cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental enrichment ameliorates perinatal brain injury and promotes functional white matter recovery.

Hypoxic damage to the developing brain due to preterm birth causes many anatomical changes, including damage to the periventricular white matter. This results in the loss of glial cells, significant disruptions in myelination, and thereby cognitive and behavioral disabilities seen throughout life. Encouragingly, these neurological morbidities can be improved by environmental factors; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unknown. We found that early and continuous environmental enrichment selectively enhances endogenous repair of the developing white matter by promoting oligodendroglial maturation, myelination, and functional recovery after perinatal brain injury. These effects require increased exposure to socialization, physical activity, and cognitive enhancement of surroundings—a complete enriched environment. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified oligodendroglial-specific responses to hypoxic brain injury, and uncovered molecular mechanisms involved in enrichment-induced recovery. Together, these results indicate that myelin plasticity induced by modulation of the neonatal environment can be targeted as a therapeutic strategy for preterm birth. Hypoxic brain damage associated with premature birth causes lasting neurological impairments. Here, the authors use environmental enrichment to rescue white matter dysmaturation following hypoxia, while identifying a critical window of intervention and oligodendrocyte-specific changes in gene expression.
Diagnostic Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Posttraumatic Osteolysis of the Distal Clavicle in a 24-Year-Old Bodybuilder: A Case Report With Correlative Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the strength of diagnostic ultrasound in the evaluation of posttraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle (PTOC) when compared with radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical Features The patient is a 24-year-old male bodybuilding athlete with focal tenderness of the left acromioclavicular joint. After a plain film examination, both diagnostic ultrasound and MRI were performed. Each form of imaging demonstrated frank fragmentation of the distal clavicular margin of the acromioclavicular joint, with evidence of hyperemia shown on both. Intervention and Outcome After the diagnosis of PTOC was established, the patient was successfully led through conservative measures that included activity and weight-training modification, rest, anti-inflammatory modalities, and kinesio taping. Conclusion This case report adequately demonstrates the value of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosing PTOC, with comparison to radiographs and MRI.
Towards the personalized radiotherapy for elderly and/or frail glioblastoma multiforme patients – radiosensitivity profiling using biomarkers and image analyses

This a commentary to the article titled "Integrating cullin2-RING E3 ligase as a potential biomarker for glioblastoma multiforme prognosis and radiosensitivity profiling" recently published in the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2020.09.005).
Gene Therapies for Transfusion-dependent β-Thalassemia

b-Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent monogenic diseases usually caused by quantitative defects in the production of b-globin, a component of adult hemoglobin (a2b2), leading to severe anemia. Technological advances in genome sequencing, stem cell selection, viral vector development, transduction and gene-editing strategies now allow for efficient ex-vivo genetic manipulation of human hematopoietic stem cells that can lead to a meaningful clinical benefit in thalassemia patients. In this perspective, the status of the gene-therapy approaches available for transfusion-dependent thalassemia and early results of clinical trials are discussed. It is highly anticipated that gene therapies will soon become a treatment option for patients lacking compatible donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplant and will offer a suitable alternative for definitive treatment of b-thalassemia, even in young children.
Enteric Pathogens and Reactive Arthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Pathogen-Associated Reactive Arthritis.

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the proportion of postinfectious reactive arthritis (ReA) after bacterial enteric infection from one of four selected patho...
Characterization of Symptoms after Radical Prostatectomy and Their Relation to Postoperative Complications.

Purpose:Many patients will experience symptoms in the initial days after radical prostatectomy (RP), but early patient-reported symptoms have not been well-characterized. Our objective was to illus...
Global navigation satellite sounding of the atmosphere and GNSS altimetry : prospects for geosciences

The vast illuminating power of the Global Positioning System (GPS), which transformed space geodesy in the 199Os, is now serving to probe the earth's fluid envelope in unique ways. Three distinct techniques have emerged: ground-based sensing of the integrated atmospheric moisture; space-based profiling of atmospheric refractivity, pressure, temperature, moisture, and other properties by active limb sounding; and surface (ocean and ice) altimetry and scatterometry with reflected signals detected from space. Ground-based GPS moisture sensing is already in provisional use for numerical weather prediction. Limb sounding, while less mature, offers a bevy of attractions, including high accuracy, stability, and vertical resolution; all-weather operation; and exceptionally low cost. GPS bistatic radar, r 'reflectometry,' is the least advanced but shows promise for a number of niche applications.
High Speed, High Capacity Bused Interconnects using Optical Slab Waveguides

