cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Ex-Vessel Fuel/Coolant Interaction Energetics for Advanced Light Water Reactors

The occurrence of an energetic fuel/coolant interaction (FCI) below the reactor pressure vessel in the cavity of advanced light water reactors (ALWRs) are analyzed to determine the possible hazard ...
Preliminaries on Adele-Geometry

We always denote by k a field of algebraic numbers or a field of algebraic functions of one variable over a finite constant field. We denote by k the completion of k with respect to a valuation v of k; if v is discrete, we use often the notation p and denote by \( \underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle-}$}}\to {o} _p \) the ring of p-adic integers in kp. We denote by S any finite set of valuations which contains all the non discrete valuations (infinite places).
Role of Calpain in Immunobiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Calpain is a Ca2+-dependent protease that significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of demyelinative and neurodegenerative diseases and injuries of the central nervous system (CNS). Studies from our laboratory and other laboratories clearly indicate that calpain plays crucial roles in pro-inflammatory immune responses to perpetuate inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a demyelinative and neurodegenerative disease of the CNS, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. Calpain mediates its pro-inflammatory roles with activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), promotion of synthesis of cytokines and chemokines, maintenance of Th1/Th2 imbalances, and reactive astrogliosis and microgliosis in MS and EAE. Besides, calpain is known to take part in promoting activation of caspases for neurodegeneration in a wide range of diseases and injuries of the CNS. Recently, there is a great interest in developing water-soluble and cell-permeable small molecule inhibitors of calpain for treatment of MS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Although exciting results are being reported showing efficacy of experimental calpain inhibitors in preclinical models, these inhibitors have not yet been successfully used for treatment of MS and other neurodegenerative diseases in humans.
Extrachromosomal Virulence Determinants in the Clostridia

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of extrachromosomal virulence determinants in the clostridia. The clostridia produce more toxins than any other bacterial genus, and pathogenic clostridia are usually identified on the basis of the characteristic toxins they produce. More than 20 toxins and other extracellular proteins contributing to virulence such as spreading factors and proteolytic enzymes have been identified in Clostridium species. Two of the toxins, botulinum and tetanus toxins, are the most powerful poisons known. These toxins act by selectively blocking neurotransmission of presynaptic nerve terminals in the peripheral and central nervous systems. The determination of the genetic location of virulence genes of clostridia has been greatly facilitated by cloning of the structural genes, sequence analysis, and the use of DNA probes to investigate the location and mobility of the genes. The use of pulsed field gel electrophoresis, gene probes, and other molecular approaches has demonstrated that virulence genes in clostridia are frequently associated with unstable genetic elements such as plasmids, bacteriophages, transposons, and possibly other classes of mobile genetic elements.
Racial disparities in non-small cell lung cancer, analysis of the Indiana University Cancer Center registry database 2000-2015.

e18622Background: Racial disparities have been documented for many malignancies including lung cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there are racial differences in our non-sm...
Ultrasonic through-tissue communication with video capabilities

The use of wireless implanted medical devices (IMDs), which communicate data wirelessly from sensors within the body to a receiver outside of the body, are gaining significant momentum in medical diagnosis and treatment procedures. Currently, radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves are the most frequently used communication method for wireless IMDs. However, there are various drawbacks of using RF electromagnetic waves in such applications such as high attenuation in the body and strictly regulated frequency spectrum, which consequently limit data rates of these devices. An alternative approach to RF transmission for IMDs uses ultrasonic waves, which experience lower attenuation in the body and have higher available bandwidth. In our work, we aim to demonstrate high data rate (>1.2 Mbps) through tissue communication using ultrasonic waves that will allow us to stream video with an IMD while actively controlling it inside the body. Initial experiments performed with 2mm biocompatible sonomicrometry transducers, where 2.4 Mbps data rate BER less than 5E-5 through water is achieved, demonstrating the capability of this method for high speed data transmission. Additional targets of this work include data transmission through beef liver and a live rabbit abdominal wall with high enough data rates capable of video streaming.The use of wireless implanted medical devices (IMDs), which communicate data wirelessly from sensors within the body to a receiver outside of the body, are gaining significant momentum in medical diagnosis and treatment procedures. Currently, radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves are the most frequently used communication method for wireless IMDs. However, there are various drawbacks of using RF electromagnetic waves in such applications such as high attenuation in the body and strictly regulated frequency spectrum, which consequently limit data rates of these devices. An alternative approach to RF transmission for IMDs uses ultrasonic waves, which experience lower attenuation in the body and have higher available bandwidth. In our work, we aim to demonstrate high data rate (>1.2 Mbps) through tissue communication using ultrasonic waves that will allow us to stream video with an IMD while actively controlling it inside the body. Initial experiments performed with 2mm biocompatible sonomicrometry tran...
Cancel that PICC line order; cholecystostomy tube and short course of antibiotics

Abstract Background Current guidelines do not specifically address optimal antibiotic duration following cholecystostomy. This study compares outcomes for short-course ( Methods This was a retrospective review of cholecystostomy patients (≥18 years) admitted (1/1/2007-12/31/2017) to one healthcare system. Results Overall, 214 patients were studied. Demographics were similar, except short-course patients had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (p Conclusion Post-cholecystostomy outcomes were comparable between short-course and long-course antibiotics, consistent with emerging literature supporting short-course antibiotics for intra-abdominal infection with source control.
Modeling genetic diversity in Alzheimer's disease.

