cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient Real-Time Acoustic Feedback Cancellation using Adaptive Noise Injection Algorithm

Acoustic feedback cancellation is a challenging problem in the design of sound reinforcement systems, hearing aids, etc. Acoustic feedback is inevitable when the acoustic signal path forms a loop between the microphone and loudspeaker. An efficient short duration noise injection algorithm is proposed in this paper to estimate the impulse response of the acoustic feedback path model. The algorithm does not require any prior information about the acoustic feedback path. It is capable of optimally estimate the acoustic feedback path for cancellation, and avoid the occurrence of any howling episode, in varying acoustic environments. Presented algorithm is efficiently implemented on smartphone device having close proximity of loudspeaker and microphone to emulate the feedback condition. The algorithm being platform-independent can also be implemented for any set-up or system. The experimental results of the proposed method shows satisfying results and its ability to track and cancel the acoustic feedback in changing characteristics of the acoustic path.
Assessing the Reliability of Self-Reported Sexual Behavior Among Male Couples.

Coupled gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at particularly high risk for HIV, and a clear understanding of behavioral risk is key to effective interventions. Accurate behavioral self-reports are a crucial component of valid sexual health research, yet reliability of these data remains understudied. This study aimed to quantify and identify predictors of dyadic discordance in reported 3-month anal intercourse (AI) occurrence and frequency. Using cross-sectional data from 407 male couples in the U.S. (2016–2017), we calculated proportional dyadic concordance and used dyad-level logistic and linear regression to identify demographic, behavioral, and relationship traits associated with the odds of discordant frequency reports and the relative difference between discordant partner reports. Couples had high levels of concordant reports of 3-month anal AI occurrence (97%) but low interpartner agreement in reported frequency (37%). After adjustment, the odds of discordance were significantly associated with dyadic employment and differences on the Communal Coping to Reduce HIV Threat Scale (CCS) (p < .05). Among frequency-discordant couples, the mean relative difference between partner reports was 52.80% ± 35.91% (M ± SD). After adjustment, relative differences between partners’ reported AI frequencies were positively associated with interpartner differences in CCS (p < .05). These results indicate that among GBMSM couples in committed partnerships, self-reported sexual behavior data may be impacted by granularity, recall, and relationship characteristics. Further research in this area is warranted to better understand measurement error in self-reported sexual activity data.
Existence of Solutions

Existence and uniqueness of solutions of discrete–delay differential equations is established by the method of steps, appealing to classical ODE results. More general delay equations require a more general framework for existence and uniqueness. This includes some peculiar notation endemic to the subject and the identification of the appropriate state space for delay equations. Solutions either extend to the entire half–line or blowup in finite time. Applications to biology require that solutions that start positive, stay positive in the future. Differential inequalities involving delays are important tools with which to bound solutions. All these topics are taken up here, including basic stability definitions
Lesson learning in the Colorado River Basin

Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the 1944 Water Treaty between Mexico and the United States, which allocates the waters of the Colorado River, the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo and the Tijuana River...
Tonography and Ocular Rigidity

Outflow facility is a measurement of the ease in which aqueous humor flows out of the anterior chamber through the primary resistance tract of the trabecular meshwork. Tonography is an adapted procedure of tonometry in which intraocular pressure (IOP) is measured before, during and after applying a weight to the eye, yielding an outflow facility value in μL/min/mm Hg. Ocular rigidity, and pseudofacility impact tonography and interpretation of outflow facility measurements. The tonography method has numerous assumptions and limitations, but it remains a key research tool to measure outflow facility and analyze aqueous humor dynamics. Tonography helps understand how IOP is maintained in the healthy eye and how it is altered in disease states such as glaucoma. This review discusses the development, principles and practice of tonography in addition to the instruments used in tonography.
Improving Mental Health Awareness.

ABSTRACT: It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and to take action to ensure people experiencing mental health problems receive the assistance and treatment they need. For nurses, this is as true at home as it is at work, particularly so when a person is exhibiting aggressive tendencies or other behaviors that could potentially lead to harm. With the COVID-19 crisis leading many family members to live more closely together for extended periods, nurses should be able to identify concerning behaviors and know what to do if they observe these in their loved ones.
Abstract P3-07-05: Oncotype Dx use and its relationship with chemotherapy administration in the general population