In this paper we consider the use of optical slab waveguides as buses in a parallel computing environment. We show that slab buses can connect to many more elements than conventional electrical or fiber optic buses. We also introduce a novel multiplexing scheme called mode division multiplexing that vastly increases the number of independent channels that a single slab can support. We show that optical slab waveguides have, in principle, capacities of over a million independent channels (distinguished by about 1000 “out-of-plane modes” and about 1000 wavelengths) in a single physical medium, with each channel capable of sustaining a load of over 1000. This becomes comparable to the high capacity of a free space optical system, but with the ability to broadcast each light source to many physically separated locations. Preliminary experiments on the “sawtooth slab bus” point to the feasibility of practical slab buses. We also present a bus arbitration example that uses the high capacity and loading of slab buses to achieve sublogarithmic arbitration time.
Copula-Based Dependence Characteriztions and Modeling for Time Series

This paper develops a new unified approach to copula-based modeling and characterizations for time series and stochastic processes. We obtain complete characterizations of many time series dependence structures in terms of copulas corresponding to their finite-dimensional distributions. In particular, we focus on copula-based representations for Markov chains of arbitrary order, m-dependent and r-independent time series as well as martingales and conditionally symmetric processes. Our results provide new methods for modeling time series that have prescribed dependence structures such as, for instance, higher order Markov processes as well as non-Markovian processes that nevertheless satisfy Chapman-Kolmogorov stochastic equations. We also focus on the construction and analysis of new classes of copulas that have flexibility to combine many different dependence properties for time series. Among other results, we present a study of new classes of copulas based on expansions by linear functions (Eyraud-Farlie-Gumbel-Mongenstern copulas), power functions (power copulas) and Fourier polynomials (Fourier copulas) and introduce methods for modeling time series using these classes of dependence functions. We also focus on the study of weak convergence of empirical copula processes in the time series context and obtain new results on asymptotic gaussianity of such processes or a wide class of beta-mixing sequences.
The alley farming index: Preliminary steps towards a more realistic model

This paper presents the Alley Farming Index (AFI), a modification of the replacement value of the intercrop (RVI) index. The RVI index is used to assist in determining the ecological and economic benefits of a polyculture system and is potentially useful in intercropping situations where only annual crops are utilized. Alley farming is a modification of the alley cropping system where food crops are planted in between, regularly pruned, widely spaced trees. Unlike the RVI index the modified equation, presented here, accommodates alley farming where perennials and the amount of tree prunings used as green manure are important parameters. The AFI is presented in two forms, one that assumes a linear relationship between the quantity of tree prunings applied as green manure and annual crop yield, and a second more generalized form which accommodates other relationships between green manure application and crop yield (e.g., logarithmic or parabolic). Although designed specifically for alley farming the modified index can also accommodate alley cropping systems.
PLinda 2.0: a transactional/checkpointing approach to fault tolerant Linda

Robust parallel computation in Linda requires both tuple space and processes to be resilient to failure. In this paper, we present PLinda 2.0, set of extensions to Linda to support robust parallel computation on loosely coupled processors communicating over a network. The principal extensions of PLinda 2.0 to Linda are transaction mechanisms for reliable tuple space and process-private logging mechanisms for resilient processes. The transaction mechanisms support two kinds of tuple space: stable tuple space always guaranteed to reflect state as of last committed transaction, and unstable tuple space protected by a transaction-consistent checkpoint. The process-private logging mechanisms are provided as tools for a process checkpointing scheme. These mechanisms allow the customization of checkpointing and recovery operations in each process to achieve low runtime overhead. >
Modelling the magnetosphere of Mercury

A model magnetosphere for Mercury is presented using an upstream image-dipole and nightside 2-dimensional tail current sheet method. The tail field is represented by an analytical formulation. Magnetic field data from the Mercury 1 encounter by Mariner 10 in March 1974 are used to determine quantitative parameters of the model magnetosphere, using the method of least squares. The magnetopause crossing points directly observed are used to determine the size of the magnetosphere, and the solar wind conditions are used to determine the magnetospheric field at the stagnation point. The model produces a magnetosphere-like region with planetary field lines that are confined in nearly circular cross-sections transverse to the sun-planet line. Results are used to show geometry, field line configuration, and contours of constant field intensity inside the magnetosphere.
A study of Internet Penetration Percents of Africa using digital divide models

While per capital GDP and other income\wealth related variables play significant roles in explaining variations in the Internet Penetration Percents (IPPs), they often fail to explain some significant fractions of the variations. Studies then added other Telecommunication\ICT and socio-cultural variables and see whether some subset of them can significantly increase the fractions of variations explained. In this study we pursue a different approach. By examining the XY graphs between the IPPs and GDP-PPP, we try to spot clusters of countries either above or below the regression lines. Next we create zero-one variables for each identified cluster and see if it is statistically significant. If that were the case, we test if one or more of ICT and socio-cultural variables can explain. If that fails, we conclude that a variable representing the cluster must be added to the model. Our approach will explain at least as much or more than the traditional approach.
Quality of health information for consumers on the web: A systematic review of indicators, criteria, tools, and evaluation results

