be abolished by either mild acid hydrolysis or neuraminidase digestion. Both procedures removed the majority of the sialic acid content of fetuin. The D and L isomers of polyglutamic acid were found to produce a marked increase in pinosome production. In contrast, poly-DL-lysine was not effective. Neutral and basic amino acids were without significant effect on pinocytosis, whereas aspartic and glutamic acids were stimulatory. The amides of glutamic and aspartic acid did not induce pinocytosis. The unnatural D isomers of glutamic, aspartic, leucine, and phenylalanine inhibited pinocytosis. The inhibition by D-glutamic acid could be reversed with the L isomer. A number of acid mucopolysaccharides, including heparin, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate, were excellent inducers. High molecular weight dextran was without significant stimulatory effect whereas dextran sulfate was very active. Both desoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid enhanced pinosome formation. A number of low molecular weight anions including N-acetylneuraminic acid were found to enhance vesicle formation. In general, anionic molecules were better inducers than either neutral or cationic species. The minimum effective dose of macroanions was a function of molecular weight and their activity appeared unrelated to specific chemical groupings.
Exploring the Relationship between Sequence Similarity and Accurate Phylogenetic Trees

© 2006 The Authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/uk/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The definitive version was published in Molecular Biology and Evolution 23(2006): 2090-2100, doi:10.1093/molbev/msl080.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS

In this paper we add several new perspectives to the growing body of empirical evidence on the investment performance of international mutual funds by applying a pooled cross-sectional/time-series regression methodology to a large data base over an extended period. Risk-adjusted and unadjusted investment returns are not related to whether a fund is load or no-load, and asset size, expense ratios, and turnover rates are not related to investment performance. We find no reward for paying a load fee when investing in mutual funds. It is noteworthy that performance is not affected by fund size, given the explosive growth of international mutual funds.
Vesicular ATPase Inserted into the Plasma Membrane of Motor Terminals by Exocytosis Alkalinizes Cytosolic pH and Facilitates Endocytosis

Key components of vesicular neurotransmitter release, such as Ca(2+) influx and membrane recycling, are affected by cytosolic pH. We measured the pH-sensitive fluorescence of Yellow Fluorescent Protein transgenically expressed in mouse motor nerve terminals, and report that Ca(2+) influx elicited by action potential trains (12.5-100 Hz) evokes a biphasic pH change: a brief acidification (∼ 13 nM average peak increase in [H(+)]), followed by a prolonged alkalinization (∼ 30 nM peak decrease in [H(+)]) that outlasts the stimulation train. The alkalinization is selectively eliminated by blocking vesicular exocytosis with botulinum neurotoxins, and is prolonged by the endocytosis-inhibitor dynasore. Blocking H(+) pumping by vesicular H(+)-ATPase (with folimycin or bafilomycin) suppresses stimulation-induced alkalinization and reduces endocytotic uptake of FM1-43. These results suggest that H(+)-ATPase, known to transfer cytosolic H(+) into prefused vesicles, continues to extrude cytosolic H(+) after being exocytotically incorporated into the plasma membrane. The resulting cytosolic alkalinization may facilitate vesicular endocytosis.
Patients as partners in radiology education: an innovative approach to teaching and assessing patient-centered communication.

