cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Plant Diversity in Georgia and Texas Salt Marshes

A fundamental question in ecology is how biological interactions and biogeographic processes interact to determine the biodiversity of local sites. We quantified patterns of plant species diversity on transects across elevation at 59 salt marsh sites in Georgia and 49 sites in Texas. Although these regions have similar climates and floras, we anticipated that diversity might differ because of differences in tidal regime. Diversity was measured at global, regional, site, and plot scales to consider processes occurring at all levels. Species pools were similar between regions. Texas had greater diversity at the site and plot scales, suggesting that processes occurring at the site scale differed. The greater diversity of Texas sites and plots was associated with wider distributions of individual species across the marsh landscape and proportionally more middle marsh (a high diversity zone) and less low marsh (a low diversity zone) than in Georgia marshes. Preliminary data suggested that these differences were not due to differences in salinity regime or standing biomass between regions, leaving differences in tidal regime as the most plausible hypothesis accounting for differences in plant diversity. We speculate that the less-predictable tidal regime in Texas leads to temporal variation in abiotic conditions that limit the ability of any one species to competitively exclude others from particular marsh zones.
Relationships between stage of maturity of the corn plant at time of harvest for corn silage and chemical composition.

Abstract Two years of data on the effect of date of harvest of the corn plant for ensiling on its chemical composition showed date of harvest had no significant effect on percent crude protein or ether extract. However, in one year date of harvest was correlated with crude fiber (r 2 = 0.60) and nitrogen-free extract (r 2 = 0.68) and in both years with ash (r 2 = 0.65). In both years maximum yield of dry matter per hectare occurred at the time the plant contained 33% dry matter.
Why phonological constraints are so coarse-grained

Current models of speech perception are divided with regard to the status of ‘‘phonology’’, or general implicit knowledge of the sound patterns of a language. In the TRACE model (McClelland & Elman, 1986) the phonotactic and prosodic constraints of phonology are treated as epiphenomenal from regularities in the lexicon. In contrast, Norris (1994), Vitevich and Luce (1998) and Merge (Norris, McQueen, & Cutler, 2000) respond to a growing body of experimental literature indicating that low-level encoding of the speech signal (the level whose result is passed up to the lexicon for potential word matches) is sensitive to phonotactic and prosodic constraints. Here, I will explore the consequences of the assumption that the architecture of the speech perception system includes a fast phonological preprocessor (hereafter, an FPP) which uses languagespeci!c, but still general, prosodic and phonotactic patterns to chunk the speech stream on its way up to the lexical network. By integrating such information, the FPP imputes possible word boundaries to particular temporal locations in the speech signal. An important question is what types of phonological patterns are candidates for being encoded in the FPP: Can the processing system exploit any statistical regularities whatsoever in the shape of words? Does absolutely any structural description which is logically possible in phonology provide a usable constraint? I will explore the causes and consequences of one observation about this issue, namely that viable constraints are coarse-grained. Although the logical apparatus of phonological theory would make it possible to state extremely !ne-grained constraints (e.g., constraints containing complex and detailed combinations of features and structural positions), the constraints for which we now have linguistic or psycholinguistic evidence are considerably simpler.
Portfolio Optimization Applications of Stochastic Receding Horizon Control

This paper develops stochastic receding horizon control for constrained dynamic portfolio optimization problems. In particular, we formulate two portfolio optimization problems. The first is that of risk adjusted wealth maximization, while the second is the problem of optimally tracking an index of stocks with fewer stocks. We consider both of these problems subject to probabilistic chance constraints. By modeling the dynamics in the problems as linear systems subject to state and control multiplicative noise, and approximating linear chance constraints with quadratic expectation constraints, we show that both can be approached using stochastic receding horizon control. In particular, we use a closed loop version of stochastic receding horizon control where the on-line optimization is solved as a semi-definite program. Numerical examples demonstrate the computations involved in these problems and indicate that stochastic receding horizon control is a promising new approach to constrained portfolio optimization problems.
Bilateral Congenital Segmental Megaureter

Congenital segmental megaureter with sparing of the proximal and distal portions of the ureter is a rare condition, with only 1 previously reported case to our knowledge.' We report a case of bilateral segmental megaureter posing diagnostic and therapeutic problems. CASE REPORT A 12-yearsld boy was born with multiple congenital anomalies, including high anorectal agenesis, vertebral, sacral and urological anomalies, and malformations of the right upper extremity (VACTERL association). The nonurological malformations were treated surgically. The urological malformations consisted of marked dilatation of the right ureter with comparatively mild hydronephrosis, and a small left hydronephrotic kidney with poor excretion of contrast material, which contributed less than 10% to overall renal function. Voiding cystourethrography was refused by the parents. Consultant opinion was to follow the patient conservatively, since surgical correction of these urological malformations might carry too high a risk. The rare pyelonephritic attacks and frequent asymptomatic bacteriuria were medically treated. The child was referred to our hospital 11 years later for treatment of renal pathology. Creatinine was 135 pmo1.A. (normal less than 100) and endogenous creatinine clearance was 75.6 ml. per minute per 1.73 m? (normal greater than 80). All other kidney test values were in the normal range. On ultrasound the right kidney was 116 mm. long and the renal parenchyma was of nearly normal thickness with moderate hyperreflexia. The right renal pelvis and calices con
The Moderating Role of Developmental Microsystems in Selective Preventive Intervention Effects on Aggression and Victimization of Aggressive and Socially-Influential Students