The quality of online health information for consumers has been a critical issue that concerns all stakeholders in healthcare. To gain an understanding of how quality is evaluated, this systematic review examined 165 articles in which researchers evaluated the quality of consumer-oriented health information on the web against predefined criteria. It was found that studies typically evaluated quality in relation to the substance and formality of content, as well as to the design of technological platforms. Attention to design, particularly interactivity, privacy, and social and cultural appropriateness is on the rise, which suggests the permeation of a user-centered perspective into the evaluation of health information systems, and a growing recognition of the need to study these systems from a social-technical perspective. Researchers used many preexisting instruments to facilitate evaluation of the formality of content; however, only a few were used in multiple studies, and their validity was questioned. The quality of content i.e., accuracy and completeness was always evaluated using proprietary instruments constructed based on medical guidelines or textbooks. The evaluation results revealed that the quality of health information varied across medical domains and across websites, and that the overall quality remained problematic. Future research is needed to examine the quality of user-generated content and to explore opportunities offered by emerging new media that can facilitate the consumer evaluation of health information.
Catholic Schools and Religious Outcomes

A number of studies have analyzed the effects of Catholic schooling on religious outcomes Davidson, et al. (1997) reviews many of these studies. Studies by Greeley and Rossi (1966) and Greeley, McCready, and McCourt (1976) find that Catholic schooling at the primary and secondary levels have a positive effect on a number of religious outcomes for young people including church attendance, believing in life after death, belonging to parish organizations, reading Catholic periodicals, and so on. More recent research by Davidson, et al. (1997) indicates that Catholic schools have a more modest effect on religious outcomes.
A Meta Heuristic for Effectively Detecting Concurrency Errors

Mainstream programming is migrating to concurrent architectures to improve performance and facilitate more complex computation. The state of the art static analysis tools for detecting concurrency errors are imprecise, generate a large number of false error warnings, and require manual verification of each warning. In this paper we present a meta heuristic to help reduce the manual effort required in the verification of warnings generated by static analysis tools. We manually generate a small sequence of program locations that represent points of interest in checking the feasibility of a particular static analysis warning; then we use a meta heuristic to automatically control scheduling decisions in a model checker to guide the program along the input sequence to test the feasibility of the warning. The meta heuristic guides a greedy depth-first search based on a two-tier ranking system where the first tier considers the number of program locations already observed from the input sequence, and the second tier considers the perceived closeness to the next location in the input sequence. The error traces generated by this technique are real and require no further manual verification. We show the effectiveness of our approach by detecting feasible concurrency errors in benchmarked concurrent programs and the JDK 1.4 concurrent libraries based on warnings generated by the Jlint static analysis tool.
Finite element applications on a shared-memory multiprocessor: algorithms and experimental results

Abstract We describe strategies for parallelizing finite element applications on a shared-memory multiprocessor. The applications studied include the convection-diffusion equation, and the Stokes equations of low Reynolds number hydrodynamics. The overall approach that we use is standard, but with significant restructuring for efficient parallel computation. The primary focus is on parallel methods for solving the linear systems of algebraic equations generated by the finite element discretization using polynomial iterative solvers preconditioned by incomplete factorizations. The challenging issue is the parallelization of the preconditioner, especially for the unstructured matrices obtained from finite element discretizations, and we describe the algorithms developed for this purpose. Specific experimental results obtained with our programs on ACE, a prototype 8-way, bus-based, shared-memory multiprocessor are discussed in detail.
Contrasting Cases of Calculus Students' Understanding of Derivative Graphs

This study adds momentum to the ongoing discussion clarifying the merits of visualization and analysis in mathematical thinking. Our goal was to gain understanding of three calculus students' mental processes and images used to create meaning for derivative graphs. We contrast the thinking processes of these three students as they attempted to sketch antiderivative graphs when presented with derivative graphs. These students constructed different and idiosyncratic images and representations leading to different understandings of derivative graphs. Our results suggest that the two students whose cognitive preferences were strongly visual or analytic and who did not synthesize visual and analytic thinking experienced different difficulties associated with their preferred modes for mathematical representation and thinking. Even the student who did synthesize these modes to some extent, to good effect, experienced difficulty when he did not do so. We discuss pedagogical implications for these results in a fin...
Morphological interpolation between contour lines

A morphological algorithm for automated interpolation between contour lines is presented. Algorithms based on morphological transforms allow interpolation to be performed directly in image space without the need to explicitly extract or represent contour data using intermediate data structures. Image space operations also allow parallel generation of interpolated contour values while making essential use of neighboring contour morphology. Recursive morphological transforms allow all contour intervals to be processed in constant time regardless of width. For m intercontour intervals, the number of contours calculated in parallel increases O(2m) with each recursion. The algorithm is applied successfully to a variety of synthetic nested (nonoverlapping) contours as well as overlapping and/or displaced contours. It is also applied to naturally occurring contours extracted from medical scans. The special case of branching is handled automatically without algorithm modification.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mothers- and Fathers-to-Be: The Next Generation of Planning and Career-Family Conflict

