cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response of passerine birds and chicks to larvae and pupae of ladybirds

1. Few, if any, experimental tests have demonstrated the anti‐predator protection of the developmental stages of ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) against vertebrates, despite the fact that both the visual appearance of ladybirds and the content of defensive compounds fulfil the definition of an aposematic prey. 2. In this study, avian predators of three species were confronted with fourth‐instar larvae and pupae of the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) – a large, conspicuous, and toxic ladybird species. 3. The selected predators differed in their individual experience and attitude to ladybirds. Wild‐caught great tits (Parus major) strongly avoided attacking ladybirds in general, whereas wild‐caught tree sparrows (Passer montanus) were willing to include ladybirds in their diet. Domestic chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) have never been confronted with ladybirds but usually show avoidance of aposematic signals. In this study, great tits and domestic chicks avoided both developmental stages, but in the case of chicks the avoidance had to be learned over the course of repeated encounters. Sparrow avoidance was significantly lower, with more than one‐third of the prey being attacked and eaten. 4. The protection of both developmental stages of ladybirds is similar to adults, despite substantially different visual appearance.
Microfluidic assessment of red blood cell mediated microvascular occlusion

Abnormal red blood cell (RBC) deformability contributes to hemolysis, thrombophilia, inflammation, and microvascular occlusion in various circulatory diseases. A quantitative and objective assessment of microvascular occlusion mediated by RBCs with abnormal deformability would provide valuable insights into disease pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. To that end, we present a new functional microfluidic assay, OcclusionChip, which mimics two key architectural features of the capillary bed in the circulatory system. First, the embedded micropillar arrays within the microchannel form gradient microcapillaries, from 20 μm down to 4 μm, which mimic microcapillary networks. These precisely engineered microcapillaries retain RBCs with impaired deformability, such that stiffer RBCs occlude the wider upstream microcapillaries, while less stiff RBCs occlude the finer downstream microcapillaries. Second, the micropillar arrays are coupled with two side passageways, which mimic the arteriovenous anastomoses that act as shunts in the capillary bed. These side microfluidic anastomoses prevent microchannel blockage, and enable versatility and testing of clinical blood samples at near-physiologic hematocrit levels. Further, we define a new generalizable parameter, Occlusion Index (OI), which is an indicative index of RBC deformability and the associated microcapillary occlusion. We demonstrate the promise of OcclusionChip in diverse pathophysiological scenarios that result in impaired RBC deformability, including mercury toxin, storage lesion, end-stage renal disease, malaria, and sickle cell disease (SCD). Hydroxyurea therapy improves RBC deformability and increases fetal hemoglobin (HbF%) in some, but not all, treated patients with SCD. HbF% greater than 8.6% has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in SCD. We show that OI associates with HbF% in 16 subjects with SCD. Subjects with higher HbF levels (HbF > 8.6%) displayed significantly lower OI (0.88% ± 0.10%, N = 6) compared with those with lower HbF levels (HbF ≤ 8.6%) who displayed greater OI (3.18% ± 0.34%, N = 10, p < 0.001). Moreover, hypoxic OcclusionChip assay revealed a significant correlation between hypoxic OI and subject-specific sickle hemoglobin (HbS) level in SCD. OcclusionChip enables versatile in vitro assessment of microvascular occlusion mediated by RBCs in a wide range of clinical conditions. OI may serve as a new parameter to evaluate the efficacy of treatments improving RBC deformability, including hemoglobin modifying drugs, anti-sickling agents, and genetic therapies.
Perioperative complications and oncological outcomes following radical cystectomy among different racial groups: A long-term, single-center study.

Introduction: Current literature on perioperative and oncological outcomes following radical cystectomy among different racial groups is limited, especially among Hispanics and Asians. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of racial differences on perioperative and oncological outcomes in a large cohort of bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 3293 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with curative intent at our institution between 1971 and 2017. Based on race, patients were categorized as Hispanic (n=190), Asian (n=145), African American (n=67), and Caucasian (n=2891). Baseline characteristics, pericystectomy complications, and oncological outcomes, including recurrence-free and overall survival, were compared between the racial groups. Results: Mean patient age was 68±10.6 years. Median followup was 10.28 years. Body masss index and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores were significantly higher in Hispanic and African American population, and smoking incidence was lower in Asian patients. Hispanics presented with significantly higher clinical stage and longer time interval from diagnosis to treatment (mean 85.5 vs. 75.4 days in Caucasians, p<0.001). Overall 90-day complication and readmission rates were higher in Hispanics (41.06% and 18.95%, respectively). Oncological outcomes, however, were comparable between different race groups. In multivariate analysis, pathological nodal status and lymphovascular invasion were independent predictors of oncological outcomes, but race was not. Conclusions: In this very large, ethnically diverse patient cohort who underwent radical cystectomy with curative intent, pericystectomy complications were more common in Hispanics; however, race was not an independent predictor of long-term oncological outcome.
Turning Discounts Into Profits: Factors Influencing Online Purchasing Decisions for Hotel Add-on Items

