cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sentinel Node Approach in Gynecologic Cancer on Training Needs.

Abstract Study Objective We sought to estimate the impact of sentinel nodes in gynecologic oncology on fellowship training and discuss potential solutions. Design Retrospective multi-institution cohort (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Three tertiary cancer referral cancer centers. Patients Patients with endometrial and vulvar cancer undergoing lymph node evaluation. Interventions Patient history and fellow case volumes were evaluated retrospectively for type of lymph node assessment. Measurements and Main Results Minimally invasive endometrial cancer and vulvar cancer fellow case volumes in 3 large institutions were reviewed and average annual volumes calculated for each clinical gynecologic oncology fellow. For vulvar cancer, probabilities of sentinel lymph node mapping and laterality of lesions were estimated from the literature. For endometrial cancer, estimates of lymphadenectomy rates were determined using probabilities calculated from our historic database and from review of the literature. Modeling the approaches to lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer (full, selective, and sentinel), 100% versus 68% versus 24%, respectively, of patients would require complete pelvic lymphadenectomy and 100% versus 34% versus 12% would require para-aortic lymphadenectomy. In vulvar cancer, rates of inguinal femoral lymphadenectomy are expected to drop from 81% of unilateral groins to only 12% of groins. Conclusions Sentinel lymph node biopsy for endometrial and vulvar cancer will play an increasing role in practice, and coincident with this will be a dramatic decrease in pelvic, para-aortic, and inguinal femoral lymphadenectomies. The declining numbers will require new strategies to maintain competency in our specialty. New approaches to surgical training and continued medical education will be necessary to ensure adequate training for fellows and young faculty across gynecologic surgery.
Oxidation and wetting behavior of chalcopyrite in the absence and presence of xanthates

The mechanisms of chalcopyrite oxidation in alkaline solutions have been studied using cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy techniques. The cyclic voltammetry was used to elucidate oxidation/reduction reactions, whereas impedance spectroscopy was used for in-situ characterization of the interface. To analyze the impedance spectra, equivalent circuit models were constructed based on a layer-wise growth of reaction products. Parameters of the equivalent circuit were calculated by comparing the experimental spectrum with that expected on the basis of equivalent circuit. From the value of equivalent circuit parameters, properties of the surface layers were inferred. These properties change substantially with the change in oxygen and/or collector concentration in solution. From such changes the effect of oxygen and collector concentration on the contact angle and flotation behavior of chalcopyrite were interpreted.
Divide-and-choose with nonmonotonic preferences

I consider the divide-and-choose method for allocating fixed quantities of infinitely divisible commodities among two agents when their preferences are commonly known but need not be monotonic. First, I show that with single-dipped preferences, the outcome may not be envy-free (or efficient). Also, it may be advantageous to be the chooser rather than the divider. I then show that if preferences are single-peaked, the divide-and-choose outcome is envy-free. This establishes a significantly weaker sufficient condition for no-envy than monotonicity. Moreover, it shows that it is not the lack of monotonicity per se that may cause the divide-and-choose outcome to be envious but rather a particular type.
Genome-Wide Discovery of DEAD-Box RNA Helicase Targets Reveals RNA Structural Remodeling in Transcription Termination