Background: Oncotype Dx is a 21-gene assay performed in paraffin-embedded tumor tissue. This test is used to assist in estimating the likelihood of recurrence and the benefit from chemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, node-negative breast cancer. One of he purported benefits of this assay is that by identifying low risk patients, Oncotype Dx use will be associated with a decrease in chemotherapy use among those patients less likely to benefit from it. In this study we sought to describe the utilization patterns of Oncotype Dx and its relationship with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in a large population-based study. Methods: We identified 112,522 patients younger than 65 years old diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 2004-2012 in the MarketScan database. Standard algorithms were used to identify our cohort and HR-positivity was defined according to prescription information. A total of 34,245 patients older that 66 and diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 2006-2009 were identified in the SEER-Medicare database. Descriptive statistics were used as well as logistic regression models to estimate the impact of Oncotype Dx testing on adjuvant chemotherapy administration. Results: In the cohort of young patients ( Among the older patients (≥66 years old), 11.35% (n=3,017) underwent Oncotype Dx testing. Utilization was associated with younger age, histological grade, educational level, marital status, geographic location and comorbidities (p Conclusions: The use of Oncotype Dx in clinical practice is common, with an increase use in more recent years. Utilization was determined by patient-related characteristics. Among younger patients Oncotype Dx testing was associated with a reduction in the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, but this decrease was not observed among those ≥66 years old. It is possible that this discordance is related to comorbidities and the fact that older patients are less likely to be considered candidates for chemotherapy. Citation Format: Mariana Chavez-MacGregor, Jiangong Niu, Benjamin Smith, Hui Zhao, Thomas A Buchholz, Sharon H Giordano. Oncotype Dx use and its relationship with chemotherapy administration in the general population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-05.
Velocity-Field Measurements of an Axisymmetric Separated Flow Subjected to Amplitude-Modulated Excitation

Active flow control was applied at the point of separation of an axisymmetric, backward-facing-step flow. The control was implemented by employing a Helmholtz resonator that was externally driven by an amplitude-modulated, acoustic disturbance from a speaker located upstream of the wind tunnel. The velocity field of the separating/reattaching flow region downstream of the step was characterized using hotwire velocity measurements with and without flow control. Conventional statistics of the data reveal that the separating/reattaching flow is affected by the imposed forcing. Triple decomposition along with conditional averaging was used to distinguish periodic disturbances from random turbulence in the fluctuating velocity component. A significant outcome of the present study is that it demonstrates that amplitude-modulated forcing of the separated flow alters the flow in the same manner as the more conventional method of periodic excitation.
Some Recent Developments in Computational Optimal Control

Three recently introduced approaches to computational optimal control are discussed. All three methods fall into the category of direct approaches, i.e. they are based on some type of problem discretization and require nonlinear programming techniques to determine the optimal solution within certain finite-dimensional parameter spaces.
Neutral markers confirm the octoploid origin and reveal spontaneous autopolyploidy in white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus

Summary The role of polyploidy in vertebrate genome evolution remains a fertile area of research and sturgeons (order Acipenseriformes) provide a unique model of genome duplication, with species possessing ∼120, ∼250 or ∼360 chromosomes. Cytogenetic and molecular data have been used to support different hypotheses about the number of genome duplications in this polyploid series; however, few studies have examined inheritance in sturgeons, although evaluation of polysomic segregation ratios is crucial to inferring ancestral genome duplication level in a polyploid species. Here we examine the inheritance of eight microsatellite loci in fifteen white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) families of known parentage to infer the level of genome duplication. Microsatellites were detected as four or eight copy loci. Numbers of alleles per locus, transmission frequencies of informative alleles, and gene copy numbers in parents reveal an ancient octoploid origin for white sturgeon. Comparison to the lake sturgeon genome suggests the ∼250 chromosome state in sturgeon was achieved by multiple independent polyploid events. The discovery of spontaneous autopolyploids via microsatellite analysis and flow cytometry provides additional evidence of the plasticity of highly duplicated sturgeon genomes.
The perception of spatial layout in visually simulated environments

Spatial perception and spatial layout distortions are discussed. It has been suggested that spatial quantitative data are needed to demonstrate the apparent distances in simulated environments. It is agreed that assuming that technical production of more realistic simulated scenes will eliminate the need to verify and experiment with the perceptual information in synthesized environments is unwise, for obvious reasons, and that a comparative methodology for verifying synthesized and real-world spatial perception should be developed. This can be accomplished through the quantification of perceptual judgments and physical actions. Further perceptual experimentation and validation will help visual simulation become a flexible tool for understanding safe human-machine operation. >
On a parabolic equation with a singular lower order term

Abstract. We obtain the existence of the weak Green’s functions of parabolic equations with lower order coefficients in the so called parabolic Kato class which is being proposed as a natural generalization of the Kato class in the study of elliptic equations. As a consequence we are able to prove the existence of solutions of some initial boundary value problems. Moreover, based on a lower and an upper bound of the Green’s function, we prove a Harnack inequality for the non-negative weak solutions.
Integrating empowerment evaluation and quality improvement to achieve healthcare improvement outcomes

While the body of evidence-based healthcare interventions grows, the ability of health systems to deliver these interventions effectively and efficiently lags behind. Quality improvement approaches, such as the model for improvement, have demonstrated some success in healthcare but their impact has been lessened by implementation challenges. To help address these challenges, we describe the empowerment evaluation approach that has been developed by programme evaluators and a method for its application (Getting To Outcomes (GTO)). We then describe how GTO can be used to implement healthcare interventions. An illustrative healthcare quality improvement example that compares the model for improvement and the GTO method for reducing hospital admissions through improved diabetes care is described. We conclude with suggestions for integrating GTO and the model for improvement.
Homelessness and drug use: evidence from a community sample.

