cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
It can be done: an example of a behavioral Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a child with autism

With state agencies and scientists recommending Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) for children with autism, the demand for qualified behavior consultants exceeds the supply. Consequently, children with autism are either receiving alternative, ineffective, and unsubstantiated treatments or are receiving EIBI programming from unqualified personnel. Additionally, when school districts are approached to provide services, the resulting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are typically not behavioral and lack the detailed and specific objectives required for children with autism. This article was written to provide parents and educators with an objective and quantifiable IEP, which has been used as a guideline for treatment for a 4-year-old boy with autism. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Validation of the Student Interest and Engagement Scales

A series of studies report the development of empirically derived instruments that measure student interest and engagement. The first study inductively develops an initial item pool through open-ended questionnaire data. A second study subjects the measures to exploratory factor analysis to ascertain an underlying factor structure. The third study deductively tests the measures through confirmatory factor analysis and examines associations among teacher communication behaviors, student emotional and cognitive interest, and engagement. A fourth study offers discriminant validity evidence, suggesting that the new measures are distinct from scales that assess similar yet divergent constructs. Guided by prior theory (Mottet, Frymier, & Beebe, 2006) and research (Harp & Mayer, 1997), the instruments developed here possess heuristic potential for instructional communication research. Implications and areas for future research are discussed.
Implementation of guidelines for preventing early onset group B streptococcal infection

Early onset Group B Streptococcus (EOGBS) disease, defined by an onset within the first 72 hours of life, occurs in 1.3 to 3.7 per 1,000 live births. The authors sought to determine the impact of the new CDC/AAP/ACOG guidelines on the prepartum screening practice, intrapartum management, incidence of EOGBS infection, and evaluation of neonates born to GBS colonized women at University Macdonald Women's Hospital (Cleveland, OH). A retrospective analysis by chart review was conducted from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1997 of women identified as GBS colonized during prenatal screening. These women were then divided into 2 groups: period I, women who delivered January 1, 1995 to June 30, 1996 (before institutional implementation of the guidelines for management of GBS colonization; and period II, women who delivered July 1, 1996 to December 31, 1997 after implementation of the guidelines. A chart review was conducted for infants 72 hours old, and GBS culture positive (blood or CSF) for the same time period. In complying with the new screening and treatment guidelines, there was a significant increase in the number of mothers screened and the detection of maternal colonization, plus a 63% reduction in EOGBS. There was also a substantial reduction in the number of invasive procedures on the neonates. The authors conclude that the new guidelines are both medically and economically effective.
Thetis: an ANSI C programming environment designed for introductory use

Commercially available compilers, particularly those used for languages like ANSI C that have extensive commercial applicability, are not well-suited to students in introductory computer science courses because they assume a level of sophistication that beginning students do not possess. To alleviate this problem at Stanford, we have developed the Thetis programming environment designed specifically for student use. The system consists of a C interpreter and associated user interface that provides students with simple and easily understood editing, debugging, and visualization capabilities. Reactions of students and instructors indicate that Thetis fulfills the goals we set out to accomplish and provides a significantly better learning environment for students in CS1/CS2.
Connecting Minnesota: Superhighways to Information Superhighways

Facilitation of the development of the information superhighway, which is supported by fiber-optic technology, has begun to emerge on the agendas of some transportation agencies as they search for means to satisfy communications needs, create greater efficiencies and economic benefits, and possibly stem the trend toward increasing population concentrations in urban centers. In Minnesota, the state department of transportation has embarked on a process that has evolved into a landmark public-private partnership called Connecting Minnesota to build, operate, and maintain a high-speed, statewide fiber-optic communications backbone. When complete, nearly 75 percent of the state's population will be within 16 km (10 mi) of this fiber-optic backbone. Many areas of rural Minnesota receive communications services via traditional copper wire or by limited lower-capacity fiber-optic cable. The current infrastructure does not meet the requirements for application of new and emerging technologies for the transfer of ...
DISCRETE STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION WITH COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SECTIONS

Methods for mixed discrete-integer-continuous variable nonlinear optimization are reviewed for structural design applications with focus on problems having linked discrete variables. When a discrete value for such a variable is specified from an allowable set, the values for other variables linked to it must also be used in all the calculations. Optimum design of steel frames using commercially available sections is an example of this class of problems. A general formulation for this type of problems is developed. Approaches for solving such practical optimization problems are described and classified into single and multiple design variable formulations. Many approaches use two phases in their solution process before the final discrete design is obtained: In the first phase, a continuous variable optimum is usually obtained, and in the second phase, the continuous solution is somehow utilized to obtain the final discrete solution. Some of the basic optimization methods used in these approaches are also described.
Air Lead Exposures and Blood Lead Levels within a Large Automobile Manufacturing Workforce, 1980–1985

