cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating ideas on insertional mutagenesis by gene transfer vectors.

The 3rd Stem Cell Clonality and Genotoxicity Retreat was held 12–13 December 2006, directly following the 48th annual meeting of the American Hematological Society held in Orlando, Florida. This series of retreats was organized by David Williams, Chris Baum, and Christof von Kalle of Cincinnati Children's Hospital. The impetus was the incidence of insertional leukemogenesis arising in the French gene therapy trial treating X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (X-SCID) in 2002. Prior to 2002, the risk of insertional mutagenesis from gene transfer vectors was a theoretical one that had not been followed up with rigorous proactive studies. Of course, this all changed after the adverse events in the French trial and a case of insertional mutagenesis discovered in an animal study earlier the same year by Chris Baum's group. In the following years, evidence was found for clonal dominance in hematopoietic stem cells transduced with retroviral vectors in both mice and macaques, and in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) treated with gene-corrected hematopoietic cells.
Radiation damage and non-equilibrium phases in Al2O3

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy experiments are reported which show that the radiation damage in Al2O3 arises from the recrystallization of a layer of amorphous Al2O3 to yA-Al2O3, and that damage from ion-beam thinning and electron irradiation are related.
The appearance of the contact zones and the mechanism of normal adhesion with soft metals

Abstract A series of experiments is described in which the normal adhesion between a steel ball pressed into flats of lead and indium was measured. The appearance of the contact zone, after the specimens had been separated was closely examined and related to the experimental conditions and the measured adhesive forces. The occurrence of a “plucking up” or plastic flow effect at high adhesion conditions with freshly cut indium surfaces which was noted in a previous investigation has been confirmed. The restriction of this effect to an increasingly narrow band at the edge of the contact area, with an increasing degree of surface oxidation has been demonstrated. Lead is shown to exhibit similar behaviour. A mechanism involving the elasticity and plasticity of the softer metals is postulated which explains the varying width of the plucked up zone, and its relationship to the degree of oxidation of the surface and the ductility of the material.
Tracheal sealing characteristics of pediatric cuffed tracheal tubes.

Summary Background : The aim of the study was to compare sealing characteristics of the new Microcuff pediatric tracheal tube featuring a high volume–low pressure (HVLP) cuff with ultrathin membrane with three conventional pediatric cuffed tracheal tubes. Methods : After obtaining approval of the local ethical committee, 80 children aged 2–4 years were tracheally intubated with the following tubes (i.d. 4.0 mm) in random order: Microcuff P-HVLP, Mallinckrodt Hi-Contour P, Ruschelit Super Safety Clear, and Sheridan CF. Cuff pressure to prevent air leakage at standardized ventilator setting (PIP 20 cm H2O/PEEP 5 cm H2O/RR 20 min−1) was assessed within 5 min after intubation by auscultation of audible sounds at the mouth. Cuff pressures required with each group were compared with Kruskall–Wallis test (P < 0.05). Values are median and range. Results : No significant differences in patient characteristics were found between the four groups. The Microcuff tube required significantly lower sealing pressures [11 cm H2O (6–26)] compared with the other tracheal tube brands [Mallinckrodt: 36 cm H2O (18–48); Ruschelit: 21 cm H2O (8–46); Sheridan: 26 cm H2O (18–60), (P < 0.0001)]. Conclusion : This preliminary investigation suggests that the new Microcuff pediatric tracheal tube with ultrathin high volume–low pressure cuff membrane allows effective tracheal sealing at very low cuff pressures. This represents a benefit for children with regard to their lower mucosal perfusion pressures compared with adult patients.
Bifurcations in a parametrically excited non-linear oscillator

Abstract A non-linear parametrically excited oscillator, that includes van der Pol as well as Duffing type non-linearities, is studied for its small non-linear motions using the method of averaging. The averaged equations, which form a dynamical system on the plane and depend on the linear damping and the detuning, are analyzed for their constant and periodic solutions. Bendixon's criterion is used to deduce the existence and the non-existence of limit cycle solutions for various values of the parameters. Then, using local bifurcation theory for “saddle-node”, pitchfork and “Hopf” bifurcations and some results from one and two parameter unfoldings of degenerate singularities, a partial bifurcation set is constructed. Since constant and periodic solutions of the averaged system correspond, respectively, to the periodic solutions and almost periodic or amplitude modulated motions of the original oscillator, the bifurcation set indicates some ways in which periodic solutions can become “entrained” or can break the entrainment for almost periodic oscillations.
Service use and outcomes among elderly persons with low incomes being treated for depression.