Although ecology is often cited as an important factor in prevention, it is infrequently incorporated to the evaluation of intervention effects. This study tests the moderating role of three developmental microsystems (family, peer, and school) on a family-focused intervention to prevent violence. The family intervention was part of the Multisite Violence Prevention Project, a trial involving random assignment of 37 schools to four conditions: 1) a universal intervention composed of a student social-cognitive curriculum and teacher training, 2) a selective multiple family group intervention, 3) these two interventions combined, and 4) a no-intervention control condition. The present study focused on 1,113 eligible families from two cohorts. Students attending schools that were randomly assigned to the selective family intervention were compared with students in other conditions. Composite indicators of risk were formulated for each microsystem and entered as moderators of intervention effects on violence and aggression perpetration and overt and relational victimization. Results of intent-to-treat and dose-weighted analyses indicated that peer risk moderated outcomes, but family and school risk did not. Intervention effects were limited to youth with elevated peer risk at the outset of intervention. This pattern points to the importance of peer groups in the effects of family-focused interventions, particularly with high-risk early adolescent youth. More generally, the results illustrate the importance of mesosystems for understanding prevention effects.
Selective oxidation of styrene to acetophenone in the presence of ionic liquids

Palladium-catalyzed oxidation of styrene (Wacker reaction) in the presence of 1,3-dialkylimidazolium cation based ionic liquids is described under relatively benign conditions using hydrogen peroxide. The effects of various reaction parameters and a comparison of this approach with the corresponding reactions under pressurized conditions have been made.
Origin and Molecular Specification of Striatal Interneurons

The striatum, the largest component of the basal ganglia, contains projection neurons and interneurons. Whereas there is considerable agreement that the lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) is the origin of striatal projection neurons, less is known about the origin of striatal interneurons. Using focal injections of retrovirus into the ventral telencephalon in vitro , we demonstrate that most striatal interneurons tangentially migrate from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) or the adjacent preoptic/anterior entopeduncular areas (POa/AEP) and express the NKX2.1 homeodomain protein. Although the majority of striatal interneurons (cholinergic, calretinin + , and parvalbumin + ) maintain the expression of NKX2.1 into adulthood, most of the interneurons expressing somatostatin (SOM), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and neural nitric oxide synthase (NOS) appear to downregulate the expression of NKX2.1 as they exit the neuroepithelium. Analysis of striatal development in mice lacking Nkx2.1 suggests that this gene is required for the specification of nearly all striatal interneurons. Similar analysis of mice lacking the Mash1 basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) or both the Dlx1 and Dlx2 homeodomain transcription factors demonstrates that these genes are required for the differentiation of striatal interneurons. Mash1 mutants primarily have a reduction in early-born striatal interneurons, whereas Dlx1/2 mutants primarily have reduced numbers of late-born striatal interneurons. We also present evidence implicating the Lhx6 and Lhx7 LIM-homeobox genes in the development of distinct interneuron subtypes. Finally, we hypothesize that, within the MGE, radially migrating cells generally become projection neurons, whereas tangentially migrating cells mainly form interneurons of the striatum and cerebral cortex.
Associative learning is enhanced by selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and retarded by a nitric oxide donor in the rabbit.

Rationale: Previous studies had reported that the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), retarded and the non-specific NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), enhanced acquisition of classically conditioned responses (CRs). These effects of IV SNP and IP l-NAME on CR acquisition occurred in the absence of any effect on non-associative processes or performance variables and at a time when there were no alterations in blood pressure or heart rate. Objectives: In this study, we examined whether the changes in associative learning produced by l-NAME and SNP were due to their central effects on NO content of brain. To this end, we examined the effects of the selective neuronal NOS inhibitors 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) and AR-R 17477 and the effects of central (ICV) administration of the NO donor SNP on learning. Methods: Effects of drugs on CR acquisition were determined during classical conditioning of the rabbit's nictitating membrane (NM) response. Explicitly unpaired presentations of conditioned stimuli (CSs) and unconditioned stimuli (USs) were employed to measure non-associative levels of responding and unconditioned response (UR) topography. Results: The SC injection of 7-NI and AR-R 17477 significantly enhanced associative learning while ICV administration of SNP significantly retarded learning. Conclusion: Production of NO within the brain by neuronal NOS normally acts to retard associative learning presumably by decreasing excitability within neuronal circuits involved in the acquisition of the classically conditioned NM reflex.
War and Welfare Policy in Japan

