cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kolmogorov-type competition model with finitely supported allocation profiles and its applications to plant competition for sunlight.

A Kolmogorov-type competition model featuring allocation profiles, gain functions, and cost parameters is examined. For plant species that compete for sunlight according to the canopy partitioning model [R.R. Vance and A.L. Nevai, Plant population growth and competition in a light gradient: a mathematical model of canopy partitioning, J. Theor. Biol. 245 (2007), pp. 210–219] the allocation profiles describe vertical leaf placement, the gain functions represent rates of leaf photosynthesis at different heights, and the cost parameters signify the energetic expense of maintaining tall stems necessary for gaining a competitive advantage in the light gradient. The allocation profiles studied here, being supported on three alternating intervals, determine “interior” and “exterior” species. When the allocation profile of the interior species is a delta function (a big leaf) then either competitive exclusion or coexistence at a single globally attracting equilibrium point occurs. However, if the allocation profi...
What really worked? A case analysis and discussion of confrontational intervention for substance abuse in marginalized women

Confrontations, including ultimatums and withdrawal of services, are used by health care providers to break down denial in substance abusers. This case analysis and discussion explores the ramifications of confrontation for marginalized women and raises questions about the ethics and efficacy of this approach for substance abusers in general. Nursing is beginning to incorporate substance abuse as a substantive area of knowledge and practice. It is argued in this article that nurses should not uncritically adopt the current orthodoxy about this problem, but view it anew from our own unique, comprehensive perspective.
Feedback in Medical Education: What Is Our Goal and How Do We Achieve It?

Providing feedback is one of the most important and yet most challenging tasks in medical education. Traditional models of feedback begin and end with the delivery of the message by the educator. Current literature indicates that key components are needed to enable a learner to hear, process, and put into action the components of the feedback message. There must be instructor commitment to the establishment of an educational culture accepting and encouraging of feedback. There must also be dedication to the development of a relationship so that the learner perceives the feedback as coming from a firsthand knowledge of performance and a position of beneficence.
Mapping intertidal eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in three coastal estuaries of the Pacific Northwest USA using false colour near-infrared aerial photography

This study describes a hybrid technique of digitally classifying aerial photography used for mapping the intertidal habitat of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in Pacific Northwest USA estuaries. The large tidal range (2-3 m) in this region exposes most of this seagrass community at low tide, permitting the use of false colour near-infrared film that provides good contrast in imaging vegetated intertidal habitats. Three Oregon coastal estuaries in the USA were surveyed in 2004 or 2005 at photoscales of 1:10 000 or 1:20 000. Spatial resolution was 0.25 m and the minimum mapping unit was 2.5 × 2.5 m. Spatial accuracy was within 1.5 m. Comparison of the image classification and ground survey results yielded overall classification accuracies of 83% to 97%. This appears to be an effective technique for mapping intertidal eelgrass distributions in turbid coastal estuaries with large tidal ranges.
Distribution of PCB Congeners in Sheboygan River (Wisconsin) Sediments

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated sediment from the Sheboygan River in Wisconsin was examined to determine the PCB congeners present and their respective weight percentages of the total PCB concentration. Total PCB concentrations in the sediments ranged from less than 1 μg/g to over 1,500 μg/g (on a dry weight basis). Sediments containing PCBs at concentrations greater than 50 μg/g had a higher percentage of lower chlorinated congeners compared to the PCB mixtures originally thought to have been deposited in the sediment (Aroclor 1248 and 1254). The most prominent congeners observed in the sediments were IUPAC numbers 17, 26, 49, 52, and coeluting congeners 5/8, 24/27, 16/32, 28/31, 41/64/71, 47/48, 66/95, and 77/110. In the highly contaminated sediments, ortho-chlorinated congeners were observed to be enriched relative to meta- and para-chlorinated congeners. The similarity of these results to results from experiments with anaerobic PCB-dehalogenating microbes suggests that anaerobic microbial degradation has occurred in the highly contaminated sediments of the Sheboygan River.
Probing the dynamic equilibrium of actin polymerization by fluorescence energy transfer

Abstract Fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used to follow the dynamic equilibrium of actin polymerization. We prepared fluorescent analogs of actin by labeling actin covalently with fluorescein (as the donor) and with eosin (as the acceptor). The copolymer of donor- and acceptor-labeled actin exhibits a 60%–70% efficiency of energy transfer. We followed the subunit exchange among filaments both by mixing the donor-acceptor copolymer with unlabeled F actin, and by mixing donor-labeled F actin with acceptor-labeled F actin. The extent of subunit exchange is dependent on ionic conditions. In addition, different kinetics are observed in the two approaches in the presence of excess magnesium ions. The effects of cytochalasin B as a model actin-binding factor were also investigated. One micromolar cytochalasin B reduces the rates of subunit exchange, monomer incorporation and filament depolymerization. At 10 μM cytochalasin B, we detected destabilization of filaments using a morphological assay. The results are discussed in relation to existing models of actin subunit exchange, and to proposed mechanisms of actin-cytochalasin interactions.
A recombinase A-deficient strain of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans constructed by insertional mutagenesis using a mobilizable plasmid

