cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unexpected Findings During Double-blind Discontinuation of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Medications

Abstract Purpose The long-term effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) used in the treatment of patients with various types of dementia remain unclear, largely due to challenges in the study of their discontinuation. We present several unexpected results from a discontinuation trial that might merit further investigation. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the discontinuation of AChEI medications was conducted in 62 US veterans. Participants were randomized to receive continued treatment with their medication (sham-taper group) or to treatment discontinuation via tapering (real-taper group), over a period of 6 weeks. The primary end point was the patient's/family caregiver's decision to discontinue the study medication. Findings The study was underpowered to detect a significant between-group difference in the primary end point, but examination of the discontinuation process generated several unexpected results: (1) recruitment proved extremely challenging for a variety of reasons, with Implications These findings argue for the use of caution in discontinuing AChEIs in patients with Parkinson disease–associated dementia, although there may be potential benefits of a "drug holiday." The findings also urge the consideration of distress on the part of the caregiver while making medication treatment decisions in dementia. Future research must address challenges with recruitment and symptom fluctuations.
Contributions of distinct auditory cortical inhibitory neuron types to the detection of sounds in background noise

Abstract The ability to separate background noise from relevant acoustic signals is essential for appropriate sound-driven behavior in natural environments. Examples of this separation are apparent in the auditory system, where neural responses to behaviorally relevant stimuli become increasingly noise-invariant along the ascending auditory pathway. However, the mechanisms that underlie this reduction in responses to background noise are not well understood. To address this gap in knowledge, we first evaluated the effects of auditory cortical inactivation on mice of both sexes trained to perform a simple auditory signal-in-noise detection task, and found that outputs from the auditory cortex are important for the detection of auditory stimuli in noisy environments. Next, we evaluated the contributions of the two most common cortical inhibitory cell types, parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) and somatostatin-expressing (SOM+) interneurons, to the perception of masked auditory stimuli. We found that inactivation of either PV+ or SOM+ cells resulted in a reduction in the ability of mice to determine the presence of auditory stimuli masked by noise. These results indicate that a disruption of auditory cortical network dynamics by either of these two types of inhibitory cells is sufficient to impair the ability to separate acoustic signals from noise. Significance Statement Appropriate behavior in a natural environment relies on the ability to separate background noise from relevant signals. We found that auditory cortical inhibitory neurons play a causal role in separating environmental noise from behaviorally relevant auditory signals. These results advance our understanding of the computations performed by the auditory system to decompose and analyze acoustic stimuli in the presence of noise.
Better Product at Same Cost, Lower Sales and Lower Welfare

We consider a high-quality dominant firm facing a low-quality competitive fringe. We show that the effect of an increase in the dominant firm's product quality on its equilibrium quantity depends on its marginal cost relative to that of the fringe firms. The dominant firm's output increases in its quality when its cost exceeds that of the fringe, is independent of its quality when marginal costs are equal, and decreases in its quality when the dominant firm's cost is lower than that of the fringe. An increase in the dominant firm's quality does not cause a parallel shift in its residual demand, but rather causes it to pivot. This, in turn, causes its marginal revenue curve to rotate clockwise, rather than shift outwards, at a height that we show to be equal to the fringe firms' cost. This fact, combined with the dominant firm's MR=MC condition, determines the result. For closely related reasons, the effect of a quality increase on consumer welfare also depends on the relationship between the costs. The sign on consumer welfare is ambiguous. It is possible that all consumers are (weakly) better off, that some are better off and some worse off, or that all are (weakly) worse off. We also consider several extensions and variations of the model.
A mathematical framework for ejecta cloud dynamics with application to source models and piezoelectric mass measurements

We present a mathematical framework for describing the dynamical evolution of an ejecta cloud generated by a generic ejecta source model. We consider a piezoelectric sensor fielded in the path of an ejecta cloud, for experimental configurations in which the ejecta are created at a singly shocked planar surface and fly ballistically through vacuum to the stationary sensor. To do so, we introduce the concept of a time- and velocity-dependent ejecta “areal mass function.” We derive expressions for the analytic (“true”) accumulated ejecta areal mass at the sensor and the measured (“inferred”) value obtained via the standard method for analyzing piezoelectric voltages. In this way, we derive an exact expression and upper bound for the error imposed upon a piezoelectric ejecta mass measurement (in a perfect system) by the assumption of instantaneous creation, which is commonly required for momentum diagnostic analyses. This error term is zero for truly instantaneous source models; otherwise, the standard piezoelectric analysis is guaranteed to overestimate the true mass. When combined with a piezoelectric dataset, this framework provides a unique solution for the ejecta particle velocity distribution, subject to the assumptions inherent in the data analysis. The framework also leads to strong boundary conditions that any ejecta source model must satisfy in order to be consistent with apparently global properties of piezoelectric measurements from a wide range of experiments. We demonstrate this methodology by applying it to the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability+self-similar velocity distribution ejecta source model currently under development at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Twenty-four month longitudinal study suggests little to no horizontal gene transfer in situ between third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Salmonella and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli in a beef cattle feedyard.