Objective: Older adults with low incomes rarely use mental health care, and untreated depression is a serious problem in this population. This study examined whether a collaborative care model for depression in primary care would increase use of depression treatment and treatment outcomes for low-income elderly adults as well as for higher-income older adults. Methods: A multisite randomized clinical trial that included 1,801 adults aged 60 years and older who were diagnosed as having depression compared collaborative care for depression with treatment as usual in primary care. Participants were divided into groups by income definitions on the basis of criteria used by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A total of 315 participants (18%) were living below the poverty level by the U.S. Census criteria, 261 (15%) were living below 30% of the area median income (AMI) (HUD criteria) but above poverty, 438 (24%) were living between 30% and 50% of the AMI, 327 (18%) were living between 50% and 80% of the AMI, and 460 (26%) were not poor. The income groups were compared on service use, satisfaction, depression severity, and physical health at baseline and at three, six, and 12 months after being randomly assigned to collaborative care or usual care. Results: The benefits for low-income older adults were similar to those for middle- and higher-income older adults. At 12 months, intervention patients in all economic brackets had significantly greater rates of depression care for both antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, greater satisfaction, lower depression severity, and less health-related functional impairment than usual care participants. Conclusions: Lower-income older adults can experience benefits from collaborative management of depression in primary care similar to those of higher-income older adults, although they may require up to a year to reap physical health benefits.
“Her Mouth is Medicine”: Beth Brant and Paula Gunn Allen's Decolonizing Queer Erotics

This article asserts the need to recognize the complexity of the theoretical work of more lesbian Native American writers, focusing specifically Beth Brant (Bay of Quinte Mohawk) and Paula Gunn Allen (Laguna Pueblo). Their poetry and short stories provide a theoretically nuanced analysis of how heteronormativity is intertwined in and dependent on colonialism, and thus a methodology for Queer Theory that requires an understanding of it in relation to colonialism. They reject heteronormative Pocahontas fantasies about Native women, offering a lesbian-based tactic for decolonization through the expression of erotic desire. This article demonstrates the endless possibilities for fierce queer resistance, revolutionary change, and healing from the trauma of genocide and the accompanying colonialist heteropatriarchal disciplining of Native women's bodies.
A mutation which bypasses the requirement for p24 in bacteriophage T4 capsid morphogenesis.

Abstract A mutation ( byp 24) affecting the N-terminal region of p23 will suppress the lethal effects of am and ts mutations in gene 24. In the presence of normal p24, the byp 24 alteration causes a delay in the cleavage of capsid proteins and the assembly of a high percentage of isometric, short-headed particles; therefore, the byp 24 mutation can affect the length of the T4 capsid. In the absence of p24, 24 − byp 24 double mutants show a reduced rate of cleavage of capsid precursor proteins, and a reduced rate of virus assembly. Iminunoprecipitation with anti-p24 serum has shown the presence of both p24 and p24 c in wild-type phage particles. The 24 − byp 24 particles contain no p24 or p24 c , as determined by immunoprecipitation, urea/acrylamide gel electrophoresis, and two-dimensional isoelectric focusing, urea/acrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. They have a normal electron microscopic appearance, pH stability, and heat stability; but they are more resistant to osmotic shock than wild-type T4. We suggest that p24 normally functions in the initiation of phage T4 capsid protein cleavage reactions.
Progresses in graphene optical modulator

Graphene optical modulator has several prominent advantages, such as small footprint, fast modulation speed, broad operation bandwidth and insensitivity to the temperature. In this talk we will go over the recent progresses in our group.
The potential of Fe-FET for robust design under variations: A compact modeling study

Semiconductor devices with self-feedback mechanisms are considered as a promising alternative to traditional CMOS, in order to achieve faster operation and lower switching energy. Examples include IMOS and FBFET that are operated in a non-equilibrium condition to rapidly generate mobile carriers. More recently, Fe-FET was proposed to improve the switching by integrating a ferroelectric material as gate insulator in a MOSFET structure. Under particular circumstance, ferroelectric capacitance is effectively negative, due to the negative slope of its polarization-electrical field (P-E) curve. This property makes the ferroelectric layer a voltage amplifier to boost surface potential, achieving fast transition. In this paper, a new threshold voltage model is developed to capture the feedback of negative capacitance and IV characteristics of Fe-FET. It is further revealed that the impact of random dopant fluctuation (RDF) on leakage variability can be significantly suppressed in Fe-FET, by tuning the thickness of the ferroelectric layer.
Synthetic Routes to Stimuli‐Responsive Micelles, Vesicles, and Surfaces via Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization∗

Controlled/living polymerization (CLRP) techniques have recently been developed that offer unprecedented opportunities for synthesis of materials with precisely tailored nano‐ and micro‐scale features. This account focuses on significant developments in the field of stimuli‐responsive block copolymers with immediate and future utility in advanced formulation and surface science. Specifically, stable free radial polymerization (SFRP), atom transfer polymerization (ATRP), and reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization techniques for preparation of responsive micelles and vesicles, stabilized nanoparticles, thin films, polymer brushes, and other ordered structures are described. Conformational changes in response to external stimuli are manifested in changes in physiochemical properties including surface wetting, adsorption, adhesion, lubricity, and permeability. ∗Paper number 120 in a series entitled Water Soluble Polymers.
A confederacy of senses.