RNA helicases are a class of enzymes that unwind RNA duplexes in vitro but whose cellular functions are largely enigmatic. Here, we provide evidence that the DEAD-box protein Dbp2 remodels RNA-protein complex (RNP) structure to facilitate efficient termination of transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via the Nrd1-Nab3-Sen1 (NNS) complex. First, we find that loss of DBP2 results in RNA polymerase II accumulation at the 3' ends of small nucleolar RNAs and a subset of mRNAs. In addition, Dbp2 associates with RNA sequence motifs and regions bound by Nrd1 and can promote its recruitment to NNS-targeted regions. Using Structure-seq, we find altered RNA/RNP structures in dbp2∆ cells that correlate with inefficient termination. We also show a positive correlation between the stability of structures in the 3' ends and a requirement for Dbp2 in termination. Taken together, these studies provide a role for RNA remodeling by Dbp2 and further suggests a mechanism whereby RNA structure is exploited for gene regulation.
Comparative Effectiveness of Behavioral Interventions on Quality of Life for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Recommendations to engage in behavioral strategies to combat clinically significant cognitive and behavioral symptoms are routinely given to persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The comparative effectiveness of these behavioral interventions is not well understood. Objective To compare the incremental effects of combinations of 5 behavioral interventions on outcomes of highest importance to patients with MCI. Design, Setting, and Participants In this multisite, cluster randomized, multicomponent comparative effectiveness trial, 272 patients from 4 academic medical outpatient centers (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona; Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida; and University of Washington, Seattle) were recruited from September 1, 2014, to August 31, 2016, with last follow-up March 31, 2019. All participants met the National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer’s Association criteria for MCI. Interventions The intervention program was modeled on the Mayo Clinic Healthy Action to Benefit Independence and Thinking (HABIT) program, a 50-hour group intervention conducted during 2 weeks, including memory compensation training, computerized cognitive training, yoga, patient and partner support groups, and wellness education. In our study, 1 of 5 interventions was randomly selected to be withheld for each intervention group. Participants and their partners had 1-day booster sessions at 6 and 12 months after intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures Quality-of-life measurement of participants with MCI at 12 months was the primary outcome, selected based on the preference rankings of previous program participants. Mood, self-efficacy, and memory-based activities of daily living were also highly ranked. Results A total of 272 participants (mean [SD] age, 75 [8] years; 160 [58.8%] male and 112 [41.2%] female) were enrolled in this study, with 56 randomized to the no yoga group, 54 to no computerized cognitive training, 52 to no wellness, 53 to no support, and 57 to no memory support system. The greatest effect size for quality of life was between the no computerized cognitive training and no wellness education groups at 0.34 (95% CI, 0.05-0.64). In secondary analyses, wellness education had a greater effect on mood than computerized cognitive training (effect size, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.21-0.86), and yoga had a greater effect on memory-related activities of daily living than support groups (effect size, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.13-0.72). Conclusions and Relevance These results provide further support for behavioral interventions for persons with MCI. Different outcomes were optimized by different combinations of interventions. These findings provide an initial exploration of the effect of behavioral interventions on patient-advocated outcomes in persons with MCI. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT02265757
Self-Similarity, Leaf Litter Traits, and Neighborhood Predicting Fine Root Dynamics in a Common-Garden Forest

While individual tree genotypes are known to differ in their impacts on local soil development, the spatial genetic influence of surrounding neighboring trees is largely unknown. We examine the hypothesis that fine root dynamics of a focal tree is based on the genetics of the focal tree as well as the genetics of neighbor trees that together define litter inputs to soils of the focal tree. We used a common garden environment with clonal replicates of individual tree genotypes to analyze fine root production, turnover and allocation with respect to modeled neighborhood: 1) foliar mass, 2) foliar condensed tannins (CT), 3) genetic identity of trees, and 4) genetic dissimilarity of neighbors. In support of our central hypothesis, we found that the presence of genetically dissimilar trees and high leaf CT contributions to the soil predicted increased fine root production. In fact, the modeled effects of neighbors accounted for ~90% of the explanatory weight of all models predicting root production. Nevertheless, the ultimate fate of those roots in soil (turnover) and the balance of fine roots relative to aboveground tree mass were still more predictable based on the genetics of the individual focal trees (explaining 99% of the variation accounted for by models). Our data provide support for a method allowing a comparison of the relative effects of individuals versus spatial neighborhood effects on soils in a genetic context. Such comparisons are important for placing plant-soil feedbacks in a genetic and evolutionary framework since neighbors can decouple feedbacks between an individual and the surrounding environment.
The Challenges of Parameterizing Direct Effects in Individual-Level Simulation Models:

Individual-level simulation models are used to assess the effects of health interventions in complex settings. However, estimating valid causal effects using these models requires correct parametrization of the relationships between time-varying treatments, outcomes, and other variables in the causal structure. To parameterize these relationships, individual-level simulation models typically need estimates of the direct effects of treatment. However, direct effects of treatment are often not well- defined and therefore cannot be validly estimated from any data. In this paper, we explain the causal meaning of the parameters of individual-level simulation models as direct effects, describe why direct effects may be difficult to define unambiguously in some settings, and conclude with some suggestions for the design of individual-level simulation models in those settings.
Trieste and Louis Adamic’s Transnational Identities

Clanek s pomocjo prizadevanj slovenskega priseljenca v Združene države in svetovno znanega pisatelja Louisa Adamica, da bi krmaril med svojima dvema identitetama, jugoslovansko in amerisko, kaže, kaj v praksi pomeni transnacionalna identiteta. Na podlagi Adamicevih splosnih zapisov o Trstu in Italiji osvetljuje njegov prehod od vodje diaspore med drugo svetovno vojno do antikolonialista v letih 1946–1951. Analiza Adamiceve aktivisticne drže do Trsta omogoca lažje razumevanje transnacionalizma onkraj posameznikovega cezmejnega premika oziroma posameznikove trenutne identitetne opredelitve. Adamiceva prizadevanja, da bi vlado ZDA preprical o nujnosti jugoslovanskega nadzora Trsta, omogocajo vpogled v delovanje transnacionalizma kot identitete v gibanju.
Reply re: "Utilizing 3D-Printed Orbital Floor Stamps to Create Patient-Specific Implants for Orbital Floor Reconstruction".

