cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pimavanserin: A Friend or Foe in Parkinson Disease Psychosis.

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) are at an increased risk of developing dementia and resulting behavioral abnormalities, including psychosis. The diagnostic criteria for PD psychosis recognize a spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities that progressively worsen over time.1 Early in the disease, patients may experience illusions, passage, or the presence hallucinations and pareidolia often with preserved insight. As the disease progresses, well-formed visual hallucinations, delusions, and loss of insight create a challenge.2 A significant percentage of patients with PD experience dementia and psychosis. A prospective longitudinal study showed that 78% of patients with PD developed dementia over the 8-year observational period.3 Another prospective longitudinal study of community-dwelling patients with PD over 12 years found that 60% developed hallucinations and delusions.4 Symptoms of PD psychosis are challenging to manage, often lead to out-of-home placement, and are associated with an economic burden.5 Atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine, quetiapine, and others in this category were the only treatment options until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pimavanserin,6 a serotonin (2A) receptor inverse agonist.7 However, there have been concerns about an increased risk of mortality associated with this drug.
Network Analysis of an Infant’s Motor Actions Performed in a Robot-Assisted Learning Environment

Providing infants with opportunities to engage in a variety of motor actions early in life impacts their later development. Our recent work utilizes socially assistive robots (SARs) and body weight support (BWS) technology to provide infants such opportunities. This paper examines the motor actions demonstrated by an infant with Down syndrome during their spontaneous interactions with the SARs and while using BWS assistance. The infant participated in eight 1-hour sessions over the course of four weeks. By using methodological tools from social networks, we identify and describe the complex nature of the infant’s motor actions displayed during interaction with both types of technology over time. The changes in these networks informs the development of robot-assisted learning environments that can be applied at this critical life period.
Rotator cuff strength is not augmented by blood flow restriction training

Abstract Objective Blood flow restriction (BFR) training utilizes a tourniquet applied to the upper or lower extremities (UE or LE) to occlude blood flow while exercising. BFR training may help augment strength in muscles that are proximal to BFR cuff application. However, prior studies have failed to demonstrate augmented strength gains in the rotator cuff when the tourniquet is applied to the UE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a protocol consisting of LE exercises, performed with BFR, followed by rotator cuff exercises was superior in augmenting strength, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris, in untrained subjects when compared to a non-BFR training group. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting University. Participants Thirty-five subjects (mean age 25.8 ± 1.6 y) randomized to a BFR or non-BFR group. Main outcome measures Muscular strength measured via hand held dynamometer and the CSA of the dominant rectus femoris was measured by diagnostic ultrasound. Results Both groups experienced significant gains in LE and rotator cuff strength. Strength increased in the BFR group by 11.6% for the supraspinatus, 34.1% for shoulder ER, 23.4% for the quadriceps, and 17.1% for the hamstrings. Strength increased in the non-BFR group by 7.3% for the supraspinatus, 20% for shoulder ER, 12.8% for the quadriceps, and 10.7% for the hamstrings. However, there were no differences in strength gains between groups. Neither group experienced a significant increase in CSA for the rectus femoris. Conclusion The BFR protocol used in this study did not augment strength for the rotator cuff in subjects who also performed LE exercises under occlusion.
Influence of Climate and Relief on Compositions of Sands Released at Source Areas

Mass balance requires that any study of the relation between provenance and detrital sediments must take into account all the processes, such as climatic and biochemical, that contribute to any modification of the parent material at the beginning of a sedimentary cycle. In addition, exceptions to the relationship between tectonic setting and sandstone composition may be traced to climatic processes. Despite an enormous amount of research on atomic level dissolution phenomenon, little work has been done to characterize the sandy residue of weathering. Available modal data, albeit meagre, show that the mineralogic composition of the sand size fraction of soils is similar to that of first order stream sands. This indicates that pedogenic processes largely control the composition of first cycle sands derived from similar bedrocks. Further, the data also suggest that modal compositions of first cycle sands are broadly indicative of both parent rock type and climate. Recalculation of data from o n l y o n e available study indicates that steep hill slopes exceeding the angle of repose can obscure climatic effects on first cycle sand composition. One may infer that slope angle, which controls the duration of pedogenic processes, not relief, has more significance in overcoming climatic effects. Evaluation of the relative importance of dissolution and disintegration of minerals, especially polycrystalline quartz, is difficult because lattice dislocation increases solubility as well as brittle strength. Given the extreme paucity of data from controlled studies on the effects of climate and relief and the seemingly significant compositional diversity brought about by pedogenic processes, we must conclude that this is a potential area of much fruitful research.
Depression and HIV+ Disease: A Critical Review

Major depression is thought to be one of the most common psychiatric disorders in HIV-infected persons. Research on aspects of HIV disease and depression is critically reviewed with the aim of synthesis and evaluation. Consideration is given to the clinical/psychiatric aspects of HIV infection, previous psychopathology in HIV-infected individuals, cognitive/neurologic manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Directions for future research are offered, and finally, implications for clinical practice are specified.
Cross-sectional versus panel estimates of union wage effects