A hotel website exclusive discount is widely adopted by major chain hotels to increase the volume of direct bookings. Although the traditional purpose of a discount promotion is to attract customer...
Two new species of Raputia (Rutaceae: Galipeinae) from Amazonian Colombia

Two new species of Raputia (Rutaceae: Galipeinae)—R. lindosana and R. santosii—are described from the Serrania de La Lindosa and Serrania de Chiribiquete, rocky outcrops that are outliers of the Guiana Shield, in the Colombian departments of Guaviare and Caqueta, an area of high species diversity. These two new species brings the total number of Raputia to 14, of which seven are known from Colombia. The defining characteristics of the species are discussed.
Cancer Risk Associated with Lorcaserin — The FDA’s Review of the CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 Trial

Cancer Risk Associated with Lorcaserin In early 2020, the FDA requested that the manufacturer of lorcaserin voluntarily withdraw the drug from the market because of a signal of increased cancer ris...
Splice Expression Variation Analysis (SEVA) for Differential Gene Isoform Usage in Cancer

Current differential splice variant analysis algorithms do not account for heterogeneous gene isoform usage in tumors. We introduce Splice Expression Variability Analysis (SEVA) to detect differential splice variation usage in tumor and normal samples, accounting for tumor heterogeneity. SEVA compares the degree of variability of junction expression within a population of normal samples relative to that in tumor samples. SEVA is robust and computationally efficient relative to EBSeq and DiffSplice in simulated data. SEVA identified differential gene isoform usage robust in cross-study validation in head and neck tumors. Therefore, SEVA can identify alternative gene isoform usage in heterogeneous tumor samples.
Interactions between Radio Galaxies and Cluster Shocks. I. Jet Axes Aligned with Shock Normals

We report from a study utilizing 3D MHD simulations, including cosmic-ray electrons, of the interactions between radio galaxies (RGs) and dynamically active intracluster media (ICMs). Here we consider interactions involving plane ICM shocks having Mach numbers 2–4 and their normals aligned with steady, active bipolar RG jets penetrating uniform, stationary ICMs. The shock impact disrupts the preformed RG jet cocoons into ring vortex structures. Sufficiently strong post-shock winds can stop and even reverse the upwind jet and strip jets to virtually naked states, leaving them without a surrounding cocoon. Strong shock-induced vorticity can also disrupt the downwind jet, so that the ring vortex remnant of the cocoons appears ahead of that jet's visible terminus. Magnetic field amplification in the ring vortex can significantly enhance its synchrotron emissions well after the vortex becomes isolated from the RG and its fresh cosmic-ray electron supply. We examine these dynamics and their observable consequences in detail.
A New Frontier In Critical Care: Saving the Injured Brain in the time of COVID-19

There is great bodily and cognitive injury occurring to patients cared for in the ICU, much of which is preventable. ICU Survivors live with the post-intensive care syndrome or PICS, and it alters their lives in dramatic ways. I will review the data on PICS, discuss delirium and acquired-dementia, and evidence-based ways to improve patient safety and recovery.
Preventive military strike or preventive war? The fungibility of power resources

Differential rates of growth explanations for preventive war assume that power resources are highly fungible. That is, they assume that a state’s power resources are easily and quickly ‘moveable’ i...
Youth Violence: Prevention and Control

Violence is triggered by personal history, lack of choices and opportunities, substance use or trafficking, racism, homophobia, genderism, and other forms of discrimination.1 In 2017, Salas-Wright et al. noted that, even though the incidence of fighting and violence among young people in the United States declined from 2002 to 2014, the pattern of disparities in youth involvement in these violent behaviors and the rate of homicides remained stable-consistently the highest among non-Hispanic African American youths, followed by Hispanic youths, and then non-Hispanic White youths.2 The health, social, and economic impacts of COVID-19 and of the 2020 through 2021 restrictive measures aimed at bringing the pandemic under control on the incidence ofyouth violence and on its prevention and control initiatives have yet to be assessed at a national level. The policy calls for congressional and state legislation and funding for comprehensive and integrated programs, such as the Safe Schools/Healthy Schools Initiative, community schools with after-school programs, health education programs, family resource centers, collaborative research on the impact of community schools, and age-appropriate incarceration.3 Given that violence among youths is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon, reducing its occurrence and severity requires interventions targeting multiple risk factors and vulnerabilities that may holistically improve the lives of children and youths. Bradford N. Bartholow, PhD, is a Lead Behavioral Scientist in the Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The ubiquitous effects of financial stress during pandemics and beyond: Opportunities for industrial and organizational psychology

