cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHAPTER 14 – Small-Mammal Community Patterns in Old Fields: Distinguishing Site-Specific from Regional Processes

Community ecologists increasingly recognize that interpretations of local community structure must include processes at local, regional, and biogeographical scales. Local processes such as predation and competition often play a strong role in shaping communities over short time scales. This chapter represents the first attempt to combine data from the two long-term studies and compare temporal and spatial patterns in old field small-mammal communities. The continuous site has a higher species-richness than the fragmented site. This may reflect the presence of unique microhabitats at the continuous site rather than area effects per se, since the site abuts woodland, and the additional species appear to be present because of these differences in landscape context. Temporal variation for both communities in abundance and rank orders of abundance exceeds that reported in many other vertebrate communities, and community variability increases with fragmentation. However, the continuous site has more sporadic community members and, overall, more apparent extinction/colonization dynamics than does the fragmented site. In general, this comparative study indicates that both landscape structure and processes occurring outside a local community can influence local community dynamics. However, the spatial scale relevant to governing population dynamics in old field small-mammal communities may be smaller than many ecologists hitherto have believed.
Retinal Degeneration is Accelerated when a Mutant Rhodopsin Transgene is Expressed on a Haploid or Null Rhodopsin Background

The rod opsin Pro23His mutation accounts for approximately 12% of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) cases in the United States. To study mechanisms leading to photoreceptor degeneration, we investigated the effects of mutant and wild-type opsin stoichiometry on retinal morphology and function. We crossbred a trans-genic mouse line expressing the triple mutant, V20G, P23H, and P27L (GHL), with rhodopsin knockout mice. Retinal morphology of 30-day old GHL+ mice with two functional copies of the rod opsin gene (GHL+, rho+/+), one functional copy (GHL+, rho+/−) or no functional copies of the rod opsin gene (GHL+, rho−/−) was examined. Although mice of all three genotypes underwent reunal degeneration, the severity of the retinopathy correleted inversely with the number of wild-type opsin genes present. Mice with no functional wild-type opsin gene were most severely affected, while those with two functional copies were the least affected. Mice with a single functional vvild-type gene were intermediate in the degenerative phenotype. Correspondingly, changes in fundus morphology and ERG function. were most prominent in GHL+, rho−/− mice, whereas GHL+, rho−/− mice were similar to wild-type mice.
Behavioral Stability in the Face of Neuromodulation in Brain-Body-Environment Systems

Neuromodulation is a pervasive biological process impacting neural activity at many scales. Changes in the concentration of a single neuromodulator can drastically alter the dynamics of a circuit. ...
The Mexican Supernatural: Migration in Historical Reverse

Eljaiek-Rodriguez analyzes the work of two iconic directors of Mexican horror cinema: Guillermo del Toro and Carlos Enrique Taboada. Selected films of these directors are read as complex systems of migrated images coming from diverse traditions. The author studies how del Toro’s films become migrating pieces in a global distribution circuit, as well as how Taboada’s films acquire physical and temporal mobility in local spaces. A discussion of the mobilization of cannibalism into the Mexican horror context concludes the chapter.
The Rational Basis Test and Why it is so Irrational: An 80-Year Retrospective

The Rational Basis test is one of the most common and yet perhaps the most insignificant United States Supreme Court test in the history of the constitution, yet year in year out clients and lawyers will submit another brief hoping against hope that this time there might be a meaningful outcome. There will not be. This article attempts to explain why the rational basis test is so irrational in its outcome, why basic interests are disregarded in the name of judicial respect for the legislative process, and how easy it would be for there to be a better outcome. The article traces the rise of the rational basis test from U.S. v. Carolene Products in 1938 after the Court’s rejection of Lochnerism, a reference to the high level of due process protection once given by the Court to certain substantive economic interest. As almost an accidental outcome of the rejection of Lochnerism and the Court’s acceptance of the high-end purpose of allowing the legislature to address social ills, the Court adopted a permissive review of all laws not involving fundamental rights or suspect classifications, but laws going to crucial to day in and day out living, laws impacting health, housing, education, and the pursuit of a lawful occupation. The rational basis test almost without comment replaced the reasonable basis test that had coexisted with Lochnerism but had nothing to do with its excesses. The reasonable basis test was not a high level of review, but it nonetheless placed meaningful limits on the legislative process, protecting even the mundane things of life. This article calls for a return to the reasonable basis test and the respect it would bring to things that matter in our ordinary lives, a respect that the rational basis test has consistently disregarded.
Foreshadowing Ideas in Abstract Algebra: Reflections from the Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Improvement Study