There are a number of genetic factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease in people. A new mouse model attempts to better capture that variability.
Correction to: Organizational Change in the US Forest Service: Negotiating Organizational Boundaries in the Collaborative Process.

The article “Organizational Change in the US Forest Service: Negotiating Organizational Boundaries in the Collaborative Process” written by Patricia B. Orth and Antony S. Cheng, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently Springer Link) on February 2019 with open access.
The Heisenberg Group and Its Relatives in the Work of Elias M. Stein

We survey the work of Elias M. Stein in the field of analysis on the Heisenberg group and other nilpotent Lie groups, together with its applications to complex analysis in several variables and partial differential equations.
Phase Contrast Microscopy Cell PopulationSegmentation: A Survey.

Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) has been widely used in biomedicine research, which allows users to observe objectives without staining or killing them. One important related research is to employ PCM to monitor live cells. How to segment cell populations in obtained PCM images gains more and more attention as its a critical step for downstream applications, such as cell tracking, cell classification and others. Many papers have been published to deal with this problem from different perspectives. In this paper we aim to present a comprehensive review on the development of PCM cell population segmentation.
Chapter 11 – Troubleshooting

Publisher Summary When working with different species, the likelihood of encountering problems in rearing flies or getting flies to cooperate in behavioral studies is increased greatly over those found with D. melanogaster. The best antidote to such frustrations is the familiarity with the biology of the species. In general, knowing about a species' natural history and reproductive biology will facilitate working with it in the laboratory. Besides finding and reading the published literature about a particular species, directly contacting investigators with previous experience and asking them about peculiarities and how they overcame them can save considerable time and effort. This chapter discusses some general problems that are encountered in culturing and experimenting with flies.
Assessing Medical Student Interest in Training About Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: A Pilot Intervention.

Objective:Educating medical students about buprenorphine may lessen barriers to providing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) by addressing stigma, removing the need to complete training while ...
Utility of Stool PCR for the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Comparison of Two Commercial Platforms.

The ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract ceases after 2 to 3 weeks post-symptom-onset in most patients. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the stool of some patients for greater than 4 weeks, suggesting that stool may hold utility as an additional source for diagnosis. We validated the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 and Hologic Panther Fusion real-time RT-PCR assays for detection of viral RNA in stool specimens and compared performance. We utilized remnant stool specimens (n = 79) from 77 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Forty-eight patients had PCR-confirmed COVID-19, and 29 either were nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal PCR negative or presented for reasons unrelated to COVID-19 and were not tested. Positive percent agreement between the Cepheid and Hologic assays was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.1% to 98.2%), and negative percent agreement was 96% (95% CI: 89% to 0.99%). Four discrepant specimens (Cepheid positive only, n = 2; Hologic positive only, n = 2) exhibited average cycle threshold (CT ) values of >37 for the targets detected. Of the 48 patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19, 23 were positive by both assays (47.9%). For the negative patient group, 2/29 were positive by both assays (6.9%). The two stool PCR-positive, nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal PCR-negative patients were SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive. Our results demonstrate acceptable agreement between two commercially available molecular assays and support the use of stool PCR to confirm diagnosis when SARS-CoV-2 is undetectable in the upper respiratory tract.
Automatic Recognition of Workers’ Motions in Highway Construction by Using Motion Sensors and Long Short-Term Memory Networks

AbstractMonitoring and understanding construction workers’ behavior and working conditions are essential to achieve success in construction projects. The dynamic nature of construction sites has he...
Management of shoulder instability in hypermobility-type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Shoulder instability in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can result in lifelong pain and functional disability. Treatment in this population is complicated by the severe degree of instability as well as the underlying abnormalities of the joint connective tissue. Appropriate care for these patients requires a thorough understanding of the natural history of their disease, knowledge of the available treatment options, and certain special considerations. This article reviews the pathoanatomy, recognition, and management of shoulder instability in the patient with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The Marketing of Female Escorts: A Gendered Perspective of Online Companionship Advertisements:

Advancement of technology has broadened possibilities for people working in the sex industry. Specifically, sex workers’ use of online classified advertisement websites to market companionship and ...
Study on Design and Analysis of Ga2O3 Power MOSFETs with Source-field-plated