The article discusses psychology and neuroscience research on the human senses, with a focus on multisensory perception and the cognitive processes underling the organization and interpretation of external stimuli. Topics include multisensory overlap between auditory, visual, and somatosensory architectures of the brain; the McGurk effect, which emphasizes the influence of visual perception on hearing; and the visual cortex's link to touch. Additional information is presented on sensory deprivation and cochlear implants.
Fabrication and characterization of hydrogel-based microvalves

Several microvalves utilizing stimuli-responsive hydrogel materials have been developed. The hydrogel components are fabricated inside microchannels using a liquid phase polymerization process. In-channel processing greatly simplifies device construction, assembly, and operation since the functional components are fabricated in situ and can perform both sensing and actuation functions. Two in situ photopolymerization techniques, "laminar stream mode" and "mask mode," have been explored. Three two-dimensional (2-D) valves were fabricated and tested (response time, pressure drop, maximum differential pressure). In addition, a hydrogel/PDMS three-dimensional (3-D) hybrid valve that physically separates the sensing and regulated streams was demonstrated. Analytical modeling was performed on the 3-D valve. Hydrogel-based microvalves have a number of advantages over conventional microvalves, including relatively simple fabrication, no external power requirement, no integrated electronics, large displacement (185 /spl mu/m), and large force generation (22 mN).
Generalized parton distributions and double distributions for q q ¯ pions

We consider two simple covariant models for pions (one with scalar and the other with spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ constituents). Pion generalized parton distributions are derived by integration over the light-cone energy. The model distributions are consistent with all known properties of generalized parton distributions, including positivity. We also construct corresponding double distributions by appealing to the Lorentz invariance of the form factor. These ostensibly constructed double distributions lead to incorrect generalized parton distributions that need not respect the positivity constraints. This inconsistency arises from the ambiguity inherent in defining double distributions in the standard one-component formalism (even in the absence of the Polyakov-Weiss term). We demonstrate that the correct model double distributions can be calculated from nondiagonal matrix elements of twist-two operators.
Coupling boundary-elements and finite-elements—A structured approach

Abstract Data structures for finite element and boundary element methods are described with special respect of integrating them in a common data template and coupling them in application problems. While structuring data highly, solution procedures may remain moderately simple. So unsymmetric boundary elements may be coupled with symmetric finite elements, while utilizing the special properties of the latter. Furthermore, non-linearities arising from finite elements are included. Basing upon object oriented methods the described data structures may be extended to distributed objects. So large problems may be calculated coupling different numerical methods and using parallel or distributed computing resources.
Fifty Reasons Why Student Achievement Gain Does Not Mean Teacher Effectiveness.

A study of U.S. school districts conducted 70 years ago reported that 48% of the districts sampled used merit pay (Evendon, 1918). Since then, the quantity as well as quality of teacher compensation systems have fluctuated markedly (for details, see Cohen & Murnane, 1985; Murnane & Cohen, 1986; Porwoll, 1979). At present, 29 states are implementing large-scale teacher incentive programs (a.k.a. career ladder, merit pay, pay for performance), funding local plans, piloting testing models, or using state board of education or legislative mandates to develop programs for teachers and administrators (Southern Regional Education Board, 1986). Teacher performance is at the core of all of the programs in operation or those being considered. Determining who will receive the pay bonuses, which typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 per year, or be promoted up the career ladder hinges on the methods used to evaluate teacher performance. The current trend in measurement procedures is to deemphasize supervisory ratings by the building principal and instead emphasize peer evaluation, classroom observation, student achievement outcomes, and questionnaire data from principals, teachers, and students (for details, see Southern Regional Education Board, 1986).
Mirex and behavior in the Long-Evans rat

In two experiments, adult male Long-Evans rats were fed chow containing mirex (1.78 ppm and 17.8 ppm in Experiment 1, 17.8 ppm in Experiment 2) over a several week period and were tested on a variety of behavioral tasks. No differences in behavior were seen between control and experimental animals tested in an open-field apparatus, on VI 30-sec and DRL 20-sec operant paradigms, or on a discrimination-reversal task motivated by escape from footshock.
Ab initio calculations of the reaction mechanisms for metal-nitride deposition from organo-metallic precursors onto functionalized self-assembled monolayers.