Blossoming in the wake of Sputnik and the perceived “crisis” in American mathematics and science teaching, the Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Study was perhaps the most mathematically challenging of the curricular initiatives of its day. Funded by the National Science Foundation and Teachers College, Columbia University, SSMCIS developed and field tested materials intended for “mathematically capable” students in grades 7 through 12. The SSMCIS material was never intended for wide adoption, but was rather written to see what might be achievable by those interested in bringing the curriculum of the upper grades into the modern era and incorporating the mathematical structures, rigor and applications that were perceived as missing in the more widely available textbooks. In this chapter, I explore the nature of SSMCIS algebra-related materials intended for grades 9–12, which include: algebra of vectors, linear programming, vector spaces and subspaces, linear mappings, determinants, matrices and eigenvalues, algebraic structures, extensions, and homomorphisms. Enlivened with a number of illustrative, interesting, and creative examples of both content development and homework problems, the chapter is intended to explore the audacity and creativity that went into exploring the “realm of the possible” in an age that was, perhaps, too ambitious and shortsighted, but which still offers lessons for those creative souls among us today.
Tourist brides and migrant grooms: Cuban–Danish couples and family reunification policies

As a development strategy mass tourism often precipitates social changes, expected and unexpected. Emigration through marriage may seem to be an unlikely by-product of the expanding tourist industr...
Phenomenological model of piezoelectric energy harvesting from galloping oscillations

We present an experimentally validated phenomenological model that directly predicts levels of energy harvested from large oscillations of an object subjected to wake galloping. This model is superior to currently used quasisteady models, which are applicable only at low-reduced frequencies and small amplitudes. In the model, the damping controlled instability and manifestation of limit cycle oscillations due to nonlinearities are represented by linear and nonlinear damping terms. The model coefficients are then identified from measurements using analytical expressions obtained by implementing the method of multiple scales. The validation is performed by comparing time series and spectra obtained from the model and experiments.
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has a long track record of pain relief and positive patient-reported outcomes for patients with degenerative disc disease and spondylosis. However, there is a growing desire to preserve motion while relieving pain to prevent future adjacent segment degeneration and pseudoarthrosis. An FDA-approved treatment that has been growing in popularity recently is cervical total disc arthroplasty (TDA), which has proven positive long-term outcomes with strict adherence to indications and contraindications. Patients with single-level and two-level cervical disease should be assessed for infection, osteoporosis, axial neck pain, severe spondylosis or instability, facet arthropathy, less than 3 mm of disc space, and greater than 15° of kyphotic deformity since these are all contraindications to the procedure. In a few randomized controlled trials comparing ACDF and cervical TDA, arthroplasty has demonstrated superiority as far out as 10 years.
Porphyric Neuropathy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Updated Management.

To review the peripheral neurological complications of the acute hepatic porphyrias, as well as the latest advances in their pathophysiology and management. The diagnosis of porphyric neuropathy remains challenging as varying neuropathic patterns are encountered depending on disease stage, including a non-length-dependent distribution pattern. The major pathophysiologic mechanism is δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)–induced neurotoxicity. The less restrictive blood-nerve barrier in the autonomic ganglia and myenteric plexus may explain the frequency of dysautonomic manifestations. Recently, a prophylactic small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy that reduces hepatic ALA Synthase-1 mRNA was approved for patients with recurrent neuro-visceral attacks. Neurologists should appreciate the varying patterns of porphyric neuropathy. As with most toxin-induced axonopathies, long-term outcomes depend on early diagnosis and treatment. While the short-term clinical and biochemical benefits of siRNA-based therapy are known, its long-term effects on motor recovery, chronic pain, and dysautonomic manifestations are yet to be determined.
Body Mass Index and Mortality in Blunt Trauma: The Right BMI can be Protective

Abstract Background There are limited studies examining the role of BMI on mortality in the trauma population. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the “obesity paradox” exists in non-elderly patients with blunt trauma. Methods A retrospective study was performed on the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database for 2016. All non-elderly patients aged 18–64, with blunt traumatic injuries were identified. A generalized additive model (GAM) was built to assess the association of mortality and BMI adjusted for age, gender, race, and injury severity score (ISS). Results 28,475 patients (mean age = 42.5, SD = 14.3) were identified. 20,328 (71.4%) were male. Age (p Conclusion High BMI can be a protective factor in mortality within non-elderly patients with blunt trauma. However, underweight or morbid obesity suggest a higher risk of mortality.
CHAPTER 9 – INTEGRAL TRANSFORM METHODS

Publisher Summary The integral transform methods are of great value in the treatment of integral equations, especially the singular integral equations. This chapter discusses Laplace transform L [ƒ], Hilbert transform, and the applications to Volterra integral equations with convolution-type kernels and the applications to volterra integral equations with convolution-type Kernels.
Structural changes in sentiment and returns: evidence from the Trump election

Given that regime changes may induce new tendencies and behaviours of financial models, we analyse the impact of sentiment variables on stock market returns for time periods before and after Donald...
Systematic Review of Arts-Based Interventions to Address Suicide Prevention and Survivorship in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America:

Study Objective. Suicide is a serious health problem that is shaped by a variety of social and mental health factors. A growing body of research connects the arts to positive health outcomes; however, no previous systematic reviews have examined the use of the arts in suicide prevention and survivorship. This review examined how the arts have been used to address suicide prevention and survivorship in nonclinical settings in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Design and Setting. Ten bibliographic databases, five research repositories, and reference sections of articles were searched to identify published studies. Articles presenting outcomes of interventions conducted between 2014 and 2019 and written in English, were included. Primary Results. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, including qualitative, quantitative randomized controlled trials, quantitative nonrandomized, quantitative descriptive, and mixed-methods studies. The programs studied used film and television (n = 3), mixed-arts (n = 3), theatre (n = 2), and quilting (n = 1). All nine interventions used the arts to elicit emotional involvement, while seven also used the arts to encourage engagement with themes of health. Study outcomes included increased self-efficacy, awareness of mental health issues, and likelihood for taking action to prevent suicide, as well as decreases in suicidal risk and self-harming behaviors. Conclusions. Factors that influence suicide risk and survivorship may be effectively addressed through arts-based interventions. While the current evidence is promising with regard to the potential for arts programs to positively affect suicide prevention and survivorship, this evidence needs to be supplemented to inform recommendations for evidence-based arts interventions.
Primary repair of esophageal atresia is followed by multiple diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract Background : Children born with esophageal atresia (EA) face comorbidities and complications often requiring surgery and anesthesia. We aimed to assess all procedures performed under general anesthesia during their first 12 years of life. Methods : We performed a retrospective cohort study about subsequent surgeries and procedures requiring general anesthesia in children born with type C EA between January 2007 and December 2017, with follow-up to March 2019. Results : Of 102 eligible patients, 63 were diagnosed with comorbidities, of whom 18 had VACTERL association. Follow-up time for all patients varied between 14 months and 12 years (median 7 years). The patients underwent total 637 procedures, median 4 [IQR2-7] per patient. In the first year of life, 464 procedures were performed, in the second year 69 and in the third year 29. Thirteen patients underwent no other procedures than primary EA repair. In 57 patients, 228 dilatations were performed. Other frequently performed procedures were esophagoscopy (n=52), urologic procedures (n=44) and abdominal procedures (n=33). Conclusions : Patients with EA frequently require multiple anesthetics for a variety of procedures related to the EA, complications and comorbidities. This study can help care providers when counselling parents of a patient with an EA by giving them more insight into possible procedures they can be confronted with during childhood.
The Fall and Rise of French Sea Power: France’s Quest for an Independent Naval Policy, 1940–1963

Few works of French military history focus on France’s navy. However, Hugues Canuel, currently a defense attache in Japan, attempts to redress this imbalance. Having earned a PhD in war studies fro...
Isolation, identification, and characterization of lignocellulose-degrading Geobacillus thermoleovorans from Yellowstone National Park.

The microbial degradation of lignocellulose in natural ecosystems presents numerous biotechnological opportunities, including biofuel production from agricultural waste and feedstock biomass. To explore the degradation potential of specific thermophiles, we have identified and characterized extremophilic microorganisms isolated from hot springs environments that are capable of biodegrading lignin and cellulose substrates under thermoalkaline conditions, using a combination of culturing, genomics and metabolomics techniques. Organisms that can use lignin and cellulose as a sole carbon source at 60-75°C were isolated from sediment slurry of thermoalkaline hot springs (71-81°C and pH 8-9) of Yellowstone National Park. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that these isolates were closely related to Geobacillus thermoleovorans. Interestingly, most of these isolates demonstrated biofilm formation on lignin, a phenotype that is correlated with increased bioconversion. Assessment of metabolite level changes in two Geobacillus isolates from two representative springs were undertaken to characterize the metabolic responses associated with growth on glucose versus lignin carbon source as a function of pH and temperature. Overall, results from this study support that thermoalkaline springs harbor G. thermoleovorans microorganisms with lignocellulosic biomass degradation capabilities and potential downstream biotechnological applications. IMPORTANCE As lignocellulosic biomass represents a major agro-industrial waste and renewable resource, its potential to replace non-renewable petroleum-based products for energy production is considerable. Microbial ligninolytic and cellulolytic enzymes are of high interest in bio-refineries for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass, as they can withstand the extreme conditions (e.g., high temperature, high pH) required for processing. Of high interest is the ligninolytic potential of specific Geobacillus thermoleovorans isolates to function at a broad range of pH and temperatures, as lignin is the bottleneck in the bioprocessing of lignocellulose. In this study, results obtain from G. thermolerovorans isolates originating from YNP springs are significant as very few microorganisms from alkaline thermal environments have been discovered to have lignin and cellulose biodegrading capabilities, and this work opens new avenues for the biotechnological valorization of lignocellulosic biomass at an industrial scale.
Prerequisites From Analysis