L'A. examine les effets de la guerre sur le developpement de l'Etat-providence au Japon, l'objectif theorique etant d'evaluer les explications standards sur le developpement de l'Etat-providence. Il decrit comment des innovations institutionnelles pendant la deuxieme Guerre mondiale se sont revelees durables et ont servi de fondation pour l'Etat-providence japonais. Il suggere qu'en temps de guerre, entre autres facteurs, la necessite d'entretenir une armee saine et de pourvoir aux besoins des familles de soldats peut servir d'impulsion pour le developpement de l'assistance sociale. Au Japon, la guerre a favorise l'aide sociale durant une periode ou les forces sociales populaires etaient plus faibles que jamais. Elle a egalement incite l'establishment politique d'aller au-dela des normes culturelles traditionnelles qui, pendant longtemps, avaient bloque les initiatives sociales. Finalement, l'A. plaide pour un reexamen theorique de l'emergence de l'Etat-providence du point de vue de la comparaison internationale, considerant la guerre comme facteur incitatif au meme titre que l'industrialisation, la lutte des classes ou la culture.
Evidence supporting the importance of terrestrial carbon in a large-river food web.

Algal carbon has been increasingly recognized as the primary carbon source supporting large-river food webs; however, many of the studies that support this contention have focused on lotic main channels during low-flow periods. The flow variability and habitat- heterogeneity characteristic of these systems has the potential to significantly influence food web structure and must be integrated into models of large-river webs. We used stable-isotope analysis and IsoSource software to model terrestrial and algal sources of organic carbon supporting consumer taxa in the main channel and oxbow lakes of the Brazos River, Texas, USA, during a period of frequent hydrologic connectivity between these habitat types. Standardized sampling was conducted monthly to collect production sources and consumer species used in isotopic analysis. Predictability of hydrologic connections between habitat types was based on the previous 30 years of flow data. IsoSource mixing models identified terrestrial C3 macrophytes (riparian origin) as the primary carbon source supporting virtually all consumers in the main channel and most consumers in oxbow lakes. Small-bodied consumers (,100 mm) in oxbow lakes assimilated large fractions of algal carbon whereas this pattern was not apparent in the main channel. Estimates of detritivore trophic positions based on d 15 N values indicated that terrestrial material was likely assimilated via invertebrates rather than directly from detritus. High flows in the river channel influenced algal standing stock, and differences in the importance of terrestrial and algal production sources among consumers in channel vs. oxbow habitats were associated with patterns of flooding. The importance of terrestrial material contradicts the findings of recent studies of large-river food webs that have emphasized the importance of algal carbon and indicates that there can be significant spatial, temporal, and taxonomic variation in carbon sources supporting consumers in large rivers.
Prenatal Exposure to Estrogenic Compounds Alters the Expression Pattern of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors α and β in Neonatal Rat Testis: Identification of Gonocytes as Targets of Estrogen Exposure

We examined the effects of maternal exposure to estrogens on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor (PDGFR) expression in newborn rat testis. Pregnant rats were treated from gestation Day 14 to birth with corn oil containing diethylstilbestrol, bisphenol A, genistein, or coumestrol by gavage or subcutaneous injection. These treatments induced a dose-dependent increase in the expression of PDGFR a and b mRNAs, determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, though diethylstilbestrol had a biphasic effect on both mRNAs. In situ hybridization analysis showed that PDGFRa mRNA increased mostly in the interstitium, while PDGFRb mRNA increased both in the interstitium and seminiferous cords. Immunohistochemical studies of PDGFRa and b proteins revealed that both receptors were present in testis before and after birth and that they were upregulated upon treatment with estrogens in 3-day-old rats, with PDGFRb increasing dramatically in gonocytes. PDGFRa and b mRNAs and proteins were also found in purified gonocytes. Our previous finding that PDGF and 17b-estradiol induce gonocyte proliferation in vitro, together with the present finding that in vivo exposure to estrogens upregulates PDGF receptors in testis, suggest that PDGF pathway is a target of estrogens in testis. In addition, these data identify PDGFRb in gonocytes as a major target of gestational estrogen exposure, suggesting that estrogen may have a physiological interaction with PDGF during gonocyte development. These results, however, do not exclude the possibility that the effects of the compounds examined in this study might be due to estrogen receptor-independent action(s).
The road to launch and operations of the Spitzer Space Telescope

Spitzer Space Telescope, the fourth and final of NASA's Great Observatories, and the cornerstone to NASA's Origins Program, launched on 25 August 2003 into an Earth-trailing solar orbit to acquire infrared observations from space. Spitzer has an 85cm diameter beryllium telescope, which operates near absolute zero utilizing a liquid helium cryostat for cooling the telescope. The helium cryostat, though designed for a 2.5 year lifetime, through creative planning now has an expected lifetime of 5.5 years. Spitzer has completed its in-orbit checkout/science verification phases and the first two years of nominal operations, becoming the first mission to execute astronomical observations from a solar orbit. Spitzer was designed to probe and explore the universe in the infrared utilizing three state of the art detector arrays providing imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy over the 3-160 micron wavelength range...
Citrus Carotenoids. I. Comparison of Carotenoids of Mature‐Green and Yellow Lemons