An atomistic mechanism has been derived for the initial stages of the adsorption reaction for metal−nitride atomic layer deposition (ALD) from alkylamido organometallic precursors of Ti and Zr on alkyltrichorosilane-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The effect of altering the terminal functional group on the SAM (including −OH, −NH2, −SH, and −NH(CH3)) has been investigated using the density functional theory and the MP2 perturbation theory. Reactions on amine-terminated SAMs proceed through the formation of a dative-bond complex with an activation barrier of 16−20 kcal/mol. In contrast, thiol-terminated SAMs form weak hydrogen-bonded intermediates with activation barriers between 7 and 10 kcal/mol. The deposition of Ti organometallic precursors on hydroxyl-terminated SAMs proceeds through the formation of stronger hydrogen-bonded complexes with barriers of 7 kcal/mol. Zr-based precursors form dative-bonded adducts with near barrierless transitions. This variety allows us to select a kinetically fav...
The influence of aneurysm size on anatomic suitability for endovascular repair

Objectives It has been proposed that the threshold for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) suitable for endovascular repair (EVAR) be lowered. A critical step in this pathway is determining whether smaller AAAs are more likely to be anatomically suitable for EVAR; that is, whether suitability is lost as the AAA grows. Methods Patients who underwent ultrasound (US) imaging for asymptomatic AAAs at the University of Rochester Medical Center between January 1, 2003, and January 31, 2007, were identified. All those who had an abdominal/pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan ≤3 months of the US imaging were identified. CT scans were reviewed using predefined criteria to assess anatomic suitability for conventional EVAR (ie, without consideration of debranching). Results Of 3005 aortic US studies performed during this period, 221 had CT scans showing infrarenal aneurysms. Of these, 168 patients (76%) were candidates for EVAR and 52 (24%) were not, most commonly due to a short neck (40; 77% of excluded). Size measured by CT scanning (mean, 53 ± 11 mm) averaged 4 mm larger than by US imaging (mean, 49 ± 10 mm; r 2 = 0.66; P P P Conclusions Aneurysm size measured by CT averaged 4 mm larger than by US imaging. Larger aneurysms are less likely to be anatomically suitable for EVAR, but the rate of suitability does not appreciably decrease until the aneurysm measures 49 mm by US imaging or 57 mm by CT scanning. This implies that waiting until the aneurysm reaches currently accepted size criteria for repair does not result in "missing the window" for EVAR; in other words, just as many patients are anatomically suitable for EVAR at currently accepted size cutoffs than if earlier intervention had been done.
Cigarette smoking in young adults : Childhood and adolescent personality, familial, and peer antecedents

Three models (independent, interdependent, and mediational) were hypothesized in this study, to examine the interrelation of personality, family, and peer determinants and their effects on tobacco use by young adults. Mothers were first interviewed about their children when they were between the ages of 1 and 10 years old. Three subsequent interviews were conducted with the children when they reached adolescence and young adulthood. Results show support for the mediational model. In accordance with family interactional framework conceptions, there was a sequence in patterning: from parenting during early adolescence; to personality and peer factors, extending to smoking in late adolescence; and culminating in smoking in adulthood. With a developmental approach, a number of psychosocial measures were related in both younger and older children. Nevertheless, some interesting developmental differences emerged. The findings suggest at least four possible targets for therapeutic or preventive intervention: the parent, the child, the adolescent, and the peer group.
Neuropsychological Performance of Native versus Non-native English Speakers

Relatively little is known about differences in English-administered, clinical neuropsychological test performance between native versus non-native English speakers, with prior literature yielding mixed findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of native and non-native English speakers with similar age and educational backgrounds on a variety of cognitive tests. Participants were 153 university students (115 native and 38 non-native English speakers) who completed a neuropsychological battery during two testing sessions. Multiple regression analyses examined relations of native language to cognitive performance after adjustment for age, education, sex, and depressive symptomatology. Results showed that native English speakers outperformed non-native English speakers on several language-mediated tasks-Letter and Category Fluency and the Cognitive Estimation Test-as well as Trails A (p's < .05). The two groups performed similarly on tests of executive functions, perceptuo-motor speed, verbal memory, and visuospatial abilities. These results suggest that non-native English language may have a negative influence predominantly on language-dependent tasks.
Phenylbutazone toxicity: Depression of erythropoiesis

The potential toxicity of phenylbutazone is again emphasized by a case of marked depression of erythropoiesis during the administration of this drug. Recovery apparently was hastened by treatment with prednisone. Le toxicitate potential de phenylbutazona es relevate de novo per un caso de depression marcate del erythropoiese durante le administration del droga. Le restablimento del patiente esseva accelerate, apparentemente, per tractamento con prednisona.
Effect of Sample Storage on Blood Crossmatching in Horses

Background Blood samples banked for up to 1 month are typically used to perform pretransfusion testing in humans and small animals, but this has not been validated using blood from horses. Hypothesis Compatibility of equine blood samples is repeatable using fresh samples, and reproducible using donor blood samples stored for up to 4 weeks. Animals Six healthy adult horses. Methods Randomized, blinded experimental study. Immunologic compatibility of the blood of all horses was assessed using a major and minor saline agglutination and hemolysin crossmatch using blood samples refrigerated for 0–4 weeks and fresh blood from the same horses. Crossmatch results were scored and then compared to identify changes of compatibility in each of the 4 tests. In addition, repeatability of the crossmatch technique itself was assessed by performing 6 iterations of this procedure in immediate succession with fresh blood from 3 horses. Results No significant difference in crossmatch results was found using fresh blood (P = .39–1.00). Reproducibility was poor using blood stored for 1–4 weeks, especially in tests using stored erythrocytes (major antigen crossmatches), with significant differences from baseline at all weeks (P < .05); 13 of these differences were positive, indicating poorer compatibility. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Equine blood crossmatching is repeatable using fresh blood, although decreased apparent compatibility after storage makes exclusion of compatible donors more likely than mistaken administration of incompatible blood. These data suggest that fresh samples should be collected from potential donors before crossmatching equine blood.
Interest Group Activism on the Web: The Case of Environmental Organizations