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to compare and reconcile the cross-sectional and the panel estimates of union wage effects. It uses Panel Survey of Income Dynamics (PSID) data for a period of 6 years (1979–1984). Unlike what Freeman (1984) predicted (i.e., panel union wage estimates would be smaller than pure cross-sectional estimates due to the cumulative nature of the errors in reporting union status in the former), both the cross-sectional and panel estimates of union wage effects are very similar ranging from 11 to 13%. Unions seem to have flattering effect on the age-earnings profiles. Not surprisingly, the rate of return to schooling of non-union members is larger than that of the union members.
Development and validation of a geriatric knowledge test for medical students.

Objectives: To assesses the reliability and validity of a geriatrics knowledge test designed for medical students. Design: Cross-sectional studies. Setting: An academic medical center. Participants: A total of 343 (86% of those sampled) medical students participated in the initial study, including 137 (76%) first-year, 163 (96%) third-year, and 43 (86% of those sampled) fourth-year students in the 2000–2001 academic year. To cross-validate the instrument, another 165 (92%) third-year and 137 (76%) first-year students participated in the study in the 2001–2002 academic year. Measurements: An 18-item geriatrics knowledge test was developed. The items were selected from a pool of 23 items. An established instrument assessing the clinical skills of medical students was included in the validation procedure. Results: The instrument demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach α=0.80) and known-groups and concurrent validity. Geriatrics knowledge scores increased progressively with the higher level of medical training (mean percentage correct=31.3, 65.3, and 66.5 for the first-year, third-year, and fourth-year classes, respectively, P<.001). A significant (P<.01) relationship was found between the third-year students' geriatrics knowledge and their clinical skills. Similar results, except the relationship between knowledge and clinical skills, were found in the cross-validation study, supporting the reliability and known-groups validity of the test. Conclusion: The 18-item geriatrics knowledge test demonstrated sound reliability and validity. The average scores of the student groups indicated substantial room for growth. The relationship between geriatrics knowledge and overall clinical skills needs further investigation.
Electrophysiology studies in patients undergoing ICD implantation: Findings from the NCDR®

Background: Electrophysiology studies (EPS) have historically played a role in sudden death risk stratification. More recent studies point to the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) as a guide to implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) implantation. The extent of EPS use in patients undergoing ICD implantation in the current era remains unknown. Methods: Patients undergoing de novo ICD implantation in the ICD Registry between September 2006 and March 2009 who also underwent EPS within 30 days before implant were compared to the remaining cohort to identify clinical characteristics that correlated with EPS performance. Multivariate models were generated using hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Results: EPS were performed in 33,786 of 275,273 patients. Those undergoing EPS were more likely to have had a history of syncope, family history of sudden death, lack of congestive heart failure, narrower QRS intervals, and higher EF. Overall, 63.9% of EPS were performed in patients receiving primary prevention ICDs. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were induced in 46.1% of primary prevention and 54.2% of secondary prevention ICD recipients. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was the most common type of arrhythmia induced in both groups. Complication rates were not higher in those undergoing EPS. Conclusions: EPS were performed predominantly in patients with borderline or less well-defined risk factors for sudden death. Ventricular arrhythmias induced from EPS were not uncommon and may help identify individuals at higher risk for future ICD therapies. Efforts to better define the role of EPS in patients undergoing ICD implantation should be considered. (PACE 2012; 35:912–918)
Performance Characterization of a Lithium-Ion Gel Polymer Battery Power Supply System for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are currently under development for NASA missions, earth sciences, aeronautics, the military, and commercial applications. The design of an all electric power and propulsion system for small UAVs was the focus of a detailed study. Currently, many of these small vehicles are powered by primary (nonrechargeable) lithium-based batteries. While this type of battery is capable of satisfying some of the mission needs, a secondary (rechargeable) battery power supply system that can provide the same functionality as the current system at the same or lower system mass and volume is desired. A study of commercially available secondary battery cell technologies that could provide the desired performance characteristics was performed. Due to the strict mass limitations and wide operating temperature requirements of small UAVs, the only viable cell chemistries were determined to be lithium-ion liquid electrolyte systems and lithium-ion gel polymer electrolyte systems. Two lithium-ion gel polymer cell designs were selected as candidates and were tested using potential load profiles for UAV applications. Because lithium primary batteries have a higher specific energy and energy density, for the same mass and volume allocation, the secondary batteries resulted in shorter flight times than the primary batteries typically provide. When the batteries were operated at lower ambient temperatures (0 to -20 C), flight times were even further reduced. Despite the reduced flight times demonstrated, for certain UAV applications, the secondary batteries operated within the acceptable range of flight times at room temperature and above. The results of this testing indicate that a secondary battery power supply system can provide some benefits over the primary battery power supply system. A UAV can be operated for hundreds of flights using a secondary battery power supply system that provides the combined benefits of rechargeability and an inherently safer chemistry.
Characterization and functional analysis of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A catalytic subunit gene (pka1) in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Abstract Increased cAMP levels inhibit sclerotial development and raise oxalate production in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These effects were hypothesized to be mediated by protein kinase A (PKA). To test this hypothesis, a pka1 catalytic subunit gene was cloned and disrupted. Southern hybridization confirmed disruption, and northern analysis revealed loss of a wild-type pka1 transcript. Mutant strains were cAMP-responsive, pathogenic, and had wild-type levels of PKA activity. Phylogenetic analyses of pka1 with other fungal pka genes and encoded peptides suggest that filamentous fungi possess two pka paralogs. Multiple lines of evidence presented in this work suggest that a second pka catalytic subunit gene, pka2, exists and contributes the majority of PKA activity in S. sclerotiorum.
ALLELE-SPECIFIC SUPPRESSION BY FORMATION OF NEW PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN YEAST