Recent (1980-1985) trends in air lead (PbA) exposures and blood lead (PbB) levels experienced by approximately 10,000 workers employed in various stages of the automobile manufacturing process (i.e., auto assembly, lead-acid battery manufacture, foundry work, and "other" manufacturing-related operations) are described. Between 1980-1985, the mean PbB levels of assembly, battery, foundry, and "other" workers decreased by 28, 24, 3, and 27%, respectively, to 16.6, 23.6, 15.9, and 11.8 micrograms Pb/dl. Workers in the following job categories experienced the highest annual mean PbB levels: paste machine operators (battery plants), solder-grinders (assembly plants), and crane operators (foundries). During the same period, median 8-h Time Weighted Average PbA exposures (micrograms Pb/m3) in assembly plants, battery plants, and foundries decreased by 10, 12, and 20%, respectively, to 8.1, 13.6, and 10.9 micrograms/m3.
The role of psychological functioning in the use of complementary and alternative methods among disease-free colorectal cancer survivors: a report from the American Cancer Society's studies of cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: The medical and demographic correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer survivors have been well documented. However, the role of psychological functioning in cancer survivors' CAM use and the degree to which such factors apply to survivors of colorectal cancer require additional study. In addition, sex differences in CAM use and its correlates among colorectal cancer survivors are not well understood. METHODS: By using data from a large-scale national population-based study of quality of life and health behaviors among cancer survivors, the authors examined the prevalence and psychological correlates of CAM use among 252 male and 277 female colorectal cancer survivors. RESULTS: Use of CAM was more common among women, those with more education, and recipients of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Several psychological factors predicted increased use of CAM among female colorectal cancer survivors, including anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence, fatigue, vigor, anger, mental confusion, and overall emotional distress. Depression was associated with decreased CAM use among female survivors, both for overall CAM use and across several standard CAM domains. In contrast, psychological functioning had little impact on male colorectal cancer survivors' CAM use. The only nonmedical/demographic variable associated with men's use of CAM was fatigue, which predicted use only of biologically based practices, such as diet and nutritional supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological functioning has a significant impact on CAM use among female colorectal cancer survivors. Decreased use of CAM among women with depressive symptoms was unexpected and warrants additional investigation. Cancer 2009;115(18 suppl):4397–408. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Reading and Learning-Disabled Children: Understanding the Problem

In this article, the authors assess the evidence related to various instructional styles for teaching reading to children with learning disabilities. Results of the literature review indicate that whole language and direct instruction are the two major approaches to teaching reading. Whole language has proven successful for many students with learning disabilities. In addition, direct instruction provides teachers with the ability to steer, guide, and evaluate student progress frequently. However, little research exists regarding the effectiveness of direct versus whole language instruction. The authors also review and discuss neurological and psychological aspects of the development of reading skills and the need for further research.
Non-covalent assembly of hybrid nanostructures of gold and palladium nanoparticles with carbon nanotubes

Abstract Hybrid nanostructures were prepared by mixing gold and palladium nanoparticles with multi- and single-walled carbon nanotubes. The approach to prepare these nanohybrid implies the interaction of long hydrocarbon chains chemisorbed at the nanoparticles surface and the graphitic walls of nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy results show the efficiency of this simple method to assemble these nanostructures. The electron microscopy images show that nanoparticles are effectively absorbed on the nanotube surfaces homogeneously but without any particular order. These nanostructures have proven to be stable after a moderate ultrasonic treatment.
A thermodynamic internal variable model for the partition of plastic work into heat and stored energy in metals

The energy balance equation for elastoplastic solids includes heat source terms that govern the conversion of some of the plastic work into heat. The remainder contributes to the stored energy of cold work due to the creation of crystal defects. This paper is concerned with the fraction β of the rate of plastic work converted into heating. We examine the status of the common assumption that β is a constant with regard to the thermodynamic foundations of thermoplasticity and experiments. A general internal-variable theory is introduced and restricted to abide by the second law of thermodynamics. Experimentally motivated assumptions reduce this theory to a special model of classical thermoplasticity. The only part of the internal energy not determined from the isothermal response is the stored energy of cold work, a function only of the internal variables. We show that this function can be inferred from stress and temperature data from a single adiabatic straining experiment. Experimental data from dynamic Kolsky-bar tests at various strain rates yield a unique stored energy function. Its knowledge is crucial for the determination of the thermomechanical response in non-isothermal processes. Such a prediction agrees well with results from dynamic tests at different rates. In these experiments, β is found to depend strongly on both strain and strain rate for various engineering materials. The model is successful in predicting this dependence. Requiring β to be constant is thus an approximation of dubious validity.
Ca2+ entry via Trpm2 is essential for cardiac myocyte bioenergetics maintenance