Rationale and Objectives Effective communication is essential for high quality care, yet little is known about radiologists’ communication with patients, what constitutes “best communication practices,” and how best to teach and evaluate it. We piloted educational strategies and an assessment instrument to teach and evaluate radiologists’ communication skills. We focused on communication in the diagnostic mammography suite, where patient–radiologist interactions are often intense and stressful. Materials and Methods We adapted existing instruments to create a Radiology Communication Skills Assessment Tool (RCSAT). We piloted an educational program that included patients as teachers and raters of interpersonal and communication skills, and implemented a radiology objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). We measured radiology residents’ self-assessed skills, confidence and stress, as well as patient-rated communication skills using the RCSAT. Results Residents’ baseline self-assessed communication skills regarding abnormal mammograms were fair, confidence in their communication was minimal, and they found this communication stressful. Overall baseline communication skills, rated by patient–teachers using the RCSAT, were 3.62 on a 5-point scale (1 = poor to 5 = excellent). Analysis of post-OSCE debriefing comments yielded nine themes regarding effective radiology communication, as well as residents’ reflections on the communication challenges they experience. The themes were integrated into subsequent RCSAT revisions. Residents’ reflections were used to inform teaching workshops. Conclusion Educational curricula on communication about difficult information can be implemented in radiology training programs. Radiology residents’ performance can be assessed using a communication skills assessment tool during standardized patient–teacher encounters. Further research is necessary in this important domain.
Hypoxic respiratory failure in term newborns: clinical indicators for inhaled nitric oxide and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy

Abstract Purpose The criteria for starting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in term newborn patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure consist of an oxygenation index (OI) of 25 or higher and alveolar-arterial oxygen (Aa o 2 ) gradient of more than 600 at sea level. In such conditions, inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) may improve oxygenation and reduce the need for ECMO therapy. We studied early changes in OI and Aa o 2 gradients in response to iNO treatment that may indicate a need to continue iNO treatment or the necessity to start an ECMO therapy. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, we used 34 outborn neonatal patients that were referred to our pediatric critical care unit in a children's hospital for ECMO therapy with diagnosis of hypoxemic respiratory failure. In all patients, iNO therapy, starting at 80 ppm, was instituted either during transport or on arrival to hospital. Response to iNO was assessed after 1 hour, at which time, iNO concentration was reduced to 40 ppm, provided there was more than 20% improvement in either or both oxygenation indices. Patients who did not respond positively to continuous iNO therapy and met ECMO criteria were given ECMO therapy. Results Inhaled nitric oxide therapy alone was successful in 10 (29%) of 34 patients. Eighteen patients (53%) required ECMO therapy within the first 10 hours of iNO treatment (early ECMO therapy), whereas 6 other neonates (18%) became eligible for ECMO therapy after prolonged (2-4 days) iNO treatment (late ECMO therapy). No mortality occurred with any treatment. Within 4 hours after iNO therapy, patients who required early ECMO therapy had significantly higher OI and Aa o 2 gradients than patients who were treated with iNO therapy alone ( P Conclusion Persisting levels of OI of more than 20 or Aa o 2 gradients of more than 600 after 4 hours of iNO therapy could be indicative of an immediate need for ECMO therapy.
Phenytoin-salicylate interaction.

Ten healthy adult subjects took a single daily dose of phenytoin for 9 days to achieve a steady-state serum phenytoin concentration in the therapeutic range. While continuing on phenytoin, subjects took increasing doses of salicylate in a step-wise fashion, each dose (325, 650, and 975 mg) given every 4 hr for 48 hr. Serum (total) and salivary (free) phenytoin concentrations and serum salicylate concentrations were measured before and after each dose level of salicylate. Protein binding displacement of phenytoin by salicylate occurred only at the highest salicylate dose. Serum phenytoin control levels fell from 13.5 ± 1.2 to 10.3 ± 0.8 µg/ml (p < 0.01), salivary phenytoin levels rose from 0.97 ± 0.09 to 1.13 ± 0.12 µg/ml (p < 0.05), and phenytoin free fraction (salivary/serum ratio) increased from 7.14 ± 0.34% to 10.66 ± 0.57% (p < 0.01) in the highest salicylate dose periods. There was no difference in these parameters during low-dose or intermediate-dose salicylate therapy. Linear-regression analysis failed to show a relationship between serum salicylate concentration and serum or salivary phenytoin concentration. Although high-dose salicylate induced protein binding displacement of phenytoin, it is unlikely that this is of clinical importance since the rise (16%) in the free (salivary) phenytoin concentration was small. Serum total phenytoin concentration may fall during salicylate therapy but the dose of phenytoin should not be altered unless there are overt signs of toxicity. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 29, 56–60; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.10
Estimating multidimensional economic injury levels with simulation models