Yeast fimbrin is encoded by the SAC6 gene, mutations of which suppress temperature-sensitive mutations in the actin gene ( ACT1 ). To examine the mechanism of suppression, we have conducted a biochemical analysis of the interaction between various combinations of wild-type and mutant actin and Sac6 proteins. Previously, we showed that actin mutations that are suppressed by sac6 mutations encode proteins with a reduced affinity for wild-type Sac6p. In the present study, we have found that mutant Sac6 proteins bind more tightly to mutant actin than does wild-type SacGp, and thus compensate for weakened interactions caused by the mutant actin. Remarkably, we have also found that mutant Sac6 proteins bind more tightly to wild-type actin than does wild-type Sac6p. This result indicates that suppression does not occur through the restoration of the original contact site, but rather through the formation of a novel contact site. This finding argues against suppression occurring through a “lock-and-key” mechanism and suggests a mechanism involving more global increases in affinity between the two proteins. We propose that the most common kind of suppressors involving interacting proteins will likely occur through this less specific mechanism.
Run-Time Support for Adaptive Heavyweight Services

By definition, a heavyweight network service requires a significant amount of computation to complete its task. Providing a heavyweight service is challenging for a number of reasons. First, since the service can typically not be provided in a timely fashion using a single server at the remote site, multiple hosts at both the server and client sites must be employed. Second, the available compute and network resources change with respect to time. Thus, an effective service must be adaptive in the sense that it is able to transparently aggregate the available resources and react to the changing availability of these resources. In this paper we present a framework that allows us to build these kinds of adaptive heavyweight services. Experimental results with a distributed visualization service suggest that the cost imposed by the new capability is reasonable.
Joint Estimation of Structured Sparsity and Output Structure in Multiple-Output Regression via Inverse-Covariance Regularization

We consider the problem of learning a sparse regression model for predicting multiple related outputs given high-dimensional inputs, where related outputs are likely to share common relevant inputs. Most of the previous methods for learning structured sparsity assumed that the structure over the outputs is known a priori, and focused on designing regularization functions that encourage structured sparsity reflecting the given output structure. In this paper, we propose a new approach for sparse multiple-output regression that can jointly learn both the output structure and regression coecients with structured sparsity. Our approach reformulates the standard regression model into an alternative parameterization that leads to a conditional Gaussian graphical model, and employes an inverse-covariance regularization. We show that the orthant-wise quasi-Newton algorithm developed for L1regularized log-linear model can be adopted for a fast optimization for our method. We demonstrate our method on simulated datasets and real datasets from genetics and finances applications.
Face-Saving Maneuvers and Strong Third-Party Mediation: The Lancaster House Conference on Zimbabwe-Rhodesia

Where two opposing sides are engaged in violent conflict and a process of political disintegration, the ability to protect an already-contested legitimacy becomes crucial to a negotiated agreement. Lord Carrington, the mediator between the government of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and the guerrilla forces of the Patriotic Front, helped the parties save face at the Lancaster House Conference in 1979. Using a tactic of strong third-party mediation, Carrington accepted responsibility for the concessions the opposing delegations made, allowing them to protect their reputation among supporters. This paper examines the three primary ways the parties at Lancaster House attempted to save face: using the mediator as scapegoat, engaging in sharp confrontation in public and flexible conciliation in private, and conducting “shadow” negotiations through Commonwealth Secretary-General Sir Shridath Ramphal.
Absence of high-frequency oscillations in the discharge of pneumotaxic neurons in intact, unanesthetized cats

The discharge of neurons in the nucleus parabrachialis medialis (NPBM) was examined for the presence of high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) by autocorrelation analysis. HFOs were not observed in NPBM activity during any sleep-waking state. In contrast, HFOs were found in the activity of medullary respiratory neurons. It is concluded that the NPBM is not the source of HFOs in the respiratory system.
The deuteron form factor and dispersion theory