Background Questions regarding the nature of the association between drug use and risk of homelessness remain unresolved and have important policy implications. Methods To address this issue, data are presented from a 2001 community survey in Chicago, Illinois that collected information regarding histories of drug use behaviors and homeless experiences from 627 adults aged 18 to 40. Using covariance structure analyses, two alternative models of the association between drug use and homelessness were evaluated: social selection versus social adaptation processes. Results These findings provide evidence consistent with the social adaptation perspective, as early homeless experiences were predictive of subsequent drug use behavior in this community sample. Social selection processes were observed in bivariate, but not in multivariate, analyses. Conclusions The role of homelessness as a risk factor for drug use initiation should be further explored. Efforts to prevent homelessness may also contribute to the prevention of drug abuse.
Programming behavior change and reintegration into school milieux of extreme adolescent deviates.

Abstract Behavior-change programs for returning problem adolescents from an experimental school to regular classrooms were attempted. A program based upon discriminative stimulus “modeling” and sequencing of steps and goals into phases, proved more effective than two variants of token reinforcement economies which gave less attention to constraining and propping the target behavior. Four of five students showed marked progress at follow-up. The role of reinforcement plus discriminative stimulus programming versus sheer reinforcement programs for institutional behavior modification is discussed.
Pancreatic mucinous lesions: a retrospective analysis with cytohistological correlation.

The diagnosis of mucinous pancreatic lesions, which include mucinous noncystic adenocarcinoma, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), and mucinous metaplasia, is critical, given different clinical management and prognosis. This retrospective study is done to assess the cytological features and pitfalls associated with these entities in cytological samples. A search for pancreatic cytology specimens with histological confirmation of the various pancreatic mucinous lesions was done from 1988 to 2005: 9 mucinous adenocarcinoma, 14 IPMN, 11 MCN, and 3 mucinous metaplasia. The majority (35/37) had been endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirations. The cellularity, background extracellular mucin, epithelial architecture, mucinous nature of the epithelium, cell shape, and nuclear features were evaluated on the cytology material. Of the 22 cytological features evaluated, the presence of three-dimensional clusters, micropapillary structures, and nuclear atypia, which includes nuclear crowding, increased N/C ratio, anisonucleosis, nuclear membrane contour irregularity, clumpy chromatin, and prominent nucleoli, was found to be consistently associated with mucinous adenocarcinoma. There were no statistically significant cytological features, which helped in differentiating IPMN, MCN, and mucinous metaplasia. There was a relatively high false-positive rate in the IPMN group (5/14, 36%). Review of the histological specimen showed severe dysplastic epithelial change in these cases. One false-positive case of mucinous metaplasia (1/3, 33%) showed marked intraepithelial acute inflammation. The cytological diagnosis of mucinous pancreatic lesions remains challenging, except for mucinous noncystic adenocarcinoma. The findings were largely nonspecific in the differentiation between IPMN, MCN, mucinous metaplasia, and incidentally sampled gastrointestinal epithelium. False-positive diagnosis of adenocarcinoma occurs not infrequently in the setting of IPMN with severe dysplastic epithelial change and in lesions with associated acute inflammation, and can be a pitfall in the diagnosis of these lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34: 724–730. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Radiohalogenated Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-Based Ureas as Imaging Agents for Prostate Cancer

To extend our development of new imaging agents targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), we have used the versatile intermediate 2-[3-(5-amino-1-carboxy-pentyl)-ureido]-pentanedioic acid (Lys-C(O)-Glu), which allows ready incorporation of radiohalogens for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). We prepared 2-[3-[1-carboxy-5-(4-[(125)I]iodo-benzoylamino)-pentyl]-ureido]-pentanedioic acid ([(125)I]3), 2-[3-[1-carboxy-5-(4-[(18)F]fluoro-benzoylamino)-pentyl]-ureido]-pentanedioic acid ([(18)F]6), and 2-(3-[1-carboxy-5-[(5-[(125)I]iodo-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl]-ureido)-pentanedioic acid ([(125)I]8) in 65-80% (nondecay-corrected), 30-35% (decay corrected), and 59-75% (nondecay-corrected) radiochemical yields. Compound [(125)I]3 demonstrated 8.8 +/- 4.7% injected dose per gram (%ID/g) within PSMA(+) PC-3 PIP tumor at 30 min postinjection, which persisted, with clear delineation of the tumor by SPECT. Similar tumor uptake values at early time points were demonstrated for [(18)F]6 (using PET) and [(125)I]8. Because of the many radiohalogenated moieties that can be attached via the epsilon amino group, the intermediate Lys-C(O)-Glu is an attractive template upon which to develop new imaging agents for prostate cancer.
New patterns of gene activity in plants detected using an Agrobacterium vector