[...]employees in jobs deemed “essential” may not have the opportunity to physically quarantine and may simultaneously experience heightened worries about adjusting to schedule (e.g., increased child care costs due to increased working hours), payment (e.g., organizational pay cuts), and budgetary changes (e.g., purchasing protective gear and stocking up on home essentials). [...]in addition to the many important opportunity areas highlighted in the focal article, it is crucial for researchers and practitioners to directly examine financial stress during a pandemic and incorporate financial stress into considerations of occupational health and safety, job insecurity, precarious work, job search, telecommuting, work–family interface, the aging workforce, career decisions, and work recovery topics. [...]this work proposes opportunities to apply financial stress to I-O psychology domains both during the pandemic and outside those experiences. Conversely, financial stress may make it more difficult for employees to engage or produce at work. [...]it is of crucial importance for I-O psychologists to directly consider how financial stress shapes employees’ opportunities, experiences, and decisions during pandemics and beyond. [...]if people look for jobs at this time, the job search process may be impeded if job seekers experience high financial strain (Dahling etal., 2013) while organizations are enacting hiring freezes due to their own financial concerns.
STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS OF POWER-LAW DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE CREATION AND EMERGENCE OF NEW VENTURES: POWER-LAW ANALYSES IN THREE PANEL STUDIES

Whereas the creation and emergence of high-growth firms are central topics in entrepreneurship research, senior scholars lament the absence of a comprehensive theory to explain and predict this rare phenomenon. Counter to the assumptions of normal distributions and independent observations, we develop hypotheses that entrepreneurial outcomes are distributed according to a powerlaw, where interdependence and extreme outliers have a disproportionate and co-evolutionary effect on the environment. Tests on six different outcome measures within the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics II, Kauffman Firm Survey, and Inc. 5000 find that power-law distributions pervade the domain. We use a complexity science perspective to explain these results, which provide an empirically validated foundation for future theory-building efforts.
Fractographic analysis of ceramics

The development of fracture surface observations into a quantitative tool for analysis of brittle fracture is reviewed. The effect of temperature, strain rate, and residual stresses on the "mirror constant," A, is discussed through recent experimental results, as well as new analysis of established literature. The current theories of mirror formation in glasses, glass ceramics, single crystals, and polycrystalline ceramics are compared to the results of a number of investigators. The relationship of the mirror constant to fracture toughness, that is, K I c , is discussed. Methods to incorporate the effects of grain size and internal stress on fracture are demonstrated. Finally, application of fracture surface analysis to scientific and applied problems are enumerated.
Low-dose deoxycoformycin in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia.

Ten patients with progressive hairy cell leukemia were treated with 2′deoxycoformycin (dCF) by intravenous bolus (4 mg/m2) given every other week. All ten patients are evaluable for response and nine of the ten patients have achieved a complete remission. In addition to clearing of hairy cells from the bone marrow, eight patients had resolution of their monocytopenia. Seven of the nine patients remain in unmaintained remission with a median duration of 6.2 months. Two patients have had relapse in the bone marrow alone and continue to have normal peripheral blood counts. They are being followed without treatment. Toxicity was minimal at this low dose with one patient having a mild reversible reduction in creatinine clearance. Four other patients had reversible neutropenia. There were no significant infections associated with treatment. Low-dose deoxycoformycin administered intravenously every other week represents an extremely effective treatment for hairy cell leukemia.
The Constitution's Forgotten Cover Letter: An Essay on the New Federalism and the Original Understanding

At the end of the summer of 1787, the Philadelphia Convention issued two documents. One was the Constitution itself. The other document, now almost forgotten even by constitutional historians, was an official letter to Congress, signed by George Washington on behalf of the Convention.1 Congress responded with a resolution that the Constitution and "letter accompanying the same" be sent to the state legislatures for submission to conventions in each state.2 The Washington letter lacks the detail and depth of some other evidence of original intent. Being a cover letter, it was designed only to introduce the accompanying document rather than to plumb its meaning. But the letter's official nature gives it a status not shared by Madison's personal notes or newspaper editorials such as the Federalist Papers. As we will see, the Washington letter contains significant clues about the nature of the document that the Convention was placing before the country. Although it cannot supplant other, more traditional sources, it can help to illuminate the original understanding of the Framers.3 Recourse to this source is particularly appropriate now, in a year when we have twice been admonished to return to the "first
Resurrecting Trial by Statistics