Third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) are preferred treatments for serious human Salmonella enterica infections. Beef cattle are suspected to contribute to human 3GC-resistant Salmonella infections. Commensal 3GC-resistant Escherichia coli are thought to act as reservoirs of 3GC resistance since they are more frequently isolated than 3GC-resistant Salmonella at beef cattle feedyards. During each of 24 consecutive months 4 samples of pen surface material were obtained from 5 pens ( N = 480) at a Nebraska feedyard to determine to the contribution of 3GC-resistant E. coli to the occurrence of 3GC-resistant Salmonella . Illumina whole genome sequencing was performed and susceptibilities to 14 antimicrobial agents were determined for 121 3GC-susceptible Salmonella , 121 3GC-resistant Salmonella , and 203 3GC-resistant E. coli isolates. 3GC-susceptible Salmonella isolates were predominantly Muenchen (70.2%) and Montevideo Clade 1 (23.1%). 3GC-resistant Salmonella isolates were predominantly Montevideo Clade 2 (84.3%). One bla gene type ( bla CMY-2 ) and the IncC plasmid replicon were present in 100% and 97.5% of the 3GC-resistant Salmonella , respectively. Eleven bla gene types were detected in the 3GC-resistant E. coli . The 3GC-resistant E. coli were distributed across 42 multilocus sequence types. The bla CMY-2 gene and IncC plasmid replicon were present in 37.9% and 9.9% of the 3GC-resistant E . coli , respectively. These results suggested that 3GC resistance in Salmonella was primarily due the persistence of Montevideo Clade 2 with very minimal or no contribution from 3GC-resistant E. coli via horizontal gene transfer, suggesting that 3GC-resistant E. coli may not be a useful indicator for 3GC-resistant Salmonella in beef cattle production environments.
An Evaluation of the Relative Merits of the Wintrobe and Westergren Sedimentation Methods, Including Hematocrit Correction

The relative responses of the Wintrobe and the Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate methods to increasing plasma concentrations of asymmetric macromolecules were investigated. The study was aided by the use of a recently described ESR method, the Zeta Sedimentation Ratio (ZSR). The ZSR, like the Wintrobe and Westergren methods, responds to an increase in the plasma content of asymmetric macromolecules which commonly accompanies inflammatory disease. Unlike these two methods, the ZSR is insensitive to hematocrit variation. At present, ESR results are usually corrected for hematocrit effects by the exercise of clinical judgment. Even under favorable circumstances this approach appears to be the least effective of all the approaches investigated. Contrary to the prevailing opinion, the Westergren method is less sensitive than the Wintrobe method to minimal elevations of asymmetric macromolecules. It is nonlinear in its response at these low levels. In contrast, the rapid onset of the packing phase renders the Wintrobe method insensitive to marked elevations of asymmetric macromolecules, a region where the Westergren method performs extremely well.
Grains of Sand and an Artist’s Hands

Shelly is a unique individual who has an extraordinary gift for the arts in all forms, along with a deep understanding of the human condition and how disease impacts individuals, fami­lies, and society at large. She has the ability to combine her artistic gifts with her love of science to make a powerful and significant impact on health.
Scheduling of newly emerging drugs: a critical review of decisions over 40 years.