A vector has been designed that contains a truncated CaMV (cauliflower mosaic virus) 35S promoter fused to a receptor gene encoding β-glucuronidase (GUS), placed adjacent to the left border sequence of an Agrobacterium vector. In potato plants transformed with this vector, different patterns of transcription were detected at high frequency using in situ assays for GUS activity. Previous studies in Drosophila using analogous vectors have shown that the new patterns of transcription in many cases reflect the patterns of expression of genes adjacent to the site of vector insertion. If this is also the case in plants, the vector described here will be useful in identifying the activity of genes in different cell types and will assist in determining their function.
Evaluation of the Long-Term Reconstituting Subset of Hematopoietic Stem Cells with CD150

Blood is a tissue with a high cell turnover rate that is constantly being replenished by bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) seeded during fetal ontogeny from the liver. Here we show that the long-term (LT) reconstituting subset of cKit+Thy1.1(lo)Lin(-/lo)Sca1+Flk2- hematopoietic stem cells is CD150+. HSCs sourced from the fetal liver show long-term, multilineage engraftment from E14.5 onwards, and the CD150 cell surface molecule can readily substitute Thy1.1 as a positive marker of LT-HSCs in this tissue. From both fetal liver and adult bone marrow, cKit+Thy1.1(lo)Lin(-/lo)Sca1+Flk2-CD150+ cells exhibit robust LT competitive engraftment, self-renewal, multilineage differentiation capacity, and an accessible chromatin configuration consistent with high expression of erythroid/megakaryoid genes in purified cell subsets. Our data demonstrate that with appropriate combinations of cell surface markers, stem cells can be accurately isolated to high purity and characterized. This is important for the clarification of lineage relationships and the identification of bona fide regulators of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, both in normal and neoplastic tissues.
Dimensions of Trait Attributions Associated with Eyeglasses, Men's Facial Hair, and Women's Hair Length1

This research investigated the effects of men's eyeglasses and facial hair and women's eyeglasses and hair length on the traits associated with facial schemata. One hundred and thirty-five introductory psychology students rated Photo-IdentTM composites of stimulus persons on 20 adjectival continua. A factor analysis of the scores extracted three factors: Social Value, Social Forcefulness, and Mental Competence. Eyeglasses on both the men and women were associated with attributions of diminished forcefulness and heightened competence. Men's beards were associated with lessened competence. Women's long hair was associated with decreased forcefulness. The results were interpreted in terms of the effects of the independent variables on apparent facial maturity.
Changing Behaviors to Optimize Women's Health: A Multidisciplinary Seminar

Abstract The purpose of this article is to summarize the multidisciplinary seminar, "Changing Behaviors to Optimize Women's Health," which was offered in June 1997. We describe each of the 5 seminar presentations and present a synopsis of their conclusions and implications for dietetics practice. The seminar presented evidence that women's health is a national issue of increasing economic, political, and medical importance; the treatment and prevention of many diseases common to women have special and unique nutritional considerations; and optimizing women's health will require more effective strategies for transforming information into health practices. We discuss salient points from the seminar regarding the leadership roles of dietitians as educators, advocates, and agents for behavior change in optimizing women's health and explore strategies that could help dietetics professionals enhance their effectiveness among women, including building partnerships with patients, developing an understanding of the patient's experience, starting where the patient is, and concentrating on small changes for success. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:818-820 .
Atypical antipsychotics block the excitatory effects of serotonin in septohippocampal neurons in the rat.