Newspaper reports of female college seniors modifying their career plans to opt out of work before they enter the workforce challenge the assumption that because many recent college graduates were raised in dual-income families, they would expect to have a substantial workforce role. Using a questionnaire format, this study examines postgraduation plans of 131 seniors at a West Coast Christian university to identify development of career, marriage, and family plans and the degree to which they have prepared strategies for potential conflicting responsibilities. The potential effects of educational background are explored through a comparison to seniors at a highly selective East Coast university. The results validated the hypothesis that female students think more about the need for flexibility and possible time away from career than male counterparts. The women in this study did not opt out of the workforce but were considering other lifestyle modifications such as not getting married and not having chil...
A Novel Mechanism-based Inhibitor (6′-Bromo-5′,6′-didehydro-6′-deoxy-6′-fluorohomoadenosine) That Covalently Modifies Human Placental S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase

Abstract Most inhibitors ofS-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase function as substrates for the “3′-oxidative activity” of the enzyme and convert the enzyme from its active form (NAD+) to its inactive form (NADH) (Liu, S., Wolfe, M. S., and Borchardt, R. T. (1992) Antivir. Res. 19, 247–265). In this study, we describe the effects of a mechanism-based inhibitor, 6′-bromo-5′,6′-didehydro-6′-deoxy-6′-fluorohomoadenosine (BDDFHA), which functions as a substrate for the “6′-hydrolytic activity” of the enzyme with subsequent formation of a covalent linkage with the enzyme. Incubation of human placental AdoHcy hydrolase with BDDFHA results in a maximum inactivation of 83% with the remaining enzyme activity exhibiting one-third of the k cat value of the native enzyme. This partial inactivation is concomitant with the release of both Br− and F− ions and the formation of adenine (Ade). The enzyme can be covalently labeled with [8-3H]BDDFHA, resulting in a stoichiometry of 2 mol of BDDFHA/mol of the tetrameric enzyme. The 3H-labeled enzyme retains its original NAD+/NADH content. Tryptic digestion and subsequent protein sequencing of the [8-3H]BDDFHA-labeled enzyme revealed that Arg196 is the residue that is associated with the radiolabeled inhibitor. The partition ratio of the Ade formation (nonlethal event) to covalent acylation (lethal event) is approximately 1:1. From these experimental results, a possible mechanism by which BDDFHA inactivates AdoHcy hdyrolase is proposed: enzyme-mediated water addition at the C-6′ position of BDDFHA followed by elimination of Br− ion results in the formation of homoAdo 6′-carboxyl fluoride (HACF). HACF then partitions in two ways: (a) attack by a proximal nucleophile (Arg196) to form an amide bond after expulsion of F− ion (lethal event) or (b) depurination to form Ade and hexose-derived 6-carboxyl fluoride (HDCF), which is further hydrolyzed to hexose-derived 6-carboxylic acid (HDCA) and F− ion (nonlethal event).
Does the Study of Literature Belong Within Moral Philosophy? Reflections in the Light of Ryle’s Thought

Etude de la conception generale de la rationalite morale defendue par G. Ryle et de ses implications dans le domaine de l'ethique. Examinant la relation entre litterature et philosophie morale qui caracterise la definition stricte de la rationalite, l'A. met en evidence la contribution non-argumentative de l'ecriture romanesque a la comprehension morale de la vie.
Pteris × caridadiae (Pteridaceae), a new hybrid fern from Costa Rica

Pteris ×caridadiae, a new hybrid fern from Costa Rica, is described and its relationships to its parents and other Pteris species are discussed. This is the first hybrid reported among a taxonomically complicated group of large, tripartite-leaved neotropical Pteris species.
Construct Validity of Scores on a Developmental Assessment with Mathematical Patfierns Tasks

Three analytic approaches were employed within the framework of classical test theory to examine construct validity of a mathematics assessment made up of 16 ordered constructed-response tasks. The tasks focused on problem solving by identifying and explaining mathematical patterns. Descriptive analyses across four age groups suggested a developmental structure of individual tasks and subdomains that was generally consistent with the intended design of the test. Acceptable fit was obtained using structural equation modeling procedures for a five-factor, first-order structure with directional paths specified (RMSEA = .068) and for two second-order factors (RMSEA = .068). Convergent validity coefficients with standardized tests in mathematics computation, concepts of numbers, and applications indicated a modest overlap in constructs across the two assessments (r = .47) with Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) total mathematics scores. Findings are discussed with reference to intended uses of the assessment and ...
Selective Induction of the Creatine Kinase-B Gene in Chronic Volume Overload Hypertrophy is Not Affected by ACE-inhibitor Therapy