This paper reports on the design and simulation of source-field-plated Ga2O3 power MOSFETs, investigating breakdown voltage, interface oxide charges and its relationship with the threshold voltage. For the device structure modeled a threshold voltage of -50 V is extracted. This value is comparable to the published experimental results with a similar device structure and physical parameters where an interface oxide charge density of 5 x1013 /cm2 is assumed in simulation. Simulation results indicate a breakdown voltage of 600 V and Ron resistance of 40 W-mm for Ga2O3 n-MOSFETs when a channel doping density of 1.5 x 1016 cm-3 is used. These results are in agreements with measured value of electric field breakdown and Ron resistance reported by others.
Thermodynamic Properties of Mixtures of R-32, R-125, R-134a, and R-152a

A mixture model explicit in Helmholtz energy has been developed that is capable of predicting thermodynamic properties of refrigerant mixtures containing R-32, R-125, R-134a, and R-152a. The Helmholtz energy of the mixture is the sum of the ideal gas contribution, the compressibility (or real gas) contribution, and the contribution from mixing. The contribution from mixing is given by a single equation that is applied to all mixtures used in this work. The independent variables are the density, temperature, and composition. The model may be used to calculate thermodynamic properties of mixtures, including dew and bubble point properties and critical points, generally within the experimental uncertainties of the available measured properties. It incorporates the most accurate published equation of state for each pure fluid. The estimated uncertainties of calculated properties are ±0.25% in density, ±0.5% in the speed of sound, and ±1% in heat capacities. Calculated bubble point pressures are generally accurate to within ±1%.
Temperamental Influences on Reactions to Unfamiliarity and Challenge

Recent interest in the temperamental characteristics of young children, which has enjoyed a renaissance during the last decade, is correcting the theoretical imbalance created by a half-century of extreme environmental interpretations of behavioral variations among children. Some of this variation is to be viewed as the product of an interaction of tonic physiological states, genetic or prenatal in origin, and rearing conditions that facilitate or constrain the psychological biases created by these endogenous states (Goldsmith & Campos, 1986, Thomas & Chess, 1977). Many of these dispositions are transient during the first year of life; the few that show some stability are called temperamental.
Impact of varying physical activity levels on airway sensitivity and bronchodilation in healthy humans

The purpose of this study was to determine if the amount of physical activity influences airway sensitivity and bronchodilation in healthy subjects across a range of physical activity levels. Thirt...
Diagnostic problems in chronic inflammatory bowel disease related specimens

Abstract A diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) carries serious long term implications for patient management and for cost of care. Pathologists must be aware of common mimics of IBD to prevent misdiagnosis. The distinction between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is usually straightforward in resections but cannot be made easily on mucosal biopsies alone. Correlation with clinical and endoscopic findings is needed in the latter instance. The diagnosis of "indeterminate colitis" must be made only in resection specimens using strict diagnostic criteria. This review deals with common problems associated with the diagnosis of IBD and IBD-associated neoplasia.
Eimeria reedi sp. n. and E. chobotari sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from Heteromyid Rodents

SYNOPSIS The oocysts of 2 new species of Eimeria are described from heteromyid rodents. The subspherical to ellipsoidal cocysts of Eimeria reedi from Perognathus formosus averaged 22.6 by 20.8 μ. An ellipsoidal polar granule was present. The oocyst residuum was a single globule about 8 μ in diameter. The ovoid sporocysts averaged 10.9 by 7.7 μ and had a residuum of 6-12 granules. A Stieda body and substiedal body were present in the sporocysts. Eimeria chobotari oocysts, from Dipodomys merriami and D. microps, were ellipsoidal to ovoid and averaged 47.7 by 35.2 μ. No polar granule was seen. The large oocyst residuum consisted of several granules of various sizes. The ovoid sporocysts averaged 15.8 by 11.3 μ and had a residuum of many small granules. A Stieda body and substiedal body were present in the sporocysts.
The acoustic and peceptual effects of series and parallel processing

Temporal envelope (TE) cues provide a great deal of speech information. This paper explores how spectral subtraction and dynamic-range compression gain modifications affect TE fluctuations for parallel and series configurations. In parallel processing, algorithms compute gains based on the same input signal, and the gains in dB are summed. In series processing, output from the first algorithm forms the input to the second algorithm. Acoustic measurements show that the parallel arrangement produces more gain fluctuations, introducing more changes to the TE than the series configurations. Intelligibility tests for normal-hearing (NH) and hearing-impaired (HI) listeners show (1) parallel processing gives significantly poorer speech understanding than an unprocessed (UNP) signal and the series arrangement and (2) series processing and UNP yield similar results. Speech quality tests show that UNP is preferred to both parallel and series arrangements, although spectral subtraction is the most preferred. No significant differences exist in sound quality between the series and parallel arrangements, or between the NH group and the HI group. These results indicate that gain modifications affect intelligibility and sound quality differently. Listeners appear to have a higher tolerance for gain modifications with regard to intelligibility, while judgments for sound quality appear to be more affected by smaller amounts of gain modification.
Swelling behavior of organoclays in styrene and exfoliation in nanocomposites