The divergences of the dispersion integral that results from substituting the absorptive part from the lowest singularity are considered, and the extent to which higher thresholds may cancel them discussed.
Red howler monkey birth data II: Interannual, habitat, and sex comparisons

Data presented in this paper are derived from the births and subsequent histories of red howler infants born in two habitats. Overall the sex ratio of infants at birth was about 1:1. Infant survivorship (at 1 yr) was about 80%, and 44% of infant mortality was attributed to infanticide by males. Survivorship curves indicated a dramatic sex difference, with far fewer females than males known to be alive at age 7 yr. However, this sex difference may be inflated because emigrant males are more easily identified than emigrant females, and females may be dispersing beyond the boundaries of the study area at a higher rate. Annual birthrate varied somewhat from year to year and was positively related to rainfall. Annual birthrate tended to be higher in the habitat with lower density and higher growth rate. Consistent with the trends, in annual birthrate, variation in interbirth interval length (TBR after births of surviving infants was related primarily to habitat differences and annual variation in rainfall. Season of birth and maternal age class had no effect on IBI. Infant sex had mostly nonsignificant effects on IBI. A small sample indicated that IBI's were significantly longer after the births of females who eventually became natal breeders than after the births of females who eventually emigrated. This difference might reflect differential parental (maternal) investment of some sort.
Cover Picture: Multipotent Polymer Coatings Based on Chemical Vapor Deposition Copolymerization (Adv. Mater. 12/2006)

The cover shows that chemical vapor deposition can be used to prepare copolymer thin films, on varying substrates, that can bind two different ligands with high selectivity. In work reported by Lahann and co-workers on p. 1521, the actual ligand ratios on the surface can be controlled by varying the copolymer composition. This technology may find applications in biomedical devices, high-throughput screening platforms, microfluidic analysis devices, and diagnostic platforms.
Cortical maps for hearing and egocentric selection for self-organization

The auditory cortex of the mustached bat shows complex multiple frequency maps, because cortical neurons in several areas are tuned to particular combinations of signal elements. Different types of combination-sensitive neurons form computational maps in which information-bearing parameters for echolocation (biosonar) are represented systematically. Neuronal response properties and multiple-frequency and computational maps were considered to be created solely by divergent-convergent interactions of neurons in the ‘ascending' system. However, we have found that the ‘corticofugal' system also plays an important role. Neurons in an iso-best frequency (or echo delay) ‘minicolumn' of the auditory cortex augment the auditory responses of subcortical neurons tuned to that frequency (or echo delay) and sharpen their tuning. At the same time, they reduce the response and shift the tuning of subcortical neurons tuned to other frequencies (or echo delays) away from the best frequency (or delay) of the cortical neurons. Cortical neurons mediate a highly focused positive feedback, incorporated with widespread lateral inhibition, via corticofugal projections. This ‘egocentric selection' is expected to play an important role in self-organizing the central auditory system.
Low frequency noise in SOI transistors (Invited Paper)

With the inherent advantages in SOI CMOS technology, minimizing DC and switching floating body effects have enabled high speed digital processors with more than a 25% improvement over bulk silicon CMOS design. Currently, there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of AC characteristics on SOI CMOS technology for mixed-mode baseband and RF (radio frequency) applications. The objective of this paper is to present a study of unique AC floating body effects and the resultant low-frequency noise overshoot phenomenon in SOI CMOS technology. Further study of their impact on the RF arena will also be discussed.
A review of occupationally–relevant models of localised muscle fatigue

Localised muscle fatigue (LMF) is a complex phenomenon that can differ between individuals, tasks, and muscles. Several muscle fatigue models (MFMs) have been developed in prior research. MFMs have potential practical value in ergonomics, given that LMF can impair performance, serve as a surrogate measure of injury risk, and may act as a causal factor for work–related musculoskeletal disorders. Existing MFMs are reviewed here, and which are broadly classified as either 'empirical' or 'theoretical'. Two specific MFMs, considered most ergonomically–relevant, were directly compared and some important differences in predictions were found. Identifying such differences is suggested as a useful approach, both for developing testable hypotheses and in guiding subsequent model development or refinement. Other potential approaches for improving future MFMs are also discussed, including expansion of model structure to account for individual differences (e.g., age, gender, and obesity), task related parameters, and variability in motor unit composition.
Time projection chambers with integrated pixels and their application to fast neutron detection and dark matter searches

Abstract We present our most recent work on the use of integrated silicon pixel electronics to read out gas-filled Time Projection Chambers (TPCs). Such detectors have great promise to measure the direction and energy of neutral particles via nuclear recoils that ionize the gas. We report on ongoing studies and refinement of the first prototype constructed at the University of Hawaii. We present data on the detection of alpha particles and fast neutrons using Ar:CO 2 (70:30) and He:CO 2 (70:30) gas, respectively. We also present plans and sensitivity estimates for a future Dark Matter search based on the technology under study.
Career Construction and Subjective Well-Being