SUMMARY —Lemons, both mature-green and yellow, yield a complex mixture of carotenoids. The lighter color of the pulp and flavedo of yellow lemons may be attributed to much lower concentrations of carotenoids than in oranges. A comparison of the pigment mixtures shows that, as the lemons ripen and coincident with the disappearance of chlorophyll, alpha-carotene disappears and zeta-carotene and an eta-carotene-like compound appear in both the pulp and peel. The eta-carotene-like compound has not been previously reported in citrus. Furthermore, small but significant amounts of beta-carotene 5,6-monoepoxide and its isomeric 5,8-epoxide, mutatochrome, are present in the pulp of yellow lemons.
Predictors of olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of and identify clinical characteristics associated with poor olfactory function in a large cohort of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Study Design: Multi-institutional, cross sectional analysis. Methods: An objective measure of olfactory dysfunction, the Smell Identification Test, demographic data, clinical factors, and comorbidity data were collected from a cohort of 367 patients who presented with CRS at three tertiary care centers. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Sixty-four percent of men and women aged 18 to 64 had olfactory dysfunction whereas 95% of patients older than or equal to 65 years had olfactory dysfunction (P < .001); no significant difference was noted by gender. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients with nasal polyposis [Odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–4.2, P = .003] and patients older than or equal to 65 years (OR 10.0, 95% CI 2.3–43.7, P = .002) were at increased risk of hyposmia. Patients with nasal polyposis (OR 13.2, 95% CI 5.7–30.7, P < .001), asthma (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.8–9.8, P = .001), older than or equal to 65 years (OR 15.6, 95% CI 2.3–104.9, P = .005), and smokers (OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.8–31.6, P = .005) were at increased risk of anosmia. Conclusions: Poor olfactory function is common in patients with CRS. Age, nasal polyposis, smoking, and asthma were significantly associated with olfactory dysfunction in patients with CRS. Neither prior endoscopic sinus surgery nor a history of allergic rhinitis was associated with olfactory dysfunction. Septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy were associated with normal olfactory function.
Examination of Cataloging Assessment Values Using the Q Sort Method

ABSTRACTThe intent of this project was to identify whether there is a gap between catalogers’ personal values related to cataloging assessment and their perceptions of their institutions’ values. This article uses Q methodology to contrast those perspectives. The Q-statements for this study were based on the discourse represented in a literature review of articles related to cataloging assessment. A factor analysis of Q-sorts was used to identify themes in participant perceptions. The patterns identified support the research question, while also suggesting that consensus may be built around the ideas of usability, service, and access.
The Accidental History of the Federal Securities and Banking Laws: A Review of Michael Perino's Hellhound of Wall Street: How Ferdinand Pecora's Investigation of the Great Crash Forever Changed American Finance

This essay reviews Perino's timely, well-written, and meticulously researched book on Ferdinand Pecora's 1933 investigative hearings into the malfeasance of Wall Street banks and securities dealers preceding the Great Crash. The essay, after summarizing Perino's main contributions, argues that the Pecora Commission enjoyed extraordinary measures of luck and casting that captured the attention of the American public in a way that the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, its 2008 successor, has failed to do. The essay argues that the unfavorable comparisons drawn between the FCIC and the Pecora Commission -- always to the former's detriment -- are too hard on the FCIC, too complimentary to Pecora. While Gibbon may be right that "the wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators," the fact remains that the Pecora Commission enjoyed a great deal more favorable wind and waves than the FCIC, at every juncture. The role of luck in the success of such Commissions can be easily forgotten, but shouldn't be if we are to take fullest advantage of value of Congressional inquiries in general, the FCIC in particular.
The contributions of cardiac myosin binding protein C and troponin I phosphorylation to β‐adrenergic enhancement of in vivo cardiac function