Abstract Organoclays were prepared by cationic exchange of montmorillonite (MMT) with three commercial surfactants: octadecylamine (ODA), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), benzalkonium chloride (BAC), and an in-house synthesized surfactant, vinylbenzylalkyldimethylammonium chloride (VDAC). The swelling behaviors of organoclays in styrene were compared by wettability and rheology measurements. VDAC-MMT had the slowest capillary rise rate in styrene. The Washburn equation was found not suitable for the swellable organoclay powders. All organoclay–styrene and organoclay–toluene mixtures demonstrated yield stress. However, VDAC-MMT–styrene and VDAC-MMT–toluene mixtures showed significant higher yield stresses than the other organoclay mixtures. The wettability and rheology measurements indicate that VDAC-MMT bearing a styryl functional group has the strongest interaction with styrene monomer and toluene. In order to further evaluate the extent of swelling and the microstructure, polystyrene (PS)–clay nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that ODA and HTAB-MMT led to intercalated PS–clay nanocomposites, while VDAC-MMT formed exfoliated PS–clay nanocomposites.
Locus of Control as a Personality Correlate of Materialism: An Empirical Note:

For a sample of 148 undergraduate students, scores on Belk's materialism scale correlated negatively with Rotter's locus-of-control scores. Stepwise regression further indicates that Rotter scores are responsive largely to the envy subscale of materialism, with the possessiveness and nongenerosity subscales contributing little to the explained variance. Inasmuch as composite materialism (the sum of three subscales) relates inversely with internal locus of control, this result is consistent with the other/external-directed nature of envy and the self/internal-directed focus of possessiveness and nongenerosity.
SU‐HH‐BRB‐07: Thin Film CdTe Photovoltaic Detector Performance under Diagnostic X‐Ray Beams

Purpose: Recent development of thin‐film cadmium telluride (CdTe) deposition techniques allows manufacturing of low cost large‐area devices, having the direct detection design with superior imaging capabilities, and outstanding radiation hardness. We investigate the performance of a thin‐film CdTe‐based radiation detector operating in a photovoltaic mode under the range of energies relevant to diagnostic imaging applications. Methods: The energy deposition in CdTe layer of varying thickness was evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations under diagnostic X‐ray beams, yielding the charge carrier generation profiles across the film thickness. These profiles were used for modeling of current‐voltage (I–V) characteristics with device operation modeling software SCAPS, routinely employed for photovoltaic devices. The results for the thinnest devices were compared to those measured under Varian Ximatron simulator in our clinic. Results: Performance of CdTedetector having thickness from 3 to 1000 microns was studied under X‐ray beams with 70 to 120kVp energies. Output voltages and currents were extracted from I–Vcharacteristics modeled with SCAPS. The output parameters for thicker devices were found to gradually decrease with thickness. The two major factors responsible for these trends are the limited average photon penetration depth of about 150 m, and enhanced charge carrier separation near the CdS/CdTe junction region. The X‐ray beams of higher input energies produced higher output signals. The measurements on experimental 3 and 10 micron thick CdS/CdTe devices confirmed some of the general trends found through the modeling, though the output signal was lower than modeled. Conclusions:Device operation modeling led to estimates of expected output signals and their dependence on CdTe layer thickness and input X‐ray beam energy and intensity, provided important insights into device operation. The experimental results demonstrated that even at the thinnest detector has signal sensitivity and linearity adequate for use in quantitative measurements under diagnostic X‐ray beams.
Argon laser iridoplasty in the treatment of plateau-like iris configuration as result of numerous ciliary body cysts.

Purpose To report the use of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty in the treatment of plateau-like iris configuration as a result of iris and ciliary body cysts. Design Case report. Methods A 43-year-old male with plateau iris syndrome was demonstrated by high frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), to have numerous iris and ciliary body cysts. Bilateral argon laser peripheral iridoplasty was performed. Results Argon laser iridoplasty opened the drainage angle in both eyes. Conclusion Argon laser iridoplasty is an effective and safe treatment for plateau iris syndrome and may also prove valuable in the treatment of plateau-like iris configuration resulting from iridociliary cysts.
The Corriveau-Kelly Death Anxiety Scale

The purpose of this study was to develop a more reliable and sensitive death anxiety scale. In the first study, Templer's Death Anxiety Scale and a newly-developed scale, the Corriveau-Kelly Death Anxiety Scale, were administered to 108 psychology students at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Test-retest reliability coefficients for Templer's scale and the new instrument were .85 and .95 respectively while internal consistency coefficients for Templer's scale and the new scale were .73 and .95 respectively. In the second study, both death anxiety scales were administered to twenty-six hospice volunteers before and after training. Whereas Templer's scale was not able to detect a statistically significant change (t = 1.9, p > .05), the new instrument showed a significant decrease in death anxiety after training (t = 2.6, p = .01). The results of both studies suggest that the new scale appears to be more reliable and more sensitive to experimental outcomes than Templer's scale.
Space for capital, space for states