The gene coding for recA in the oral pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans SUNY 465 was cloned and sequenced. The DNA sequence coded for a 352-amino acid protein that was homologous to RecA of a variety of bacterial species. A derivative of a non-replicating mobilizable plasmid was constructed for directed mutagenesis in A. actinomycetemcomitans. A recA-deficient strain of A. actinomycetemcomitans was developed by homologous recombination of an internal recA fragment contained on the mobilizable suicide vector. The recA mutant strain was more sensitive to UV radiation and showed a reduced recombinatorial proficiency than the isogenic parent strain. These data suggest that recA of A. actinomycetemcomitans SUNY 465 is involved in the repair of DNA damage caused by UV irradiation and homologous recombination as determined for other bacteria.
Does ACE2 contribute to the development of hypertension

It is now a decade since the discovery of the angiotensin I (Ang I)-converting enzyme homolog, ACE2 [EC 3.4.15.1]. During this period, efforts toward the characterization of this enzyme have provided greater insights into the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. The ongoing studies provoked more questions, particularly regarding the role of the enzyme in the development and progression of hypertension and renal injury, as well as other pathologies including diabetes, heart failure, liver failure and pulmonary injury. In this issue of Hypertension Research, Kamilic et al.1 determined the distribution, expression and activity of ACE2 within the kidney of two rat models of established hypertension and their normotensive controls. Although the reported localization of ACE2 within the kidney differs to some extent with other reports in the rat, the current study reveals no difference in ACE2 expression between the hypertensive and normotensive rats, suggesting that the enzyme may not contribute to the development of the hypertensive phenotype.
Production and Collection of Copepod Nauplii from Brackish Water Ponds

Copepod nauplii are a nutritious food item for first-feeding marine fish larvae. Unfortunately, mass culture techniques for producing copepod nauplii are not well established. Copepod nauplii can be collected from wild zooplankton populations or specially prepared ponds and transferred to larval fish tanks for feeding. This study evaluated the use of two trapping methods for harvesting zooplankton, particularly copepod nauplii, from fertilized ponds and the impact on the zooplankton population. Nine, 0.11 ha brackish-water (∼2-7 ppt salinity) ponds were filled and fertilized with organic and inorganic fertilizers. The change in zooplankton abundance, mainly rotifers, nauplii and adult copepods, was monitored in the ponds for 22 d following initial pond filling. Beginning on day 8, three ponds were trapped with a large plankton net (Trap I), three with a pump and bag trap method (Trap II), and three ponds were not trapped. The ponds were trapped with the corresponding method for 1 h per day, for 15 d. The ...
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in human optic nerve head astrocytes.

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is a common blinding disease characterized by remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and loss of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons at the level of the optic nerve head (ONH). Astrocytes, the major cell type in ONH, may participate in this process by production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs). In normal and glaucomatous ONH, we detected MMP and TIMP expression by immunohistochemistry. Cultured astrocytes were used to characterize expression of MMPs and TIMPs by zymography, Western blot, and RNase protection assay. MMP production was stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Astrocytes expressed MMP1, MT1-MMP, MMP2, TIMP1, and TIMP2 in normal and glaucomatous ONH. MMP2, TIMP1, and TIMP2 localized to RGCs and their axons. Increased MMP1 and MT1-MMP expression was demonstrated in glaucoma. Cultured astrocytes constitutively expressed MMP2, MT1-MMP, TIMP1, and TIMP2, whereas MMP3, MMP7, MMP9, and MMP12 were not detectable in tissues or in cultured astrocytes. Our findings demonstrate the presence of specific MMPs and TIMPs in the ONH that may participate in the homeostasis and remodeling of the ECM in glaucoma. Expression of the same MMPs and TIMPs in cultured ONH astrocytes will allow further studies on the mechanisms regulating these enzymes.
A New Approach to Output-Sensitive Construction of Voronoi Diagrams and Delaunay Triangulations

We describe a new algorithm for computing the Voronoi diagram of a set of $$n$$n points in constant-dimensional Euclidean space. The running time of our algorithm is $$O(f \log n \log \varDelta )$$O(flognlogΔ) where $$f$$f is the output complexity of the Voronoi diagram and $$\varDelta $$Δ is the spread of the input, the ratio of largest to smallest pairwise distances. Despite the simplicity of the algorithm and its analysis, it improves on the state of the art for all inputs with polynomial spread and near-linear output size. The key idea is to first build the Voronoi diagram of a superset of the input points using ideas from Voronoi refinement mesh generation. Then, the extra points are removed in a straightforward way that allows the total work to be bounded in terms of the output complexity, yielding the output sensitive bound. The removal only involves local flips and is inspired by kinetic data structures.
Managing hereditary angioedema patients undergoing otolaryngeal procedures.