This study evaluates interest group activity on the Internet, addressing two sets of questions. First, has the Internet allowed small or poorly funded groups to compete equally with well-resourced organizations? Second, to what extent do group characteristics explain their online activities? Using a sample of 200 environmental groups, I evaluate which Web sites receive the most exposure and identify features facilitating information dissemination and public participation. The results indicate that well-resourced groups receive greater Web site traffic and inbound links and are more likely to use all Web site features. Additionally, membership organizations are more likely than nonmembership organizations to fundraise and issue action alerts.
Primary afferent fibers of contralateral origin in the lower spinal cord of cat.

Abstract Dorsal root stimulation in the sacral and caudal segments of the cat spinal cord inhibits early monosynaptic responses of the contralateral side. unilateral intramedullary stimulation in the ventrolateral quadrant of these segments produced antidromic impulses in both dorsal roots, indicating continuity of fibers to the ventral gray matter. Histological studies confirmed the presence of these primary afferent fibers and their collaterals, with their principal site of termination and of en passant connection, being on the cell body of the contralateral motoneurons. Some afferent fibers formed an interesting anatomical relationship with the axons of these neurons before branching to approach the cell body from a ventral direction. Dorsal root stimulation does not by itself produce any monosynaptic activity in the contralateral ventral roots; it is therefore concluded that these direct fibers are functionally inhibitory and that direct inhibitory pathways exist in the mammalian central nervous system, without interneuronal relays.
Photosynthetic ATPases: purification, properties, subunit isolation and function.

Photosynthetic coupling factor ATPases (F1-ATPases) generally censist of five subunits named α, β, γ, δ and e in order of decreasing apparent molecular weight. The isolated enzyme has a molecular weight of between 390,000 to 400,000, with the five subunits probably occurring in a 3:3:1:1:1 ratio. Some photosynthetic F1 ATPases are inactive as isolated and require treatment with protease, heat or detergent in order to elicit ATPase activity. This activity is sensitive to inhibition by free divalent cations and appears to be more specific for Ca2+ vs. Mg2+ as the metal ion substrate chelate. This preference for Ca2+ can be explained by the higher inhibition constant for inhibition of ATPase activity by free Ca2+. Methods for the assay of a Mg-dependent ATPase activity have recently been described. These depend on the presence of organic solvents or detergents in the reaction mixture for assay. The molecular mechanism behind the expression of either the Ca- or Mg-ATPase activities is unknown. F1-ATPases function to couple proton efflux from thylakoid membranes or chromatophores to ATP synthesis. The isolated enzyme may thus also be assayed for the reconstitution of ‘coupling activity’ to membranes depleted of coupling factor 1.
The Effect of Instability on Relative Permeability Curves Obtained by the Dynamic-Displacement Method

A study was undertaken to investigate how instability would affect the oil/water relative permeability curves obtained by the dynamic-displacement method. In this method, stable Buckey-Leverett displacement theory is used to calculate relative permeability curves from coreflood data. Thus, to obtain the true relative permeability curves by the dynamic-displacement method, the coreflood must be stable. However, the method frequently has been applied to unstable corefloods. The consequence of this application of the method has not been previously reported. The authors compared oil/water relative permeability curves from steady-state and dynamic-displacement experiments at several levels of instability. The results showed that the dynamic-displacement relative permeability curves deviated significantly from the steady-state curves as the degree of instability increased. This observation indicates the need to scale laboratory relative permeability measurements to account for instability. To obtain representative relative permeability curves for numerical modeling of a reservoir, laboratory displacement experiments should be conducted at the same degree of instability as that in the reservoir.
An evaluation of the shape of some popular nickel titanium alloy preformed arch wires.