If you open your nearest historical atlas to the political map of Europe around 1500, several features will strike your eye at once. First, the large monochromas that represent more or less continuous sovereignty over extensive territories spiral around the map's periphery: the Ottoman Empire, the Spanish domains in the Iberian peninsula and the Mediterranean, France, England, Scotland, Denmark/Norway, Sweden, the lands of the Teutonic Order, Russia, Poland/Lithuania, Hungary. Within that ring the largest contiguous realms Bohemia, Austria/Styria, mainland Venice, Savoy, Lorraine, the Burgundian Netherlands, Brandenburg, and (to stretch the word "realm") the Papal States and the Swiss Confederation generally occupied less than a quarter of the terrain controlled by their peripheral neighbors. And in the arc from the Baltic's south shore over to Flanders and down to Florence swarmed hundreds of formally autonomous principalities, archduchies, bishoprics, free cities, and other statelets.
Effective interactions for the 1p shell

Abstract Effective interactions for the 1p shell are obtained by fitting energy data about nuclear levels. Magnetic dipole moments and probabilities for M1 gamma transitions and beta decay are calculated with the resultant wave functions. Comparison of such quantities with experiment provides an important check on the validity of the picture. The properties of the interaction are compared with those found in an earlier calculation and are also compared with the interaction deduced from nucleon-nucleon scattering. For consistency with the scattering potential, one must include a term proportional to ( σ 1 · 1 )( σ 2 · 1 ) as was introduced by Hamada and Johnston.
Dosing considerations and monitoring of low molecular weight heparins and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists in patients with renal insufficiency

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and low molecular heparins are important new components of the medical treatment for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Renal insufficiency is a common comorbid condition and highrisk marker for ACS. The safety and efficacy of these treatments in ACS are dependent on the pharmacokinetics of the specific medication. Even though these treatments have been studied in large randomized controlled trials in ACS, there are few prospective data regarding their safety or efficacy in renal insufficiency. Most have been shown to be safe and effective in mild to moderate degrees of renal insufficiency; none have been thoroughly studied in severe renal disease or in patients requiring dialysis therapy. Future prospective trials should include patients with more severe renal insufficiency, as well as combinations of the current recommended therapies.
Sesbania Phosphorus Requirements When Used as Biofertilizer for Long-Term Rice Cultivation

Green manures may affect the long-term nutrient supplying capacity of soils. In a long-term trial that compared the performance of azolla (Azolla microphylla Lam.), sesbania (Sesbania rostrata Bremek. & Oberm.), urea, and no fertilizer N on rice (Oryza sativa L.), a progressive decline in the growth of and N accumulation by sesbania was observed after the ninth crop. This study examined the reasons for sesbania decline with emphasis on the effect of fertilizer P on sesbania performance in relation to soil available P, cropping history, and moisture regime. In the 1992 dry season (14th crop), sesbania performance with and without P was determined in (i) field microplots within main long-term plots, and (ii) pots containing soil monoliths from long-term plots. Without P fertilizer, sesbania grew poorly and accumulated <40 kg N ha -1 . But addition of 28.4 kg P ha -1 increased sesbania N accumulation 3 to 11 fold and the greater N availability increased rice production. Addition of P improved sesbania biomass and N accumulation in dried-flooded and continuously flooded regimes but not in the dried-moist regime. Sesbania P requirements were greater than for rice. Continuous rice-sesbania cropping without addition of P limited sesbania growth, N accumulation, and green manure value even though it did not limit rice production, suggesting that the P requirements will be greater for a long-term rice cropping system that depends solely on green manure N than for rice grown with fertilizer N.
Emergency department use by pregnant adolescents

Conclusions: While problem acuity was not measured in this study among this cohort of pregnant teenagers with a usual source of care a significant number used the emergency department (ED) for care. ED use appears to be inversely associated with SES and most common among those with higher pregnancy risk and those who receive non-school-based prenatal care. (excerpt)
Comparison of training on two laparoscopic simulators and assessment of skills transfer to surgical performance.

Background Several studies have investigated the transfer of surgical trainees' skills acquired on surgical simulators to the operating room setting. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two laparoscopic surgery simulators by assessing the transfer of skills learned on simulators to closely matched surgical tasks in the animal laboratory. Study design In this post-test-only Control group study design, 46 surgically naive medical student volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Tower Trainer group (n = 16), LapSim group (n = 17), and Control group (n = 13). Outcomes measures included both time and accuracy scores on three laparoscopic tasks (Task 1: Grasp and Place; Task 2: Run the Bowel; Task 3: Clip and Cut) performed on live anesthetized pigs, and a global rating of overall performance as judged by four experienced surgeons. Results The Tower Trainer group performed significantly better than the Control group on 1 of 7 outcomes measures—Task 3: Time (p Conclusions This study demonstrated that naive subjects trained on a virtual-reality part-task trainer performed better on live surgical tasks in a porcine model as compared with those trained with a traditional box trainer. These findings could aid in selection of appropriate training methodologies.
Food limitation of planktonic rotifers: field experiments in two mountain ponds