Purpose This study seeks to test a novel technique of custom-printed midface contour models with orbital floor "stamps" to guide reconstruction of orbital floor blowout fractures, with or without concomitant zygomaticomaxillary complex injury. Methods A series of 4 consecutive patients with orbital floor blowout fractures (including 3 with zygomatic maxillary complex fractures) were retrospectively examined for outcomes associated with orbital floor reconstruction using 3-dimensional-printed stamps and midface models. Data collected included demographics, pre- and postoperative visual globe malposition, motility, and visual field disturbances. Three-dimensional printing methodology is reported, as well as associated costs and time required to generate the models and stamps. Results The cost of producing a midface-contour model and orbital floor stamps was $131, inclusive of labor and materials. Cases averaged 170 minutes to segment, design, and print. Patients with preoperative diplopia and motility restrictions had resolution of their symptoms. Two patients had resolution of their enophthalmos, while one patient with a concomitant zygomaticomaxillary fracture had persistent mild enophthalmos. Conclusions Midface contour models and orbital floor stamps may be produced in a timely and cost-effective manner. Use of these "homemade" stamps allows for patient-specific custom-contoured orbital floor reconstruction. Further studies are warranted to examine long-term visual and esthetic outcomes for these patients.
Collaborative Distribution System Restoration Planning and Real-Time Dispatch Considering Behind-the-Meter DERS

Modern distribution systems are becoming more resilient against power outages thanks to the flexible generation capacity provided by the increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). Compared to utility-scale DERs, which can be directly controlled by system operators, small-scale, behind-the-meter DERs are much more difficult to coordinate despite being the vast majority. Two major obstacles to the implementation of DERs for service restoration are the coordination of behind-the-meter DERs and the management of uncertainty. In this paper, a novel distribution system restoration strategy is proposed to overcome these two obstacles. The flexibility of behind-the-meter DERs is quantified and integrated into the restoration planning models within a hierarchical structure. The model predictive control technique is employed to enable adaptive restoration planning solution adjustments to accommodate fault scenarios and forecast errors. Besides, real-time power dispatch models are proposed to maintain power balance using available DER capability. Comprehensive integration of adaptive restoration planning schemes and real-time dispatch results are achieved through a collaborative restoration framework. The effectiveness of the proposed restoration strategy is verified through a modified IEEE 123-bus system and a real-world utility system.
The economic history of economic history: the evolution of a field in economics

Abstract Like other academic disciplines, economics divides into fields. This chapter sketches the evolution of the field of economic history within economics departments in the United States from the early twentieth century to the present. Economic history is different from other fields of economics in that the subject matter is shared with another academic discipline, history. Initially, scholarly practice in economic history were similar in economics and history departments but over time, the practice of economic history in economics departments has converged to that of other empirical fields in economics. While integration has brought tangible benefits for individual scholars, there are costs, such as the loss of a generalist perspective (the “big picture”) and lack of communication with economic historians in history departments and related disciplines.
What Determines Paternity in Wild Lizards? A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Behavior and Morphology

Mating behavior in animals can be understood as a sequence of events that begins with individuals encountering one another and ends with the production of offspring. Behavioral descriptions of animal interactions characterize early elements of this sequence, and genetic descriptions use offspring parentage to characterize the final outcome, with behavioral and physiological assessments of mates and mechanisms of copulation and fertilization comprising intermediate steps. However, behavioral and genetic descriptions of mating systems are often inconsistent with one another, complicating expectations for crucial aspects of mating biology, such as the presence of multiple mating. Here, we use behavioral and genetic data from a wild population of the lizard Anolis cristatellus to characterize female multiple mating and the potential for sexual selection through female mate choice in this species. We find that 48% of sampled females bore offspring sired by multiple males. Moreover, spatiotemporal proximity between males and females was associated with whether a male sired a female's offspring, and if yes, how many offspring he sired. Additionally, male body size, but not display behavior, was associated with reproductive outcomes for male-female pairs. While much remains to be learned about the mechanisms of mating and targets of sexual selection in A. cristatellus, it is clear that female multiple mating is a substantial component of this species' mating system in nature.
Cervical Endocrine Surgery With a Novel Opioid-Limited Perioperative Protocol.

BackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated that patients undergoing cervical endocrine surgery could be comfortably discharged with minimal opioid analgesia. However, no study to date has examined ...
LincRNA-Cox2 functions to regulate inflammation in alveolar macrophages during acute lung injury

The respiratory system exists at the interface between our body and the surrounding non-sterile environment; therefore, it is critical for a state of homeostasis to be maintained through a balance of pro- and anti- inflammatory cues. An appropriate inflammatory response is vital for combating pathogens, while an excessive or uncontrolled inflammatory response can lead to the development of chronic diseases. Recent studies show that actively transcribed noncoding regions of the genome are emerging as key regulators of biological processes, including inflammation. LincRNA-Cox2 is one such example of an inflammatory inducible long noncoding RNA functioning to control immune response genes. Here using bulk and single cell RNA-seq, in addition to florescence activated cell sorting, we show that lincRNA-Cox2 is most highly expressed in the lung, particularly in alveolar macrophages where it functions to control immune gene expression following acute lung injury. Utilizing a newly generated lincRNA-Cox2 transgenic overexpressing mouse, we show that it can function in trans to control genes including Ccl3, 4 and 5. This work greatly expands our understanding of the role for lincRNA-Cox2 in host defense and sets in place a new layer of regulation in RNA-immune-regulation of genes within the lung.
The TRIPS Balloon Effect

This Article argues that much of the discomfort surrounding the current marriage of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and global trade stems from the impossibility of ascertaining a static definition of either trade or intellectual property. In fact, the evolutionary nature of both fields renders fruitless any attempt at genuine stability where those fields intersect. Yet, the phrase “trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights” delineates the mandate of the World Trade Organization’s IPR agreement, TRIPS. Most critics of the TRIPS mandate’s breadth have focused on the historical meaning of the pertinent phrase at the time of negotiation. However, an historical focus ignores the most important part of the equation. The question is not what “trade-related aspects of IPR” meant then. The question, rather, is what the phrase means now, reflecting the evolution of that meaning through time. This Article posits that the two are not the same. Rather, marketplace externalities affecting both international trade and intellectual property transactions have expanded the original TRIPS mandate, creating a balloon effect. Parties’ lack of identification of the balloon effect has contributed in large measure to perceptions that TRIPS is overreaching and underperforming, and has driven much of the discontent behind recent regime-shifting away from the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Article posits that this forum-shifting is premature because it reflects a lack of critical analysis and understanding of the underlying causes of TRIPS discontent. The Article illustrates that TRIPS actually is better-equipped to deal with the balloon effect than its critics realize, because it contains specific textual mechanisms — currently under-utilized by parties — that can provide balance in a trade-dominant world. The Article calls for a re-examination of the TRIPS mandate in the context of the balloon effect, greater utilization of that Agreement’s assets in combatting the perceptions of overreaching and underperformance, and caution in forum-shifting through negotiation of new agreements likely to prove less effective and less malleable.
On the horizon: international consumer electronics show 2015

Purpose – Conference report by the editor. Design/methodology/approach – Conference report by the editor. Findings – Conference report by the editor. Originality/value – New material.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—HETEROBILHARZIA AMERICANA INFECTION IN A DOG

An approximately three-year-old mixed breed female dog was evaluated for peritoneal effusion, anorexia, intermittent vomiting, and diarrhea. Radiographically, there was mineralization of the wall of small intestinal segments. Sonographic findings were consistent with multisystemic mineralization of liver, small intestinal wall, and pancreas. Multifocal granulomas containing schistosome eggs (Heterobilharzia americana) were identified histologically. The mineralization pattern described herein is an uncommon presentation of severe diffuse heterobilharziasis in a dog.
Examining public health nurses’ documentary practices: the impact of criminalizing HIV non-disclosure on inscription styles

In Canada, there has been a rise in criminal HIV non-disclosure cases where public health records have been subpoenaed for use in police investigations and criminal court proceedings. In particular, public health nurses’ written counseling notes, originally collected for the purposes of creating a record of treatment and a plan of care, have been used as evidence against their clients. This article engages sociologically with this issue by analyzing whether and how this criminal law development has affected public health nurses’ reasoning and documentary practices in settings of HIV post-test counseling sessions. The paper argues that variations in nurses’ inscription styles result in part from considerations about the criminal law, which indicates the influence of ‘medico-legal’ relations that connect health care and the criminal justice system. Implications for nursing practice and the broader goals of HIV prevention are discussed. Data are drawn from interviews with thirty nurses working at four public...
Two-stage Geometric Information Guided Image Reconstruction