Aims Decisions on whether and how to ‘schedule’ drugs (i.e. to determine their legal status and penalties to be applied for sale or possession) are often heavily criticized. We sought to assess more comprehensively the results of such decisions for newly emerging drugs. Methods Through analysis of legislation and secondary sources, we identified 63 substances that have emerged since 1971, including all that have been added to the most restrictive schedule by the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and/or New Zealand. Measurements For each jurisdiction we recorded whether, when, and how the substance was scheduled and note what decisions engendered substantial criticism or controversy within the international treaties' framework of balancing medical benefits with risk of abuse. Findings (i) The rate of emergence of new drugs has been fairly steady. (ii) There is broad cross-national agreement on what should be scheduled. (iii) The United States often acts first. (iv) Temporary bans that delay final decisions by 12–18 months can sometimes allow final decisions to be grounded on a substantially expanded research base. (v) It appears that no more than seven of the decisions reached by the United States with respect to the 63 substances are candidates for being considered errors, and arguably the United States has committed at most one serious Type I and one serious Type II error. Results for other countries are broadly similar. Conclusions The process for determining the legal status of new psychoactive substances appears to function reasonably well, within the framework of international treaty obligations. Most criticisms relate to one or a few substances (e.g. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and/or complaints that the decisions discount benefits that are not recognized by the treaties (e.g. recreational or religious use).
Transfer and ionization in collisions of positrons with atoms

Kinematic singularities in certain few-body reactions may provide special features that are both conceptually simple and observable. Particle transfer is such a reaction. At high velocities, it is characterized by singularities that are manifested by peaks and ridges in differential cross sections. For electrons captured by protons, some of these singular features have been observed. For capture by positrons, i.e. positronium formation, new features are predicted.
D-Serine dehydratase from Escherichia coli. IV. Comparative sequences of pyridoxylpeptides derived from the active site and from an inhibitory site of the enzyme.

Abstract d-Serine dehydratase from Escherichia coli has two distinct binding sites for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate; a high affinity site (Kdiss 0.03 µm) which binds the catalytically essential coenzyme and a low affinity site (Kdiss near 1000 µm) which binds pyridoxal-P, pyridoxal, or 5-deoxypyridoxal approximately equally, with resultant inhibition of enzymatic activity. Following borohydride reduction, carboxymethylation and chymotryptic digestion of the holoenzyme, a single non-apeptide containing the N6-pyridoxyllysine residue, and thus corresponding to a portion of the high affinity coenzyme binding site was isolated by two different chromatographic procedures and shown to have the sequence: Ser-(Pxy)Lys-Gly-Arg-Ile-Asn-Lys-Ala-Thr. The peptide differs from the corresponding coenzyme-binding site peptides isolated from other pyridoxal-P-dependent enzymes in its highly basic and relatively hydrophilic character. When borohydride reduction of d-serine holodehydratase was carried out in the presence of an inhibitory concentration (7.5 mm) of pyridoxal-P, one additional major pyridoxylpeptide, corresponding to a portion of the low affinity pyridoxal-binding site was isolated. The sequence of this inhibitory site peptide was determined to be: Val-(Pxy)Lys-Ala-Gly-Ala-Phe.
A New View on the MMN and Attention Debate The Role of Context in Processing Auditory Events

The question of whether the mismatch negativity (MMN) is modulated by attention has been debated for over a decade. Although the MMN is widely regarded as reflecting a preattentive auditory process, many studies have shown attention effects on MMN. So, what does preattentive mean if attention can modulate the MMN? To understand the function of MMN in auditory processing, we need to shed new light on the "MMN and attention" debate. This review will discuss the apparent paradox that MMN can be modulated by attention and still be considered an attention-independent process, and provide a new framework for viewing the MMN system. The new model proposes that the principal factor governing MMN is the sound context. MMN generation relies on multiple processing mechanisms that are part of a larger system of auditory scene analysis.
Anisotropic elastic analysis and atomistic simulation of adatom-adatom interactions on solid surfaces

Abstract We employ atomistic computer simulations and anisotropic elastic analysis to investigate the nature of adatom-adatom interactions on solid surfaces. Point dipole forces are used to model the elastic field generated by adatoms on a surface. In agreement with previous results, the anisotropic elastic theory shows that the adatom-adatom interaction energy has a strong angular dependence and can change sign with angle. Atomistic simulations are used to test the validity of the anisotropic elastic theory and to determine the overall magnitude of the dipole force, which is needed to fully parameterize the elastic theory. These simulations are performed for Ni adatoms on a {001} Ni substrate using Embedded-Atom-Method (EAM) interatomic potentials. The simulations are shown to be in very good agreement with the anisotropic elastic theory prediction. However, when the spacing between adatoms is small, dipole-quadropole interaction terms become important, especially in directions in which the dipole-dipole interactions are very small. The magnitudes of the force dipole, determined from simulations that emphasize different crystallographic directions, are all nearly identical. This further supports the anisotropic dipole-dipole interaction model for adatom interactions on solid surfaces.
The current status of disability activism and non‐governmental organizations in post‐communist Europe: preliminary findings based on reports from the field