The mathematical Beta function is shown to be an accurate planar representation of the natural human arch form defined by the spacial coordinates of the labial and buccal dental/bracket interfacing surfaces in the maxillary and mandibular arches. Graphic planar representations of the corresponding bracket base spacial coordinates of 33 popular preformed nickel titanium arch wires and bracket assemblies were superimposed on each of the relevant maxillary and mandibular natural forms. The arch forms of the preformed nickel titanium arch wires and bracket assemblies did not emulate the natural human arch form. The average mandibular natural human arch form first molar/canine width ratio is 2.38/1; the same preformed arch wire/bracket ratio is 1.87/1. These ratios for the maxillary arch are 1.92/1 and 1.54/1, respectively. The average canine width exceeded the natural canine width by 5.95 mm in the mandibular arch and 8.23 mm in the maxillary arch. The corresponding mandibular first molar and maxillary first molar widths exceeded the natural human first molar arch width by 0.84 mm and 2.68 mm, respectively. These findings have implications with respect to posttreatment stability and facial esthetics. “Round tripping” teeth resulting from subsequent change to stainless steel arch wires to restore a more natural human arch form and size may result in deleterious tissue effects. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1999;116:1-12)
The effect of sub-lethal increases in temperature on the growth and population trajectories of three scleractinian corals on the southern Great Barrier Reef

To date, coral death has been the most conspicuous outcome of warming tropical seas, but as temperatures stabilize at higher values, the consequences for the corals remaining will be mediated by their demographic responses to the sub-lethal effects of temperature. To gain insight into the nature of these responses, here I develop a model to test the effect of increased temperature on populations of three pocilloporid corals at One Tree Island, near the southern extreme of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Using Seriatopora hystrix, S. caliendrum and Pocillopora damicornis as study species, the effects of temperature on growth were determined empirically, and the dynamics of their populations determined under natural temperatures over a 6-month period between 1999 and 2000 [defined as the study year (SY)]. The two data sets were combined in a demographic test of the possibility that the thermal regime projected for the southern GBR in the next 55–83 years—warmer by 3°C than the study year (the SY+3 regime), which is equivalent to 1.4°C warmer than the recent warm year of 1998—would alter coral population trajectories through the effects on coral growth alone; the analyses first were completed by species, then by family after pooling among species. Laboratory experiments showed that growth rates (i.e., calcification) varied significantly among species and temperatures, and displayed curvilinear thermal responses with growth maxima at ∼27.1°C. Based on these temperature-growth responses, the SY+3 regime is projected to: (1) increase annualized growth rates of all taxa by 24–39%, and defer the timing of peak growth from the summer to the autumn and spring, (2) alter the intrinsic rate of population growth (λ) for S. hystrix (λ decreases 26%) and S. caliendrum (λ increases 5%), but not for P. damicornis, and (3) have a minor effect on λ (a 0.3% increase) for the Pocilloporidae, largely because λ varies more among species than it does between temperatures. Ten-year population projections suggest that the effects of a sub-lethal increase in temperature (i.e., the SY+3 regime) are relatively small compared to the interspecific differences in population dynamics, but nevertheless will alter the population size and increase the relative abundance of large colonies at the expense of smaller colonies for all three species, as well as the Pocilloporidae. These effects may play an important role in determining the nuances of coral population structure as seawater warms, and their significance may intensity if the coral species pool is depleted of thermally sensitive species by bleaching.
Energy dependence of the optical model potential for fast neutron scattering from cobalt

Abstract Differential elastic- and inelastic-scattering cross sections were measured from ∼ 1.5 to 10.0 MeV over the scattering-angle range ∼18° to 160°, with sufficient detail to define the energy-averaged behavior. Inelastic neutron groups were observed corresponding to measured excitation energies of: 1115 ± 29, 1212 ± 24, 1307 ± 24, 1503 ± 33, 1778 ± 40, 2112 ± 40, 2224 ± 35, 2423 ± 39, 2593 ± 41 and 2810 ± 67 keV. The experimental results were interpreted in terms of spherical-optical-statistical and coupled-channels models. A successful description of the differential elastic scattering below 10 MeV and the total cross section in the range 0–20 MeV was achieved using the spherical optical model with energy-dependent strengths and geometries. These energy dependencies are large below approximately 7.0 MeV, but become smaller and similar to those reported for “global” potentials at higher energies. This change in the energy dependence of the parameters, which occurs about 19 MeV above the Fermi energy, was also seen in the analysis of the 209 Bi data and probably marks the onset of the Fermi surface anomaly. Inelastic scattering to the levels below 1.8 MeV displays a forward peaked behavior. This non-statistical component is interpreted using the weak coupling model in which the f 7 2 proton hole is coupled to the 2 + state in 60 Ni. This vibrational characteristic provides an explanation of the unusual energy dependence and relatively small radius found for the imaginary optical model potential. In conjunction with the fact that cobalt is four neutrons away from the N = 28 closed shell, the coupling also provides an explanation for the large value of this potential. The real spherical optical-model potential derived from the neutron-scattering results was extrapolated to bound energies using the dispersion relationship and the method of moments. The resulting real-potential strength and radius peak at ∼ −10.0 MeV, whereas the real diffuseness is at a minimum at this energy. The extrapolated potential is ∼8% larger than that implied by reported particle-state energies, and ∼13% smaller than indicated by hole-state energies.
Phylogeny and biogeography of the flowering plant genus Styrax (Styracaceae) based on chloroplast DNA restriction sites and DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region.