In compressive sensing, it is challenging to reconstruct image of high quality from very few noisy linear projections. Existing methods mostly work well on piecewise constant images but not so well on piecewise smooth images such as natural images, medical images that contain a lot of details. We propose a two-stage method called GeoCS to recover images with rich geometric information from very limited amount of noisy measurements. The method adopts the shearlet transform that is mathematically proven to be optimal in sparsely representing images containing anisotropic features such as edges, corners, spikes etc. It also uses the weighted total variation (TV) sparsity with spatially variant weights to preserve sharp edges but to reduce the staircase effects of TV. Geometric information extracted from the results of stage I serves as an initial prior for stage II which alternates image reconstruction and geometric information update in a mutually beneficial way. GeoCS has been tested on incomplete spectral Fourier samples. It is applicable to other types of measurements as well. Experimental results on various complicated images show that GeoCS is efficient and generates high-quality images.
Spatial simulation of boundary-layer transition mechanisms

In the present paper, a spatial direct numerical simulation approach has been used to test the validity of parabolized stability equations theory in computing two- and three-dimensional boundary-layer instability mechanisms.
Professional Issues and Evidence‐Based Practice

Quality improvement philosophy and technology is a critically important meta-framework for the practice of behavioral health, yet it is seriously underutilized. Physical medicine is rapidly embracing this and it is important for behavioral health not to fall further behind. Quality improvement is consistent with a scientific method, as it seeks to identify causes of low quality by testing hypotheses about flaws in processes. Quality improvement supersedes the evidence-based treatment view, as empirically supported treatments can be consistent with a much more static approach and the empirically supported treatment movement does not look at all facets that can affect stakeholder satisfaction. This chapter calls for a rapid movement toward this approach in training and service delivery. Keywords: quality improvement; professional issues; evidence-based treatment; Deming
Health, Illness, and Optimal Aging: Biological and Psychosocial Perspectives by Carolyn M. Aldwin and Diane Fox Gilmer

This is the second edition of this title. It was first published in 2003. In the 10 years from first edition to second edition, much more information has emerged on aging, including Web sites, rese...
Energy Hypometabolism in Posterior Cingulate Cortex of Alzheimer's Patients: Superficial Laminar Cytochrome Oxidase Associated with Disease Duration

Among brain regions affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the posterior cingulate shows the earliest and largest decrement in energy metabolism. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown that these decrements appear before the onset of memory deficits or other symptoms in persons at genetic risk for AD. This study compares in vivo imaging results and in situ postmortem analyses by examining the posterior cingulate (area 23) in 15 AD patients and 13 age-matched nondemented controls using quantitative cytochrome oxidase histochemistry as an intracellular measure of oxidative energy metabolic capacity. Each of the six layers of the posterior cingulate demonstrated a decline in cytochrome oxidase activity in AD relative to controls, whereas adjacent motor cortex showed no significant differences. This decrement did not appear to be mainly secondary to nonspecific decrement in mitochondrial enzymes, oxidative stress, cell loss, or histopathology. The cytochrome oxidase decrement was most severe in the superficial layer I (−39%), which demonstrated a correlation to disease duration. Covariance analyses suggest that superficial laminas undergo a functional uncoupling from the deeper layers of posterior cingulate cortex in AD, whereas no such effects are found in motor cortex or controls. These findings expand on previous results from PET studies by illuminating the layer-specific cytochrome oxidase contributions to energy hypometabolism. The findings suggest a decrement of cytochrome oxidase in posterior cingulate cortex, with progressive reduction within the superficial laminas linked to disease duration. Such decrement could contribute to some of the behavioral symptoms displayed by AD patients. This decrement appeared greater in women.
Effects of small dam condition and drainage on stream fish community structure

Low-head dams are ubiquitous in eastern North America, and small dam removal projects seek to improve habitat conditions for resident and migratory fishes. Effects of small dams of varying status on local fish communities are poorly documented, and recent work suggests benefits of maintaining fragmentation. We sampled fish at 25 dams (9 breached, 7 relict, 9 intact) in three river basins in North Carolina, USA. Fishes were sampled at three reaches/dam from 2010 to 2011. Study reaches were located upstream (free-flowing reaches), downstream (tailrace) and >500 m downstream of dams (n = 75 reaches). Analyses revealed significantly elevated fish CPUE, taxa richness and percentage intolerant taxa in intact dam tailraces suggesting small dams may improve conditions for resident taxa. Breached dam tailrace reaches exhibited lower fish CPUE, taxa richness and percentage intolerant taxa relative to upstream reference reaches. Relict dams exhibited no between-reach differences in fish community metrics. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling revealed drainage-specific stream fish responses across study drainages. Tar and Roanoke drainage streams with intact and relict dams supported fish assemblages indicative of natural communities, whereas Neuse Drainage streams with intact and breached dams contained disturbed habitats and communities. These data demonstrate fish community responses to dam condition are drainage specific but communities in streams with intact and relict dams are largely similar. Additionally, breached dams may warrant higher removal priorities than intact dams because they negatively influence fish communities. The variability in response to some dams indicates managers, regardless of region or country, should consider holistic approaches to dam removals on a case-by-case basis.
THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO FOREIGN RED BLOOD CELLS AND THE PARTICIPATION OF SHORT-LIVED LYMPHOCYTES