“Trial by statistics” was a means by which a court could resolve a large number of aggregated claims: a court could try a random sample of claim, and extrapolate the average result to the remainder. In Wal-Mart, Inc. v. Dukes, the Supreme Court seemingly ended the practice at the federal level, thus removing from judges a tool that made mass aggregation more feasible.After examining the benefits and drawbacks of trial by statistics, this Article suggests an alternative that harnesses many of the positive features of the technique while avoiding its major difficulties. The technique is the “presumptive judgment”: a court conducts trials in a random sample of cases and averages the results, as in trial by statistics. It then presumptively applies the average award to all other cases, but, unlike trial by statistics, any party can reject the presumptive award in favor of individual trial. The Article describes the circumstances in which parties have an incentive to contest the presumption, and explores a series of real-world issues raised by this approach, including problems of outlier verdicts, strategic behavior by parties, and the parties’ risk preferences. It proposes ways to minimize these issues, including a requirement that the party who reject a presumptive judgment must pay both sides’ costs and attorneys’ fees at trial.The Article concludes by showing that this approach is consonant with important procedural values such as efficiency, the accurate enforcement of individual rights, dignity, and autonomy.
The steady state level of phosphorylated intermediate in relation to the two sodium-dependent adenosine triphosphatases of calf brain microsomes.

Abstract During ATP hydrolysis, microsomal preparations form an acid-stable protein-phosphate complex. Since there is evidence that two different independent enzymatic sites catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP in calf brain microsomes, it was reasoned that either one or both of these might contribute to the formation of this complex. To determine the actual relationships, the phosphorylation reaction was compared with hydrolysis at each of the ATPase sites—at different levels of Na+, K+, and ATP and at different temperatures. The kinetic analysis indicates that it is hydrolysis at Site I, the Na+, -K+ ATPase, which correlates with the steady state level of protein-phosphate complex. The results add support to the hypothesis that this complex is an intermediate in the hydrolysis of ATP by the Na+-K+ ATPase—the site that takes part in Na+ and K+ transport across biological membranes. The second ATPase, Site II, is a Na+-ATPase inhibited by K+; the kinetic analysis indicates that this site does not contribute substantially to the steady state level of acid-stable phosphorylated intermediate. It is suggested that Site II may be related to a sodium pump such as the one in red blood cells described by J. F. Hoffman and F. M. Kregnow (Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., 137, 566 (1966)).
Technology, Investment, and Economic Fluctuations

Since 1854, the United States has experienced 32 business cycles. While the average length of these cycles (trough-to-trough) has been 51 months, there has been significant variation across different subperiods. This paper attempts to explore the relationship between capital accumulation, technology accumulation, and the business cycle.
Cardiac rehabilitation for community-based patients with myocardial infarction: Factors predicting discharge recommendation and participation

Although there is substantial evidence that cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial for post myocardial infarction (MI) patients, such programs are currently under utilized. This study examined systematic criteria predicting physician referral to and patients' participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients discharged for MI were interviewed in-hospital and at 6-12 weeks post discharge to determine referral, participation, and completion. Stepwise logistic regression analyzed factors associated with rehabilitation. Factors associated with referral to rehab were catheterization (p < 0.001), bypass surgery (p < 0.01), cardiologist/cardiac surgeon appointment (p < 0.02), and age (p < 0.01). Participation was increased for those with bypass surgery (p < 0.001), and referral to cardiologist or cardiac surgeon (p < 0.001). Type of provider significantly influences referral to and participation in cardiac rehabilitation. This suggests that encouragement plays a strong role in attendance for rehabilitation. The same strong encouragement should be given to the broader range of MI patients who stand to benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.
Adaptive control of electric motors with a flexible load

This paper presents a novel adaptive control scheme of a lightweight manipulator arm governed by electric motors. The controller design is based on the dynamic model of the manipulator in a quasi-static approximation and motor equations corrected for the elastic compliance of the plant. A passivity property of the flexible electromechanical system is established and an adaptive motor controller is developed which contains the rigid manipulator controller as a part. Simulation results for a single-link elastic arm confirm the validity and demonstrate advantages of the proposed method.
Museum Exhibit and Photographic Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article: Secrecy: African Art That Conceals and Reveals. Mary H. Nooter, senior curator. Secrecy: African Art That Conceals and Reveals. Mary H. Nooter, ed.
Community College Faculty Engagement in Boyer's Domains of Scholarship

This chapter describes the findings from a national survey of community college faculty. With the lens of Boyer's Domains of Scholarship applied to these findings, a more fine-grained and accurate assessment of the engagement of community college faculty members in scholarship emerges.
Dark Soliton Attraction and Optical Spatial Shock Waves Observed in M-cresol/Nylon Solutions

We demonstrate the strongest effect of dark-soliton attraction in a new type of nonlocal thermal self-defocusing nonlinear media (m-cresol/nylon solutions). Formation of spatial shock waves is also observed with only mW power.
Morphological, Biochemical, and Physiological Characterization of Flexibacter columnaris Isolates from Four Species of Fish