Background Hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare autosomal dominant disorder, is characterized by repeated attacks of swelling of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, face, larynx, and other organs. In most cases it is caused by low levels of functional C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), a serine protease inhibitor that plays important regulatory roles in the complement, contact, and fibrinolytic pathways. Methods Lack of functional C1-INH results in excessive release of bradykinin, which triggers vasodilation, vascular permeability, and edema. Most attacks are mild and self-limiting, but untreated laryngeal attacks may cause rapid asphyxiation and death. Potential triggers of laryngeal attacks include trauma to or manipulation of the face, mouth, or upper airway. Therefore, before performing such a procedure in a patient with HAE, the otolaryngologist should consult with the patient, the physician managing the HAE, and the anesthesiologist and make appropriate preparations for prevention and/or treatment of an attack. Results Current World Allergy Organization and European guidelines recommend the use of i.v. plasma-derived C1-INH replacement for short-term prophylaxis of angioedema attacks. Other effective options include danazol given for several days before and after the procedure and fresh-frozen plasma, but these may not be as effective as C1-INH and may be associated with a high rate of adverse events. Conclusion Acute attacks, which may occur many hours after a procedure, may be treated with C1-INH; icatibant, a bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist; or ecallantide, a kallikrein inhibitor, all of which have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of HAE attacks.
Some variants of Ferrers diagrams

Abstract In this paper, we consider variants of Ferrers diagrams in which the underlying square grid is replaced by other regular patterns in the plane. These diagrams turn out to be related to classical identities of Euler, Sylvester, Glaisher, and MacMahon, as well as more recent results of Gollnitz, Gordon, and Andrews. Other identities appear to be new.
Epigallocatechin gallate–mediated protection against tumor necrosis factor-α–induced monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 expression is heme oxygenase–1 dependent

Flavonoids have been suggested to protect against atherosclerosis via their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme that plays an important role in the vascular system, and its induction may provide a protective role against atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that flavonoids can down-regulate endothelial inflammatory parameters by modulating HO-1-regulated cell signaling. We focused on the role of HO-1 and its major metabolic product, bilirubin, on mechanisms of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced endothelial cell activation and protection by the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Pretreatment with EGCG inhibited the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and the activation of activator protein-1 in porcine aortic endothelial cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, EGCG up-regulated the expression of HO-1 and further induced the secretion of bilirubin. The observed anti-inflammatory effects of EGCG were mimicked by the HO-1 inducer cobalt protoporphyrin and abolished by HO-1 gene silencing. These data suggest that the protective properties of flavonoids, such as EGCG, against endothelial inflammation may be regulated in part though induction of HO-1 and subsequent activator protein-1 signaling.
Factors influencing swimming in bay scallops, Argopectenirradians (Lamarck, 1819)

Abstract Factors influencing the probability, distance, and direction of swimming in bay scallops ( Argopecten irradions Lamarck, 1819) were studied through a series of experimental releases in the field and in a 3-m tank. The probability of a scallop swimming was significantly influenced by the type of substratum on which it was released (sand vs. grassbed), by contact with two natural gastropod predators ( Murex, Fasciolaria ), and by the amount of rest allowed after a previous swim. The horizontal distance traveled by a swimming scallop was significantly influenced by artificial weight of a magnitude equivalent to a normal load of shell-encrusting organisms, by the amount of rest allowed after a previous swim, by the height attained in the water column, and by the scallop's size. The direction of scallop swimming was significantly influenced by the location along the mantle edge where a predator was contacted, and by factors probably related to the asymmetrical water flow pattern through the mantle cavity. Swimming in bay scallops apparently serves to maintain position in grassbeds and to avoid predators.
Development and Evaluation of Automotive Speech Interfaces: Useful Information from the Human Factors and the Related Literature

Drivers often use infotainment systems in motor vehicles, such as systems for navigation, music, and phones. However, operating visual-manual interfaces for these systems can distract drivers. Speech interfaces may be less distracting. To help designing easy-to-use speech interfaces, this paper identifies key speech interfaces (e.g., CHAT, Linguatronic, SYNC, Siri, and Google Voice), their features, and what was learned from evaluating them and other systems. Also included is information on key technical standards (e.g., ISO 9921, ITU P.800) and relevant design guidelines. This paper also describes relevant design and evaluation methods (e.g., Wizard of Oz) and how to make driving studies replicable (e.g., by referencing SAE J2944). Throughout the paper, there is discussion of linguistic terms (e.g., turn-taking) and principles (e.g., Grice’s Conversational Maxims) that provide a basis for describing user-device interactions and errors in evaluations.
Corporate income tax compliance: A time series analysis

How extensive is corporate income tax noncompliance and how responsive is it to policy tools such as penalties, audits, and tax rates? This paper analyzes aggregate time series data on corporate compliance in an attempt to answer these questions. The results show audits to be an effective deterrent to noncompliance but cast doubt on the presumption that higher penalities or lower tax rates lead to improved compliance.
Characteristics Associated With Fasting Appetite Hormones (Obestatin, Ghrelin, and Leptin)