The word denumerable in the sequel means finite or countably infinite. Let M and N be two non-empty denumerable sets. A matrix is a function with domain the set of ordered pairs (m, n), where m ∈ M and n ∈ N,and with range a subset of the extended real number system—the reals with +∞ and −∞ adjoined. We call the sets M and N index sets. The matrix is called a finite matrix if both M and N are finite sets.
Racial Disparities in Oropharyngeal Cancer

Significant disparities have been detected and documented over time among different racial/ethnic groups, and in particular between Black and White men, in oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC) incidence and mortality rates. Both rates have improved in Black men in recent year, and a concomitant increase in incidence of OPSCC in Whites contributes to closing the gap, for what OPSCC incidence is concerned. However, mortality rates for OPSCC in Black men remain much higher than in Whites. The reasons for this lingering disparity are many and complex. Among all sites of head and neck cancer (HNC) the oropharynx is the most likely to harbor cancers driven by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV): up to 60 % of OPSCC (up to 25 % of all head and neck cancers) are due to HPV, most often HPV16. HPV-positive cancers respond better to treatment and have a better prognosis than the HPV-negative ones that are mostly due to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Black men are less likely to have HPV-positive OPSCC, and this could contribute to the disparity in mortality for this cancer. However, this disparity is also deeply rooted in inequalities of treatment, access to care, and social factors that can be addressed and corrected.
State-Directed Development: Invited Dependency: Fragmented State and Foreign Resources in Brazil's Early Industrialization

Unlike the more extreme cases of developmental success and failure in this study, namely, South Korea and Nigeria, respectively, both Brazil and India represent mixed cases. The case of Brazil is closer to the success end of the performance continuum, at least as far as industrial growth is concerned, and at least as manifest in its middle-income status. However, Brazil's industrialization also began in the late nineteenth century. While industrial development in the twentieth century was far from steady, Brazil's industry grew for much of the period. The gains were impressive, though coupled with significant periods of slower growth and even decline, especially after 1980. At a per capita income of more than $7,000 – albeit distributed highly unevenly – Brazil at the end of the century was a middle-income country, with a diversified industrial base. It was well ahead of India, which had less than a third of Brazil's per capita income, though it was also well behind Korea with close to double its per capita income (see Table 1 above; all of these per capita income figures are at purchasing power parity adjusted). In analyzing the case of Brazil, then, the puzzle is thus not only why it has done as well as it has, but also why, despite its early start, industrial development there has been relatively crisis-prone, limiting its overall achievements.
End-to-end testability analysis and DfT insertion for mixed-signal paths

Increasing system complexity and test cost demands new system-level solutions for mixed-signal systems. In this paper, we present a testability analysis and DfT insertion methodology for end-to-end mixed-signal paths. Based on behavioral models and path analysis, testability problems in the path are determined and classified in terms of their bottleneck. Possible solutions to each problem are identified. The DfT insertion problem is then formulated as a min-cost set cover problem to achieve the most cost-efficient solution. In experimental results where test point insertion is used as the DfT approach, nearly 50% reduction in the overall DfT overhead is achieved.
In vitro inhibition ofRhodotorula minuta by a variant of the marine bacterium,Pseudomonas piscicida

1. Maximal activity of cell-free filtrates of the antiyeast bacterium,Pseudomonas piscicida, againstRhodotorula minuta was obtained from four-day shaken peptone broth cultures. Yeast cells were taken prior to their logarithmic growth phase. 2. Antiyeast activity was lost when filtrates were adjusted to pH 4.0, while higher pH values, as well as temperatures up to 100° C for 30 minutes, had no effect on inhibition. 3. The principal inhibitory effect is that of interference with bud formation and/or bud separation from the parent cell. Yeast cells in an active stage of growth and metabolism are materially affected by the substance(s) present in the bacterial filtrate. 4. Both dialyzates and dialyzants were active when filtrates were dialyzed against peptone broth or another pseudomonad culture. Decreased activity was noted when the bacterium was grown in chemically defined media. 5. Exposure of filtrates to two “natural” marine adsorbants, carbonate rock leachings and dried amphipod material, resulted in lessened inhibitory properties. 6. Chemical characterization of the active principal in filtrates of the bacterium is inconclusive. While experimental evidence (cation exchange resin) suggests that the inhibitor may be a small molecular weight base, disc assay of a selected group of ammonia and amine-containing compounds gave negative results. 7. Ecological data indicate in situ action of the antiyeast material in discrete marine environments.
A retrospective evaluation of second-line chemotherapy response in hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma: second line taxane-based therapy after first-line epothilone-B analog ixabepilone (BMS-247550) therapy.