Abstract Eleven isolates of Flexibacter columnaris from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, blue catfish I. furcatus, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, and fathead minnow Pimephales promelas exhibiting clinical signs of columnaris disease were studied. All isolates were confirmed as F. columnaris based on their colonial and cellular morphology and on biochemical and physiological characteristics. Although the isolates were from different fish species and different tissues, most of their biochemical characteristics were uniform and were similar to the reference strain of F. columnaris (American Type Culture Collection 49512). Slight variations occurred in growth at 15°C, with 0.5% NaCl, and at pH 6 and pH 10. Three phenotypic variations in colony morphology were observed among the isolates, but these were not related to fish species or to tissues of origin.
Surgical Versus Endoscopic Correction of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

AbstractPurpose: We attempted to compare the efficacy of subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection and ureteral reimplantation for treating vesicoureteral reflux in children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied the records of all children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction and reflux into single collecting systems treated with cross-trigonal ureteroneocystostomy or subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection. Followup cystography was performed 2 months postoperatively and ultrasound was done twice yearly thereafter. Urodynamic data were evaluated when available. Success was defined as complete eradication of reflux. Data were stratified by procedure, patient sex, grade and laterality of reflux, and the presence of unilateral or bilateral reflux, and then compared using chi-square analysis.Results: Of 85 patients (118 ureters) identified followup data were available in 95%. Subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection and ureteroneocystostomy were do...
A Simple Approach to Complexity Theory

This teaching note presents 7 basic ideas that are drawn from complexity theory. These ideas are designed to help students appreciate and work with the complex systems that they often face in practice. Although complexity theory may be presented using mathematical language not easily accessible to non-mathematicians, it also may be presented by using everyday language and easy-to-understand examples. This note offers a straightforward presentation of basic concepts that help students to recognize, appreciate, and work with the complexity of situations faced in practice settings.
Properties and rates of germline mutations in humans

All genetic variation arises via new mutations; therefore, determining the rate and biases for different classes of mutation is essential for understanding the genetics of human disease and evolution. Decades of mutation rate analyses have focused on a relatively small number of loci because of technical limitations. However, advances in sequencing technology have allowed for empirical assessments of genome-wide rates of mutation. Recent studies have shown that 76% of new mutations originate in the paternal lineage and provide unequivocal evidence for an increase in mutation with paternal age. Although most analyses have focused on single nucleotide variants (SNVs), studies have begun to provide insight into the mutation rate for other classes of variation, including copy number variants (CNVs), microsatellites, and mobile element insertions (MEIs). Here, we review the genome-wide analyses for the mutation rate of several types of variants and suggest areas for future research.
Dopamine turnover estimated by simultaneous LCEC assay of dopamine and dopamine metabolites.

Abstract The estimation of changes in tissue levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites has been employed to approximate the turnover rate or release of DA. We have developed an assay using high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection to quantify DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), and homovanillic acid (HVA) simultaneously in brain homogenates. The assay is simple, inexpensive, rapid and accurate; the sensitivity of the assay for DA and DOPAC was 10 pg, for HVA 50 pg, and 200 pg for 3-MT. Apomorphine treatment resulted in a reduction in tissue levels of DOPAC and HVA, while haloperidol administration increased tissue levels of DOPAC and HVA. Neither drug treatment caused changes in DA levels. Administration of damphetamine 2.5 mg/kg S.C. resulted 1 hour later in increases in the striatal concentration of DA (57%) and 3-MT (44%) and decreases in DOPAC (40%) and HVA (39%). These data are consistent with the agonistic effect of apomorphine and antagonistic effect of haloperidol on DA autoreceptors and post-synaptic receptors. In the case of amphetamine, the increases in the levels of DA and 3-MT probably reflect the ability of d-amphetamine to induce DA release and block re-uptake. The reduction of DOPAC and HVA levels are consistent with the ability of d-amphetamine to competitively inhibit monoamine oxidase activity as well as the neuronal reuptake of DA. The simultaneous estimation of DA, DOPAC, 3-MT, and HVA should facilitate the understanding of dopaminergic drugs with complicated mechanisms of action.
Non–Blood-Contacting Biventricular Support: Direct Mechanical Ventricular Actuation

The concept of nierlianicall~ conipr ing the ventrirles of a failing heart into a sy stolic cwnfiguration followed I)! pa5sive or mechanicall\. assisted diastole is not new. 4 variety of bellows. wrap-around devices, antl cups have lteen prOl~’5t3etl t o angment forward cardiac flow after cardiac arrest. For example, 27 patents have Iieen issued in the United States alone for a Fariety of such tlevices 1)eginning as early as 1936. Although seemingly simple antl elegant , no one has yet to qufficiently stud) and refine this concept to pi-oduce an accepted. commercially available means to support the failing circulation. In fact, the overwhelming majority of patents issued were for totally unassemhled antl untested devices. Direct mechanical ventricular actuation (DMVA), as deeloped to date in our laboratory, is the only non-hloodcontacting means to achieve rapid, biventricular circulatory support.’ l’ D y n amic cardiomyoplasty using blood-contacting latissimus dorsi muscle requires weeks of muscle preconditioning before transfer around the heart and provides only limited assistance in its present state of development antl has largely been abandoned. Non-blood-contacting biventricular support using DMVA has the following advantages:
Interrelations Among Leaf and Fruit Mineral Nutrients and Fruit Quality in 'Delicious' Apples