Ubiquitously expressed Trpm2 channel limits oxidative stress and preserves mitochondrial function. We first demonstrated that intracellular Ca(2+) concentration increase after Trpm2 activation was due to direct Ca(2+) influx and not indirectly via reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. To elucidate whether Ca(2+) entry via Trpm2 is required to maintain cellular bioenergetics, we injected adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), wild-type (WT) Trpm2, and loss-of-function (E960D) Trpm2 mutant into left ventricles of global Trpm2 knockout (gKO) or WT hearts. Five days post-injection, gKO-GFP heart slices had higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels but lower oxygen consumption rate (OCR) than WT-GFP heart slices. Trpm2 but not E960D decreased ROS and restored OCR in gKO hearts back to normal levels. In gKO myocytes expressing Trpm2 or its mutants, Trpm2 but not E960D reduced the elevated mitochondrial superoxide (O2(.-)) levels in gKO myocytes. After hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R), Trpm2 but not E906D or P1018L (inactivates Trpm2 current) lowered O2(.-) levels in gKO myocytes and only in the presence of extracellular Ca(2+), indicating sustained Ca(2+) entry is necessary for Trpm2-mediated preservation of mitochondrial function. After ischemic-reperfusion (I/R), cardiac-specific Trpm2 KO hearts exhibited lower maximal first time derivative of LV pressure rise (+dP/dt) than WT hearts in vivo. After doxorubicin treatment, Trpm2 KO mice had worse survival and lower +dP/dt. We conclude 1) cardiac Trpm2-mediated Ca(2+) influx is necessary to maintain mitochondrial function and protect against H/R injury; 2) Ca(2+) influx via cardiac Trpm2 confers protection against H/R and I/R injury by reducing mitochondrial oxidants; and 3) Trpm2 confers protection in doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.
Telepathology in cytopathology: challenges and opportunities.

Objective: Telepathology in cytopathology is becoming more commonly utilized, and newer technologic infrastructures afford the laboratory a variety of options. The options and design of a telepathology system are driven by the clinical needs. This is primarily focused on providing rapid on-site evaluation service for fine needle aspiration. Study Design: The clinical requirements and needs of a system are described. Available tools to design and implement a telepathology system are covered, including methods of image capture, network connectivity and remote viewing options. Results: The primary telepathology method currently used and described involves the delivery via a network connection of a live video image to a remote site which is passively viewed by an internet web-based browser. By utilizing live video information and a voice connection to the on-site location, the remote viewer can collect clinical information and direct their view of the slides. Conclusions: Telepathology systems for use in cytopathology can be designed and implemented with commercially available infrastructure. It is necessary for the laboratory to validate the designed system and adhere to the required regulatory requirements. Telepathology for cytopathology can be reliably utilized by adapting existing technology, and newer advances hold great promise for further applications in the cytopathology laboratory.
Coherent-state control of noninteracting quantum entanglement

We exploit a novel approximation scheme to obtain a new and compact formula for the parameters underlying coherent-state control of the evolution of a pair of entangled two-level systems. It is appropriate for long times and for relatively strong external quantum control via coherent-state irradiation. We take account of both discrete-state and continuous-variable degrees of freedom. The formula predicts the relative heights of entanglement revivals and their timing and duration.
PV interconnection risk analysis through distribution system impact signatures and feeder zones

High penetrations of PV on the distribution system can impact the operation of the grid and may require interconnection studies to prevent reliability problems. In order to improve the interconnection study process, the use of feeder zones and PV impact signatures are proposed to group feeders by allowable PV size as well as by their limiting factors for the interconnection. The feeder signature separates feeders into different impact regions with varying levels of PV interconnection risk, accounting for impact mitigation strategies and associated costs. This locational information improves the speed and accuracy of the interconnection screening process. The interconnection risk analysis methodology is based on the feeder and interconnection parameters such as: feeder type, feeder characteristics, and location and size of PV. PV impact signatures, hosting capacity, and feeder risk zones are demonstrated for four realistic distribution systems.
A Baculovirus Encoded 16-kDa Glycoprotein Localizes near the Nuclear Membrane of Infected Cells

An open reading frame (ORF 2) located upstream of the polyhedron envelope protein gene of Orgyia pseudotsugata multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (OpMNPV) was cloned in frame into a trpE expression vector. The fusion protein produced by this construct was used for the production of a monospecific antiserum. Western blot analysis of OpMNPV-infected Lymantria dispar cells detected a 16-kDa protein at 24 hr postinfection. The 16-kDa protein was determined to be N-glycosylated by tunicamycin treatment of infected cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy localized the 16-kDa protein to foci of intense cytoplasmic staining near the nuclear membrane. Immunoelectron microscopy indicated that the 16-kDa protein is associated with lamellar-like structures peripheral to the nuclear membrane and with envelopes of virus that have budded into the cytoplasm. The 16-kDa protein was not associated with extracellular budded or polyhedron-derived virions.
Analysis of disparate levels of anions of relevance to corrosion processes