Experienced happiness and reported life contentment represent cardinal elements of subjective well-being (SWB). Achieving happiness and contentment with work and other domains, such as love, play, and community, constitute fundamental life goals. Career construction offers a developmental theory of vocational behavior and a career assessment and counseling model counselors can use to promote client SWB. As an intervention model, career construction assists individuals with using work to foster self-completion and derive meaning, satisfaction, and happiness as they design their lives. Career construction counseling promotes SWB because its aims are consistent with increasing both immediate life satisfaction and overall life contentment. The present analysis describes the basic principles and practice of career construction and explains the career style interview as an assessment and counseling method useful for assisting individuals to identify and pursue self-selected goals and projects, endeavors that co...
Brackish water salt rejection by porous hyperfiltration membranes

Abstract A theory is developed for the rejection of multiple salts by a macroporous hyperfiltration membrane, modelled by cylindrical pores, whose interior surfaces acquire a constant potential when in contact with the salt ions. With three ion types and two valences the ion rejections are shown to depend on the ratio of Debye length to pore radius, a dimensionless wall potential, a filtration Peclet number, and the ratios of concentrations and charge numbers of two of the ions of different valence. Numerical solutions for the rejections are given for large Peclet number and analytic solutions when the Debye length is also large.
A 3-D Reconstruction of Smooth Muscle α-Actinin by CryoEm Reveals Two Different Conformations at the Actin-binding Region

Cryoelectron microscopy was used to obtain a 3-D image at 2.0 nm resolution of 2-D arrays of smooth muscle α-actinin. The reconstruction reveals a well-resolved long central domain with 90° of left-handed twist and near 2-fold symmetry. However, the molecular ends which contain the actin binding and calmodulin-like domains, have different structures oriented ∼90° to each other. Atomic structures for the α-actinin domains were built by homology modeling and assembled into an atomic model. Model building suggests that in the 2-D arrays, the two calponin homology domains that comprise the actin-binding domain have a closed conformation at one end and an open conformation at the other end due to domain swapping. The open and closed conformations of the actin-binding domain suggests flexibility that may underlie Ca2+ regulation. The ∼90° orientation difference at the molecular ends may underlie α-actinin's ability to crosslink actin filaments in nearly any orientation.
Altered tumor necrosis factor α release from mononuclear cells of obese reproductive-age women during hyperglycemia

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated tumor necrosis factor α (TNF- α ) release from mononuclear cells (MNCs) is altered in obese reproductive-age women in response to hyperglycemia. Six obese and 8 age-matched normal-weight women (18-40 years) underwent a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Tumor necrosis factor α release was measured from MNCs cultured in the presence of LPS after isolation from blood samples drawn fasting and 2 hours after glucose ingestion. Insulin resistance was derived by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Total body fat (%) and truncal fat (%) were determined by dual-energy absorptiometry. Obese women had a higher ( P 2 ), percentage of total body fat (42.4% ± 1.3% vs 28.7% ± 1.8%), and percentage of truncal fat (42.1% ± 1.2% vs 24.7% ± 2.2%). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was greater in the obese group (58.0 ± 10.6 vs 27.8 ± 4.3, P P α (2.37 ± 0.09 vs 0.54 ± 0.04 pg/mL, P α release from MNCs of normal-weight subjects (154 ± 21 vs 57 ± 28 pg/mL, P α response was different between groups (−97 ± 21 vs +24 ± 22 pg/mL, P α and percentage of truncal fat ( r = 0.75, P α in MNCs after hyperglycemia in obese women, and this response may contribute to impaired glucose disposal and insulin resistance.
Mixing Pleasure with Work: Employee Perceptions of and Responses to Workplace Romance

This study examined organizational members' perceptions of and responses to workplace romance. In this 2 × 4 experimental design, 212 working adults reported their beliefs and communication-related responses to a hypothetical male or female coworker dating an organizational peer, superior, subordinate, or individual unaffiliated with the organization. Employees perceived peers dating superiors to be more driven by job motives, less driven by love motives, and more likely to receive unfair advantages due to their romance than peers dating individuals of other status types. Employees also reported a higher likelihood of engaging in information manipulation with and reported less trust in peers dating superiors than peers with romantic partners of other status types. Finally, job and love motives, perceptions of peers enjoying unfair advantages due to their romance, and peer trust mediated the relationships between the status of the organizational peer's partner and coworkers' self-disclosure and deception w...
Feedbacks between managed irrigation and water availability: Diagnosing temporal and spatial patterns using an integrated hydrologic model