β-adrenergic stimulation increases cardiac myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) and troponin I phosphorylation to accelerate pressure development and relaxation in vivo, although their relative contributions remain unknown. Using a novel mouse model lacking protein kinase A-phosphorylatable troponin I (TnI) and MyBP-C, we examined in vivo haemodynamic function before and after infusion of the β-agonist dobutamine. Mice expressing phospho-ablated MyBP-C displayed cardiac hypertrophy and prevented full acceleration of pressure development and relaxation in response to dobutamine, whereas expression of phosphor-ablated TnI alone had little effect on the acceleration of contractile function in response to dobutamine. Our data demonstrate that MyBP-C phosphorylation is the principal mediator of the contractile response to increased β-agonist stimulation in vivo. These results help us understand why MyBP-C dephosphorylation in the failing heart contributes to contractile dysfunction and decreased adrenergic reserve in response to acute stress. β-adrenergic stimulation plays a critical role in accelerating ventricular contraction and speeding relaxation to match cardiac output to changing circulatory demands. Two key myofilaments proteins, troponin I (TnI) and myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C), are phosphorylated following β-adrenergic stimulation; however, their relative contributions to the enhancement of in vivo cardiac contractility are unknown. To examine the roles of TnI and MyBP-C phosphorylation in β-adrenergic-mediated enhancement of cardiac function, transgenic (TG) mice expressing non-phosphorylatable TnI protein kinase A (PKA) residues (i.e. serine to alanine substitution at Ser23/24; TnI(PKA-)) were bred with mice expressing non-phosphorylatable MyBP-C PKA residues (i.e. serine to alanine substitution at Ser273, Ser282 and Ser302; MyBPC(PKA-)) to generate a novel mouse model expressing non-phosphorylatable PKA residues in TnI and MyBP-C (DBL(PKA-)). MyBP-C dephosphorylation produced cardiac hypertrophy and increased wall thickness in MyBPC(PKA-) and DBL(PKA-) mice, and in vivo echocardiography and pressure-volume catheterization studies revealed impaired systolic function and prolonged diastolic relaxation compared to wild-type and TnI(PKA-) mice. Infusion of the β-agonist dobutamine resulted in accelerated rates of pressure development and relaxation in all mice; however, MyBPC(PKA-) and DBL(PKA-) mice displayed a blunted contractile response compared to wild-type and TnI(PKA-) mice. Furthermore, unanaesthesized MyBPC(PKA-) and DBL(PKA-) mice displayed depressed maximum systolic pressure in response to dobutamine as measured using implantable telemetry devices. Taken together, our data show that MyBP-C phosphorylation is a critical modulator of the in vivo acceleration of pressure development and relaxation as a result of enhanced β-adrenergic stimulation, and reduced MyBP-C phosphorylation may underlie depressed adrenergic reserve in heart failure.
Popular Culture in the Junior College Library

ABSTRACTPopular culture is extremely influential in both academe and society at large. However, formal disciplinary study of popular culture lags far behind that influence. Anthropology, film studies, history, musicology, and sociology are only some of the disciplines that frequently include popular culture as a research focus. This article advises on how to more actively include popular culture in an academic library's collection plan.
Towards Visual Intellectuality: The Mediawork Pamphlet Series (An Interview by Elizabeth Guffey and Raiford Guins, Part 1)

Peter Lunenfeld is a Professor in the Design | Media Arts department at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is well known for his edited collection, The Digital Dialectic: New Essays on N...
Purification and Some Properties of Alkaline Proteinase from Bacillus sp.

An alkaline proteinase produced by Bacillus sp. was purified and crystallyzed through isopropanol or ammonium sulfate precipitation, decolorization with DEAF-cellulose and gel filtration with Sephadex G-100. The optimum pH for caseinhydrolysis was 11.5 and the activity was completely inactivated after incubation with DFP. The specific activity on Hammersten casein was about 4, 500 units/mg enzyme protein. The enzyme also hydrolyzed synthetic ester substrate such as Ac-Tyr-OEt, Ac-Phe-OEt or Bz-Met-OMe. The isoelectric point was pH 10.7, and the molecular weight was estimated to be about 17, 500 by the sedimentation equilibrium method and 16, 000 by gel filtration method. Some physicochemical properties and the amino acid composition of the enzyme were investigated, indicating that the enzyme is distinguishable from alkaline proteinase of Bacillus species so far reported.
Imaging Signs in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Prevalence and Relationship to CSF Pressure.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension often exhibit low CSF pressure and changes on brain MR imaging and/or evidence of CSF leak on myelography. We investigated whether individual imaging signs of spontaneous intracranial hypotension correlate with measured CSF pressure and how frequently these 2 markers of spontaneous intracranial hypotension were concordant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 99 subjects with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Prevalence of brain and myelographic imaging signs of spontaneous intracranial hypotension was recorded. CSF pressure among subjects with or without individual imaging signs was compared by using a 2-tailed t test and ANOVA. Concordance between low CSF pressure (≤6 cm H 2 O) and imaging was defined as the presence of the sign in a subject with low CSF pressure or absence of the sign when pressure was not low. RESULTS: Dural enhancement, brain sagging, and venous distension sign were present in 83%, 61%, and 75% of subjects, respectively, and myelographic evidence of CSF leak was seen in 55%. Marginal correlations between CSF pressure and brain sagging ( P = .046) and the venous distension sign ( P = .047) were found. Dural enhancement and myelographic evidence of leak were not significantly correlated with CSF pressure. Rates of concordance between imaging signs and low CSF pressure were generally low, ranging from 39% to 55%. CONCLUSIONS: Brain and myelographic signs of spontaneous intracranial hypotension correlate poorly with CSF pressure. These findings reinforce the need to base the diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension on multiple diagnostic criteria and suggest the presence of patient-specific variables that influence CSF pressure in these individuals.
The impact of peak-and-hold and reverse current solenoid driving strategies on the dynamic performance of commercial cartridge valves in a digital pump/motor