Relationships were studies between various leaf and fruit mineral nutrients and fruit and quality parameters at harvest and after storage in 'Redchief Delicious' and 'Redspur Delicious' apples (Malus domestica Barkh.). Trees with high yield had smaller fruit with lower soluble solid concentrations (SSC). Fruit color was correlated positively with SSC at harvest in 'Redchief Delicious' and after storage in both strains. Leaf N and fruit N, Ca, Mg, and Mn were correlated negatively with fruit color in both 'Redchief Delicious' and Redspur Delicious'. Fruit K, expressed on a fresh weight basis, was positively correlated with fruit weight, color, and SSC. For elements other than K, the correlations between quality parameters and mineral elements were often stronger when minerals were expressed on a dry weight rather than fresh weight basis. Fruit Ca was correlated negatively with fruit weight and SSC at harvest and after storage and was correlated positively with fruit firmness after storage in both strains. ...
Photoelectrochemical water splitting: silicon photocathodes for hydrogen evolution

The development of low cost, scalable, renewable energy technologies is one of today's most pressing scientific challenges. We report on progress towards the development of a photoelectrochemical water-splitting system that will use sunlight and water as the inputs to produce renewable hydrogen with oxygen as a by-product. This system is based on the design principle of incorporating two separate, photosensitive inorganic semiconductor/liquid junctions to collectively generate the 1.7-1.9 V at open circuit needed to support both the oxidation of H_2O (or OH^-) and the reduction of H^+ (or H_2O). Si microwire arrays are a promising photocathode material because the high aspect-ratio electrode architecture allows for the use of low cost, earth-abundant materials without sacrificing energy-conversion efficiency, due to the orthogonalization of light absorption and charge-carrier collection. Additionally, the high surfacearea design of the rod-based semiconductor array inherently lowers the flux of charge carriers over the rod array surface relative to the projected geometric surface of the photoelectrode, thus lowering the photocurrent density at the solid/liquid junction and thereby relaxing the demands on the activity (and cost) of any electrocatalysts. Arrays of Si microwires grown using the Vapor Liquid Solid (VLS) mechanism have been shown to have desirable electronic light absorption properties. We have demonstrated that these arrays can be coated with earth-abundant metallic catalysts and used for photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen. This development is a step towards the demonstration of a complete artificial photosynthetic system, composed of only inexpensive, earth-abundant materials, that is simultaneously efficient, durable, and scalable.
Economic optimization modeling of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) caviar and meat production under different management conditions

Abstract Alternative management strategies for the production of sturgeon for meat and caviar were examined using an optimization model. The main strategies examined include market development for smaller meat-sized fish, modification of caviar and meat product mix, and the scheduling of caviar harvest to coincide with second maturation cycle. Secondary strategies examined included changes in survival and changes in roe yield. A combined strategy of a small fish market and modification of caviar and meat product mix was also examined. Economic performance measures were used to compare strategies in terms of investment alternatives. The net present value (NPV), adjusted net present value (ANPV), and internal rate of return (IRR) were determined for each scenario and used as the primary method of comparison of the various strategies. The ANPV and IRR provide a consistent measure of performance across extended time periods. The strategy of modifying the product mix of caviar and meat production by retaining more female fish for caviar production was the best single management strategy when considering all economic indicators. Scheduling of caviar harvest to coincide with second maturation cycle was not as economically viable as originally thought. Small decreases in anticipated survival had little impact across all economic indicators. Other management strategies showed mixed results with the small fish market and the combination strategy being viable management alternatives. The results suggest courses of action that farm managers can take with respect to alternative production and harvest management strategies, allocation of limited resources, and minimization of costs. The results also suggest areas where further study and improvements might have the greatest economic impact for commercial operators.
Origin of urothelial carcinoma after renal transplant determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Development of malignancy after organ transplantation is uncommon, but is complicated by chronic immunosuppression. We report the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization to determine the origin of transitional cell carcinoma after cadaveric renal transplantation, and discuss issues regarding surgical management in such cases. CASE REPORT A 45-year-old woman with end stage renal disease secondary to interstitial nephritis underwent cadaveric renal transplantation after 4 years of peritoneal dialysis. The donor was a 29-year-old man with no significant medical history. Neither donor nor recipient had risk factors for transitional cell carcinoma. The immunosuppression regimen included cyclosporine, prednisone and tacrolimus. Serum creatinine nadired at 1.1 mg./dl. (normal 0.7 to 1.2). Four years after transplantation the patient presented with gross hematuria, elevated creatinine (4.1 mg./dl.) and graft hydronephrosis necessitating percutaneous drainage. Upper tract imaging demonstrated atrophic native kidneys without mass lesions. Computerized tomography and cystoscopy revealed a sessile bladder mass enveloping the transplant ureteral orifice (fig. 1). Biopsies confirmed high grade transitional cell carcinoma invading the muscularis propria. There was uncertainty regarding the origin of this tumor, with native bladder mucosa and urothelium from the transplant collecting system or ureter as possibilities. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed the presence of only X chromosomes within resected tumor cells (fig. 2). Exploratory laparotomy demonstrated extensive lymphadenopathy, and cystectomy was aborted. DISCUSSION
Presence of DNA Strand Breaks and Increased Sensitivity of DNA in Situ to Denaturation in Abnormal Human Sperm Cells: Analogy to Apoptosis of Somatic Cells