Groundwater-fed irrigation has been shown to deplete groundwater storage, decrease surface water runoff, and increase evapotranspiration. Here we simulate soil moisture-dependent groundwater-fed irrigation with an integrated hydrologic model. This allows for direct consideration of feedbacks between irrigation demand and groundwater depth. Special attention is paid to system dynamics in order to characterized spatial variability in irrigation demand and response to increased irrigation stress. A total of 80 years of simulation are completed for the Little Washita Basin in Southwestern Oklahoma, USA spanning a range of agricultural development scenarios and management practices. Results show regionally aggregated irrigation impacts consistent with other studies. However, here a spectral analysis reveals that groundwater-fed irrigation also amplifies the annual streamflow cycle while dampening longer-term cyclical behavior with increased irrigation during climatological dry periods. Feedbacks between the managed and natural system are clearly observed with respect to both irrigation demand and utilization when water table depths are within a critical range. Although the model domain is heterogeneous with respect to both surface and subsurface parameters, relationships between irrigation demand, water table depth, and irrigation utilization are consistent across space and between scenarios. Still, significant local heterogeneities are observed both with respect to transient behavior and response to stress. Spatial analysis of transient behavior shows that farms with groundwater depths within a critical depth range are most sensitive to management changes. Differences in behavior highlight the importance of groundwater's role in system dynamics in addition to water availability.
Promising new agents in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

A number of new drugs and drug classes have recently become available for clinical testing which demonstrate significant antitumor activity in non-small cell lung cancer. The preclinical rationale, mechanism of action, toxicity profile and results of early trials of paclitaxel, docetaxel, edatrexate, CPT-11, topotecan, vinorelbine and gemcitabine in non-small cell lung cancer are reviewed.
Reactivity of Equine Palmar Digital Arteries and Veins to Vasodilating Agents

Palmar digital arteries and veins removed surgically from healthy horses under general anesthesia were cut into 4 mm vascular rings, suspended in tissue baths, and attached to force displacement transducers for continuous measurement of vascular tension. In vitro vascular responses were determined for acetylcholine, acepromazine, isoxsuprine hydrochloride (isoxsuprine), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin). After preconstriction with norepinephrine hydrochloride (norepinephrine), or prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), the concentrations needed to produce 50% maximum relaxation (EC50) and the maximum percentage of relaxation were determined for each drug. Acetylcholine was the most potent arterial vasodilator (smallest EC50 value) and PGE2 was the least potent. Prostacyclin was the least potent venodilator (highest EC50 value); there were no differences between acetylcholine, acepromazine, isoxsuprine, and PGE2. Isoxsuprine produced greater arterial relaxation than all other agents. Isoxsuprine and acepromazine produced significantly greater venous relaxation than did acetylcholine and PGE2. Prostacyclin produced minimal vasodilation of arteries or veins. Acepromazine and isoxsuprine relaxed the veins significantly more than the arteries. When PGF2 alpha was used instead of norepinephrine to preconstrict the arteries and veins, the potency and effectiveness of acepromazine and isoxsuprine to produce vasodilation were significantly decreased. Results indicate that acepromazine and isoxsuprine can relax the equine digital vasculature but their effectiveness varies depending on the origin of the constriction.
Radar detection of simulant mines buried in frozen ground

We are investigating the environmental effects on radar detection of simulant mines (SIMs). SIMs are standard test targets developed by the US Army Project Manager-Mines, Countermine and Demolitions, and VSE Corporation for testing and evaluation of mine detection equipment. These test targets are filed with RTV silicone rubber, which has similar dielectric properties as TNT and Composition B. Therefore, they interact with radar sensors in a way representative of live mines. We are using broadband frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) and impulse radars to obtain signatures of SIMs buried under controlled laboratory conditions and at a test site instrumented with sensors to monitor the state of the ground. We find that anti-tank SIMs buried in frozen soil, in our case a common, silty sand are easy to detect. The dominant resonances included within SIMs by a broadbeam, 1.5 GHz impulse radar are of-nadir responses that appear unique and not predictable by simple ray theories of diffraction. A narrow beam, 2-6 GHz bandwidth FMCW radar induced reflections from the top and bottom of SIMs that were clearly resolved due to the broad bandwidth of the FMCW radar.
Ionization Potential, Electron Affinity, Electronegativity, Hardness, and Electron Excitation Energy: Molecular Properties from Density Functional Theory Orbital Energies

Representative atomic and molecular systems, including various inorganic and organic molecules with covalent and ionic bonds, have been studied by using density functional theory. The calculations ...
Spectrofluorometric quantification of neutral and polar lipids suggests a food-related recruitment bottleneck for juveniles of a deposit-feeding polychaete population