The application of an analysis approach which combines matrix matching of electrolyte with sample with direct UV detection for anion analysis of low levels (ppm) of some anions in the presence of large levels (on the order of 1 M) of chloride or sulfate is reported. By replacing the standard chromate electrolyte with one based on the dominant anion (e.g., NaCl), a matrix match for the anion is achieved. The development of the method and the effects of the concentration of the electroosmotic flow modifier on the selectivity of the analysis are described. In addition, the application of the method to several corrosion studies is presented.
Conformational entropy in molecular recognition by proteins

Molecular recognition by proteins is fundamental to almost every biological process, particularly the protein associations underlying cellular signal transduction. Understanding the basis for protein-protein interactions requires the full characterization of the thermodynamics of their association. Historically it has been virtually impossible to experimentally estimate changes in protein conformational entropy, a potentially important component of the free energy of protein association. However, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for characterizing the dynamics of proteins. Here we employ changes in conformational dynamics as a proxy for corresponding changes in conformational entropy. We find that the change in internal dynamics of the protein calmodulin varies significantly on binding a variety of target domains. Surprisingly, the apparent change in the corresponding conformational entropy is linearly related to the change in the overall binding entropy. This indicates that changes in protein conformational entropy can contribute significantly to the free energy of protein-ligand association.
Targeting the Replication Initiator of the Second Vibrio Chromosome: Towards Generation of Vibrionaceae-Specific Antimicrobial Agents

The Vibrionaceae is comprised of numerous aquatic species and includes several human pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae, the cause of cholera. All organisms in this family have two chromosomes, and replication of the smaller one depends on rctB, a gene that is restricted to the Vibrionaceae. Given the increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistance in pathogenic vibrios, there is a need for new targets and drugs to combat these pathogens. Here, we carried out a high throughput cell-based screen to find small molecule inhibitors of RctB. We identified a compound that blocked growth of an E. coli strain bearing an rctB-dependent plasmid but did not influence growth of E. coli lacking this plasmid. This compound, designated vibrepin, had potent cidal activity against V. cholerae and inhibited the growth of all vibrio species tested. Vibrepin blocked RctB oriCII unwinding, apparently by promoting formation of large non-functional RctB complexes. Although vibrepin also appears to have targets other than RctB, our findings suggest that RctB is an attractive target for generation of novel antibiotics that only block growth of vibrios. Vibrio-specific agents, unlike antibiotics currently used in clinical practice, will not engender resistance in the normal human flora or in non-vibrio environmental microorganisms.
The surface structure and the deep structure of sequential control: What can we learn from task span switch costs?

A large component of response time switch costs in the cued task-switching paradigm is linked to cue changes without task changes, suggesting costs might reflect passive priming rather than endogenous control. In contrast, the task span procedure requires subjects to guide task selection via sequences of memorized task cues and therefore may be better suited to reflect endogenous switch processes (Logan, 2004). The present experiments combined the task span procedure with a 2:1 mapping between cues and tasks, allowing separation of cue-switch costs from true task-switch costs. Replicating findings with the cued task-switching paradigm, results showed both substantial cue-switch costs and actual task-switch costs (Experiments 1 and 2) as well as sensitivity of cue-switch costs, but not of task-switch costs, to opportunity for preparation (Experiment 2). Apparently, simple action plans use “surface level” phonological or articulatory codes that contain no task information. These results suggest that the distinction between cue-related and task-related processes is critical no matter whether tasks are cued exogenously or endogenously.
Stratification in bidisperse polymer brushes from neutron reflectivity

Two-component (bidisperse) polystyrene brushes, consisting of long and short chain populations end-tethered at a solid/liquid interface, were studied in toluene and cyclohexane solvents using neutr...
Oxidation of SiC-ZrO2 composites

Planar silicon carbide-zirconium oxide composites were oxidized at temperatures between 910 and 1050 °C in oxygen, argon and CO-CO2 atmospheres. In addition, bare SiC substrates were oxidized in oxygen. The bare substrates showed parabolic oxidation kinetics. The oxidation kinetics of the composites were more difficult to interpret because of the solid state reaction between the ZrO2 and the SiO2, but were approximately parabolic.
Effects of volatile coatings and coating removal mechanisms on the morphology of graphitic soot