Obestatin, derived from the same gene as the hunger hormone ghrelin, may reduce food intake in animals. The role of obestatin in human physiology is unclear. We evaluated cross-sectional associations between participant characteristics and fasting levels of obestatin as well two other hormones associated with energy balance, ghrelin and leptin. Data are from the baseline visit of the Optimal Macronutrient Intake Trial to Prevent Heart Disease (OMNI-Heart) Trial that enrolled adults with elevated blood pressure (systolic 120–159 mm Hg or a diastolic of 80–99 mm Hg) but who were otherwise healthy. Partial Spearman's correlations and linear regression models estimated the association between age, gender, BMI, physical activity, and smoking with fasting hormones. Obestatin was directly associated with ghrelin (r = 0.45, P 30) individuals had obestatin concentrations that were 12.6 (s.d. 8.8) and 25.4 (s.d. 8.4) pg/ml lower compared to normal weight (BMI 30) individuals had ghrelin concentrations that were 161.7 (s.d. 69.6) and 284.7 (s.d. 66.5) pg/ml lower compared to normal weight (BMI < 25) individuals, respectively (P for trend <0.0001). A 5 unit increase in BMI was associated with 41.3% (s.d. 4.3%) (P < 0.0001) higher leptin. Obestatin and ghrelin are directly correlated and share the same patterns of association with participant characteristics. Modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases, such as BMI, are associated with fasting levels of leptin, obestatin, and ghrelin.
Classification of Esophageal Stent Leaks: Leak Presentation, Complications, and Management

Background Esophageal stent leaks can have catastrophic consequences if not promptly recognized and managed appropriately. However, there are different mechanisms for esophageal stent leaks that may demonstrate unique features in presentation and response to management strategy. The objective of this study was to develop a classification system for esophageal leaks and assess distinctions between leak types. Methods Patients with esophageal stent leaks from 2007 to 2010 managed at The Methodist Hospital were classified into the following 5 leak types: type 1, proximal; 2, distal retrograde; 3, stent lining; 4, between stents; and 5, migrated stent. Patients' baseline characteristics, procedural data, and outcomes were analyzed. Results Of the 89 patients who underwent esophageal stenting, 23 stent leaks were identified after the first procedure. Mean age was 57 ± 14 years, 61% were male, 43% had esophageal cancer, and 52% were status postesophagectomy. Seven of the leaks were type 1, 6 were type 2, 2 were type 3, 4 were type 4, and were type 5. The vast majority (70%) of leaks were detected within the first 48 hours. The management of leaks varied significantly depending on the leak type ( p p = 0.072). Conclusions Esophageal leaks tend to be managed differently depending on leak type. The majority of leaks ultimately resolve with stenting. Our proposed leak classification may enhance esophageal stent management strategy.
From Log Files to Assessment Metrics: Measuring Students' Science Inquiry Skills Using Educational Data Mining

We present a method for assessing science inquiry performance, specifically for the inquiry skill of designing and conducting experiments, using educational data mining on students' log data from online microworlds in the Inq-ITS system (Inquiry Intelligent Tutoring System; www.inq-its.org). In our approach, we use a 2-step process: First we use text replay tagging, a type of rapid protocol analysis in which categories are developed and, in turn, used to hand-score students' log data. In the second step, educational data mining is conducted using a combination of the text replay data and machine-distilled features of student interactions in order to produce an automated means of assessing the inquiry skill in question; this is referred to as a detector. Once this detector is appropriately validated, it can be applied to students' log files for auto-assessment and, in the future, to drive scaffolding in real time. Furthermore, we present evidence that this detector developed in 1 scientific domain, phase c...
Cluster synthesis—XXIX. Synthesis and characterization of new sulphur-containing tungsten-ruthenium carbonyl cluster complexes

Abstract The reaction of Ru3(CO)9(μ3-S)2 (4) with W(CO)6 under UV irradiation yielded the complex Ru3(CO)9(μ3-S)(μ4-S)[W(CO)5] (5) in 29% yield. Spectral data indicate that 5 has a structure similar to its osmium homologue in which a W(CO)5 group is attached to one of the triply-bridging sulphido ligands in the cluster. The reaction of 4 with W(CO)5 (PMe2Ph) under UV irradiation yielded two isomeric cluster complexes, WRu3 (CO)11(PMe2Ph)(μ4-S)2 (6) 16% and (7) 7%. Compounds 6 and 7 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. These complexes were found to contain approximately square-planar arrangements of the four metal atoms with quadruply-bridging sulphido ligands on each side of the cluster. Compound 6 contains a PMe2Ph ligand on the tungsten atom. In compound 7 the PMe2Ph ligand is coordinated to the ruthenium atom across the square from the tungsten atom. Crystal data for 6: WRu3S2O11C19H11, M = 977.44, orthorhombic, P212121 (No. 19), a = 13.794(2), b = 16.616(2), c = 11.780(2) A, V = 2700(1) A3, Dc = 2.45 g cm−3, Z = 4, λ(Mo-Kα) = 0.71069 A (graphite monochromator), μ = 62.1 cm−1. Methods: MITHRIL, difference Fourier, full-matrix leastsquares. Refinement of 1960 reflections [F2 ⩾ 3σ(F2)], gave R and Rw values of 0.027 and 0.027, respectively. Crystal data for 7:WRu3S2O11C19H11, M = 977.44, monoclinic, P21/n (No. 14), a = 15.841(2), b = 8.818(1), c = 19.236(3) A, β = 98.04(1)°, V = 2660.5(6) A3, Dc = 2.49 g cm−1, Z = 4, λ(Mo-Kα) = 0.17069 A (graphite monochromator), μ = 63.1 cm−1. Methods: MITHRIL, difference Fourier, full-matrix least-squares. Refinement of 2880 reflections [F2 ⩾ 3σ(F2)], gave R and Rw values of 0.024 and 0.025, respectively.
Ureteral injury during vaginal mesh excision: role of prevention and treatment options