Abstract The presence of sperm cells characterized by increased sensitivity of DNA in situ to denaturation and by abnormal morphology (shape) in semen is associated with low fertility. Such cells often appear in increasing numbers following exposure to toxic or mutagenic agents. In the present study, the sensitivity of DNA in situ to acid-induced denaturation was assayed in sperm cells of 25 patients attending a human fertility center. The same samples were also subjected to analysis of DNA strand breaks. A new method for detecting DNA strand breaks in situ by labeling 3′-OH termini with biotinylated dUTP in a reaction employing exogenous terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase has been applied. Both methods utilized flow cytometry. A good correlation was observed in all samples between the percentage of sperm cells with DNA strand breaks and the percentage of cells characterized by an increased sensitivity of DNA to denaturation ( r = 0.87; P ≤ -0.05). It is likely, thus, that the sperm cells characterized by increased DNA sensitivity to denaturation have extensive DNA strand breakage. The above properties of abnormal sperm cells, which in all probability are dead in terms of their reproductive capacity, resemble properties of apoptotic somatic cells. Activation of the endogenous endonuclease which causes extensive DNA breakage, thus, is characteristic to both the programmed death of somatic cells (apoptosis) and functional elimination (of possibly defective) germ cells from the reproductive pool.
Effect of Otitis Media With Effusion on Comodulation Masking Release in Children

This study investigated comodulation masking release (CMR) in a group of children with a history of otitis media with effusion (OME) and a control group of children with no known history of ear dis...
Using a cost-benefit analysis to estimate outcomes of a clinical treatment guideline: testing theBrain Trauma Foundation guidelines for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury.

Background:A decade after promulgation of treatment guidelines by the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF), few studies exist that examine the application of these guidelines for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. These studies have reported both cost savings and reduced mortality.Materials:We p
A stand-alone beam steering and profile monitor

Abstract A system has been developed, the primary function of which is to continually display the position, shape, and intensity of the charged particle beam being delivered to the experiment. The system is modular for easy maintenance and is a stand-alone device independence of any computer.
TWELVE MONTHLY CLIENT OUTCOMES OF A MOBILE ASSERTIVE CARE SERVICE IN SUBURBAN ADELAIDE

A new community mental health service, the Mobile Assertive Care (MAC) team, offering intensive community based treatment for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses was evaluated twelve months after its commencement. Of the sixty-three clients referred within the first twelve months of operation, twelve-monthly outcome data was available for 54 clients at the time of this study. Results indicated clinically significant reductions in days spent in hospital, and statistically significant improvements in clinical and functional status.
FORMATION AND TURNOVER OF MYELIN GANGLIOSIDE

—In young adult rats, the formation and turnover of GM1-ganglioside in myelin were compared with the formation and turnover of GM1-ganglioside in whole brain and of total lipids in whole brain and myelin, after injection of d-[1-14C]glucosamine. During the first 24 hr after injection, the specific activity of GM1-ganglioside in myelin was less than 25 per cent of that of GM1-ganglioside in whole brain. The specific activity of ganglioside in whole brain was maximal at 24 hr and then declined steadily during the next 3 months, whereas the specific activity of GM1-ganglioside in myelin continued to increase and did not reach a peak until about one month after injection, by which time its specific activity had increased five-fold. Consequently, the specific activity of GM1-ganglioside in myelin was 50 per cent higher than ganglioside in whole brain after one month. These differences in the formation and turnover of GM1-ganglioside in myelin and of whole brain are similar to those of other lipids of myelin and of whole brain, indicating that the metabolic activity of myelin ganglioside is similar to myelin lipids, but differs from whole brain lipids or whole brain gangliosides. These data provide additional evidence that ganglioside in myelin is an intrinsic constituent of the myelin sheath. GT1 (G1), GD1b, (G2), GD1a (G3), GM1 (G4), GM2 (G5), GM3 (G6).
A new approach to the analysis of heterogeneous reaction rate data