Abstract We recently reported that serotonin excites a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in the rat medial septum/diagonal band of Broca complex via multiple serotonin receptors, including the serotonin 2A subtype. [1] Since a subpopulation of medial septum/diagonal band GABAergic neurons projects to the hippocampus, in the present study we tested the effect of serotonin on antidromically-activated septohippocampal neurons using extracellular recordings. Bath-applied serotonin had an excitatory effect in a majority of septohippocampal neurons; serotonin-excited septohippocampal neurons had a mean conduction velocity −1.63±0.07 m/s ( n =101). Pharmacologically, MDL 100,907, a selective serotonin 2A antagonist blocked the excitatory effect of serotonin in 78% of septohippocampal neurons tested, with a mean pA 2 of 8.51±0.12 ( n =22). Additionally, the atypical antipsychotics risperidone and clozapine but not the typical antipsychotic haloperidol, blocked the excitatory effects of serotonin at clinically relevant concentrations. The pA 2 values of 8.84±0.11, 6.57±0.13 and 5.94±0.27 for risperidone, clozapine and haloperidol, respectively, obtained in the present study, give a rank order of potency – risperidone (1.6 nM)>clozapine (269 nM)>haloperidol (1.1 μM) which corresponds to that reported in binding studies. Additionally, in whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, risperidone (10 nM) blocked serotonin-induced increase in GABAergic synaptic currents. In conclusion, serotonin excites septohippocampal neurons primarily via the serotonin 2A receptor and atypical antipsychotics block this excitation at clinically relevant concentrations.
Bile leak after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is commonly performed as the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstone diseases. Bile leak is a potential complication of this procedure and the cystic duct stump is the most common site of leakage. Early diagnosis and treatment of bile leak is crucial in decreasing the morbidity and mortality related to this complication. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stent placement and/or sphincterotomy is highly effective in the diagnosis and treatment of this problem.
Effects of Dexamethasone on Beta-Adrenergic Receptors in Fetal Lung Explants

The action of beta-adrenergic agonists on pulmonary surfactant secretion requires lung cell membrane beta-adrenergic receptors. In the fetus, the density of beta-adrenergic receptors in lung increases in the latter stages of gestation. The increase in density can also be induced by maternal glucocorticoid treatment. In this study, we measured beta-adrenergic receptors in developing rat lung by (-) [3H]-dehydroalprenalol (DHA) binding and confirmed the increase in beta-adrenergic receptors late in gestation. To determine if glucocorticoids have a direct effect on fetal lung to regulate beta-adrenergic receptors, we cultured fetal lung explants with dexamethasone. Treated explants had increased DHA binding compared with controls (138.0 +/- 8.8 versus 63.2 +/- 5.0 fmole/mg membrane protein). Scatchard analysis revealed that the increased DHA binding was due to an increase in maximum receptor number. There was also a significant difference in the dissociation constant of the treated and control explants (0.85 +/- 0.07 nM versus 0.43 +/- 0.08 nM, respectively; P less than 0.05), suggesting that the receptors induced by dexamethasone were of lower binding affinity. Cyclohexamide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, completely eliminated the dexamethasone induced increase in DHA binding. These data indicate that glucocorticoids have a direct effect on fetal lung to increase beta-adrenergic receptor density and that new protein synthesis is required for this effect.
Circadian rhythm: A natural, robust, multi-scale control system

The regulatory architecture responsible for robust maintenance of 24 h cycles is analyzed as a control system. At the gene regulatory level, it is shown that performance attributes, notably phase timing, are controlled in a robust manner. At the next level in the hierarchy, it is shown that synchrony is achieved in populations of neurons to enable clock precision. Finally, at the level of the organism, it is shown that an optimal control approach can be used to reset the clock using a light stimulus.
Minoxidil: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use.

Synopsis: Minoxidil1is an orally effective vasodilator which is more potent than hydralazine. The drug induces reflex stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and of plasma renin activity and produces fluid retention. For these reasons, minoxidil must usually be administered in combination with an antiadrenergic agent and with a diuretic. Its acceptability for use in females is limited by the frequent appearance of hypertrichosis. Minoxidil is particularly useful in the treatment of patients with severe refractory hypertension. However, its suitability in the management of male patients with moderate hypertension remains to be determined.
Elementary models for population growth and distribution analysis

A version of the Lotka-Volterra interaction model is adapted to describe population growth and migration processes in a two-region system. The regions are identified as a metropolis and its non-metropolitan hinterland. Several conditions on growth and migration regimes are imposed. The time behavior of the systems are analyzed, noting especially situations where total depopulation or population explosion eventually occur in one or both populations. Neither growth control nor migration control alone results in a condition of long-run stability in both regions. If at least a momentary condition of zero growth is achieved in both regions, it is possible to maintain finite populations if each population follows a logistic natural growth process and migration flow is proportional to the volume of interaction. It is necessary also that the natural increase limitation is strong relative to migration rates. This result holds even if one population has a net migration advantage over the other.
Effect of contemporary forest harvesting practices on headwater stream temperatures: Initial response of the Hinkle Creek catchment, Pacific Northwest, USA