Phylogenetic relationships within the flowering plant genus Styrax were investigated with DNA sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and with chloroplast DNA restriction site data from the genes trnK, rpoC1, and rpoC2. The data sets from each genome were analyzed separately and in combination with parsimony methods. The results strongly support the monophyly of each of the four series of the genus but provide little phylogenetic resolution among them. Reticulate evolution may at least partly explain discordance between the molecular phylogenetic estimates and a prior morphological estimate within series Cyrta. The historical biogeography of the genus was inferred with unweighted parsimony character optimization of trees recovered from a combined ITS and morphological data set, after a series of combinability tests for data set congruence was conducted. The results are consistent with the fossil record in supporting a Eurasian origin of Styrax. The nested phylogenetic position of the South American members of the genus within those from southern North America and Eurasia suggests that the boreotropics hypothesis best explains the amphi-Pacific tropical disjunct distribution occurring within section Valvatae. The pattern of relationship recovered among the species of section Styrax ((western North America + western Eurasia) (eastern North America + eastern Eurasia)) is rare among north-temperate Tertiary forest relicts. The monophyly of the group of species from western North America and western Eurasia provides qualified support for the Madrean-Tethyan hypothesis, which posits a Tertiary floristic connection among the semiarid regions in which these taxa occur. A single vicariance event between eastern Asia and eastern North America accounts for the pattern of relationship among intercontinental disjuncts in series Cyrta.
Dynamical spin-electric coupling in a quantum dot

Due to the spin-orbital coupling in an anisotropic semiconductor quantum dot, a freely precessing electron spin produces a time-dependent charge density. This creates a sizable electric field outside the dot, leading to promising applications in spintronics. The spin-electric coupling can be employed for noninvasive single-spin detection by electrical methods. We also consider a spin relaxation mechanism due to long-range coupling to electrons in gates and elsewhere in the system, and find a contribution comparable to, and in some cases dominant over, previously discussed mechanisms.
Hospitalization for partial nephrectomy was not associated with intrathecal opioid analgesia: Retrospective analysis.

Background: The aim of this retrospective study is to test the hypothesis that the use of spinal analgesia shortens the length of hospital stay after partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for malignancy through flank incision between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2011. We excluded patients who underwent tumor thrombectomy, used sustained-release opioids, or had general anesthesia supplemented by epidural analgesia. Patients were grouped into spinal (intrathecal opioid injection for postoperative analgesia) versus general anesthetic group, and early discharge group (within 3 postoperative days) versus late group. Association between demographics, patient physical status, anesthetic techniques, and surgical complexity and hospital stay were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 380 patients, 158 (41.6%) were discharged early and 151 (39.7%) were spinal cases. Both spinal and early discharge groups had better postoperative pain control and used less postoperative systemic opioids. Spinal analgesia was associated with early hospital discharge, odds ratio 1.52, (95% confidence interval 1.00-2.30), P = 0.05, but in adjusted analysis was no longer associated with early discharge, 1.16 (0.73-1.86), P = 0.52. Early discharge was associated with calendar year, with more recent years being associated with early discharge. Conclusion: Spinal analgesia combined with general anesthesia was associated with improved postoperative pain control during the 1 st postoperative day, but not with shorter hospital stay following partial nephrectomy. Therefore, unaccounted practice changes that occurred during more recent times affected hospital stay.
Evolution of sperm size in nematodes: sperm competition favours larger sperm

In the free–living rhabditid nematode Caenorhabditis elegans , sperm size is a determinant of sperm competitiveness. Larger sperm crawl faster and physically displace smaller sperm to take fertilization priority, but not without a cost: larger sperm are produced at a slower rate. Here, we investigate the evolution of sperm size in the family Rhabditidae by comparing sperm among 19 species, seven of which are hermaphroditic (self–fertile hermaphrodites and males), the rest being gonochoristic (females and males). We found that sperm size differed significantly with reproductive mode: males of gonochoristic species had significantly larger sperm than did males of the hermaphroditic species. Because males compose 50% of the populations of gonochoristic species but are rare in hermaphroditic species, the risk of male—male sperm competition is greater in gonochoristic species. Larger sperm have thus evolved in species with a greater risk of sperm competition. Our results support recent studies contending that sperm size may increase in response to sperm competition.
Effects of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric modulators in animal behavior studies

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated cation-conducting transmembrane channels from the cys-loop receptor superfamily. The neuronal subtypes of these receptors (e.g. the α7 and α4β2 subtypes) are involved in neurobehavioral processes such as anxiety, the central processing of pain, food intake, nicotine seeking behavior, and a number of cognitive functions like learning and memory. Neuronal nAChR dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of many neurological disorders, and behavioral studies in animals are useful models to assess the effects of compounds that act on these receptors. Allosteric modulators are ligands that bind to the receptors at sites other than the orthosteric site where acetylcholine, the endogenous agonist for the nAChRs, binds. While conventional ligands for the neuronal nAChRs have been studied for their behavioral effects in animals, allosteric modulators for these receptors have only recently gained attention, and research on their behavioral effects is growing rapidly. Here we will discuss the behavioral effects of allosteric modulators of the neuronal nAChRs.
Crosslinking of gelatin by aqueous peroxydisulfate