BACKGROUND Epothilones and taxanes interfere with microtubule function. Ixabepilone, which is an epothilone-B analog, has activity against taxane-resistant cell lines and as first-line therapy for men with hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma (HRPC). Clinical cross-resistance of ixabepilone and taxanes in HRPC is unknown. METHODS Records were evaluated retrospectively from patients with HRPC who were treated on a randomized Phase II trial of ixabepilone with or without estramustine and who subsequently received taxane chemotherapy. Posttherapy declines in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and time to PSA progression were defined by consensus criteria. The median survival was evaluated by using the Kaplan–Meier method. RESULTS Forty-nine patients who received ixabepilone with estramustine (28 patients) or without estramustine (21 patients) subsequently received second-line taxane therapy. Second-line PSA declines ≥ 50% were achieved by 51% of patients (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 33–66%). Second-line PSA declines ≥ 50% were achieved by 61% of patients (95% CI, 42–78%) who achieved a first-line PSA decline ≥ 50% with ixabepilone, compared with 33% of patients (95% CI, 13–59%) who did not (P = 0.08). Patients who discontinued first-line ixabepilone treatment for disease progression were less likely to achieve a PSA decline ≥ 50% in response to second-line, taxane-based therapy compared with patients who discontinued for toxicity or patient preference (36% vs. 71%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Second-line taxane chemotherapy after ixabepilone resulted in a substantial frequency of PSA declines. Although patients with ixabepilone-refractory disease were less likely to respond to second-line taxane chemotherapy, 36% did achieve a PSA response. These findings were consistent with incomplete clinical cross-resistance between the taxanes and the epothilones. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Temporal privacy scheme for end-to-end location privacy in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is built of hosts called sensors which can sense a phenomenon such as motion, temperature, and humidity. Sensors represent what they sense in data format. Providing an efficient end-to-end privacy solution would be a challenging task due to the open nature of the WSN. The key schemes needed for end-to-end location privacy are anonymity, observability, capture likelihood and safety period. On top of that, having temporal privacy is crucial to attain. We extend this work to provide a solution against global adversaries. We present a network model that is protected against passive/active and local/multi-local/global attacks. This work provides a solution for temporal privacy to attain end-to-end anonymity and location privacy.
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Folktales and Fairy Tales (3 vols)

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2008 Pages: 1240 Details: 3 volume set Publisher: Greenwood Publishing Group ISBN: 978-0-313-33441-2. (hard cover). Prices: $299.95 USD(hard cover).
Abstract 5510: ABT-737 synergizes with Vorinostat to induce apoptosis, mediated by Noxa upregulation, Bax activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in PTEN-intact malignant human glioma cell lines

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA We have previously observed that glioma cells are differentially sensitive to ABT-737 and, when used as a single-agent, this drug failed to induce apopotsis. Identification of therapeutic strategies to enhance the efficacy of the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 in human glioma is of interest. Histone deacetylation inhibitors (HDACi) are currently being assessed clinically in patients with glioma, as regulation of epigenetic abnormalities is expected to produce pro-apoptotic effects. We hypothesized that cotreatment of glioma with a BH3-mimetic and HDACi may synergistically produce cell death. We assessed the combination of the Bcl-2 family inhibitor ABT-737 and the HDACi vorinostat in established and primary cultured glioma cells. We found that combined treatment with these agents led to significant cellular death when compared to either drug as a single agent and demonstrated activation of the caspase cascade. The enhanced apoptosis observed with the combination also appears dependent upon the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, smac/DIABLO and apoptosis-inducing factor to the cytosol. We observed that the upregulation of Noxa, truncation of Bid, and the activation of Bax caused by this combination were important factors for synergistic cell death. We demonstrated that Noxa functioned to occupy Mcl-1 in cells exposed to the combination, yet, contrary to studies in other malignancies, this combination in glioma occurred without the release of proapoptotic proteins Bim and Bak from Mcl-1. We showed this combination to be less effective in PTEN-deficient glioma cells. Both genetic manipulation of PTEN status and pharmacologic inhibition of PI3 kinase sensitized PTEN-deleted glioma cells to the combination. This study demonstrates that antagonizing apoptosis-resistance pathways, such as the Bcl-2 family, and regulating epigenetic aberrancies, such as histone regulation, may induce cell death. Moreover, we reiterate that therapies to target the PI3-kinase/Akt/mTor pathway may be additionally necessary in cancers lacking PTEN functionality. Citation Format: Kimberly A. Foster, Daniel R. Premkumar, Esther P. Jane, Alejandro Morales, Ian F. Pollack. ABT-737 synergizes with Vorinostat to induce apoptosis, mediated by Noxa upregulation, Bax activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in PTEN-intact malignant human glioma cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5510. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5510
Comments on P3M, FMM, and the Ewald method for large periodic Coulombic systems