Abstract Simulation models were used to establish economic indicators for pest management purposes. This approach was applied to estimate economic injury levels (EIL) for bean leaf beetles on soybeans and to determine, through sensitivity analyses, how changes in soybean prices, scouting costs, and yield affect the value of the economic injury level previously determined. EIL values obtained through this method were approximately three times as great as those commonly recommended by extension personnel. Changes in soybean prices were inversely related to the EIL, while changes in scouting and pesticide costs were directly related to changes in EIL.
Managing complicated urinary tract infections: The urologic view

Patients with complicated UTIs are a diverse group. These patients have upper UTIs and structural or functional abnormalities that reduce the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy. They are at increased risk for morbidity such as bacteremia and sepsis, perinephric abscess, renal deterioration, and emphysematous pyelonephritis. Appropriate urinary tract imaging, antimicrobials, medical and surgical therapies, and follow-up are required to avoid potentially devastating outcomes.
ENERGY ABSORPTION IN A 1D ARRAY OF AXIALLY ALIGNED PENDULUMS WITH LINEAR TORSIONAL COUPLING

This paper evaluates wave propagation and energy absorption in a 1D array of axially aligned pendulums under various forms of base excitation. In the system studied, each pair of pendulums comprising a single unit cell is connected through linear torsional coupling, and asymmetry is introduced by varying their masses. Similar to translational systems, when subjected to harmonic base excitation, band gaps are observed in this rotational system over predictable frequency ranges. It is observed that varying the uncoupled restoring force parameters (mass and gravitational strength) shifts the expected band gap regions under harmonic excitation. This asymmetry in pendulum masses can also be exploited for the purposes of energy absorption when the system is subjected to base excitation in the form of an impulse. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the accuracy of analytical solutions for both types of external forcing.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Automatic ship detection from commercial multispectral satellite imagery

Commercial multispectral satellite sensors spend much of their time over the oceans. NRL has demonstrated an automatic processing system for finding ships at sea using commercially available multispectral data. To distinguish ships from whitecaps and clouds, a water/cloud clutter subspace is estimated and a continuum fusion derived anomaly detection algorithm is applied. This provides a maritime awareness capability with an acceptable detection rate while maintaining a low rate of false alarms. The system also provides a confidence metric, which can be used to further limit the false alarm rate.
CMV-induced hemorrhagic cystitis as a complication of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: case report.

CMV-induced hemorrhagic cystitis as a complication of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: case report
Fitness costs of Cry1F resistance in fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

Transgenic corn, Zea mays L., expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) protein Cry1F has been registered for Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) control since 2003 in the USA. Unexpected damage to Cry1F corn was reported in 2006 in Puerto Rico, and Cry1F resistance in S. frugiperda from Puerto Rico was documented. The study of fitness costs associated with insect resistance to Bt insecticidal proteins is important for understanding resistance evolution and for evaluating resistance management practices used to mitigate resistance to transgenic corn. Currently, no studies have addressed the fitness costs associated with Cry1F resistance in S. frugiperda. In this study, susceptible and resistant strains with similar genetic background and their reciprocal crosses were used to estimate Cry1F resistance fitness costs. Comparisons between life-history traits and population growth rates of homozygous susceptible, heterozygous and homozygous resistant S. frugiperda were used to determine whether the resistance is associated with fitness costs. Major fitness costs were not apparent in either heterozygotes or homozygous resistant insects. However, there was a slight indication of hybrid vigour in the heterozygotes. Additionally, two lines in which the frequency of the resistant alleles was fixed at 0.5 were followed for seven generations, after which the frequency of resistant alleles slightly decreased in both lines. The lack of strong fitness costs associated with Cry1F resistance in S. frugiperda indicates that initial allele frequencies may be higher than expected in field populations and will tend to remain stable in field populations in the absence of selection pressure (e.g. Puerto Rico).
HLA Antigens and Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia

Summary. HLA-A and -B antigens were determined for 94 children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) and for 376 normal controls. Sixty-four of these 94 patients were typed for lymphocyte surface markers and 59 were defined as ‘null cell’ ALL. There was no difference in the distribution of the HLA-A or -B locus antigens between the control group and the entire group of patients with ALL or the ‘null cell’ subgroup. Patients with HLA-A9 determinants had a significant increase in early, first remission duration compared to patients without HLA-A9. This was particularly evident in the ‘null cell’ ALL subgroup. In addition, HLA-A9 appeared to be an independent factor affecting the length of first remission since there was no correlation between known prognostic factors such as patient age, sex or WBC and the presence or absence of the HLA-A9 antigen. Survival for the first 12–18 months was also greater in the HLA-A9 group than in the non-HLA-A9 population. Thus, the presence of HLA-A9 appears to be associated with some protective effect among patients with ALL.
Growth and form in fossil rhipidistian fishes (Crossopterygii)

A study is presented of the patterns of growth in Devonian fossil Rhipidistia, particularly Eusthenopteron foordi Whiteaves. Significant changes in basic anatomical characteristics including certain cranial proportions and the relative position of insertion and shape of the fins may be correlated with differences in standard length. These differences result from various types of differential growth. Growth markings on the scales indicate that the“juvenile”condition may last through two seasons of growth. The differences in body configuration are interpreted as being fully adaptive and related to important differences in locomotor patterns and ecology. The results of the study suggest that the rhipidistian fish formerly known as“Thursius ? clappi”Romer is a juvenile and a re-interpretation of this form is given.
Does intensity windowing improve the detection of simulated calcifications in dense mammograms

This study attempts to determine whether intensity windowing (IW) improves detection of simulated calcifications in dense mammograms. Clusters of five simulated calcifications were embedded in dense mammograms digitized at 50-μm pixels, 12 bits deep. Film images with no windowing applied were compared with film images with nine different window widths and levels applied. A simulated cluster was embedded in a realistic background of dense breast tissue, with the position of the cluster varied. The key variables involved in each trial included the position of the cluster, contrast level of the cluster, and the IW settings applied to the image. Combining the ten IW conditions, four contrast levels and four quadrant positions gave 160 combinations. The trials were constructed by pairing 160 combinations of key variables with 160 backgrounds. The entire experiment consisted of 800 trials. Twenty student observers were asked to detect the quadrant of the image in which the mass was located. There was a statistically significant improvement in detection performance for clusters of calcifications when the window width was set at 1024 with a level of 3328, and when the window width was set at 1024 with a level of 3456. The selected IW settings should be tested in the clinic with digital mammograms to determine whether calcification detection performance can be improved.
Reforming of oxygenates for H2 production: correlating reactivity of ethylene glycol and ethanol on Pt(111) and Ni/Pt(111) with surface d-band center.

The dehydrogenation and decarbonylation of ethylene glycol and ethanol were studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) on Pt(111) and Ni/Pt(111) bimetallic surfaces, as probe reactions for the reforming of oxygenates for the production of H2 for fuel cells. Ethylene glycol reacted via dehydrogenation to form CO and H2, corresponding to the desired reforming reaction, and via total decomposition to produce C(ad), O(ad), and H2. Ethanol reacted by three reaction pathways, dehydrogenation, decarbonylation, and total decomposition, producing CO, H2, CH4, C(ad), and O(ad). Surfaces prepared by deposition of a monolayer of Ni on Pt(111) at 300 K, designated Ni−Pt−Pt(111), displayed increased reforming activity compared to Pt(111), subsurface monolayer Pt−Ni−Pt(111), and thick Ni/Pt(111). Reforming activity was correlated with the d-band center of the surfaces and displayed a linear trend for both ethylene glycol and ethanol, with activity increasing as the surface d-band center moved closer to the Fe...
Does fellowship pay: what is the long-term financial impact of subspecialty training in pediatrics?