Abstract Reaction rate data concerning the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethanol previously reported by Franckaerts and Froment [8] were used as test data in a new approach to mechanism elucidation. The crux of the approach was based on a rate model of the Hougen and Watson genre except that all catalytic process steps were considered to be mutually rate-controlling. Nonlinear regression on the initial and finite rate data at all temperature levels simultaneously revealed the presence of mutual rate controlling resistances for all catalytic steps of adsorption, surface reaction, and desorption. The parameters in the new model were found to display temperature dependencies clearly interpretable by the Arrhenius and van't Hoff laws. Furthermore, the four thermodynamic constraints of Boudart for chemisorption equilibria were also satisfied.
Ethanolic extraction of zein from maize

Abstract Zein can be extracted from maize (Zea mays) using ethanol solutions, and recovered from the extract by diluting with water. Dilution to 40% ethanol will precipitate a mixture of zein and maize lipid with ∼15% lipid. For possible zein applications, such as film production, purer zein is required. Most of the lipid can be removed from the precipitate by selective re-extraction with hexane or ethanol, but this is expensive. A precipitate containing 90% or more of the protein in the extract, with less than 10% lipid, can be obtained by diluting the extract in stages. An initial dilution will precipitate a solid with 75% or more lipid, this precipitate can be centrifuged from the extract and the centrifugate diluted to precipitate a solid of 70% or more zein. The mass and composition of solid centrifuged from a maize extract that was diluted in several steps to characterize the composition of precipitates so formed. The lipid content of a zein product precipitated from an extract diluted from 55% ethanol to 50% is significantly lower than the content of precipitate of an extract diluted in a single step to 40% ethanol.
Mutations in the Double-stranded RNA-activated Protein Kinase Insert Region That Uncouple Catalysis from eIF2α Binding

The interferon-induced, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase, PKR, inhibits protein synthesis via phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the translation initiation factor eIF2. A kinase insert region N-terminal of PKR kinase subdomain V, which is conserved among eIF2α kinases, has been proposed to determine substrate specificity of these kinases. To investigate the function of this kinase insert region, selective PKR mutants were generated, and kinase activities and eIF2α affinities were analyzedin vitro. The in vivo function was investigated by growth inhibitory assays in yeast and translational assays in COS cells. Among the 13 mutations, 5 lost kinase activity and 3 exhibited less than 30% of wild-type eIF2α binding activity. The deletion of the conserved sequence (amino acids 362–370) resulted in a protein that had no kinase activity and only about 25% of wild-type eIF2α binding, suggesting that this sequence is not only required for PKR kinase activity but also is important for substrate interaction. It was determined that the hydrophobicity of the conserved sequence of PKR is required for kinase activity but is not crucial for eIF2α binding. The amino acid residue Glu-367 in the conserved motif was shown to be directly involved in substrate binding but was not important for kinase activity. These results suggest that the activation of PKR is not a prerequisite for its binding to the substrate and that the conserved motif in subdomain V contributes to the interaction of PKR and eIF2α.
Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources in Nearby Galaxies from ROSAT HRI Observations. II. Statistical Properties

The statistical properties of the nonnuclear X-ray point sources from the ROSAT HRI survey of nearby galaxies in Paper I are studied, with particular attention to the contamination from background and/or foreground objects. This study reveals a statistical preference for the ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) to occur in late-type galaxies over early-type galaxies, and in starburst/H II galaxies over nonstarburst galaxies. There is a trend of greater occurrence frequencies and ULX rates for galaxies with increasing star formation rates, confirming the connection between the ULX phenomenon and the star formation. A nonlinear correlation is found between the number of ULXs and the star formation rate, with significantly more ULXs at low star formation rates than the ULX population expected from the high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) as an indicator of the star formation and the accompanying young stellar population, suggestive of another population of ULXs associated with the low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) and the old stellar population. There are no breaks around 1039 ergs s-1 in the luminosity functions of ULXs in all galaxies or in late-type galaxies, suggesting the regular ULXs below 1040 ergs s-1 are a high-luminosity extension of the ordinary HMXB/LMXB populations below 1039 ergs s-1. There is evidence that the extreme ULXs above 1040 ergs s-1 might be a different ULX class from the regular ULXs below 1040 ergs s-1, although a larger sample with more ULXs is needed to establish the statistical properties of the extreme ULXs as a class.
Not all biologics are equal

Background Although the efficacy of various biologic meshes in the abdominal reconstruction of complex ventral hernia has been shown, the performance profile of various biologic mesh scaffolds in terms of hernia-specific outcomes such as recurrence, mesh explantation, and mesh infections has not been examined.