Prompted by the need to simulate large molecular or gravitational systems and the availability of multiprocessor computers, alternatives to the standard Ewald calculation of Coulombic interactions have been developed. The two most popular alternatives, the fast multipole method (FMM) and the particle-particle particle-mesh (P3M) method are compared here to the Ewald method for a single processor machine. Parallel processor implementations of the P3M and Ewald methods are compared. The P3M method is found to be both faster than the FMM and easier to implement efficiently as it relies on commonly available software (FFT subroutines). Both the Ewald and P3M method are easily implemented on parallel architectures with the P3M method the clear choice for large systems.
Faster maximum likelihood estimation of very large spatial autoregressive models: an extension of the Smirnov–Anselin result

Maximization of an auto-Gaussian log-likelihood function when spatial autocorrelation is present requires numerical evaluation of an n × n matrix determinant. Griffith and Sone proposed a solution to this problem. This article simplifies and then evaluates an alternative approximation that can also be used with massively large georeferenced data sets based upon a regular square tessellation; this makes it particularly relevant to remotely sensed image analysis. Estimation results reported for five data sets found in the literature confirm the utility of this newer approximation. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, research grant #BCS-9905213.
Mild hyperkalemia and outcomes in chronic heart failure: A propensity matched study

Abstract Background Compared with serum potassium levels 4–5.5 mEq/L, those 5.5 mEq/L may be harmful in HF. However, little is known about the safety of serum potassium 5–5.5 mEq/L. Methods Of the 7788 chronic HF patients in the Digitalis Investigation Group trial, 5656 had serum potassium 4–5.5 mEq/L. Of these, 567 had mild hyperkalemia (5–5.5 mEq/L) and 5089 had normokalemia (4–4.9 mEq/L). Propensity scores for mild hyperkalemia were used to assemble a balanced cohort of 548 patients with mild hyperkalemia and 1629 patients with normokalemia. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for association between mild hyperkalemia and mortality during a median follow-up of 38 months. Results All-cause mortality occurred in 36% and 38% of matched patients with normokalemia and mild hyperkalemia respectively (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.90–1.26; P =0.458). Unadjusted, multivariable-adjusted, and propensity-adjusted HRs for mortality associated with mild hyperkalemia were 1.33 (95% CI, 1.15–1.52; P P =0.040) and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.98–1.31; P =0.091) respectively. Mild hyperkalemia had no association with cardiovascular or HF mortality or all-cause or cardiovascular hospitalization. Conclusion Serum potassium 4–4.9 mEq/L is optimal and 5–5.5 mEq/L appears relatively safe in HF. Despite lack of an intrinsic association , the bivariate association of mild-hyperkalemia with mortality suggests that it may be useful as a biomarker of poor prognosis in HF.
Numerical study of thermal decomposition and pressure generation in charring solids undergoing opposed-flow flame spread

Abstract Thermal decomposition and pressure generation in charring solids undergoing opposed-flow flame spread have been numerically studied with a detailed physics-based model. The physical problem is modeled as a steady state two-dimensional process including three parallel finite rate reactions and volatiles convection. Local thermal equilibrium is assumed between char matrix and volatiles. For pressure calculation, the volatiles are assumed to follow the ideal gas law and Darcy’s law. Numerical result indicates that the char density and product yields are functions of depth due to an insulating char layer. In addition, the characteristics of various simplifying assumptions such as global reaction, infinite rate kinetics and no convective gas transport have been investigated. The global reaction model shows excellent agreement on char layer thickness with the detailed model. However, it predicts higher pressure inside the charring solid. Infinite reaction rate model shows thicker char layer in the fore region and thinner char layer in the downstream region due to constant pyrolysis temperature. Also, it shows lower pressure in the char. Simplified energy model predicts thicker char and higher pressure than the detailed model.
Symmetry of evaluation in the reinforcement-attraction paradigm

Page and Moss (1975) have noted that, while attitude similarity has been found to lead to high attraction, attitude dissimilarity has generally been found to lead to only slight disliking. Page and Moss (1975) hypothesized that this asymmetry was the result of a social desirability artifact, but were able to provide only partial support for the hypothesis. It was hypothesized herein that asymmetry of evaluation was a result of limitations built into the usual attraction measurement procedures. When a multidimensional, unipolar scale was substituted for the typical unidimensional, bipolar scale, liking and disliking were indeed found to be symmetrical.
The enhancement of the activity of 10-propargyl-5,8-dideazafolate and 5,10-dideazatetrahydrofolate by inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase

Treatment of H35 hepatoma cells with the lipid soluble dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors metoprine and trimetrexate cause a nearly 10-fold increase in the toxicity of the antipyrimidine folate analogue PDDF and the antipurine folate analogue DDATHF. Evaluation of these interactions by the combination index developed by Chou (17-20) yields results conforming to synergistic interactions. The capacity of PDDF to inhibit thymidylate synthase in intact cells as measured by tritium release from [5-3H]deoxyuridine was increased by approximately the same amount by preincubation with the dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors. The primary effect of the reductase inhibitors in causing greater activity may be a reduction in cellular folates which can cause 5,10-CH2H4PteGlun to decrease and cellular PDDF (polyglutamates) to increase. These conditions would favor inhibition of thymidylate synthase by PDDF by promoting formation of the stable, inhibited PDDF (polyglutamates)-thymidylate synthase-dUMP complex (12).
Communication to the Editor---The Cluster Plan for Desegregating Public Schools, or a Little Less Weltanschauung, Please, for Some More Adequate Descriptions

It may not be possible to be wholly objective, as Messrs. Stimson and Thompson among others assert see [Stimson, D. H., R. P. Thompson. 1975. The importance of 'Weltanschauung' in Operations Research: The case of the school busing problem. Management Sci.21 10, June 1123--1132.]. Nevertheless, one should be as objective as possible in OR, or any other science, and this carries with it the concomitant duty of accurate and adequate descriptions---including descriptions of work by others to the extent that it may be pertinent.
Spine stems on tectal interneurons in jewel fish are shortened by social stimulation

Spined pyriform interneurons in community-reared jewel fish have more dendritic branches and spines in the deep tectal layers than those in isolates reared without visual-tactile contact with conspecifics. Furthermore, in the same dendritic loci in which the community-reared fish had more spines, the spine stems were shorter. The findings suggest that social stimulation induces localized formation of spines, which swell with synaptic activation. Shortening of the spine stem through elongated swelling of the spine head is likely to alter synaptic effectiveness through changes in electrotonic conductance.
Neuroticism and marital satisfaction.

Abstract Thirty happily married and thirty unhappily married couples were examined by means of the MPI questionnaire to test the hypothesis that emotional instability impaired satisfaction in marriage. Unhappily married partners were very significantly higher on neuroticism than happily married partners, but there were no differences in extraversion/introversion. The data suggest that the high neuroticism of the unhappily married partners antedates their marriage.
Syringomycin production and holcus spot disease of maize: Plasmid-associated properties inPseudomonas syringae

The majority of pathogenic strains ofPseudomonas syringae produce the phytotoxin syringomycin. After treatment ofP. syringae with acridine organe, some surviving isolates were unable to produce the toxin or disease in maize plants. DNA analysis of strain HS191 revealed the presence of a single, 35-megadalton plasmid, designated pCG131; no detectable plasmid was seen in the cured derivative. Comparative studies with the parent and cured strains showed an association between the presence of the plasmid and the following properties: syringomycin production, resistance to bacteriocin PSC-1B, and resistance to phages Psp1 and Psy4A.
Coupling H2 to electron transfer

A catalytic transformation of dihydrogen into two protons and two electrons has been discovered with a ruthenium/iron complex. The chemical reactions of complexes between transition metals and dihydrogen give insights into the function of biological hydrogenases.
The primary care-mental health interface

Although no comprehensive and generally accepted description of the interface exists, understanding of the differing models of care can set the stage for collaboration. It then becomes important to ensure that partners in this discussion share the same language. Only then can misunderstandings be avoided.
Effect of Cooking Method on the Texture of Epimysial Tissue and Rancidity in Beef Roasts

Twelve top round roasts from two Utility-grade cows were randomized and cooked by microwave, convection or conventional methods after epimysial tissue had been inserted into each roast. The freshly cooked and stored roasts were evaluated for rancidity using three TBA methods, and textural determinations were made on epimysial tissue. TBA numbers increased from day 0 through day 11. Shear values for epimysial tissue from 8-year old animals cooked by microwave tended to be lower than those for tissues cooked by convection or conventional methods, but no differences in cooking method were observed for tissue from l-year old animals.
Measuring the surgical academic output of an institution: the "institutional" H-index.