1. Resource competition is thought to be important in controlling zooplankton population dynamics and structuring zooplankton communities. Resource competition requires that resources are limiting. Ten field experiments were conducted to determine the presence and intensity of resource limitation of herbivorous planktonic rotifers in two mountain ponds. The intensity of food limitation was measured as Δr, the difference between population growth rates in food supplemented versus control enclosures. 2. Rotifers were significantly food limited (Δr > 0) in most experiments. The intensity of food limitation varied between species. In Grady Lake, mean Δr was 0.26 day−1 for Polyarthra vulgaris and 0.43 day−1 for an unidentified Synchaeta sp. In L1 Pond, mean Δr was 0.07 day−1 for Keratella cochlearis and 0.28 day−1 for S. oblonga. The frequent and intense food limitation suggests that edible phytoplankton in both ponds were often present at low densities, were of low nutritional quality, or both. The intensity of food limitation often changed rapidly over time, indicating rapid temporal variation in resource availability. 3. For P. vulgaris, Δr was not correlated with its population growth rate in Grady Lake. Thus, although food limitation was common, population dynamics may have been more strongly affected by other factors. For K. cochlearis, Δr increased as population density increased, suggesting the existence of intraspecific resource competition that may regulate population dynamics.
Changes in soil organic carbon under biofuel crops.

One potentially significant impact of growing biofuel crops will be the sequestration or release of carbon (C) in soil. Soil organic carbon (SOC) represents an important C sink in the lifecycle C balances of biofuels and strongly influences soil quality. We assembled and analyzed published estimates of SOC change following conversion of natural or agricultural land to biofuel crops of corn with residue harvest, sugarcane, Miscanthus x giganteus, switchgrass, or restored prairie. We estimated SOC losses associated with land conversion and rates of change in SOC over time by regressing net change in SOC relative to a control against age since establishment year. Conversion of uncultivated land to biofuel agriculture resulted in significant SOC losses – an effect that was most pronounced when native land was converted to sugarcane agriculture. Corn residue harvest (at 25–100% removal) consistently resulted in SOC losses averaging 3–8 Mg ha−1 in the top 30 cm, whereas SOC accumulated under all four perennial grasses, with SOC accumulation rates averaging <1 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in the top 30 cm. More intensive harvests led to decreased C gains or increased C losses – an effect that was particularly clear for residue harvest in corn. Direct or indirect conversion of previously uncultivated land for biofuel agriculture will result in SOC losses that counteract the benefits of fossil fuel displacement. Additionally, SOC losses under corn residue harvest imply that its potential to offset C emissions may be overestimated, whereas SOC sequestration under perennial grasses represents an additional benefit that has rarely been accounted for in life cycle analyses of biofuels.
DISAPPEARANCE OF ISLET CELL ANTIBODIES (ICA) MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER DETERIORATION OR AMELIORATION OF ISLET CELL FUNCTION

Disappearance of serum ICA following diagnosis of diabetes is well documented and may be related to a decline in available antigen. Reversion of ICA positive to negative is otherwise rare. We report two exceptional cases: Case 1 whose reversion from ICA positive to negative was followed in 29 months by type 1 diabetes and Case 2 who presented with insulinopenic ICA positive diabetes mellitus with progressive decline in insulin requirements, loss of ICA and return to normal glucose tolerance over 33 months. Case 1 suggests that ICA may be a transient marker of a persisting underlying immune process leading to complete islet destruction. Case 2 suggests that ICA does not necessarily indicate inevitable progression to total islet cell destruction and that cessation of immune islet cell destruction may occur in association with disappearance of ICA, allowing for islet cell regeneration to occur.
SIMULATION OF HURRICANE SEAS IN A MULTIDIRECTIONAL WAVE BASIN

The paper describes the generation and verification in a multidirectional wave basin of four realistic sea states, each representing a different storm wave condition in the Gulf of Mexico. In all cases, wave spreading and mean direction of wave propagation are strongly dependent on frequency. The Maximum Entropy Method of directional wave analysis paired with single wave probe/bidirectional current meter sensor was found to be the best way to measure multidirectional seas in a wave basin. Accuracy was verified and reasons for discrepancies explored.
Postbuckling behavior and imperfection sensitivity of elastic structures by the Lyapunov-Schmidt-Koiter approach

Beginning with the work of Koiter in 1945, valuable insights into the postbuckling behavior of structures have been gained by Lyapunov-Schmidt decomposition of the displacements followed by an asymptotic expansion about the bifurcation point. Here this methodology is generalized to include nonlinear prebuckling behavior, as well as multiple, not necessarily coincident buckling modes. The expansion of the reduced equilibrium equations is performed about a reference point (which need not coincide with any of the bifurcation points), and applies no matter whether the modes are coincident, closely spaced, or well separated. From a variety of possible decompositions of the admissible space of displacements, two are incorporated into a finite element program. Theoretical considerations, and numerical examples in which asymptotic results are compared to ‘exact’ results, indicate that one of the decompositions has some important advantages over the other. Examples include a shallow arch, and a beam on elastic foundation problem exhibiting symmetry-breaking modal interaction.
Characterization of a negative response DNA element in the upstream region of the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein-I gene of the mouse.