The sequence of morphological changes in the rat spleen following SRBC injection associated with hemolysin production has been correlated with estimates of proliferative activity by splenic lymphatic tissue. Formation of new, reactive germinal centers containing macrophages which engulf nuclear debris is a prominent feature of the response. This is prevented by pretreatment of the animal with cortisol. Indirect evidence is provided that short-lived lymphocytes produced in germinal centers may be a necessary component in the induction of other cells to proliferate and differentiate into hemolysin-producing cells. The reasons are discussed for considering short-lived lymphocytes, such as those produced in the thymus, bone marrow, and germinal centers, as differing from long-lived lymphocytes capable of antibody synthesis.
Gesture interface magnifiers for low-vision users

This study compared different types of magnification and navigation methods on low-vision handheld magnifiers to determine the feasibility of a touch screen gesture interface. The results show that despite the fact that participants had no experience using gestures for magnification or navigation, participants were more satisfied with them. Gestures were faster and more preferred than the indirect input methods for pushing a button or rotating a knob, which had previously been familiar to participants from other electronic device interfaces. The study suggests that the use of gestures may afford an alternative and more natural magnification and navigation method for a new user-centric low vision magnifier.
Host Selection as an Adaptation To Host-Dependent Foraging Success in the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus Ibis)

In southern Africa, the commensal foraging cattle egret has a wide variety of potential ungulate species from which to select its hosts. We found that the preferred hosts involved just a few of the available species. We predicted that ultimately the selection of hosts should be adapted to maximize egret foraging success. Selection is hierarchical with birds first choosing a general area in which one or more host species may be present. They then choose a host herd, and finally select an individual which they accompany as long as its actions are suitable and prey items are disturbed. The decision process remains flexible. Egrets freely switch hosts moving from one cow or wildebeest to another. We found the predicted correlation between egret and host walking rate (steps/min.), and also that feeding success was related to number of egret steps. We looked for evidence that egrets would select species and individuals that allowed them to move at the optimum rate for foraging. We found egrets achieving maximum success at walking rates between 10 and 30 steps per minute. When hosts moved more slowly or more quickly, feeding success was low, and egrets switched hosts more frequently. We censused wild animals in game parks and domestic animals on farms, and found a similar overall abundance (individuals/km). Wild animal herds provided fewer suitable hosts (individuals moving at the optimal rate for the egrets). We conclude that there are three components to host selection. Hosts must be available in adequate numbers and must be easy to locate. They must be suitable in terms of providing egrets with good foraging situations. They must be reliable in terms of remaining in the same general area day after day and in terms of consistent rates of locomotion. Although wildebeest, zebras, and buffalo fit one or two of the criteria, cattle fulfill all three. We speculate that the widespread increase in cattle farming in the past century may have facilitated the world wide population explosion of the cattle egret.
Influence of venous pressure on plasma-lymph transport in the dog's paw: Convective and dissipative mechanisms

Abstract Studies were carried out to evaluate convective and dissipative (diffusion and vesicular) components of blood-lymph transport of large molecules in the dog's paw. Steady-state lymph flow rates (L) and lymph/plasma concentration ratios (R) were measured for six plasma proteins and for exogenous Dextran (MW 110,000). Measurements were made under control conditions and at two to four elevated levels of venous pressure (PV). Below 45 mm Hg, L increased linearly with PV, and R fell progressively, but less than in proportion to flow: the product LR (clearance) increased. Above 45 mm Hg, there was a time-dependent increase in R at constant or increasing L, which was greater for larger molecules and indicated an alteration of permeability. From values of L and R obtained for the normal permeability state, solvent drag coefficients (σf) and permeability surface area products (PS) were calculated according to the principles of irreversible thermodynamics and hydrodynamics. Values obtained for σf ranged from 0.82 for serum albumin to 0.95 for Dextran 110. At control levels of lymph flow, convection (solvent drag) accounted for about 30% of the total flux of albumin into lymph. With elevation of venous pressure, the contribution of convective flux increased.
The curability of Ewing's endothelioma of bone in children

The prospect of curing solid cancers of children is certainly better today than it was 30 years ago, but the modern preference for “quantitative proof” over “mere (qualitative) clinical experience” is not easily satisfied when the number of patients is small. Of 54 children with Ewing's tumor referred to Memorial Hospital during 1949 to 1959, 13 survived for 5 years. Although not statistically significant, these results are encouraging when compared with 4 survivors among 74 patients seen in an earlier period at the same hospital. The reasons for this improvement are applicable to tumors of children in general.
The external action potential of a nerve or muscle fibre in an extended medium