Vaginal mesh kits are increasingly used in vaginal prolapse repair. Mesh erosion, infection, and pain may necessitate removal, which can lead to urinary tract injury. We describe 2 cases of ureteral injury at the time of mesh excision. Surgeons must recognize the possibility of ureteral injury and treatment modalities available.
Effects of cadaverine on histamine transport and metabolism in isolated gut sections of the guinea-pig.

Abstract The effects of cadaverine on histamine transport and metabolism in the intestine were studied in vitro with isolated sections of guinea-pig gut. [Ring-2-14C]histamine diluted with non-radioactive histamine was placed in the gut sac, with and without cadaverine and the solution outside the gut sac was analysed at intervals, for 3 hr. No latent period was observed before the transport of radioactivity began. Cadaverine increased the rate of transport of radioactivity across the gut wall. The relative effect of cadaverine on transport of radioactivity decreased as the ratio of cadaverine: histamine approached 1:2. Cadaverine produced only small changes in the relative levels of histamine and histamine metabolites that appeared outside the gut sac. These findings are discussed in relation to a proposed mechanism of cadaverine potentiation of histamine toxicity in vivo.
The Relativity of Interpretation

What makes an interpretation good? This question defines an area where the concerns of philosophers and literary theorists coincide. One sort of response, which stresses the relativity of interpretation to the interests, purposes, and background beliefs of interpreters, increasingly commands the attention of both groups, though it is hard to get past one's initial reac tion, favorable or not, to the accompanying displays of rhetorical plumage. In this essay I shall try to do just that, in the hope of seeing what the relativi ty of interpretation consists in and whether it need lead to the consequences that make some people pine for universal constraints and determinate meanings.
Characterization of tungsten silicide (WSix) film grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD)

The objective of this work is to evaluate a well-known low resistance refractory metal silicide such as tungsten silicide (WSi x ) for use as a gate electrode in order to achieve faster switching speed. However, the deposition of a WSi x film in high aspect ratio trenches is difficult in terms of step coverage as well as adhesion when using a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) technique. The deposition conditions need to be carefully tweaked to achieve satisfactory step coverage and film thickness. This paper focuses on the deposition conditions of WSi x films onto boron doped poly-Si gate material to achieve higher step coverage in the trenches.
Progesterone and duration of heat in estrogen-treated ovariectomized guinea pigs.

Abstract The influence of progesterone (P) on the duration of heat in ovariectomized female guinea pigs was investigated. Animals received either 0.4 mg of P or no hormone during an estrogen induced heat. Heat durations for the 2 groups were not significantly different although the maximum lordosis response obtained was significantly longer for the P treated group. It is suggested that, in the guinea pig, progesterone increases the vigor of the lordosis response, but is probably not involved in the termination of heat.
Multiple-estimate Monte Carlo calculation of the dose rate constant for a cesium-131 interstitial brachytherapy seed

The purpose of this study was to calculate a more accurate dose rate constant for the Cs-131 (model CS-1, IsoRay Medical, Inc., Richland, Washington) interstitial brachytherapy seed. Previous measurements of the dose rate constant for this seed have been reported by others with incongruity. Recent direct measurements by thermoluminescence dosimetry and by gamma-ray spectroscopy were about 15 percent greater than earlier thermoluminescence dosimetry measurements. Therefore, we set about to calculate independent values by a Monte Carlo approach that combined three estimates as a consistency check, and to quantify the computational uncertainty. The calculated dose rate constant for the Cs-131 seed was 1.040 cGy h^{-1} U^{-1} for an ionization chamber model and 1.032 cGy h^{-1} U^{-1} for a circular ring model. A formal value of 2.2% uncertainty was calculated for both values. The range of our multi-estimate values were from 1.032 cGy h^{-1} U^{-1} to 1.061 cGy h^{-1} U^{-1}. We also modeled three I-125 seeds with known dose rate constants to test the accuracy of this study's approach.
Estrous synchronization and fertility in gilts treated with estradiol-benzoate and prostaglandin F2α