A growing body of evidence suggests that juveniles of species that deposit feed as adults are more susceptible to food limitation than are conspecific adults. To quantify ontogenetic variations in the nutritional condition of the depositfeeding polychaete Pseudopolydora kempi japonica, I modified existing spectrofluorometric assays of neutral and polar lipids. The hydrophobic fluorochrome Nile red fluoresces yellow-orange when bound to neutral lipids and red-orange when bound to polar lipids. The ratio of neutral lipids (energy storage) to polar lipids (cell membranes) provides an index of nutritional condition that is scaled to body size. For individual P. kempi japonica ranging in length from 2 to 12 mm, I quantified the florescence from each lipid class and analyzed sizedependent variations in the neutral/polar lipid ratio. P. kempi japonica showed a size-dependent increase in the neutral/polar lipid ratio up to a body length of −6–8 mm; little size-dependent change in the ratio occurred beyond this size. Ontogenetic changes in both particle-size selection and the assimilated diet of P. kempi japonica display size-dependent patterns that are similar to the lipid data. Together, the three lines of evidence suggest that P. kempi japonica juveniles experience a food-related recruitment bottleneck until they grow to −6–8 mm. Once juveniles grow beyond this size, they appear to forage like adults and achieve adult levels of neutral lipid. Because deposit-feeding benthos ingest a low-quality and nutritionally dilute diet that will be difficult for small juveniles to digest, ontogenetic niche shifts and food-related recruitment bottlenecks during the juvenile stage may be common in the population ecology of species that deposit feed as adults.
why Amhara get kureynya: sickness and possession in an Ethiopian zar cult1

Most accounts of spirit possession cults treat illnesses caused by spirits as an ancillary concern, interesting mainly as events through which people join such cults. However, in the Amhara zar cult, sicknesses caused by spirits remain an important focus for relations between cult members and cult spirits even after initiation. Further, it is by participating in recurrent sickness episodes that members gain access to the adaptive strategies offered by the cult.
Simulating Sampling Distributions

Summary This article shows how simulation can be used to teach sampling distributions to entry level statistics students.
A first principles molecular dynamics simulation of the hydrated magnesium ion

Abstract First principles molecular dynamics has been used to investigate the solvation of Mg2+ in water. In agreement with experiment, we find that the first solvation shell around Mg2+ contains six water molecules in an octahedral arrangement. The electronic structure of first solvation shell water molecules has been examined with a localized orbital analysis. We find that water molecules tend to asymmetrically coordinate Mg2+ through one of the oxygen lone pair orbitals and that the first solvation shell dipole moments increase by 0.2 Debye relative to pure liquid water.
Asymptotic prices in uniform-price multi-unit auctions

This paper considers a uniform-price auction in which each of n symmetric bidders can place, say, M bids. Each bidder has privately known, decreasing marginal values from an arbitrary M -dimensional distribution. We provide a quantile-type description of the asymptotic price that appropriately generalizes the characterization of the unit-demand asymptotic price. Specifically, the limiting price equals the $ (1-\alpha )$ -th quantile of the “average” of the marginal distributions if a fraction $\alpha $ of the demand is met asymptotically. The result also implies that the expected price in the limit as n becomes large depends only on the aggregate of the marginal distributions of each bidder’s marginal values (and not on the correlation between the marginal values).
Aflibercept therapy for exudative age-related macular degeneration resistant to bevacizumab and ranibizumab.

Purpose To evaluate the outcome of intravitreal injection of aflibercept in cases with exudative age-related macular degeneration, (AMD) resistant to injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Design Retrospective observational case series. Methods A retrospective chart review at a single institution was conducted to identify patients with exudative AMD and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 1 or both eyes resistant to treatment with ranibizumab or bevacizumab who were switched to treatment with at least 3 monthly injections of aflibercept. In total, 36 eyes from 31 patients were included. The demographic data, visual acuities, central macular thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT), complications, and number of injections were reviewed. Results The mean patient age was 79 years (range 60-88). There were 13 male and 18 female patients. The number of prior injections with either bevacizumab or ranibizumab ranged from 6-74. After 3 monthly injections of aflibercept, there was a reduction of either subretinal or intraretinal fluid in 18 of 36 (50.0%) of the treated eyes; the amount of fluid remained stable in 15 eyes (41.7%) and worsened in 3 eyes (8.3%). A significant average decrease was observed for the central macular thickness after 3 injections of 65 μm ( P = 2.9 × 10 -6 ), with no significant change in visual acuity. Conclusions Aflibercept therapy appears to be beneficial in a subset of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who exhibit recurrent or resistant intraretinal or subretinal fluid following multiple injections with either bevacizumab or ranibizumab.
Opatroides punctulatus Brullé now established in California (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Abstract Opatroides punctulatus Brulle, 1832 (Coleoptera; Tenebrionidae; Opatrini), is reported established for the first time in the New World in California near Sacramento. A key to distinguish Opatroides from species of similar genera is provided, with images and a brief diagnosis of O. punctulatus. The potential spread and pest status of the beetle should be monitored.
Theory and application of polysilicon resistor trimming