Abstract A negative, regulatory DNA element from the mouse cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I gene promoter was identified. This DNA element, located approximately 1 kilobase upstream from the transcription initiation site of this gene, contained a pair of direct repeats (DRs) separated by 4 base pairs (DR4, TTGG). By examining a series of reporters deleted or mutated within this DR4 region, it was concluded that the core sequence of this DR4, including both repeats and the spacer, was required for suppressive activity in the mouse embryonal carcinoma cell line P19. From gel retardation experiments, it was concluded that both repeated sequences were essential for specific protein binding, but the spacer sequence was not as critical. Specific residues required for protein binding to this DR4 were identified. In P19 cells, retinoic acid induced the binding of nuclear factors to DR4 and suppressed the activities of the reporters containing this DR4. Co-expression of retinoic acid receptor β or thyroid hormone receptor β1 (T3Rβ1) significantly inhibited the expression of this reporter in P19 cells. Gel retardation with in vitro-synthesized nuclear receptors demonstrated specific binding of this DR4 by T3Rβ1 monomers, homodimers, or heterodimers of T3Rβ1/retinoid receptor X β. A biological function of DR4 in crabp-I gene regulation in P19 cells was suggested.
Cognitivist Expressivism and the Nature of Belief

The paper is a critical examination of the metaethical position taken up recently by Terence Horgan and Mark Timmons, called 'cognitivist expressivism'. The key component of the position is their insistence that some beliefs are nondescriptive. The paper argues against this thesis in two ways: First by sketching an independently plausible account of belief, on which belief is essentially a certain kind of descriptive representational state; and second by rebutting Horgan and Timmons' positive arguments in favor of their account. The final section argues that Horgan and Timmons' view cannot survive abandonment of the thesis that moral beliefs are nondescriptive in character.
Toward a logic of good reasons

This essay explores the assumptions underlying the role of values in rhetorical interactions, the meaning of “logic” in relation to “good reasons,” a reconceptualization of “good reasons,” implementation of a “logic of ‘good reasons’,” and the uses of hierarchies of values in assessing rhetorical reasoning.
Transformation of canine kidney cells by SV40

Abstract Canine kidney cells infected with SV40 virus led to the development of a transformed cell line (DKSV40). The transformed cells contained the nuclear T antigen of SV40 and grew in a disoriented pattern to a high saturation density. However, at 40°C the cells exhibited density-dependent inhibition of growth.
Increased Na+ excretion by the skin of Rana pipiens after NaCl loading.

Abstract 1. 1. In vivo the frog skin excretes sodium and the sodium excretion is increased in response to a NaCl load. 2. 2. The sodium excretion can be demonstrated in vitro , and the rate of excretion is greater in skin from NaCl-loaded animals than from control, non-loaded animals. 3. 3. Unidirectional 22 Na flux experiments on paired frog skins, as well as 22 Na and 24 Na bidirectional flux experiments measured in vitro , confirm the above finding that net sodium excretion occurs in response to the NaCl load.
Inactivation Kinetics of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts in a Swine Waste Lagoon and Spray Field

Because of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis in humans, some Cryptosporidium spp. have become a public health concern. Commercial swine operations can be a source of this protozoan parasite. Although the species distribution of Cryptosporidium is likely dominated by Cryptosporidium suis , a fraction may be comprised of other Cryptosporidium species infectious to humans such as Cryptosporidium parvum . To better understand the survival dynamics of Cryptosporidium spp., oocysts associated with swine operations, 2 experiments were performed to determine die-off rates of C. parvum oocysts in a swine waste lagoon (2009 and 2010) and its spray field (2010 and 2011). Sentinel chambers containing a lagoon effluent suspension of C. parvum oocysts were submerged in the lagoon, and triplicate chambers were removed over time; oocysts were extracted and assayed for viability. For comparative purposes, inactivation rates of Ascaris suum eggs contained in sentinel chambers were also determined. For 2 spray field experiments, air-dried and sieved surface soil was placed in sentinel chambers, hydrated, and inoculated with a lagoon effluent suspension of C. parvum oocysts. Sentinel chambers and control oocysts in PBS contained in microcentrifuge tubes were buried 1.5 cm below the soil surface in 3 blocks. Triplicate chambers and controls were removed over time; oocysts were extracted and assayed for viability. Based on the first order decay equation, days to reach 99% die-off (T(99)) were determined. T(99)-values determined for the 2 lagoon experiments were 13.1 and 20.1 wk, respectively. A T(99)-value for C. parvum in the spray field was significantly longer at 38.0 wk than the control oocysts in PBS at 29.0 wk. The waste lagoon and spray field system of manure management at this large-scale farrowing operation appeared to reduce the load of C. parvum oocysts before they can be hydrologically transported off the operation and reduces their likelihood of contaminating surface waters and threatening public health.
A local linearized least squares algorithm for training feedforward neural networks