Abstract Experiment 1 was designed to determine the amount of estradiol-benzoate (EB) and the number of days of EB treatment required to delay luteal regression for 20 days. Thirty-six gilts were injected with 5 or 10 mg of EB once daily on Days 14, 13 and 14 or 11 through 14 of the estrous cycle. Estrus occurred 2 to 3 days after EB treatment in six gilts in which EB treatment on Days 14 or 13 and 14 failed to prevent luteal regression. Luteal regression and the return to estrus were delayed in the other 30 gilts. Twenty-three gilts exhibited estrus 11 to 20 days after the last day of EB treatment. Only seven gilts had functional corpora lutea (CL) by 20 days after EB. The best response was in the group given 10 mg of EB daily on Days 11 through 14 in which 5 of 6 gilts had maintained CL. Experiment 2 was designed to evaluate fertility after EB and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatment. Twenty-eight gilts were given injections of 10 mg of EB on Days 10 through 14 of the cycle. The EB was followed by two injections, four hours apart, of 5 mg of PGF2α, 1, 5, 10 or 20 days after the end of EB treatment. Twenty-two gilts exhibited a synchronized estrus 4 to 6 days after PGF2α treatment. Twenty-one were inseminated twice during the 16 to 32 hr interval after the detection of estrus with 6×109 spermatozoa in the Beltsville L-1 extender. Seventeen gilts had normal appearing embryos at autopsy. A total of 118 ova (93.7% of the CL number) were collected from eight gilts on Days 4 to 6 of pregnancy, and 106 (89.9%) were fertilized and developing normally. Embryo recovery from nine gilts on Days 24 to 26 was 91.5% (118 embryos), and 98.4% of the embryos appeared to have been normal. These results show that estrous synchronization and conception can be obtained by PGF2α injections started 5 to 20 days after EB treatment.
Measurement of skewness and kurtosis for the generalized tukey lambda distributions

Generalizations of the symmetric Tukey lambda distributions to asymmetric random variables are considered. These distributions, defined via inverses F-1 of their distribution functions, yield simple algorithms useful in Monte Carlo studies and they are also useful in fitting data. Here a recently recommended measure of skewness is used to determine the skewness of such distributions. This skewness measure is also adapted to the measurement of the kurtosis of members of the symmetric class. Applciations to the simulation of symmetric long-tailed distributions and to the selection of appropriate members of the Tukey families as approximations are considered. Some insight into the interpretation of Monte Carlo studies of tests of normality is presented
Lung immune defences in the immunosuppressed patient

The respiratory tract is constantly exposed to environmental elements and potential pathogens on a daily basis during the obligatory process of breathing or through subclinical aspiration. To avoid infectious disease pathogenesis in the respiratory tract, a number of elegant, complex and interdependent systems of host defence mechanisms are in place to prevent microorganism colonization of the respiratory epithelium, promote efficient microbe elimination, and maintain sterility of the lower respiratory tract in the healthy host. The layers of host defencemechanisms include physical barriers and secreted chemical factors (operant immediately), innate immune system (operant within minutes to hours), and the adaptive immune system (operant within days). Disruption of any of these components of lung host defencemay lower critical threshold for microbial invasion and promote disease pathogenesis. Several acquired immunodeficiency states are associated with frequent and severe respiratory tract infections, and lung infectionswith opportunistic pathogens. This chapterwill review the components of lung host defences in health with particular focus on human data, and discuss perturbations of host defences associated with select specific immunodeficiency states that may promote susceptibility and contribute to pathogensis of respiratory tract infections.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation coregistered with MRI: a comparison of a guided versus blind stimulation technique and its effect on evoked compound muscle action potentials

Abstract Introduction and methods : Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are characterized by enormous variability, even when attempts are made to stimulate the same scalp location. This report describes the results of a comparison of the spatial errors in coil placement and resulting CMAP characteristics using a guided and blind TMS stimulation technique. The former uses a coregistration system, which displays the intersection of the peak TMS induced electric field with the cortical surface. The latter consists of the conventional placement of the TMS coil on the optimal scalp position for activation of the first dorsal interossei (FDI) muscle. Results : Guided stimulation resulted in significantly improved spatial precision for exciting the corticospinal projection to the FDI compared to blind stimulation. This improved precision of coil placement was associated with a significantly increased probability of eliciting FDI responses. Although these responses tended to have larger amplitudes and areas, the coefficient of variation between guided and blind stimulation induced CMAPs did not significantly differ. Conclusion : The results of this study demonstrate that guided stimulation improves the ability to precisely revisit previously stimulated cortical loci as well as increasing the probability of eliciting TMS induced CMAPs. Response variability, however, is due to factors other than coil placement.
Generalized hidden Markov models. I. Theoretical frameworks

In this paper, we present the theoretical framework for the generalization of classical hidden Markov models using fuzzy measures and fuzzy integrals. The main characteristic of the generalization is the relaxation of the usual additivity constraint of probability measures. Fuzzy integrals are defined with respect to fuzzy measures, whose key property is monotonicity with respect to set inclusion. This property is far weaker than the usual additivity property of probability measures. As a result of the new formulation, the statistical independence assumption of the classical hidden Markov models is relaxed. Two attractive properties of this generalization are: the generalized hidden Markov model reduces to the classical hidden Markov model if we used the Choquet fuzzy integral and probability measures; and the establishment of a relation between the generalized hidden Markov model and the classical nonstationary hidden Markov model in which the transitional parameters vary with time.
Cigarette smoking in obsessive-compulsive disorder and unaffected parents of OCD patients.