AbstractValve dynamics play an important role in existing fluid power systems and are key enablers to a wide range of digital hydraulic systems. Varying the electrical input signal to the solenoids is used to improve the dynamic performance and response times of on–off valves by reducing the eddy currents and coil inductance. This work examines the effects of the peak-and-hold and reverse current driving strategies on the performance of two commercially available direct actuated valves, and the resulting impact on the efficiency of a digital pump/motor. An electric circuit was designed to execute the driving strategies and a single valve hydraulic test stand was assembled to perform the valve timing studies. The differential pressure across the valves was found by installing the valves between two high frequency pressure transducers, allowing the calculation of the transition and delay time of the valves. The durations of the peak and reverse voltage signals were varied over a range of 0–10 ms with a 1 ms...
Weeds Making Waves

![Figure][1] CREDIT: PETER AND MARIA HOEY/WWW.PETERHOEY.COM Phragmites australis is an aggressive, invasive weed that cannot be purged. It grows 6 meters tall and pushes out many wetland species. We have tried to cut it, poison it, burn it, bury it, till it, and drown it, and yet its tufted heads still sway in the wind. Many a scientist has tried to figure out how to deal with this invasive species, and each has met with frustration. Middle-school teacher John Reynolds tried a different strategy: Instead of eradicating the invasive weed, he used it to build a boat. For three months, John harvested the two-story-tall reedy weeds and lashed them together according to his own design. When he finished, I received an e-mail. “We'll launch this afternoon if you're ready.” In February? In Massachusetts? My blood chilled instantly. But I had to see if it floated. I donned my waders to protect myself against the 37° Atlantic water. John and some of his students were in wetsuits ready to jump in. The boat was twice as long as the truck bed and had a curved bow like a Polynesian reed boat. I thought both the boat and my friend's willingness to jump in the water were crazy. But it floated. Even when three people piled on it. It was still floating 2 hours later when the sun inched down the horizon. A seaworthy boat made out of weeds. Science relies on ingenuity. While converting a two-story weed into boats may not be the most effective management strategy for Phragmites , it's certainly an idea that's worth floating. [1]: pending:yes
Outcomes of Head Cooling for Neonatal Encephalopathy

The role of possible clinical factors that might influence the efficacy of treatment with delayed head cooling and mild systemic hypothermia for neonatal encephalopathy was determined in a total of 218 term infants treated at University College, London, UK; University of Auckland, New Zealand; and other centers in the UK, USA, and Canada.
Lash's - a bitter medicine: biochemical analysis of an historical proprietary medicine.

Patent medicines were widely used during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Bitters were one important subtype of patent medicines that were typically made from extracts of bitter tasting herbs. Lash’s Bitters was a popular patent medicine that was advertised as an extract of the bark of the buckthorn tree, Rhamnus purshiana, and was sold as a laxative. Analysis of the contents of an undisturbed bottle of Lash's Bitters, ca. 1918, revealed an ethanol content of 19.2% by volume as well as trace amounts of methanol. Potentially toxic concentrations of lead, 295 mg/dl, were also found. Interestingly, the medicine contained none of the active ingredient found in Rhamnus purshiana.
Ritanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, increases subcortical blood flow following photothrombotic middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

AbstractIt has been proposed that the reversal of serotonin-mediated vasoconstriction accounts for the neuroprotective effect of serotonin (5-HT2) receptor blockade in focal cerebral ischemia. We investigated the effect ofpretreatment with ritanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, on cerebral blood flow in a model of photothrombotic middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Local cerebral blood flow was measured by iodoantipyrine autoradiography 30 minutes after induction of ischemia. Using a novel image-alignment algorithm, 3-dimensional reconstructions of averaged cerebral blood flow were calculated. The differenceimage of local cerebral blood flow between ritanserin and vehicle-treated animals revealed a subcortical zone underlying the ischemic cortex where cerebral blood flow was markedly enhanced indicating a beneficial hemodynamic effect of ritanserin. Three-dimensional image analysis provides a powerful tool to detect inter-group differences of cerebral blood flow which are underestimated by convent...
Case Against Routine 2-Stage Cystectomy for Carcinoma of the Bladder

AbstractA total of 25 patients with carcinoma of the bladder was subjected to urinary diversion, staged irradiation and total cystectomy. Of these 25 patients 1 died after cystectomy, for a mortality rate of 4 percent. Complications occurred in 60 percent of the patients. The projected 5-year survival rate is 49 percent. We conclude that this protocol offers no advantages over radiation followed by cystectomy and diversion, and we believe that the procedure is unwarranted except in individualized instances.
The Metaphysics of Value: On Second-Order Objectivity