Hypertrophied and failing myocardium has been shown to undergo creatine kinase (CK) isoform switching, resulting in increased MB and BB components. We tested the hypothesis that chronic volume overload hypertrophy due to mitral regurgitation in the dog causes CK isoenzyme switching and that this could be reversed by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. Thirteen adult mongrel dogs had mitral regurgitation induced by mitral valvular chordal rupture: six were treated with ramipril for 4 months and seven were untreated for 4 months. Twelve dogs were sham-operated: six received ramipril for 3 months and six were untreated. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 58+/-4 to 104+/-10 ml in untreated (P<0.001) and from 55+/-3 to 91+/-6 ml in treated dogs (P<0.01) as LV mass/volume ratio decreased in both untreated (1. 60+/-0.07 to 1.13+/-0.08 g/ml, P<0.001) and treated dogs (1.44+/-0.06 to 1.20+/-0.08 g/ml, P<0.01). CK-MB isoform was 7.4+/-1.1% in normal shams and increased to 13.5+/-1.9% and 18.1+/-3.0% in both treated and untreated mitral regurgitation dogs; respectively (P<0. 05). Steady state CK-B mRNA increased three-fold in treated and untreated dogs with mitral regurgitation (P<0.003) compared to normals, while CK-M mRNA expression did not differ in all groups. Thus, chronic volume overload hypertrophy of mitral regurgitation induces CK isoform switching by selective induction of the CK-B gene, and ramipril therapy does not affect this isoform switch. This may reflect a response to increased diastolic stress and more efficient energy utilization in the volume overloaded myocardium.
Chromatography of vitamin A compounds on silicic acid columns.

Abstract Chromatography on silicic acid multibore columns employing a gradient elution method gave a good resolution of various vitamin A compounds and some other fat-soluble vitamins. Recoveries were >90% for methyl retinoate, dl-α-tocopherol, retinoic acid, vitamin D2, and several isomers of retinol. Retinene was partially (30%) isomerized to 13-cis-retinene on this column. Several isomers of retinol as well as of retinene could be resolved on the column, but isomers of retinoic acid and methyl retinoate could not be separated. By way of contrast, the isomers of methyl retinoate could be resolved by thin-layer chromatography. Retinyl esters and β-carotene were extensively destroyed on this column. The method described gives the best resolution of relatively pure substances; thus preliminary purification of tissue extracts on batch silicic acid columns is suggested.
The effects of handling on chip color and sugar content of potato tubers

Color of chips made from potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) subjected to handling treatments was darker than of non-handled tubers in nine of ten experiments. ‘Monona’ and ‘Rosa’ appeared to be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of handling than were ‘Kennebec’ and ‘Norchip,’ but all cultivars were affected. Levels of fructose and glucose were elevated by handling. Sucrose also increased in all cultivars except ‘Kennebec.’ The handling effect was most noticeable early (December) or late (March or April) in the storage season. The effect of chilling did not appear to be intensified by handling.
Complications of cemented long-stem hip arthroplasties in metastatic bone disease

UNLABELLED It is controversial whether a cemented long-stem femoral arthroplasty is a safe surgical option for patients with meta-static bone disease of the hip. Cemented long stems increase the risk of embolic cascades and may cause subsequent cardiopulmonary complications, particularly in patients with metastatic disease. We retrospectively reviewed results of 29 long-stem cemented femoral arthroplasties in 27 patients in which surgical techniques that minimized intramedullary debris and canal pressurization were used. The surgical techniques minimized intraoperative cement-related emboli with aggressive medullary lavage, intraoperative canal suctioning during cementation, use of early low-viscosity polymethylmethacrylate, and slow, controlled insertion of the long-stem prosthesis. Cement-associated hypotension occurred in four (14%) patients, sympathomimetics were administered in nine (31%) patients, and a worsening mental status occurred postoperatively in one (3%) patient. There were no cement-associated desaturation events, cardiac arrests, or intraoperative deaths. No patients required prolonged intubation, and there were no postoperative cardiopulmonary events. Cemented long-stem femoral arthroplasty is a safe procedure for patients with high-risk metastatic disease. Increased awareness of cement-related cardiopulmonary pathophysiology, and modifying conventional surgical techniques can minimize cement-associated complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Differential impacts of brassicaceous and nonbrassicaceous oilseed meals on soil bacterial and fungal communities.