A B S T R A C T Background: Cigarette smoking is more prevalent among individuals with psychiatric disorders than the general population. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be an intriguing exception, although no recent study has investigated this hypothesis in OCD patients. Moreover, it is unknown whether reduced smoking rates are present in unaffected first-degree relatives of OCD patients. Methods: We assessed smoking prevalence in adults with OCD and unaffected parents of youth with OCD (PYOCD). To this end, 113 adults with OCD completed online questionnaires assessing symptom severity and smoking status. Smoking status was obtained from an independent sample of 210 PYOCD assessed for psychiatric diagnoses. Results: Smoking prevalence rates in adults with OCD (13.3%; n = 15) and PYOCD (9.5%; n = 20) samples were significantly lower than those found in representative samples of the general population (19–24%, all P < .001) and Axis I disorders (36–64%; all P < .001). There were no smokers in the adult OCD subset without clinically significant depressive symptoms (n = 54). Conclusion: Low prevalence of smoking in OCD may be familial and unique among psychiatric disorders, and might represent a possible state-independent OCD marker. Hypotheses concerning the uncharacteristically low prevalence rates are discussed with relation to OCD phenomenology and pathophysiology.
Rhabdomyolysis precipitated by possible interaction of ticagrelor with high-dose atorvastatin

Abstract Objective To report a case of rhabdomyolysis possibly caused by interaction of ticagrelor with high-dose atorvastatin. Summary A 62-year-old woman originally from India underwent uncomplicated percutaneous coronary intervention following ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient was discharged on a secondary prevention drug regimen that included ticagrelor 90mg twice daily, atorvastatin 80mg once daily, metoprolol 25mg twice daily, and aspirin 81mg daily. Two months later, the patient was readmitted with complaints of muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and poor oral intake. The patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis based on her symptoms combined with elevated creatine kinase, urine myoglobin, and serum creatinine. Intravenous fluids were initiated and atorvastatin held. Throughout the second hospital stay, serial laboratory values revealed a decrease in creatine kinase and resolution of acute kidney injury and muscle pain. The patient was discharged on aspirin and clopidogrel. Low-dose statin therapy was started at a follow-up appointment with close monitoring without recurrence of rhabdomyolysis. Results A drug interaction between the cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor ticagrelor and substrate atorvastatin 80mg may have precipitated development of rhabdomyolysis in this patient. The probability of this drug interaction is rated as "possible" on both the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale and the Drug Interaction Probability Scale. Conclusion Rhabdomyolysis was observed possibly because of a drug interaction between once-daily ticagrelor and atorvastatin 80mg. Clinicians need to be aware of this possible drug interaction via CYP3A4 and potential complications.
Ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors in pre-Bötzinger complex play a modulatory role in hypoxia-induced gasping in vivo

Activation of ionotropic excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC) not only influences the eupneic pattern of phrenic motor output but also modifies hypoxia-induced ...
Comparative study of human internal iliac artery based on Adachi classification.

This study is based upon a dissection of 167 pelvic halves of Caucasian bodies. The distribution of the four major types, as based upon the Adachi classification, corresponds closely to that of the Western populations. The composite group has a distribution almost identical with the Japanese population studied by Adachi. No instances of the rare Type V were encountered. One unusual specimen which we have designated as Type VI is described.
Declining Diversity in Natural and Restored Salt Marshes: A 30‐Year Study of Tijuana Estuary

Between 1974 and 2004, Tijuana Estuary’s natural salt marsh underwent pulse disturbance (an 8-month nontidal period in 1984), which caused the sudden loss of two short-lived halophytes (Salicornia bigelovii [Sb] and Suaeda esteroa [Se]) and rapid dominance of a productive native succulent (Sa. virginica [Sv]), plus ramp disturbance that led to gradual codominance by Jaumea carnosa (Jc) (another productive succulent) by 1994. Species richness was high in 1974 (4.2 species/0.25-m 2 plot), low in 1984 (1.4 species), and not fully recovered by 1994 (3.7 species) or 2004 (3.9 species). Restoration efforts (reseeding former habitat and excavating and planting new sites) did not recover the populations of Sb or Se. In a 1997 project, plantings of these and six other native halophytes survived initially, but by 2005, shortlived species were lost and Sv and Jc dominated, as in the natural marsh. In a 2000 restoration site, planting mortality was high for five species, but Sv recruited voluntarily and dominated by 2005. We attribute recent vegetation changes to frequent catastrophic storms, flooding, and sedimentation, which contrasted strongly with the benign conditions of decades prior to 1974. Sediment blocked tidal channels in 1984 and gradually elevated the marsh plain, degrading the diverse salt marsh and hindering efforts to restore it. Future restoration efforts will require even greater control over sediment inflows plus contouring sites to include natural topographic features that appear critical to sustaining high species richness and evenness.
Clara cell 10 kDa protein mRNA in normal and atypical regions of human respiratory epithelium