Abstract We investigated the effect of contemporary forest harvesting practices on warm-season thermal regimes of headwater streams using a Before-After-Control-Intervention (BACI) design within a nested, paired watershed study. We applied harvesting treatments to four headwater tributaries of Hinkle Creek, designed in accordance with the Oregon Forest Practices Act. Therefore, fixed-width buffer strips containing overstory merchantable trees were not left adjacent to the four non-fish-bearing streams. The summer following harvesting, we observed a variable temperature response across the four harvested streams. Mean maximum daily stream temperatures ranged from 1.5 °C cooler to 1.0 °C warmer relative to pre-harvest years. We also observed significantly lower minimum and mean daily stream temperatures, and recorded particularly low temperatures in treatment streams on days that minimum stream temperatures in reference streams were high. At the watershed scale, we did not observe cumulative stream temperature effects related to harvesting 14% of the watershed area in multiple, spatially-distributed harvest units across four headwater catchments. At the watershed outlet, we observed no change to maximum, mean, or minimum daily stream temperatures. We attribute the lack of consistent temperature increases in headwater streams to shading provided by a layer of logging slash that deposited over the streams during harvesting, and to increased summer baseflows. Comparisons of canopy cover before and after harvesting indicate little change in canopy cover when logging slash is considered, indicating that logging slash affected energy balances within the streams. However, other ecosystem-level effects of logging slash in forest streams are difficult to predict. In order to devise optimum practices related to in-stream slash management, forest scientists and policymakers should continue to study and consider the potential impacts of logging slash to stream ecosystems.
What College Counselors Need to Know About International Student Advisers: Field Notes on the Professionals, the Clients, and the Challenges

As the service functions of campus-based international student offices in American colleges and universities have changed and evolved, especially since 9/11, the roles of the professionals in those offices, the “international student advisers,” have changed as well. These unique professionals function in the central pressure point between two very different world views of international students. Higher education perceives them not only as benign members of the academic community, but as strong and necessary benefactors intellectually, culturally, and economically. However, this perspective is not shared by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whose agents more often than not see international students as potential security threats. International student advisers are engaged in a high-stakes business where an adviser's actions can have tremendous impact on a student client's life, for good or for ill. This article will explore the professional lives of international student advisers and demonstrate th...
Democratizing social capital: In pursuit of liberal egalitarianism

. . . ﬁrst, because the state is necessary to enforce the norms of civility and regulate theconﬂicts that arise within civil society; second, because the state is necessary to remedy theinequalities produced by the associational strength of different groups . . . and third,because the state is necessary to set limits on the forms of inequality that arise within thedifferent associations.
Captain Babo's Cabin: Stowe, Race and Misreading in“Benito Cereno”

While giving some directions about setting a lower stu’n’-sail, suddenly Captain Delano heard a voice faithfully repeating his orders. Turning, he saw Babo, now for the time acting, under the pilot, his original part of captain of the slaves. This assistance proved valuable. Tattered sails and warped yards were soon brought into some trim. And no brace or halyard was pulled but to the blithe songs of the inspirited negroes. “Benito Cereno”
ATP-stimulated hydrolysis of GTP by RecA protein: kinetic consequences of cooperative RecA protein−ATP interactions

The cooperativity of the single-stranded DNA dependent nucleoside triphosphatase activity of the recA protein was investigated by examining the influence of a good substrate (ATP) on the hydrolysis of a poor substrate (GTP). At pH 7.5 and 37 degrees C, both ATP and GTP are hydrolyzed with a turnover number of 17.5 min-1. The S0.5 for GTP (750 microM), however, is nearly 20-fold higher than the S0.5 for ATP (45 microM). Low concentrations of ATP activate the GTPase activity of the recA protein by lowering the S0.5 for GTP; in the presence of 50 microM ATP, the S0.5 for GTP is reduced from 750 microM to 200 microM. Concentrations of ATP greater than 50 microM result in competitive inhibition of the ATP-activated GTPase activity. Although GTP is a substrate for hydrolysis, it will not substitute for ATP as a high-energy cofactor in the standard recA protein promoted three-strand exchange reaction. To account for these results, a minimal kinetic model is presented in which ATP binding induces specific conformational changes in the recA protein that do not occur with GTP binding.
Sobolev gradient preconditioning for image‐processing PDEs

The article explores the relationship between Sobolev gradients and H -1 mixed methods for a variety of partial differential equations (PDEs) from image processing. A first-order system least-squares problem is used to introduce the method and compare the Euclidean with the Sobolev gradient. The standard two-term decomposition of an image as f = u + v with u ∈ H 1 and v ∈ L 2 = H° yields a second-order linear PDE, while minimizing other L P norms give nonlinear PDEs. Finally, a three-term decomposition f = u + v + w with u ∈ H 1 , v∈H -1 ,ω∈H 0 requires the solution of a fourth-order system with the biharmonic operator.
Reconciling initiative and discourse structure

In this paper we consider how initiative is managed in dialogue. We propose that initiative is subordinate to the intentional hierarchy of discourse structure. In dialogues from the TRAINS corpus we find that inside a segment initiated by one speaker, the other speaker only makes two types of contributions: a special kind of acknowledgment we call forward acknowledgments, and short contributions that add content to the segment. The proposal has important implications for dialogue management: a system only needs to model intentional structure, from which initiative follows.
A new retrotransposable human L1 element from the LRE2 locus on chromosome 1q produces a chimaeric insertion