The external electrical field of a uniform nerve or muscle fibre has been computed for various distances from the fibre. The calculated amplitudes, shapes, and frequency spectra of the action potentials are described. The results are in reasonable accord with records in the literature. It is predicted that, however small the fibre, a detectable action potential will be obtained if a suitable electrode is brought close to the membrane. This is unlikely to occur in skin (as opposed to muscle) if the electrode is inserted at random. An amplifier of bandwidth 2 to 3 octaves, with variable central frequency, is recommended. It is pointed out that the strongest frequency present may not be a genuine repetition rate, and may be determined either by the time-course of the membrane action potential, or by the ratio of propagation velocity to distance from the electrode, or by a combination of these. The alpha rhythm of the E.E.G. probably represents a repetition rate, but the origin of the other rhythms remains in doubt.
Male gamete messenger RNAs inAllomyces

The presence of mRNAs in the male gametes of the hybrid strain M-16 ofAllomyces has been shown by the isolation of poly(A)+ RNA by oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography, hybridization to [3H]poly(U) and by cell-free translation of proteins utilizing the poly(A)+ RNA. There are about 8000 molecules of poly(A)+ RNA per male gamete. A comparison of the proteins synthesized by male gamete mRNA in the reticulocyte lysate system with those produced by germinating zygotes in the presence of actinomycin D shows several comigrating bands when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, raising the possibility that male-gamete-contributed mRNAs could be utilized in early germling development.
The Tax Consequences of Long‐Run Pension Policy*

A firm's pension fund is legally separate from the firm. But because pension benefits are normally independent of fund performance, pension assets impact the firm very much as if they were firm assets. Because they are worth more when times are good and less when times are bad, common stocks in the pension fund add to the sponsoring firm's leverage. They cause contributions to a pension fund to be high just when the firm can least afford to pay them. Conversely, bonds in the pension fund will make it easier for the firm to avoid default on its own bonds when times are bad all over: The more bonds a pension fund buys, the more the firm can borrow. The tax treatment accorded the pension fund differs notably from that accorded the firm. Some have argued that a firm can capitalize on the difference by accelerating the funding of its pension plan. The benefits of full funding are wasted, however, unless the added contributions to the fund are invested in bonds; higher pension contributions now mean lower contributions later, hence higher taxes later. The benefits come from earning, after taxes, the pretax interest rate on the bonds in the pension fund. If the firm wants to take advantage of the differing tax treatment of bonds without altering the level of its current pension contributions, it can (1) sell stocks in the pension fund and then buy bonds with the proceeds while (2) issuing debt in the firm and buying back its own shares with the proceeds. An investment in the firm's own stock creates no more tax liability than an investment in stocks through the pension fund.
Switched three-dimensional photonic delay line using directly modulated semiconductor lasers for microwave radar processing

A 3-bit binary photonic delay line is demonstrated at 1 GHz using a directly modulated semiconductor laser and remote interconnection fiber-optics. Three types of freespace delay bit geometries are tested for 5.686 ns, 1.667 ns, and 8.83 ps delay bits. This photonic delay line uses ferroelectric liquid crystal optical on/off devices for optical path switching and active polarization noise filtering. 3D imaging optics and antireflection coated optics are successfully used to minimize photonic delay line insertion losses and interchannel crosstalk. The 3-bit system is fully characterized for measured and designed performance.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temperature dependence of hot-carrier lifetime due to trapped charge and interface state generation

ABSTRACT Hot carrier device lifetime diminishes dramatically as operating temperature decreases. The hotcarrier lifetime at liquid nitrogen temperature is usually several orders of magnitude lower than at roomtemperature. In this work, we show the dependence of hot carrier device lifetime of LDD nMOSFETs on temperature and stress condition in the temperature range from 78 K to room temperature. There is a cross-over point at which the worst-case hot carrier stress condition switches from Vgl/2Vd (Vg@Ibmx)tO VgVd with decreasing temperature. Consequently, the dominant damage mechanism switches from interface state generation to trapped charge generation. 1. INTRODUCTION Hot carrier induced device degradation is one of the major concerns in device reliability and has been investigated extensively for room temperature operation [1]-[2J. Also, hot carrier resistance structures such as LDD MOSFET's have been studied in order to optimize for hot carrier lifetime at roomtemperature [3]-[5].
Error concealment aware rate shaping for wireless video transport