Demand for alternative fuels has sparked renewed interest in the production of biodiesel from oil-rich seeds. Oilseed meals are a byproduct of this process, and given their relatively high nutrient content, land application represents a potential value-added use. In this microcosm-based study, soil microbial community responses to amendments of a glucosinolate-containing brassicaceous oilseed meal (Brassica juncea, mustard), a non-glucosinolate-containing, nonbrassicaceous oilseed meal (Linum usitatissimum, flax), and a nonoilseed biomass (Sorghum bicolor) were characterized using a 28-day time series of replicated 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS gene sequence libraries. We hypothesized that biomass type and glucosinolate content would alter community composition but that effects would diminish over time. Distinct separation occurred by amendment type, with mustard inducing large increases in the abundance of bacterial taxa associated with fungal disease suppression (e.g. Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces spp.). Dramatic shifts were seen among the fungi, too, with phylotype richness decreasing by > 60% following mustard addition. Changes in bacterial and fungal community composition were rapid, and distinct community types persisted throughout the study. Oilseed amendment, and mustard in particular, has the potential to alter soil microbial community structure substantially, and such changes are likely to be important in the context of ecosystem health.
Effect of rearing environment and food availability on seismic signalling in male wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Male wolf spiders, Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz) (Araneae: Lycosidae), produce a complex courtship behaviour called jerky tapping. This multimodal display contains both visual and seismic components, and may convey information on condition. Previous work has shown that females prefer males that are in better condition, but questions remain about how condition affects male signalling. We tested whether male seismic signals are condition dependent by first categorizing components of the signal as either dynamic or static, based on how the components are produced. Dynamic signals (i.e. signalling rate) may vary with current condition while static signals (i.e. carrier frequency) do not. Second, we manipulated male body condition (1) by comparing spiders reared in natural (field-caught, FC) and artificial (laboratory-reared, LR) environments, and (2) by conducting a food limitation experiment in which FC spiders were fed or starved for 3 weeks. Laboratory-reared spiders were in better condition and performed courtship more vigorously than did FC spiders. LR spiders also produced seismic signals that were lower in amplitude, higher in frequency and shorter in duration than those produced by FC spiders (indicative of a more attractive signal). Starved and fed spiders did not differ statistically in static traits (i.e. frequency) but differed statistically in some dynamic signalling traits (i.e. courtship vigour). Some changes in dynamic attributes of well-fed spiders resembled those of LR spiders, supporting the hypothesis that seismic signals are condition dependent, as natural wolf spider populations probably exist under food-limited conditions, which may explain a large portion of the variability in signalling attributes.
Concept location using formal concept analysis and information retrieval

The article addresses the problem of concept location in source code by proposing an approach that combines Formal Concept Analysis and Information Retrieval. In the proposed approach, Latent Semantic Indexing, an advanced Information Retrieval approach, is used to map textual descriptions of software features or bug reports to relevant parts of the source code, presented as a ranked list of source code elements. Given the ranked list, the approach selects the most relevant attributes from the best ranked documents, clusters the results, and presents them as a concept lattice, generated using Formal Concept Analysis.The approach is evaluated through a large case study on concept location in the source code on six open-source systems, using several hundred features and bugs. The empirical study focuses on the analysis of various configurations of the generated concept lattices and the results indicate that our approach is effective in organizing different concepts and their relationships present in the subset of the search results. In consequence, the proposed concept location method has been shown to outperform a standalone Information Retrieval based concept location technique by reducing the number of irrelevant search results across all the systems and lattice configurations evaluated, potentially reducing the programmers' effort during software maintenance tasks involving concept location.
Evaluation of Directional Flame Thermometer for Real-Time Inversion of Heat Flux

The Directional Flame Thermometer (DFT) is often used to measure heat flux during room fire testing. In literature and practice, heat transfer solutions for the DFT have been post processed. It is important to develop real-time capability for calculating heat flux based on measured temperatures as such capability will allow control of fire testing furnaces. In this study, we show that if a user will accept moderate errors in the heat flux, then a simple forward solution methodology allows heat flux measurements to be made in real-time. Essentially, the “inverse” problem is sufficiently well-conditioned to allow for a simple solution. Both a simple spreadsheet type solution and a finite difference code were used to generate the heat flux. The code was verified in both forward and inverse senses. The calculations were verified through a convergence study of both the forward and inverse solutions in spatial discretization (dx) and temporal discretization (dt). The inverse solution showed expected convergence behavior in both spatial and temporal discretization. In all cases, the solution for the front plate produced a maximum error of around 5%, which decreased as the DFT reached a steady state temperature. The forward and inverse models were validated through experimental testing using a radiant heater panel. The inverse model’s calculations were compared to measurements from a Schmidt-Boelter gage. The front plate heat flux measurements of the DFT matched reasonably well with the Schmidt-Boelter gage (2–6% difference) during the majority of the testing. The heat flux was then used to drive a forward simulation, and the forward model’s calculations were compared to actual temperature data acquired by the tests, producing a difference no greater than 4%. The DFT was also placed into a room fire to evaluate its effectiveness in this environment. The DFT was placed near a sand burner and in a panel fire test. The DFT produced reasonable heat flux values, but had more noise than results from those in front of the radiant heater panel (standard deviation of 1500 W/m2 compared to 400–600 W/m2 ).Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Solvation Structure and Energetics of Single Ions at the Aqueous Liquid-Vapor Interface.