As in Hegel’s exposition of ‘the concept’, so too in Marx’s analysis of the value-form, it is ‘the universal’ which is substantial and ‘particulars’ which are its accidents. It should, however, be abundantly clear from the foregoing that this formulation loses all its idealist force with the restriction of its scope to just ‘particulars’ (in the sense specified above) placed within the value-relation. We have seen that for any given specimens of some sort of product their universal value-character remains latent and indeed indefinite - so to say, ‘imputed’ - until such time as those specimens are sold: at which point, this latent universality of commodities is ‘realized’. Note that this implies that particular products only definitively exist as values, hence as commodities, precisely in the moment of their ceasing-to-exist as values - which by no means, however, entails their ceasing to exist altogether.
Collaboratively designed practice guidelines promote appropriate use of intravenous proton pump inhibitors

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of practice guidelines for proton pump inhibitor use at an academic medical center. Methods: Patients initiated on intravenous (IV) pantoprazole therapy between July 2001 and May 2002 were evaluated prospectively for appropriateness of therapy. Pharmacists assessed clinical use, dosing strategy, administration route, and prescribing patterns. Results: A total of 85 patients were evaluated. Only 25% of the patients were prescribed IV pantoprazole according to established institutional guidelines. The majority of therapy meeting guideline criteria were initiated on pantoprazole by the Gastroenterology service. Due to overuse of pantoprazole, prescribing guidelines were revised to specify indications with proven efficacy (erosive GERD, Zollinger-Ellison or other hypersecretory conditions, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding). Patients who received pantoprazole for stress ulcer prophylaxis, an unapproved indication, had therapy automatically switched to a histamine receptor antagonist. For patients who tolerated oral medications or enteral feedings, therapy was automatically converted to the oral dosage form. Conclusions: Evaluation of institutional pantoprazole utilization revealed usage extending beyond indications with proven efficacy. Pharmacists and physicians collaboratively developed evidence-based practice guidelines; adherence to appropriate indications showed a 50% improvement.
Roles for Pharmacy Technicians in Medication Reconciliation During Transitions of Care

Objective: To provide an overview of medication reconciliation and to identify opportunities for pharmacy technicians to help improve patient safety and quality of care. Data Sources: Articles were identified through searches conducted in May 2016 by means of MEDLINE/PubMed (2000-2016) using search terms designed to identify English-language articles describing the role of the pharmacy technician, medication reconciliation, and transitions of care. Additionally, resources on medication reconciliation were used from The Joint Commission, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, American Pharmacists Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles describing the role of the pharmacy technician, medication reconciliation, and transitions of care. Data Synthesis: Pharmacy technicians can help pharmacists perform medication reconciliation by taking on 3 specific roles in the process: obtaining preadmission...
Boys with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits: Neural response to reward and punishment and associations with treatment response.

Abstract Abnormalities in reward and punishment processing are implicated in the development of conduct problems (CP), particularly among youth with callous-unemotional (CU) traits. However, no studies have examined whether CP children with high versus low CU traits exhibit differences in the neural response to reward and punishment. A clinic-referred sample of CP boys with high versus low CU traits (ages 8–11; n = 37) and healthy controls (HC; n = 27) completed a fMRI task assessing reward and punishment processing. CP boys also completed a randomized control trial examining the effectiveness of an empirically-supported intervention (i.e., Stop-Now-And-Plan; SNAP). Primary analyses examined pre-treatment differences in neural activation to reward and punishment, and exploratory analyses assessed whether these differences predicted treatment outcome. Results demonstrated associations between CP and reduced amygdala activation to punishment independent of age, race, IQ and co-occurring ADHD and internalizing symptoms. CU traits were not associated with reward or punishment processing after accounting for covariates and no differences were found between CP boys with high versus low CU traits. While boys assigned to SNAP showed a greater reduction in CP, differences in neural activation were not associated with treatment response. Findings suggest that reduced sensitivity to punishment is associated with early-onset CP in boys regardless of the level of CU traits.
Simheuristic of patient scheduling using a table-experiment approach: simio and matlab integration application

This paper focuses on optimizing patient scheduling at a breast cancer center for two types of patients: follow up and consult patients. Follow up and consult patients have different service times and follow different care pathways. The objective of this paper is to sequence the patients such that minimum average flow time is achieved for each patient type. A simheuristic framework is developed by integrating MATLAB, Simio, and Excel. Unlike existing simulation-optimization (SO) approaches that target the simulation model controls, this framework tries to optimize a data table in the simulation environment. This simulation evaluation (SE) approach could iteratively input patients arrival table into the simulation model, and obtains the expected performance of the system as a reference to generate the next solution. The obtained results from this framework are further analyzed by comparing five heuristic appointment scheduling methods.
Stochastic nonlinear inversion of seismic data for the estimation of petroelastic properties using the ensemble smoother and data reparameterization

ABSTRACTWe have developed a new stochastic nonlinear inversion method for seismic reservoir characterization studies to jointly estimate elastic and petrophysical properties and to quantify their u...
Finitary-based Domain Theory in Coq: An Early Report.