OBJECTIVES: To (1) analyze the financial returns of fellowship training in pediatrics and to compare them with those generated from a career in general pediatrics and (2) evaluate the effects of including the newly enacted federal loan-repayment program and of changing the length of fellowship training. BACKGROUND: Although the choice to enter fellowship is based on many factors, economic considerations are important. We are not aware of any study that has focused on the financial impact of fellowship training in pediatrics. METHODS: Using standard financial techniques, we estimated the financial returns that a graduating pediatric resident might anticipate from additional fellowship training followed by a career as a pediatric subspecialist and compared them with the returns that might be expected from starting a career as a general pediatrician immediately after residency. RESULTS: The financial returns of pediatric fellowship training varied greatly depending on which subspecialty fellowship was chosen. Pursuing a fellowship in most pediatric subspecialties was a negative financial decision when compared with pursuing no fellowship at all and practicing as a general pediatrician. Incorporating the federal loan-repayment program targeted toward pediatric subspecialists and decreasing the length of fellowship training from 3 to 2 years would substantially increase the financial returns of the pediatric subspecialties. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric subspecialization yielded variable financial returns. The results from this study can be helpful to current pediatric residents as they contemplate their career options. In addition, our study may be valuable to policy makers evaluating health care reform and pediatric workforce-allocation issues.
The Balancing Act—Ethical Issues in Parent Training Research: Confidentiality, Harm Reduction, and Methodology

Attention and disruptive behavior disorders present considerable challenges for children and their parents. These challenges have led to the development of parenting programs; however, there is a paucity of literature that discusses the ethical dilemmas parent training researchers face. This article reviews ethical principles and professional standards relevant to parent training research and provides case material to illustrate the challenge of balancing ethical adherence and empirical rigor using three ethical issues that commonly arise in parent training research. In particular, this article focuses on ethical issues surrounding confidentiality in a group setting, use of control groups, and limiting changes in medication/treatment status outside of the treatment protocol.
Cation signals rapidly elicited in several different plant species by pinching the leaves

Several plant species (snapbeans, soybeans, tomatoes, and maize) were shown to respond within 3-60 s to pinching a single, fully expanded leaf with a clinical haemostat. The response was measured by an increase, as compared to controls, in Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and K + concentrations in the exudate from the stump of stems excised at the first leaf (maize) or cotyledonary node at various times after pinching. The enhanced apoplastic cation concentrations were shown to be transient, diminishing with time. Usually no response could be measured if excision was delayed more than 3 min. The number of pinches affected the magnitude of the response, with one pinch sufficient in most cases
Adult Attachment, Depressive Symptoms, and Validation From Self Versus Others

Attachment working models of self and others may govern adults’ preferences for internal vs. externalsources of reassurance, which, if unavailable, lead to depressive symptoms. This study examined a modelin which the link between depressive symptoms and attachment anxiety is mediated by (a) capacity forself-reinforcement and (b) need for reassurance from others, whereas the link between depressivesymptoms and attachment avoidance is mediated only by the capacity for self-reinforcement. Analysis ofsurvey data from 425 undergraduates indicated that both capacity for self-reinforcement and need forreassurance from others partially mediated the link between attachment anxiety and depression. Capacityfor self-reinforcement fully mediated the link between attachment avoidance and depression. Moreover,54% of the variance in depressive symptoms was explained by attachment anxiety, self-reinforcement,and need for reassurance from others.
Best Friendships of Students with and without Learning Disabilities across Late Elementary School

Close friendships are important for children's academic achievement and social-emotional adaptation. Extant literature indicates students with learning disabilities are at increased risk for isolation, although little research has been done to examine the development of reciprocated friendships across late elementary school. This 2-year study examined the friendships of 55 students with learning disabilities in general education classrooms and 1,254 typically achieving peers. Results indicate that students with learning disabilities were as likely to have a reciprocated best friend and had as many best friends as their typically achieving peers. However, they retained fewer friendships over time, and were more likely to have friends who also had learning disabilities.
Modeling of Ultrashort Pulse Laser Ablation in Water