Abstract The resistivity of polysilicon films are dramatically altered when subjected to high current densities via a technique known as pulse current trimming[1,2,8,10]. A new physical model for the mechanisms governing the observed resistance reduction and recovery is presented. The model views the grain boundary as a defect-laden transition region between grains of different crystal orientation. Severe temperatures induced in the polysilicon film during pulse current trimming lead to non-reversible restructuring of the grain boundary. This produces a more coherent transition between grains and a reduction of scattering centers leading to increased carrier mobility without a significant increase in free carrier concentration. The effect is aided by “liquid phase” segregation of dopant atoms at the grain boundaries which provides a smaller, reversible component to the resistance change. Results of the first comprehensive reliability study show the trimmed resistors to be exceptionally robust. Finally, circuit design considerations for manufacturability and ESD tolerance are presented.
Interactions between the Methylation Sites of the Escherichia coli Aspartate Receptor Mediated by the Methyltransferase

Mutations made at and near the methylation sites of the Escherichia coli aspartate receptor were found to affect the methylation rates of the remaining methylation sites. The results supported a model in which the methyltransferase enzyme contacts a residue seven amino acids to the C terminus of a site being methylated. The presence of a negatively charged residue at that position inhibits methylation, whereas a neutral residue has no effect. Methylation sites in the wild type receptor may also influence the methylation of other sites which are 7 residues away through a physical contact with the methyltransferase.
Comparison of Air and Immersion Chilling on Meat Quality and Shelf Life of Marinated Broiler Breast Fillets

Marinated broiler breast fillets were evaluated using both air- and immersion-chilling treatments. Ninety fillets from air-chilled broiler carcasses and 90 fillets from immersion-chilled broiler carcasses were obtained from a processor to determine differences in meat quality, sensory, and shelf life. At 24 h postmortem, the fillets were vacuum-tumbled (25 in Hg, 30 min, 14 rpm, 4 degrees C) in 2 replications per treatment with a 20% solution (wt/wt) yielding 0.70% NaCl and 0.45% sodium tripolyphosphate in the final product. One-third of the fillets in each replication were packaged in a tray covered with plastic wrap and stored in retail cases to simulate retail shelf-life conditions. The remaining fillets were stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h until analysis for marinade retention, cook loss, consumer evaluation, and objective tenderness. The immersion-chilled fillets had a significantly lower pH (5.56) and were lighter (L* 54.73) when compared with the air-chilled fillets (5.64, L* 50.13, respectively). The air-chilled fillets had a significantly higher marinade pickup (15.51%) than the immersion-chilled (14.07%) fillets. However, there were no significant differences in cook loss percentage in either treatment (approximately 20.03). Shear value was significantly higher in the immersion-chilled fillets (4.14 N), indicating less tender meat than the air-chilled fillets (3.62 N). In the consumer analyses, the air-chilled fillets were significantly different. Of the respondents that noted differences, 19% indicated differences in texture, and 9.67% indicated taste differences. The air-chilled treatment had significantly lower aerobic plate count in postpackaging d 0, 3, and 9. Also, coliforms were significantly lower in the air-chilled treatment through d 6. Therefore, air chilling carcasses may improve color, marination yield, tenderness, and increase the shelf life of retail-packaged broiler breast fillets.
GLOMERULI IN WOMEN WITH URETHRAL SPHINCTER DEFICIENCY: REPORT OF 2 CASES

A classic feature of interstitial cystitis is the development of glomeruli during bladder distention while the patient is under anesthesia, which is thought to be a sign that the bladder was chronically under filled before distention. The cause for under filling is pain or sensory urgency in interstitial cystitis, and glomeruli have also been associated-with conditions of decreased functional bladder capacity. Two cases of bladder glomeruli associated with severe intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency (type 3 incontinence) are reported. Neither patient had symptoms of interstitial cystitis before or after anti-incontinence surgery. A likely explanation is that severe stress incontinence chronically prevented the bladder from filling to capacity before cystoscopy. Thus, these cases support the premise that glomeruli are a response to distending a previously under filled bladder. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition of unknown etiology. Symptoms vary but usually include pain with bladder filling or sensory urgency resulting in urinary frequency and nocturia. A frequent finding in interstitial cystitis is the development of glomeruli (multiple small petechiae and submucosal hemorrhages) in the bladder wall during cystoscopy using regional or general anesthesia.', The relationship between glomeruli and the pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis is not known with certainty. However, it is proposed that glomeruli are a chronically under filled bladder response to di~tention.~.~ In interstitial cystitis, chronic under filling is due to pain and sensory urgency with small bladder volumes. Glomeruli have also been found in conditions of reduced bladder capacity due to radiation, tuberculous or chemical cystitis and neurogenic bladder, and in bladders after urinary diversion?-6 Two cases of bladder glomeruli are reported, which were associated with another cause of chronic bladder under filling, that is severe urinary stress incontinence. CASE REPORTS