Aqueous gelatin (5%) is crosslinked in the presence of 0.040–0.020M peroxydisulfate at 70°C., but in 0.40M peroxydisulfate, gelatin initially is crosslinked and then redissolves to give a solution of reduced viscosity. The rate of crosslinking depends on the concentration of peroxydisulfate, the nature of peroxydisulfate's cation, and the pH range of the solution during crosslinking. Addition of silver ion to gelatin–peroxydisulfate solutions increases the rate of crosslinking, whereas addition of hydroquinone inhibits crosslinking. Further, induced decomposition of peroxydisulfate is observed in the presence of gelatin. Acetylated and esterified gelatins are crosslinked by aqueous peroxydisulfate, but the ability of deaminated gelatin to crosslink is greatly reduced. Crosslinking is believed to proceed via sulfate and hydroxyl free-radical attack of gelatin, with in situ generation of reactive intermediates that crosslink with other reactive sites in gelatin. Possible sites of crosslinking in gelatin have been suggested in light of viscosity data, chemical and amino acid analyses, and peroxydisulfate's known mode of decomposition.
Tracking a Kuroshio cold ring with a free-drifting surface buoy

Abstract A cyclonic ring formed by the Kuroshio Extension southeast of Japan was observed over a 50-day period in 1976 by XBT (expendable bathythermograph), STD (salinity-temperature-depth recorder), and a free-drifting surface buoy. The ring, estimated to be 4 months old, was 240 km in diameter and extended to a depth of at least 3000 m. The satellite-tracked buoy completed 6.5 revolutions around the ring during 37 days as the ring moved 150 m to the north. At the end of this period, the ring coalesced with the kuroshio and the buoy was carried downstream, ultimately drifting 3500 km eastward during the next 7 months. As the buoy passed over the Emperor Seamount chain, it began moving in a series of anticyclonic loops which persisted for nearly one month. An analysis of winds along the buoy trajectory revealed two month-long periods when the buoy velocity was significantly correlated with the wind velocity.
Electroconvulsive therapy in a candidate for heart transplant with an implantable cardiovertor defibrillator and cardiac contractility modulator.

Background Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be life-saving in treating depression, even for high-risk cardiac patients. A 56-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and dilated cardiomyopathy, using both a defibrillator and an experimental cardiac contractility modulator, had had episodes of severe depression superimposed on dysthymia for 27 years, with a current exacerbation over the past 2 years, and little response to antidepressant treatment. Method He received a course of 12 ECTs (6 right-unilateral and 6 left-anterior/right-temporal electrode placements). Results After these, he was judged moderately but not dramatically improved. Discussion Serious adverse events, such as myocardial infarction, lethal arrhythmias, and cardiac rupture are possible in these high-risk patients, especially those with ejection fractions
Similarity of Attitudes and Attraction to a Social Organization

65 college students completed an attitude survey and subsequently received an attitude survey covering the same issues which purportedly represented the attitudes held by most of the members of a college fraternity or sorority. Ss then filled out a judgment scale calling for evaluations of the organization's likely feelings of belongingness, cooperative atmosphere, sense of group unity, and pride in the organization. In addition, they indicated how much they would probably like the fraternity or sorority and how much they would enjoy being a member. The hypothesized effect of attitude similarity on attraction was confirmed for both liking and desire to be a member. Perceptions of feelings of belongingness and cooperative atmosphere were also significantly influenced by similarity of attitudes.
On the impact of demand response: Load shedding, energy conservation, and further implications to load forecasting

This paper discusses three aspects of demand response through a case study of a US utility: 1) how load profile changes due to demand response; 2) how much energy has been saved annually; 3) whether the load forecasts have been affected by demand response. A regression based approach is deployed to try to answer these questions. The results show that for this particular utility, the demand response programs on average help shave the peaks but do not significantly affect the annual sales. In addition, the forecasting accuracy can be improved by excluding the hours affected by demand response.
Lines With Many Points On Both Sides

Let G be a finite set of points in the plane. A line M is a (k, k)-line if M is determined by G, and there are at least k points of G in each of the two open half-planes bounded by M. Let f (k, k) denote the maximum size of a set G in the plane, which is not contained in a line and does not determine a (k, k)-line. In this paper we improve previous results of Yaakov Kupitz ( f (k, k) ≤ 3k), Noga Alon ( f (k, k) ≤ 2k + O( √ k)), and Micha A. Perles ( f (k, k) ≤ 2k + O(log k)). We show that f (k, k) ≤ 2k + O(log log k).