A numerical model combining the ultrafast radiative heat transfer and ablation rate equation for free electron density is proposed to investigate the transient process of plasma formation in distilled water. The focused beam propagation governed by the transient equation of radiative heat transfer is solved by the transient discrete ordinates method. The temporal evolution of free electron density governed by the rate equation is solved using a forth-order Runge-Kutta method. Two laser pulses: 30 ps and 300 fs are considered. Simulation of the dynamics of plasma formation is performed. The results include the threshold laser intensity for optical breakdown, temporal evolution and spatial distribution of the free electron density as well as the maximum plasma length. To validate the model, optical breakdown thresholds for different laser pulses, the shape of plasma breakdown region and the maximum plasma length predicted by the present model are also compared with the experimental data.
Pressure Effects on the Composition and Thermal Behavior of Lipids from the Deep-Sea Thermophile Methanococcus jannaschii

The deep-sea archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii was grown at 86 degrees C and under 8, 250, and 500 atm (1 atm = 101.29 kPa) of hyperbaric pressure in a high-pressure, high-temperature bioreactor. The core lipid composition of cultures grown at 250 or 500 atm, as analyzed by supercritical fluid chromatography, exhibited an increased proportion of macrocyclic archaeol and corresponding reductions in aracheol and caldarchaeol compared with the 8-atm cultures. Thermal analysis of a model core-lipid system (23% archaeol, 37% macrocyclic archaeol, and 40% caldarchaeol) using differential scanning calorimetry revealed no well-defined phase transition in the temperature range of 20 to 120 degrees C. Complementary studies of spin-labeled samples under 10 and 500 atm in a special high-pressure, high-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy cell supported the differential scanning calorimetry phase transition data and established that pressure has a lipid-ordering effect over the full range of M. jannaschii's growth temperatures. Specifically, pressure shifted the temperature dependence of lipid fluidity by ca. 10 degrees C/500 atm.
Nutritional Composition of Corn and Flour Tortillas

Corn and flour tortillas were sampled at 2-wk intervals for 6 wk from five tortilla factories and the nutritional composition determined. Corn tortillas were found to be slightly lower in protein, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin when compared to white enriched bread. A lowering of the pH of the corn masa to 7.3 or lower improved the retention of these vitamins. Flour tortillas were found to be comparable in nutrition to white enriched bread when enriched wheat flour was used in the manufacture of tortillas. A wide variation was found to exist in the nutrient composition of both corn and flour tortillas manufactured by the different factories. This variation is attributed to different formulation procedures at the tortilla factories.
Crowding of Brownian spheres

We study two models consisting of reflecting one-dimensional Brownian "particles" of positive radius. We show that the stationary empirical distributions for the particle systems do not converge to the harmonic function for the generator of the individual particle process, unlike in the case when the particles are infinitely small.
Low-cost, high performance optoelectronic components for antenna remoting

We describe a demonstration of a system in which we incorporated components developed as part of the DARPA Analog Optoelectronic Module Technology Project (TRP). The goal of the TRP program was to bring to manufacturability fiber optic components whose specifications are adequate for both military and commercial applications but whose cost is substantially less than the presently available components. We demonstrated the functionality of the TRP components by using them in a fiber optic link designed to replace one of the coaxial cables that perform antenna remoting in a phased array. For this antenna remoting demonstration, we used an existing linear array at the Makaha Ridge, MIT Lincoln Laboratory Facility. Ordinarily, each subarray is connected to the programmable array computers in the control trailer with coaxial cable. The performance of the array with all coaxial cables connected to each subarray was compared to the case with one of the coaxial cables replaced by the fiber optic link. The results showed no degradation in the performance of the linear array with the TRP fiber optic link replacing one of the remoting coaxial cables.