We have measured morphological changes of combustion-generated mature soot with various quantities of hydrocarbon coating and different coating-removal mechanisms. We made these measurements on soot extracted from a burner and then (1) coated with oleic acid, (2) coated with oleic acid and then denuded using a thermodenuder, (3) coated with oleic acid and then heated with a laser, and (4) coated with oleic acid, denuded with a thermodenuder, and then laser heated. We compared these results to results for untreated soot from the burner. The soot samples were size selected using a differential mobility analyzer prior to coating. Uncoated, coated, and denuded particles were characterized by electric-mobility size, particle and coating mass, and particle morphology. Our results show that the particles are restructured (become compact) when coated. Particles sent through the thermodenuder are irreversibly restructured. Laser desorption of coatings with thicknesses ⩾20% by mass, however, returns the soot particles to a less compact morphology with some fragmentation as the coating rapidly vaporizes. A majority of laser-heated heavily coated particles stay associated with unvaporized oleic acid droplets despite some fragment ejection from the droplet. Thermally denuded particles neither return to a less compact morphology nor fragment when laser heated.
Radiation sensitivity of pine wood nematodes in woodchips

Abstract The radiation sensitivity of pine wood nematodes has been tested over a range of dose values with a cesium-137 irradiator. Lethal doses were found to lie in a range above 6–8 kGy, too high to make this an economically attractive means of deinfestation for commercial woodchips.
Guidelines for Care of Patients with Hepatitis

Excerpt To the editor: The paper by Favero and associates (1) outlining guidelines for hospital care of patients with viral hepatitis is a thorough review of the risks of nosocomial transmission of...
In vivo resolution of two near-infrared fluorophores by time-domain diffuse optical tomagraphy

Fluorescent techniques developed for probing molecular events in vitro have been translated to small animal in-vivo fluorescence imaging using narrow-band, high-power laser sources, fast photon detection electronics and sophisticated image reconstruction algorithms. Targeted near-infrared fluorescent probes are being developed to increase image contrast and functional information collected by the in-vivo optical images. Besides fluorescence intensity, fluorescence lifetime can also be utilized to probe tissue physiology. Fluorescence lifetime, the average time that a fluorophore remains in the excited state, is specific to the molecule and its environment, but not necessarily to its concentration. Therefore, fluorescence lifetime imaging can be used to probe microenvironments within tissues to differentiate, for example, cancer from surrounding tissue by physiological differences. In the current study we demonstrate the ability to distinguish between two molecular probes in mice using fluorescence lifetime while using single excitation and emission wavelengths. Fluorescence detection was accomplished by measuring diffuse emission at 3 mm distance from excitation and raster-scanning whole-body regions of interest using time-correlated single photon counting technique. The resulting temporal point-spread function data was collected for grid points 1.5 mm apart. Fluorescence decays were de-convolved to determine measured fluorescence lifetimes by least-squares fit with associated chi-square error values. Relative signal from each fluorophore was then determined for specific tissues including liver, kidney and tumor areas. The results demonstrate that relative biodistributions of individual fluorophores with similar photonic characteristics can be simultaneously monitored in vivo using fluorescence lifetime imaging.
Transposition of Native Chromatin for Fast and Sensitive Mulitmodal Analysis of Chromatin Architecture

Eukaryotic genomes are hierarchically packaged into chromatin, and the nature of this packaging plays a central role in gene regulation. Major insights into the nucleoprotein structure of chromatin have come from high-throughput, genome-wide methods for separately assaying the chromatin accessibility ("open chromatin"), nucleosome positioning, and transcription factor (TF) occupancy. However, published protocols for these existing methods require millions of cells as starting material, complex and time-consuming sample preparations, and cannot simultaneously probe the interplay of nucleosome positioning, chromatin accessibility, and TF binding. These limitations 1) average over and “drown out” heterogeneity in cellular populations, 2) often require cells to be grown ex vivo to obtain sufficient biomaterials, modulating the epigenetic state in unknown ways, and 3) often prevent application of these assays to well-defined clinical samples, precluding generation of “personal epigenomes” in diagnostic timescales. Here we describe an Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) based on direct in vitro transposition of sequencing adapters into native chromatin - as a rapid and sensitive method for integrative epigenomic analysis. ATAC-seq captures open chromatin sites using a simple 2-step protocol from 500 to 50,000 cells, and reveals the interplay between genomic locations of open chromatin, DNA binding proteins, individual nucleosomes, and higher-order compaction at regulatory regions. Using this method, we discover classes of DNA binding factor that strictly avoid, can tolerate, or tend to overlap with nucleosomes. The method enabled serial daily epigenomes of resting human T cells to be observed using standard blood draws. We show that ATAC-seq is compatible with FACS, enabling studies on carefully sorted and rare subpopulations from primary tissues. The combination of speed, simplicity, and low input requirements of ATAC-seq will enable new gene regulatory insights into biology and medicine.
cAMP, not Ca2+/calmodulin, regulates the phosphorylation of acetylcholine receptor in Torpedo californica electroplax.