Streaming of video, which is both source- and channel-coded, over wireless networks faces the challenge of time-varying packet loss rate and fluctuating bandwidth. Rate shaping (RS) has been proposed to reduce the bit-rate of a precoded video bitstream to adapt to the real-time bandwidth variation. In our earlier work, rate shaping was extended to consider not only the bandwidth but also the packet loss rate variations. Rate-distortion optimized rate adaptation is performed on the precoded video that is a scalable coded bitstream protected by forward error correction codes. In this paper, we propose an RS scheme that further takes into account the error concealment (EC) method used at the receiver. We refer to this scheme as EC aware RS (ECARS). When performing ECARS, first ECARS needs to know the benefit/gain of sending each part of the precoded video, as opposed to not sending it but reconstructing it by EC. Then given a certain packet loss probability, the expected gain can be derived and be included in the rate-distortion optimization problem formulation. Finally, ECARS performs rate-distortion optimization to adapt the rate of the precoded video. A two-stage rate-distortion optimization approach is proposed to solve the ECARS rate-distortion optimization problem. In addition to ECARS, the precoding process can be EC aware to prioritize the precoded video based on the gain. We present an example EC aware precoding process by means of macroblock prioritization. Experiment results of ECARS together with EC aware precoding are shown to have excellent performance.
Effect of long-term hormone replacement therapy on coronary endothelial function in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES To determine the difference in endothelial function between premenopausal and postmenopausal women and to determine whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with an improvement in coronary endothelial function. PATIENTS AND METHODS Women undergoing coronary physiology studies for chest pain at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between December 1992 and April 2002 underwent assessment of coronary endothelium-independent and -dependent function with intracoronary administration of adenosine and acetylcholine, respectively. The coronary diameters, coronary blood flows, and coronary velocity reserves were measured. RESULTS A total of 270 women (89 premenopausal and 181 postmenopausal) participated in the study. Endothelium-dependent coronary blood flow change (baseline to peak flow) in response to acetylcholine (10 −6 , 10 −5 , and 10 −4 mol/L) was lower in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women (39.7% vs 72.9%, P =.03). There was no significant difference between the postmenopausal women receiving and not receiving HRT with regard to percent change in coronary diameter (-21.8% vs -13.9%, P =.15), percent change in coronary blood flow (37.3% vs 42.7%, P =.74), or coronary velocity reserve (2.7 vs 2.7, P =.82). CONCLUSION This study shows that the postmenopausal state is associated with a greater abnormality in coronary endothelial function at the level of the microcirculation. Moreover, HRT status was not associated with an improvement in coronary endothelial function in postmenopausal women.
The Effects of Satellite-Derived Vegetation Cover Variability on Simulated Land–Atmosphere Interactions in the NAMS

Substantial evolution of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NVDI)-derived vegetation cover (Fg) exists in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The intraseasonal and wet-/dry-year fluctuations of Fg are linked to observed precipitation in the North American monsoon system (NAMS). The manner in which the spatial and temporal variability of Fg influences the land–atmosphere energy and moisture fluxes, and associated likelihood of moist convection in the NAMS regions, is examined. For this, the regional climate model (RCM) is employed, with three different Fg boundary conditions to examine the influence of intraseasonal and wet-/dry-year vegetation variability. Results show that a strong link exists between evaporative fraction (EF), surface temperature, and relative humidity in the boundary layer (BL), which is consistent with a positive soil moisture feedback. However, contrary to expectations, higher Fg does not consistently enhance EF across the NAMS region. This is because the low soil moisture values simulated by the land surface model (LSM) yield high canopy resistance values throughout the monsoon season. As a result, the experiment with the lowest Fg yields the greatest EF and precipitation in the NAMS region, and also modulates regional atmospheric circulation that steers the track of tropical cyclones. In conclusion, the simulated influence of vegetation on land–atmosphere exchanges depends strongly on the canopy stress index parameterized in the LSM. Therefore, a reliable dataset, at appropriate scales, is needed to calibrate transpiration schemes and to assess simulated and realistic vegetation–atmosphere interactions in the NAMS region.
Some effects of pressure on the oxidation of methyl oleate

The oxidation of methyl oleate under gas pressures up to 800 p.s.i.a. has been investigated. At 120°C. the samples oxidized under pressure built up hydroperoxides rapidly and exploded. There is no necessary connection between hydroperoxide concentration and explosiveness. Oxidations at 100°C are stable, but peroxide formation is drastically reduced. The presence of cobalt acetate increases the instability of the oxidizing oleate, causing it to explode even at 100°C.
Distribution of radioactivity in photosynthetically prepared C14-labeled glucose

Abstract C 14 -labeled glucose isolated from the Canna indica plant after a 24-hr. photosynthetic period in the presence of C 14 O 2 was assayed for the activity of the various carbon atoms. Employing purely chemical methods, the C 14 activity of each of the six carbon atoms of the glucose molecule was found to be the same.