Abstract Potentials of mean force for single, nonpolarizable monovalent halide anions and alkali cations are computed for transversing the water–air interface (modeling using polarizable TIP4P-FQ and TIP4P-QDP). Iodide and bromide in TIP4P-FQ show interfacial stability, whereas chloride, bromide, and iodide show interfacial stability in TIP4P-QDP. A monotonic decrease in coordination number and an increasingly anisotropic distribution of solvating water molecules is shown to accompany movement of the ions towards vapor conditions; these effects are most noticeable with increases in ion size/decreases in magnitude of hydration free energy.
The window of opportunity for administration of magnesium therapy following focal brain injury is 24 h but is task dependent in the rat.

Abstract The present study was conducted to establish the window of opportunity for the administration of a regimen of MgCl 2 pharmacotherapy following focal injury to the brain. Rats were subjected to unilateral electrolytic lesions of the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and administered a regimen of MgCl 2 (1.0 mmol/kg) or 0.9% saline (1.0 ml/kg) beginning either 15 min, 8 h or 24 h after injury. Subsequent injections were administered 24 and 72 h after the initial treatment. Behavioral testing assessed recovery of function on several sensorimotor behaviors for 24 days following injury. The results of the present study suggest that treatment with a regimen of MgCl 2 significantly facilitated recovery of function on the forelimb→forelimb and vibrissae→forelimb placing tests when administered 15 min, 8 h or 24 h after injury compared with saline-treated rats. Recovery of locomotor placing was significantly facilitated at 15 min and 8 h but not at 24 h compared with saline-treated rats. In addition, the ability of MgCl 2 to limit neuronal loss in the ipsilateral ventral posterior lateral (VPL) nucleus of the thalamus was seen at only the 15-min treatment interval. These results suggest that the window of opportunity for MgCl 2 pharmacotherapy is 24 h, task dependent and is much shorter for protecting neurons in the VPL.
Mechanical instabilities and structural phase transitions: The cubic to tetragonal transformation

Abstract A variety of technologically important crystalline phases are predicted by first-principles electronic structure methods to be mechanically unstable at 0 K, raising fundamental questions about the finite temperature excitations that stabilize these phases at high-temperature. Here, we show that anharmonic vibrational degrees of freedom can stabilize a cubic phase that is mechanically unstable at 0 K with respect to a tetragonal distortion. We develop an effective anharmonic strain Hamiltonian for a cubic lattice and parameterize its coefficients to first-principles calculations of the energy surface of TiH2, a compound that undergoes a cubic to tetragonal transformation around 300 K and for which the cubic phase is predicted to be mechanically unstable. Monte Carlo simulations applied to the effective Hamiltonian predict a cubic to tetragonal phase transition and provide insight about the true nature of the high-temperature cubic phase.
Avian influenza: the political economy of disease control in Cambodia.

Abstract In the wake of avian flu outbreaks in 2004, Cambodia received $45 million in commitments from international donors to help combat the spread of animal and human influenza, particularly avian influenza (H5N1). How countries leverage foreign aid to address the specific needs of donors and the endemic needs of the nation is a complex and nuanced issue throughout the developing world. Cambodia is a particularly compelling study in pandemic preparedness and the management of avian influenza because of its multilayered network of competing local, national, and global needs, and because the level of aid in Cambodia represents approximately $2.65 million per human case-a disproportionately high number when compared with neighbors Vietnam and Indonesia. This paper examines how the Cambodian government has made use of animal and human influenza funds to protect (or fail to protect) its citizens and the global community. It asks how effective donor and government responses were to combating avian influenza in Cambodia, and what improvements could be made at the local and international level to help prepare for and respond to future outbreaks. Based on original interviews, a field survey of policy stakeholders, and detailed examination of Cambodia's health infrastructure and policies, the findings illustrate that while pandemic preparedness has shown improvements since 2004, new outbreaks and human fatalities accelerated in 2011, and more work needs to be done to align the specific goals of funders with the endemic needs of developing nations.
Temperature Coefficient of Vulcanization. Determination for Mixes Accelerated with Mercaptobenzothiazole and a Crotonaldehyde-Aniline Condensation Product

Abstract 1. The average temperature coefficient of mercaptobenzothiazole accelerated mixes, based upon physical data, was found to be 1.91 per 10° C. For crotonaldehyde-aniline, the value was 2.32 per 10° C. 2. Based upon combined sulfur data, the value was 2.30 (average) per 10° C., and for crotonaldehyde-aniline 2.67 per 10° C. 3. The values obtained from physical data are to be preferred for all practical purposes.
Questions remain regarding patients with aortic stenosis and severe pulmonary hypertension.