Abstract The regulation of the phosphorylation of the acetylcholine receptor in electroplax membranes from Torpedo californica and of purified acetylcholine receptor was investigated. The phosphorylation of the membrane-bound acetylcholine receptor was not stimulated by Ca 2+ /calmodulin, nor was it inhibited by EGTA, but it was stimulated by the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and was blocked by the protein inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Purified acetylcholine receptor was not phosphorylated by Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity in electroplax membranes, nor by partially purified Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinases from soluble or particulate fractions from the electroplax. Of the four acetylcholine receptor subunits, termed α, β, γ and δ, only the γ- and δ-subunits were phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (+cAMP), or by its purified catalytic subunits.
Seasonal changes of the pelagic fish assemblage in a temperate estuary

Abstract The pelagic (i.e. fishes that spend most of their time swimming and feeding in the water column) fish assemblage was examined within a temperate estuary to determine the seasonal patterns of abundance, biomass, richness, and species composition. These measures were related to abiotic measures including temperature, salinity, water transparency, and depth. Pelagic fish (n 000) were sampled weekly from August 1995 through December 1996 in Great Bay in New Jersey, USA, with a pop net (5 m diameter, 5 m length, 3 mm cod end). The most frequently occurring and abundant species included Clupea harengus (frequency of occurrence, 27.4%; abundance, 80.5% of total catch), Menidia menidia (frequency of occurrence, 83.5%; abundance, 10.6% of total catch), Anchoa mitchilli (frequency of occurrence, 66.5%; abundance, 6.0% of total catch), and Anchoa hepsetus (frequency of occurrence, 23.1%; abundance, 1.9% of total catch). There were strong seasonal trends in species richness, total abundance, and total biomass with peaks in spring, summer, and autumn, and very low values for these parameters in winter. In addition, there were five seasonal groupings within this pelagic fish assemblage that were primarily, but not exclusively, represented by young-of-the-year (age 0+). Winter (December–March) was represented by adult Gasterosteus aculeatus and age 1+ by M. menidia . Spring (April–early June) was overwhelmingly dominated by age 0+ C. harengus . Early summer (late June–early July) was relatively species rich and characterized by age 0+ of Brevoortia tyrannus , Pomatomus saltatrix , Alosa pseudoharengus , and age 1+ of A. mitchilli . Late summer (late July–August) remained relatively species rich and included mostly age 0+ of A. mitchilli , A. hepsetus , and M. menidia . Autumn (September–November) continued to have high catches of age 0+ of M. menidia and A. mitchilli . As expected for temperate estuaries, the best of the measured abiotic predictors of these groupings included temperature, salinity, and degree of change in temperature. However, timing of life history characteristics, such as location, and timing of reproduction and migration also influenced the seasonal occurrence of these pelagic species. The large abundance and biomass of a relatively few species, as observed in this study, are typical of estuaries, although this is one of the few studies that have focused solely on the pelagic component of estuarine fish assemblages.
Risk Factors for the Development of Parastomal Hernia after Radical Cystectomy

Purpose: Parastomal hernia is a frequent complication of stoma formation after radical cystectomy. We determined the prevalence and risk factors for the development of parastomal hernia after radical cystectomy.Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 433 consecutive patients who underwent open radical cystectomy and ileal conduit between 2006 and 2010. Postoperative cross-sectional imaging studies performed for routine oncologic followup (1,736) were evaluated for parastomal hernia, defined as radiographic evidence of protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall defect created by forming the stoma. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to determine clinical and surgical factors associated with parastomal hernia.Results: Complete data were available for 386 patients with radiographic parastomal hernia occurring in 136. The risk of a parastomal hernia developing was 27% (95% CI 22, 33) and 48% (95% CI 42, 55) at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Clini...
Scanning tunneling microscopy, spectroscopy, and nanolithography of epitaxial graphene chemically modified with aryl moieties.

The reduction of diazonium salts has recently been proposed as a robust covalent modification scheme for graphene surfaces. While preliminary studies have provided indirect evidence that this strategy decorates graphene with aryl moieties, the molecular ordering and conformation of the resulting adlayer have not been directly measured. In this Article, we report molecular-resolution characterization of the adlayer formed via the spontaneous reduction of 4-nitrophenyl diazonium (4-NPD) tetrafluoroborate on epitaxial graphene on SiC(0001) using ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS). An atomically flat inhomogeneous layer of covalently bonded organic molecules is observed after annealing the chemically treated surface at ∼500 °C in UHV. STM and STS results indicate that the adlayer consists predominantly of aryl oligomers that sterically prevent uniform and complete covalent modification of the graphene surface. The adsorbed species can be selectively desorbed by t...
Quadrupole Exciton Transitions and Optical Anisotropy in Cubic Crystals