We have found a 2 kilobase insertion containing a rearranged L1 element in the dystrophin gene of a muscular dystrophy patient. We cloned the precursor of this insertion, the second known active human L1 element. The locus, LRE2, has one allele derived from the patient which matches the insertion sequence exactly. LRE2 has a perfect 13-15 bp target site duplication, two open reading frames, and an unusual 21 bp truncation of the 5' end, suggesting that a slightly truncated element can still retrotranspose. It differs from LRE1 by approximately 0.7%. There is an L1 element at LRE2 on approximately 66% of human chromosomes 1q, and the element is absent from chimpanzee and gorilla genomes. These data demonstrate that multiple active L1 elements exist in the human genome, and that a readthrough transcript of an active element is capable of retrotransposition.
Coping with New Jobs: A Comparative Study of New Hires and Job Changers

Differences in coping strategies used by new hires and job changers are investigated. Job changers try harder to control and change their job situations than do new hires, who seek out more social ...
Obsessive–compulsive spectrum and disorders of the skin

Several disorders may be related to obsessive–compulsive disorder based on available data concerning their clinical characteristics, which have been described as constituting the obsessive–compulsive spectrum. Within the obsessive–compulsive spectrum, two disorders are often characterized by a focus on the skin: pathologic skin picking and body dysmorphic disorder. Although sharing several phenomenological similarities, treatments may differ between these disorders. Pathologic skin picking may respond to psychological treatment and serotonergic or possibly glutamatergic agents, whereas body dysmorphic disorder appears to respond well to serotonergic medications and cognitive–behavioral therapy. This review focuses on what is currently known about the clinical presentation, possible etiology and treatment of these disorders.
Basic transplantation immunology.

Ever since complex forms of life first appeared on earth, they have been under a near constant state of attack from environmental pathogens. This extraordinary evolutionary pressure has culminated in the development of multiple complex biologic defense mechanisms that, when combined, make up the human immune system [1]. This complexity is reflected in the overall structure of the immune system and, just as importantly, in its control. Regarding its structure, the immune system is organized in a tiered fashion and presents a formidable defense in depth by responding to the threat of foreign pathogens in a continually escalating fashion. Accordingly, threats are met first with simple barrier functions, which, if not successful in neutralizing the threat, are superseded by simple, nonspecific phagocytic functions. If these fail similarly to contain the proliferative capacity of the invading organism, progressively more specific and augmented responses are elicited until the foreign pathogen prevails or is destroyed. At the risk of oversimplification, before initiating an attack the immune system must make two determinations. First, it must detect that the offending organism is foreign or nonself. Second, it must determine a context for the encounter with the foreign organism (ie, does the foreign tissue pose a threat?). Ideally, the immune system would recognize that an organ allograft is foreign tissue that represents no threat and would fail to mount a response. Unfortunately, such is not the case. Consequently, the immune system initiates a variety of attack strategies that must be offset pharmacologically for the transplanted organ to survive.
Are stone protocol computed tomography scans mandatory for children with suspected urinary calculi

Objective To examine the clinical utility of noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT) in pediatric patients with urolithiasis who progressed to surgery. Although NCCT is routine for the evaluation of adult patients with suspected urolithiasis, its routine use in the pediatric population is tempered by concern about radiation exposure. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who had undergone surgery for urinary stones from 2003 to 2008 at our institution. The imaging modalities used, surgery type, stone composition, 24-hour urinalyses, and relevant predisposing conditions were characterized. Results A total of 42 pediatric patients (24 males and 18 females) were treated during the 6-year period. The average age was 11.3 ± 5.3 years (range 2.7-25.4), and the most common treatment modalities were shock wave lithotripsy (28%) and ureteroscopy (22%). A discernible risk factor or cause of urolithiasis was absent in 21 patients (47%). A review of imaging studies found 38 with stones visible on ultrasonography and/or abdominal plain film. A total of 21 patients underwent NCCT, in addition to ultrasonography and/or abdominal plain film. Of these, only 5 patients required NCCT for the diagnosis or management of their stone. Conclusion Nearly 90% of pediatric patients treated for symptomatic urolithiasis could have completed their evaluation and treatment without undergoing NCCT. For children who present with signs and symptoms suggesting urinary calculi, an initial evaluation and imaging with ultrasonography and abdominal plain film might suffice, avoiding the radiation of NCCT.
UTILIZATION OF AMMONIA NITROGEN, ADMINISTERED BY INTRAGASTRIC, INTRAPERITONEAL, AND SUBCUTANEOUS ROUTES: EFFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE.