In domain theory every finite computable object can be represented by a single mathematical object instead of a set of objects, using the notion of finitary-basis. In this article we report on our effort to formalize domain theory in Coq in terms of finitary-basis.
Do women know whether their hospital is Catholic? Results from a national survey.

Abstract Objectives Catholic healthcare limits access to common reproductive care. We assessed what percentage of US women seeking care at Catholic hospitals are aware of their hospital's religious affiliation and identified variables associated with correct identification. Study design We conducted a national survey of women ages 18–45 (response rate 50%). The survey asked participants what hospital they would go to for reproductive care and what the religious affiliation of that hospital was. We verified responses as correct or incorrect against a known Catholic hospital list. We used bivariate analysis and logistic regressions to evaluate factors associated with correct identification. Results Sixteen percent of women reported a Catholic hospital as their primary hospital for reproductive care. Among women whose primary hospital was Catholic, 63% [95% confidence interval (CI): 54.5–70.7] correctly identified this, compared to 93% who correctly identified their hospital as non-Catholic (95% CI 91.4 - 95.0). Two thirds of respondents who misidentified their Catholic hospital's affiliation reported that their hospital was secular (66%), and 48% of those women felt sure or very sure of their incorrect response. Factors associated with correctly identifying Catholic hospitals included hospital with a religious-sounding name [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.80; 95% CI: 1.07–7.34], respondent older age (aOR=3.77; 95% CI: 1.35–10.56), metropolitan residence (aOR=3.35; 95% CI: 1.01–11.10) and income over $100,000 (aOR 4.95; 95% CI 1.35 - 18.17). Conclusion Over one third of US women who named a Catholic hospital as their primary hospital for reproductive care are unaware it is Catholic. Women are more likely to correctly identify a hospital as Catholic when that hospital has a religious sounding name. Implications Patients need accurate information in order to make decisions about where to seek reproductive healthcare. Our results suggest that women are often unaware of their hospital's religious affiliation. Efforts are needed to increase hospital transparency and patient awareness of the implications that arise when healthcare is restricted by religion.
Working memory capacity predicts search accuracy for novel as well as repeated targets

ABSTRACTVisual search behaviour is guided by mental representations of targets that direct attention toward relevant features in the environment. Electrophysiological data suggests these target templates are maintained by visual working memory during search for novel targets and rapidly transfer to long term memory with target repetition. If this account is correct, an individual’s working memory capacity should be more predictive of search performance for novel targets than repeated targets. Across six experiments, we tested this hypothesis using both single (Experiments 5 and 6) and multiple (Experiments 1–4) target search tasks with three different types of stimuli (real world objects, letters, and triple conjunction shapes). Each target set was repeated for six consecutive trials. In addition, we estimated visual working memory capacity using a change detection working memory task. Overall, working memory capacity did not predict response time or efficiency in the visual search task. However, working ...
DNA and Gene Amplification

Double minutes (DMs) and homogeneously stained regions (HSRs) provide good examples of phenomena that were originally regarded as cytological oddities but have turned out to be expressions of a fundamental process, called DNA or gene amplification. They arise almost exclusively in transformed and malignant cells. DMs were first described in the 1960s. They occur in most types of solid tumors and many leukemias (Chapter 27). (1976) first described HSRs in human neuroblastoma cell lines and methotrexate-resistant hamster cell lines. HSRs are rare in human tumors but more common in cultured tumor cell lines (Benner et al., 1991).
High-performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of glycyl di- and tripeptides on native cyclodextrin bonded phases: Mechanistic considerations

Abstract Di- and tripeptides containing at least one glycine moiety were separated into enantiomers on χ-, β- and γ-cyclodextrin bonded phases after their precolumn derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl). It is shown that the choice of a suitable cyclodextrin bonded phase used with a nonaqueous polar mobile phase offers a wide range of possibilities to optimize enantioselectivity. Use of the FMOC derivative greatly enhances sensitivity, stability and enantioselectivity. It is postulated that under reversed-phase conditions the inclusion complex formation between the hydrophobic aromatic part of the FMOC-functionalized peptides and non-polar cyclodextrin cavity interior is the major factor contributing to retention. However, under these conditions there seems to be insufficient interaction between the hydrophilic peptide chain and cyclodextrin hydroxyls. Hence no chiral recognition and enantiomeric separation is observed. In systems operating with polar organic mobile phases the inclusion complex is suppressed as the cyclodextrin cavity is largely occupied by the mobile phase. The enantioselectivity observed is caused by hydrogen bonding between peptide chain and the hydroxyl groups at the mouth of the cyclodextrin. The stereospecific interactions depend very strongly on the cyclodextrin size, the length of the peptide chain and the mobile phase composition.
How Plants and Synthetic Biology Could Help Us Fight Diabetes.

Plants produce a plethora of natural products that function as defensive compounds and are frequently used by humans for medicinal purposes. A majority of these natural products, however, are either found in low concentrations, in slow-growing plants, or are highly organ specific. Paclitaxel (Taxol