In training the weights of a feedforward neural network, it is well known that the global extended Kalman filter (GEKF) algorithm has much better performance than the popular gradient descent with error backpropagation in terms of convergence and quality of solution. However, the GEKF is very computationally intensive, which has led to the development of efficient algorithms such as the multiple extended Kalman algorithm (MEKA) and the decoupled extended Kalman filter algorithm (DEKF), that are based on dimensional reduction and/or partitioning of the global problem. In this paper we present a new training algorithm, called local linearized least squares (LLLS), that is based on viewing the local system identification subproblems at the neuron level as recursive linearized least squares problems. The objective function of the least squares problems for each neuron is the sum of the squares of the linearized backpropagated error signals. The new algorithm is shown to give better convergence results for three benchmark problems in comparison to MEKA, and in comparison to DEKF for highly coupled applications. The performance of the LLLS algorithm approaches that of the GEKF algorithm in the experiments.
Identification of genomic regions that affect grain-mould incidence and other traits of agronomic importance in sorghum

Grain-mould is a major problem in grain sorghum utilization as mouldy grain has a reduced quality due to the deterioration of the endosperm and reduced embryo viability. Here, our objective was to use genome mapping to improve knowledge of genetic variation and co-variation for grain-mould incidence and other inter-related agronomic traits. Grain-mould incidence, kernel-milling hardness, grain density, plant height, panicle peduncle length, foliar-disease incidence, and plant color were measured on 125 F5 genotypes derived from a cross of Sureno and RTx430. Quantitative trait loci were detected by means of 130 mapped markers (44 microsatellites, 85 AFLPs, one morphological-trait locus) distributed among ten linkage groups covering 970 cM. One to five QTLs affected each trait, with the exception of grain density for which no QTLs were detected. Grain-mould incidence was affected by five QTLs each accounting for between 10 and 23% of the phenotypic variance. The effects and relative positions of QTLs for grain-mould incidence were in accordance with the QTL distribution of several inter-related agronomic traits (e.g., plant height, peduncle length) and with the correlation between these phenotypic traits and grain-mould incidence. The detection of QTLs for grain-mould incidence was dependent on the environment, which is consistent with heritibility estimates that show strong environmental and genotype × environment effects. Several genomic regions affected multiple traits including one region that affected grain-mould incidence, plant height, panicle peduncle length, and grain-milling hardness, and a second region that influenced grain-mould (in four environments) and plant height. One genomic region, which harbors loci for plant color, influenced the severity of foliar disease symptoms and the incidence of grain-mould in one environment. Collectively QTLs detected in the present population explained between 10% and 55% of the phenotypic variance observed for a given trait.
A Taxometric Investigation of the Latent Structure of Worry: Dimensionality and Associations With Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Worry has been described as a core feature of several disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The present study examined the latent structure of worry by applying 3 taxometric procedures (MAXEIG, MAMBAC, and L-Mode) to data collected from 2 large samples. Worry in the first sample (Study 1) of community participants (n=1,355) was operationalized by worry engagement, absence of worry, and the worry feature of trait anxiety. Worry in the second sample (Study 2) of undergraduate participants (n=1,171) was operationalized by the tendency to experience worry, intolerance of uncertainty, beliefs about worry, and symptoms of GAD. Results across both samples provided converging evidence that worry is best conceptualized as a dimensional construct, present to a greater or lesser extent in all individuals. Findings from Study 2 also indicated that the latent dimension of worry generally has an equal association with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress across the entire continuum. These findings are discussed in relation to the conceptualization and assessment of worry in GAD and related disorders.
Infrared spectra of Cu2+ Pb2+ and Ca2+ complexes of soil humic substances

Abstract An infrared spectroscopic investigation of the complexes of Cu2+, Pb2+, and Ca2+ with humic and fulvic acids demonstrated the participation of OH and CO groups in addition to COOH in the binding of heavy-metal cations. The degree to which metal-carboxylate linkages are ionic or covalent cannot be accurately determined from the positions of antisymmetric and symmetric carboxylate stretching vibrations due to interference from covalent bonding with other groups. The apparent order of the reaction of three divalent cations with humic and fulvic acids was Cu2+ > Pb2+ > Ca2+.
Restraint stress augments postprandial gastric contractions but impairs antropyloric coordination in conscious rats.

Central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays an important role in mediating restraint stress-induced delayed gastric emptying. However, it is unclear how restraint stress modulates gastric mo...