Interactions of bound electrons with an electromagnetic wave mix the electronic states and contribute terms to the wave functions linear in the propagation constant k of the light. These terms contribute O(k2) to the dielectric tensor ∊ij, with a resulting birefringence in an Oh crystal when k is not parallel to a three-or fourfold axis. By substitution of the dielectric tensor with its k dependence into Maxwell’s equations, the three possible polarization E directions for each k and the corresponding propagation velocities can be predicted. Retardation of approximately transverse waves in a crystal with small anisotropy is a maximum along 〈110〉 and zero along 〈100〉 and 〈111〉. Retardation is also small for k directions lying on the shorter segment of a great circle of the unit sphere connecting a given pair of three- and fourfold axes. An investigation is also made of directions of maximum and minimum retardation in an Oh cube when anisotropy is not small. All of these results serve to correct analyses of earlier authors who assumed polarization directions appropriate only to a uniaxial crystal.
Necrophagy in Grasshoppers: Taeniopoda eques Feeds on Mammal Carrion

Abstract Grasshoppers are thought to be herbivores that primarily feed on plant leaves. But, many grasshopper species actually are omnivorous and will consume a wide range of living and dead organic matter. We documented the feeding behavior of the Western Lubber grasshopper, Taeniopoda eques, on a coyote, Canis latrans, carcass in Arizona, USA. The number of adult T. eques on the carcass ranged from 1 to 8 during each of six visits to the site and were predominantly female. Nymphs were not observed on or immediately adjacent to the carcass, although they were present in low numbers in the surrounding population. We observed females attempt to consume hair, dried hide, and especially dried tissue adhering to the bones. Our observation that most of the individuals feeding on the carcass were female, suggests that egg production requires nutrients that may make vertebrate carrion a complement to a herbivorous diet. T. eques lives in a desert habitat with a short and highly variable growing season, so carniv...
Unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion inhibits growth of metastatic sarcoma in the rat lung

Tumors depend on their blood supply for growth. The blood supply to metastatic neoplasia of lung is usually from the pulmonary circulation or both the pulmonary and systemic circulation. The antineoplastic effect of pulmonary artery occlusion was investigated in a rat model of methylcholanthrene-induced metastatic pulmonary sarcoma. Left pulmonary artery ligation was performed on day 7 after tumor inoculation, and animals were sacrificed on day 14. The tumor burden of the left lung decreased 44% when compared with the control group. The survival of non-tumor-bearing rats undergoing left pulmonary artery ligation for 24 hours followed by right pneumonectomy after 2 weeks was also studied. No significant lung damage after a period of left pulmonary artery ligation was seen, as evidenced by both survival after contralateral right pneumonectomy and histology. Balloon occlusion of pulmonary artery, together with regional chemotherapy for patients with lung metastases, may warrant investigation.
Effect of the scale of local segmental motion on nanovoid growth in polyester copolymer glasses

We present a study on the effect of the scale of local segmental motion on an important mechanical property of glassy polymers: craze initiation via nanovoid growth. Stress-coupled positronium ann...
A numerical study of the run-up generated by three-dimensional landslides

[1] A large set of numerical experiments are designed to examine the maximum run-up generated by three-dimensional (3-D) submerged and subaerial, solid body landslides. A depth-integrated numerical model is utilized, allowing for the efficient simulation of landslides in shallow and intermediate water. Six dimensionless parameters are introduced: the slide thickness, the slide wave number, a slide shape parameter, the horizontal aspect ratio of the slide, the specific gravity of the slide mass, and the slope of the beach. Six sets of simulations are first presented, wherein one of the six dimensionless parameters are singularly varied. This allows for the identification of parameter dependence on maximum run-up. After combining the dependencies a number of relationships appear. Most notably, a very clear division between the near and far field is observed, where here the far field is defined as the region displaced from the projection of the landslide, on the nearby beach, where edge waves may dominate the wave pattern. For submerged slides a nondimensional estimation of the maximum run-up just landward of the slide is found as well as the location and magnitude of the secondary run-up peak. This secondary peak is due to the propagation of edge waves and is in some cases larger than the peak immediately landward of the slide. The results presented in this paper may be useful for preliminary hazard assessment, where a simple and quick estimation of the maximum run-up height and locations are required. Additionally, the formulas developed will be particularly beneficial to those developing 3-D landslide experiments.
In Vitro Biosynthesis of Vicia faba Polyphenoloxidase

Poly A + mRNA was isolated from Vicia faba leaves and translated in vitro using a rabbit reticulocyte translation system. From analysis of the total translation products, the major proteins synthesized in vitro were 32 kilodaltons and 20 kilodaltons. When antibodies to Vicia faba polyphenoloxidase were added, a specific immunoprecipitable protein was observed. This protein9s molecular weight was shown to be similar to that of the isolated enzyme (45 kilodaltons). The isolated enzyme successfully competed with the in vitro synthesized product for antipolyphenoloxidase. In addition, the in vitro synthesized product was not immunoprecipitated with antitomato peroxidase and comigrated with isolated and/or iodinated enzyme in sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using in vitro translation and specific immunoprecipitation, a primary translation product corresponding to Vicia faba polyphenoloxidase was identified as a 45 kilodaltons protein.
Haitian Vodou and Voodoo: Imagined Religion and Popular Culture:

Vodou is frequently invoked as a cause of Haiti’s continued impoverishment. While scholarly arguments have been advanced for why this is untrue, Vodou is persistently plagued by a poor reputation. This is buttressed, in part, by the frequent appearance in popular culture of the imagined religion of “voodoo.” Vodou and voodoo have entwined destinies, and Vodou will continue to suffer from ill repute as long as voodoo remains an outlet for the expression of racist anxieties. The enduring appeal of voodoo is analyzed through its uses in touristic culture, film, television, and literature. Particular attention is given to the genre of horror movies, in which voodoo’s connections with violence against whites and hypersexuality are exploited to produce both terror and arousal.Le Vodou est souvent invoque comme une cause de la misere persistante d’Haiti. Bien que les arguments academiques ont ete avances pour prouver le contraire, le Vodou en generale est toujours mal compris et souvent decrie. Les idees erronee...
Position sense of the peripheral retina.

Position acuity was measured over a wide range of eccentricities, from 3 min to 10 deg in the horizontal meridian, by using both a three-dot bisection task and a three-dot vernier task. A foveal fixation dot appeared for 1 sec before an outer pair of test dots was flashed for 200 msec. Bisection and vernier tasks were used to measure position acuity in the radial and tangential directions, respectively. The vernier data were well fitted by a straight line on linear axes of offset threshold versus eccentricity. The bisection data, on the other hand, were poorly fitted by a single straight line. However, a double-line fit worked very well. The line segment at large eccentricities (>0.5 deg) had an x intercept of about 0.6 deg, in good agreement with previous estimates based on cortical magnification and on hyperacuity in the presence of flanks. These results imply that three-dot vernier thresholds are set by a single orientation mechanism at all eccentricities and that three-dot bisection thresholds are set by a pair of mechanisms. For eccentricities less than 15 min, thresholds are in good agreement with calculations based on spatial-frequency filters. For larger eccentricities, the bisection thresholds agree with scaled anatomical modules that are presumed to exist in the human visual cortex. The thresholds for position acuity in the tangential direction are as low as 0.005 times the eccentricity. In the radial direction, thresholds are poorer, implying that additional cortical factors may further constrain performance.
A Feature of Roman Religion

After the disastrous battle of Lake Trasimene Rome set herself to appease her gods, and by popular vote ordered the performance of a uer sacrum, that is, an offering of all the young of animals to be born in spring. Livy records this formula as having been submitted to the people for their approval (22.10.2–6).
AdaptWID: An Adaptive, Memory-Efficient Window Aggregation Implementation

Memory efficiency is important for processing high-volume data streams. Previous stream-aggregation methods can exhibit excessive memory overhead in the presence of skewed data distributions. Further, data skew is a common feature of massive data streams. The authors introduce the AdaptWID algorithm, which uses adaptive processing to cope with time-varying data skew. AdaptWID models the memory usage of alternative aggregation algorithms and selects between them at runtime on a group-by-group basis. The authors' experimental study using the NiagaraST stream system verifies that the adaptive algorithm improves memory usage while maintaining execution cost and latency comparable to existing implementations.
Role Enhancement or Role Strain: Assessing the Impact of Multiple Productive Roles on Older Caregiver Well-Being

Proponents of productive aging claim that occupying productive roles is beneficial to the self and others. The authors use the role enhancement and role strain perspectives to examine the impact of...
Aesthetic evaluation of profile incisor inclination.

SUMMARY The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) the impact of maxillary incisor inclination on the aesthetics of the profile view of a smile, (2) to determine the most aesthetic inclination in the profile view of a smile and correlate it with facial features, and (3) to determine if dentists, orthodontists, and laypeople appreciate differently incisor inclination in smile aesthetics. A smiling profile photograph of a female subject (22 years of age) who fulfilled the criteria of soft tissue normative values and a balanced smile was obtained. The photograph was manipulated to simulate six lingual and labial inclinations at 5 degree increments to a maximum of 15 degrees. The seven photographs were randomly distributed in a binder to three groups of raters (30 dentists, 30 orthodontists, and 30 laypeople) who scored the attractiveness of the photographic variations using a visual analogue scale. Comparison of the mean scores was carried out by repeated analysis of variance, univariate tests, and multiple Bonferroni comparisons. The results showed a statistically significant interaction between the rater’s profession and the aesthetic preference of incisor inclination (P = 0.013). The profile smile corresponding to an increase of 5 degrees in a labial direction had the highest score among all professions and among male and female raters. Orthodontists preferred labial crown torque; dentists and laypeople did not appreciate excessive incisor inclination in either the lingual or the labial directions. The most preferred smile matched with a maxillary incisor inclined 93 degrees to the horizontal line and +7 degrees to the lower facial third.