We used RNA-RNA in situ hybridization to study expression of the human CC10 gene in morphologically normal and atypical areas of 32 non-neoplastic lung specimens resected from 26 non-small cell lung cancer patients. We scored strong, moderate or weak levels of CC10 mRNA expression in 3 distinct lung compartments. In morphologically normal lungs, strong and moderate levels of CC10 mRNA were observed in bronchioli and bronchi, respectively, but the expression was rarely observed in the alveolar region. Distinct alterations in CC10 mRNA expression were noted in specific histologic abnormalities within bronchi and the alveolar region. CC10 hybridization signal decreased markedly in bronchi containing diffuse goblet cell hyperplasia or squamous metaplasia, while CC10 mRNA expression remained unchanged in bronchi with basal cell hyperplasia or focal goblet cell hyperplasia. Bronchiolar CC10 mRNA levels remained unchanged in sections containing abnormalities elsewhere. Interestingly, in alveoli with bronchiolization of the alveoli, high levels of CC10 mRNA were observed. These regions also contained strongly stained keratin 14-positive cells, which may indicate a concurrent metaplastic process. In lungs with morphologic atypias, no correlation was found between abnormalities detected in bronchi and alveoli from the same lung. A comparison of mRNA expression and clinicopathologic features demonstrated that the amount of histologic abnormalities increased with smoking history (pack years); however, no correlation between CC10 mRNA expression and sex, age or smoking history was found.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-Dependent Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 Expression in Macrophages: Role of TNF-α and the EP4 Prostanoid Receptor

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Thus, identifying targetable components of signaling pathways that regulate MMP-9 expression may have broad therapeutic implications. Our previous studies revealed a nexus between metalloproteinases and prostanoids whereby MMP-1 and MMP-3, commonly found in inflammatory and neoplastic foci, stimulate macrophage MMP-9 expression via the release of TNF-α and subsequent induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and PGE2 engagement of EP4 receptor. In the current study, we determined whether MMP-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression was coupled to the expression of prostaglandin E synthase family members. We found that MMP-1– and MMP-3–dependent release of TNF-α induced rapid and transient expression of early growth response protein 1 in macrophages followed by sustained elevation in microsomal prostaglandin synthase 1 (mPGES-1) expression. Metalloproteinase-induced PGE2 levels and MMP-9 expression were markedly attenuated in macrophages in which mPGES-1 was silenced, thereby identifying mPGES-1 as a therapeutic target in the regulation of MMP-9 expression. Finally, the induction of mPGES-1 was regulated, in part, through a positive feedback loop dependent on PGE2 binding to EP4. Thus, in addition to inhibiting macrophage MMP-9 expression, EP4 antagonists emerge as potential therapy to reduce mPGES-1 expression and PGE2 levels in inflammatory and neoplastic settings.
The new ornl multicharged ion research facility floating beamline

We report on the development and implementation of a new beam line at the ORNL Multicharged Ion Research Facility (MIRF) that is floatable at up to -12 kV and injected by a 10 GHz CAPRICE ECR ion source and is part of a major facility upgrade project. With the floating beam line operating at negative high voltage, and the ECR source at ground potential, intense DC beam deceleration into grounded experimental chambers to energies as low as a few eV/q is made possible. The primary application of these ion beams is to study fundamental collisional interactions of multicharged ions with electrons, atoms, and surfaces. Design details of the floating beam line, including source extraction, deceleration optics and voltage isolation will be presented. The novel features of a LABVIEW-based computer control system developed for the floating beam line will be described as well.
Detection and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Dyslipidemia

Evidence for a causative relationship between dyslipidemia in children and adolescents and the early lesions of atherosclerosis in young adults is strong and internally consistent. Youth affected with dyslipidemia include those with single gene disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and those with oligogenic disorders such as familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). In large populations of children followed up for several decades, the environmental and biologic contributions of elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and obesity to the dyslipidemic phenotype and early subclinical atherosclerosis are impressive. Universal screening will be required for optimal detection and treatment of dyslipidemia and youth at risk for early atherosclerosis. This chapter provides an in-depth clinical and metabolic paradigm where a spectrum of dyslipidemia can be dissected and treated.
Was the Cold War a Security Dilemma

Under the security dilemma, tensions and conflicts can arise between states even when they do not intend them. Some analysts have argued that the Cold War was a classic example of a security dilemma. This article disputes that notion. Although the Cold War contained elements of a deep security dilemma, it was not purely a case in which tensions and arms increased as each side defensively reacted to the other. The root of the conflict was a clash of social systems and of ideological preferences for ordering the world. Mutual security in those circumstances was largely unachievable. A true end to the Cold War was impossible until fundamental changes occurred in Soviet foreign policy.
Keystroke biometrics with number-pad input

Keystroke dynamics is the process of identifying individual users on the basis of their typing rhythms, which are in turn derived from the timestamps of key-press and key-release events in the keyboard. Many researchers have explored this domain, with mixed results, but few have examined the relatively impoverished territory of digits only, particularly when restricted to using a single finger - which might come into play on an automated teller machine, a mobile phone, a digital telephone dial, or a digital electronic security keypad at a building entrance. In this work, 28 users typed the same 10-digit number, using only the right-hand index finger. Employing statistical machine-learning techniques (random forest), we achieved an unweighted correct-detection rate of 99.97% with a corresponding false-alarm rate of 1.51%, using practiced 2-of-3 encore typing with outlier handling. This level of accuracy approaches sufficiency for two-factor authentication for passwords or PIN numbers.