Malouf et al. [(1)][1]have presented data in an uncommon but clinically important subgroup of patients with severe aortic stenosis and severe pulmonary hypertension. In their study, one subgroup of patients had aortic valve replacement and another was treated medically. The data are very interesting
Cerebrospinal fluid glutamate inversely correlates with positive symptom severity in unmedicated male schizophrenic/schizoaffective patients

Abstract Background: Recent hypotheses have suggested that diminished brain glutamate may be of importance in the neurochemical basis of schizophrenia. Methods: We assayed cerebrospinal fluid for glutamate and obtained clinical symptom ratings in 19 medication-free (except p.r.n. chloral hydrate) schizophrenic or schizoaffective (typically with significant schizophrenic qualities) male inpatients. Results: Ratings of positive symptoms were significantly inversely correlated ( r s = −.457, p r s = −.621, p Conclusions: The results provide further support for the potential importance of glutamate in the neurochemical basis of schizophrenia.
Pollution history of Narragansett Bay as recorded in its sediments

The heavy metal pollution history of Narragansett Bay is recorded in its sediments. Box cores, taken at three locations, indicated that the deposits built up through particle by particle accumulation. Time frames in the sedimentary column were introduced through 210Pb and plutonium chronologies and through the appearance of a shell layer in one of the cores which appears to be associated with a 1954 hurricane. The natural metal fluxes in Narragansett Bay are similar to those for the California Basins but the anthropogenic metal fluxes are an order of magnitude greater. Finally, elemental carbon in the forms of coal, coke and charcoal was observed in the sediments at concentrations up to 2% by dry weight and is probably related to leakages from transportation and combustion of fuels.
CARDIAC MANIFESTATIONS OF LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is a vector-borne illness that can affect numerous organ systems during the early disseminated phase, including the heart. The clinical course of Lyme carditis is usually benign with most patients recovering completely. In rare instances, death from Lyme carditis has been reported. The cardinal manifestation of Lyme carditis is conduction system disease, which generally is self-limited. Heart block occurs usually at the level of the atrioventricular node but often is unresponsive to atropine sulfate. Temporary pacing may be necessary in more than 30% of patients, but permanent heart block rarely develops. Myocardial and pericardial involvement can occur but generally is mild and self-limited. Diagnosis is made by associating the clinical and historical features of borreliosis, such as previous tick bite, EM, or neurologic involvement, with electrocardiographic abnormalities and symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, syncope, and dyspnea. Serologic studies and endomyocardial biopsy can support the diagnosis in the correct clinical setting, and MR imaging, echocardiography, and gallium scanning have utility in selected circumstances. No treatment has been shown clearly to attenuate or prevent the development of Lyme carditis, but mild carditis generally is treated with oral antibiotics and severe carditis with intravenous antibiotics in an effort to eradicate the infection and prevent late complications of Lyme disease. There is conflicting evidence regarding the role that B. burgdorferi plays in the development and progression of chronic congestive heart failure. Because of the significant false-positive ELISA rate in this population and the unclear benefit of antibiotic therapy, confirmatory Western blot analysis is recommended. Routine therapy and screening of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is of limited utility and should be reserved for patients with clear history of antecedent Lyme disease or tick bite.
Limits of confidentiality: To disclose or not to disclose

A patient who sustained a gunshot wound to a femoral artery you repaired yesterday is doing well and is very grateful. He is a security guard who got involved in a gunfight with criminals and is chatty. He recently had a strong analgesia injection, relaxing inhibitions and loosening his tongue. He asks if what he tells you is strictly confidential and you reply yes, it is. He remarks on how lucky he is now and years before. It seems, when young, he killed a man over a drug deal gone badly. He ascribes his luck to the fact that another man was convicted and is spending life in the "big house." What should you do?
Can Six Sigma claim to be a generic strategy? Reassessing the competitive implications of quality improvement

Although quality improvement is generally considered an important part of production management, it has seldom been perceived as a strategic choice to gain competitive advantage. This is because the traditional discussion of competitive strategies focuses on differences stemming from different applied production technologies or product designs, and not on different degrees of technology mastery. However, there is abundant evidence of companies using Six Sigma quality improvement techniques having enjoyed rising profitability and strengthening competitive positions. In this paper, we want to show why quality improvement should be considered a competitive strategy, equally if not more important than the strategic choices of cost leadership and differentiation. The strategic value of quality improvement is presented and the competitive advantage of quality leadership described. This leads to an extension of Porter's framework of competitive advantages and provides a model to reassess a company's competitive state and to understand why superior quality can indeed be a valuable strategic aim.