Introduction The Hirsch index is a novel index that combines the number of publications and citations in measuring the research output of researchers. We hypothesized that the h-index can be used to measure the academic success of an institution in a subject area (surgery) and compared this measure to previously published measures of ranking institutions. Methods We identified the top 10 research medical schools as designated by the United States News and World Report 2010. The h-index for an institution was obtained in 3-year periods for articles published in surgery. Independent rankings from the NIH and other web sites were then used to compare with our newly generated rankings. Results The median h-index for institutions was 52.5 (46–54) for 2000–2002, 50 (44–52) for 2003–2005, 35.5 (33–40) for 2006–2008, and 15.5 (13–16) for 2009–2011. The percentage of self citations was the highest in publications from Harvard University (22.2%) and the lowest from Columbia University (10%) in the years 2009–11. Our ranking closely mirrored the United States News and World Report, and Harvard Medical School remains the top ranking in the field of surgery, although NIH funding-based ranking may suggest otherwise. Conclusions The institutional h-index appears to be a viable indicator for the measure of academic success of institutions in a subject area. Despite limitations, it yields objective data regarding the citations and number of articles published by an institution in a subject area and could be used to measure performance.
Biotransformation Routes of Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine by Municipal Anaerobic Sludge

Recently we demonstrated that hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), a trimer of methylene nitramine (CH2NNO2) undergoes spontaneous decomposition following an initial microbial attack using a mixed microbial culture at pH 7 in the presence of glucose as carbon source. The present study describes whether the second cyclic nitramine octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), a more strained tetramer of CH2NNO2, degrades similarly using sludge of the same source. Part of HMX biotransformed to give products that are tentatively identified as the nitroso derivatives octahydro-1-nitroso-3,5,7-trinitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (mNs-HMX) and octahydro-1,3-dinitroso-5,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine and its isomer octahydro-1,5-dinitroso-3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (dNs-HMX). Another fraction of HMX biotransformed, apparently via ring cleavage, to produce products that are tentatively identified as methylenedinitramine (O2NNHCH2NHNO2) and bis(hydroxymethyl)nitramine ((HOCH2)2NNO2). None of the a...
Rigorous 3D inversion of marine CSEM data based on the integral equation method

Marine controlled-source electromagnetic (MCSEM) surveys have become an important part of offshore petroleum exploration. However, due to enormous computational difficulties with full 3D inversion, practical interpretation of MCSEM data is still a very challenging problem. We present a new approach to 3D inversion of MCSEM data based on rigorous integral-equation (IE) forward modeling and a new IE representation of the sensitivity (Frechet derivative matrix) of observed data to variations in sea-bottom conductivity. We develop a new form of the quasi-analytical approximation for models with variable background conductivity (QAVB) and apply this form for more efficient Frechet derivative calculations. This approach requires just one forward modeling on every iteration of the regularized gradient-type inversion algorithm, which speeds up the computations significantly. We also use a regularized focusing inversion method, which provides a sharp boundary image of the petroleum reservoir. The methodology is tested on a 3D inversion of the synthetic EM data representing a typical MCSEM survey conducted for offshore petroleum exploration.
Differential game theoretic policies for consumption-regulation of renewable resources

Continuous unplanned consumption of renewable resources (e.g., fish) could lead to their extinction. A two-country single-renewable-resource dynamic model is formulated in a differential game-theoretic framework. A competitive market consumer benefit function is used as an objective function to be maximized by each country, subject to the resource population/growth/catch dynamics. The optimal competitive catch strategies are derived, and their economic implications are discussed. It is shown that, in general, the optimal catch strategies are not always competitive. Possibilities for each country to be idle or to apply an optimal (monopolistic) catch strategy are also feasible.
COALITION AND COMMUNICATION

Based on the premises that communication behavior varies as a function of social relationships and that coalitions in triads are a significant form of social structure, this study explored forms of communication behavior related to processes of coalition formation and termination. As expected, communication accessibility was greater within the coalition than between the excluded person and members of the coalition, but communication content differed only in the relative frequency of expressions of negative sentiment. Accessibility did not differ significantly between coalescing partners prior to, during, and subsequent to their coalition, but there were significantly more “pressure” statements in the negotiations prior to coalition. The utility of a three-person iterated matrix game was demonstrated for studies of communication and coalition, and the implications of the choice of a unit of analysis for the study of communication were discussed.
Computational Treatment of Three-Dimensional Transonic Canard-Wing Interactions

The transonic canard-wing interaction problem is simulated using the modified small disturbance transonic theory. The wing and the canard are treated in a sheared fine grid system that is embedded in a global Cartesian crude grid. An appropriate far field and asymptotic expression for the velocity potential derived using Green's theorem is implemented. Results are presented for a few canard-wing configurations and compared with available experimental data. The weakening of the wing shock due to the presence of the canard downwash is illustrated in terms of contour plots. An empirical incidence correction for the wing leading-edge vortex gives good agreement with experiment at low incidences. For higher angles of attack, the results indicate that a more sophisticated vortex roll-up and induction model is required.
Isolation of Two Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids from the Rhizomes and Roots of Xanthorhiza Simplicissima

The alkaloids obamegine and oxyacanthine were isolated from the tertiary alkaloid fraction of the rhizomes and roots of Xanthorbiza simplicissima. The tertiary alkaloids were separated from the quaternary fraction using a chromatographic column of a polyamide (nylon 66). The mixture of obamegine and oxyacanthine was separated by partition chromatography.