Abstract Incorporation of N15 from ammonium citrate into proteins of liver, heart, kidney, spleen, and 3 fractions of quadriceps muscle, was studied in untreated and growth hormone-treated hypophysectomized rats. Three successive lots of animals received the same dose of N15 per unit of body weight, by the intragastric, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous route, respectively. Changing the route of administration drastically altered the distribution of N15 between α-amino, amidine, and amide nitrogen of organ proteins. Subcutaneous injection apparently facilitated contact between labeled ammonia and the widely distributed glutamine synthetase system. When this route was used, heavy labeling of amide nitrogen in both control and growth hormone-treated rats reduced the difference between the two groups, with respect to total N15 incorporation. This was particularly true for liver protein, where labeling of α-amino and amidine groups decreased. When N15-labeled ammonium citrate was given intragastrically or intraperitoneally, labeling of arginine, glutamic acid, and other amino acids of liver protein, was extensive, and growth hormone augmented total N15 incorporation into all proteins examined. Effect of the hormone on ammonia utilization appears to be related to its effect on utilization of amino acids to which ammonia is transferred.
Missing Covariates in Longitudinal Data with Informative Dropouts: Bias Analysis and Inference

We consider estimation in generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) for longitudinal data with informative dropouts. At the time a unit drops out, time-varying covariates are often unobserved in addition to the missing outcome. However, existing informative dropout models typically require covariates to be completely observed. This assumption is not realistic in the presence of time-varying covariates. In this article, we first study the asymptotic bias that would result from applying existing methods, where missing time-varying covariates are handled using naive approaches, which include: (1) using only baseline values; (2) carrying forward the last observation; and (3) assuming the missing data are ignorable. Our asymptotic bias analysis shows that these naive approaches yield inconsistent estimators of model parameters. We next propose a selection/transition model that allows covariates to be missing in addition to the outcome variable at the time of dropout. The EM algorithm is used for inference in the proposed model. Data from a longitudinal study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women are used to illustrate the methodology.
Measurements Of The Phase Function Of Natural Particles

The phase functions of several types of natural particles have been measured between 5 and 172 degrees using a polar nephelometer with a Helium-Neon laser as the source of radiation. By cooling the laboratory to the outside temperature and using a vertical duct in the roof, natural snowflakes may be brought into the scattering volume. The phase functions of both falling and blowing snow exhibit the diffraction peak characteristic of particles whose size is considerably greater than the wavelength of the incident radiation as well as significant backscattering. The phase function associated with NaC1 cubes 335±85 micrometers on a side has been studied for various polarizations of both incident and scattered light. Comparison with the phase function calculated for an NaCl sphere with a diameter of 335 micrometers indicates that the cubes scatter more light between the angles of 30 and 150 degrees. This is attributed to external reflections by randomly oriented cubes. Because the phase function is normalized over a 47 solid angle by definition, the diffraction peak must be smaller for cubes than spheres. The effect of surface roughness on the phase function was studied by using particles of volcanic ash. Surface roughness increases the scattering above the Mie theory predictions for angles between 40 and 120 degrees, and also considerably broadens the back scattered peak.
Transplantation immunology 2003: simplified approach

Transplantation has been performed clinically for four decades and has become the standard of care for end-stage organ failure. Understanding of the immunobiology of transplantation has made tremendous advances, but knowledge still lags behind the clinical use. As a result, nonspecific immunosuppression remains the standard therapy. This article presents an overview of current knowledge of the immunobiology of solid organ transplantation, with emphasis on T-cell activation (antigen presentation, CoS) and cellular allograft (transplantation) immunity. The molecular events of T-cell activation, with some emphasis on the sites of action of modern immunosuppression, are reviewed. A simplified approach to understanding the immunobiology and strategy of maintenance immunosuppression is discussed. Key early and late steps in T-cell activation and the sites of action of immunosuppressive agents are reviewed. The required cellular interactions for the alloresponse and the targets of biologic agents used in transplants are reviewed. Special considerations for the immunology in neonates, infants, and children as recipients are provided. Understanding the immunobiology of transplantation is key to making decisions about children with transplants, developing better protocols, and creating tolerance in the future.
NMR assignments of ellagic acid derivatives

HMBC spectroscopy optimized for small couplings was employed to determine the four-bond and two-bond proton carbon correlations on the aromatic rings of ellagic acid derivatives. Complete 13C NMR assignments of 3′-O-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyellagic acid 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3,3′-di-O-methylellagic acid 4′-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (2), 3,3′,4-tri-O-methylellagic acid 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) and ellagic acid (4) were achieved using this technique. This study indicates that optimization of the delay time in the HMBC spectrum is crucial in assigning the 13C NMR signals of phenolic compounds with highly oxygenated quaternary carbons. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confidentiality and the Duty to Report: A Case Study

In the course of counseling, marriage and family counselors may experience the dilemma of deciding between the necessity of keeping confidential what clients have shared versus the counselor’s duty to report and protect individuals and society in general. In this article, the author presents a case study followed by discussion addressing the issue of confidentiality and the duty to report.