The purpose of this study was to conduct qualitative research on the disability rights and independent living movement in post‐communist Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Specifically, the research focused on the Visegrad Four countries of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. Field research involving key informant interviews with 17 disability activists and non‐governmental organization (NGO) leaders was conducted. Interviews consisted of an open method of inquiry with the key informants. Extensive analysis of transcripts is ongoing, but the urgent need for international reporting on disability issues, particularly regarding regions undergoing a great deal of political transition and civil society development, necessitates a preliminary report on this research at this time. Preliminary findings suggest the following. (1) Disability activism and NGO leadership in the Visegrad Four countries has, with a few exceptions, favored a consensus‐based approach to development, with emphases on service ...
Transducing methyltransferase activity into electrical signals in a carbon nanotube–DNA device

This study creates a device where the DNA is electronically integrated to serve as both the biological target and electrical transducer in a CNT–DNA–CNT device. We detect DNA binding and methylation by the methyltransferase M.SssI at the single molecule level. We demonstrate sequence-specific, reversible binding of M.SssI and protein-catalyzed methylation that alters the protein-binding affinity of the device. This device, which relies on the exquisite electrical sensitivity of DNA, represents a unique route for the specific, single molecule detection of enzymatic activity.
The use of exclusive trios in human pedigrees to determine autosomal or X-linked dominance or recessiveness

Abstract Four rules of judgement, each involving one child and its parents, can rule out one common mode of inheritance each, namely dominance, or recessiveness, autosomal or sex-linkage. A large pedigree usually provides three different groups of ? particular child and its parents. Each such trio may rule out one particular mode of inhe itance. When both parents show a trait but one daughter does not, the trait cannot be recessive. When no parent shows the trait but one son or daughter does, the trait cannot be dominant. Again, if a father shows a trait but his daughter and her mother do not show it, the trait cannot be sex-linked dominant. And when a mother shows a trait, but her son and his father do not, the trait cannot be sex-linked recessive. A pedigree having three of these four different sets of “parents-and-child” groups, rules out three modes of inheritance for the trait in question, and thereby confirms that the mode of inheritance for the trait is, as a rule, the single remaining mode of the four.
A new mechanical demand meter register

A new mechanical demand register using a Geneva-type mechanism to accomplish both the timing of the demand interval and the resetting of the pointer-pusher has eliminated the energy storage spring with its design and maintenance problems.
Lack of evidence for an association between WNT2 and RELN polymorphisms and autism

Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in language development and social interaction, as well as stereotypical, repetitive behaviors. The etiology of autism is largely unknown. Family and twin studies have provided compelling evidence for a strong genetic component in most idiopathic cases. Several recent candidate gene studies have suggested that alleles of WNT2 and the reelin gene (RELN), two genes involved in distinct aspects of neurodevelopment, confer greater susceptibility to autism. We screened WNT2 for DNA polymorphisms by sequencing all exons and adjacent intronic regions in 24 autistic patients, and identified not only the WNT2 variants reported previously (two common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5' upstream region and the 3' untranslated region (UTR), respectively), but also two new SNPs in its 3' UTR. We genotyped all four WNT2 polymorphisms and a polymorphic trinucleotide repeat in the 5' UTR of RELN in 107 families with multiple autistic children, and evaluated evidence for association between these variants and autism by the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). Our results revealed no deviation from the null hypothesis of no association. Our interpretation of these findings is that it is unlikely that DNA variations in RELN and WNT2 play a significant role in the genetic predisposition to autism.
Entropy-based heavy tailed distribution transformation and visual analytics for monitoring massive network traffic

For monitoring network traffic, there is an enormous cost in collecting, storing, and analyzing network traffic datasets. Data mining based network traffic analysis has a growing interest in the cyber security community, but is computationally expensive for finding correlations between attributes in massive network traffic datasets. To lower the cost and reduce computational complexity, it is desirable to perform feasible statistical processing on effective reduced datasets instead of on the original full datasets. Because of the dynamic behavior of network traffic, traffic traces exhibit mixtures of heavy tailed statistical distributions or overdispersion. Heavy tailed network traffic characterization and visualization are important and essential tasks to measure network performance for the Quality of Services. However, heavy tailed distributions are limited in their ability to characterize real-time network traffic due to the difficulty of parameter estimation. The Entropy-Based Heavy Tailed Distribution Transformation (EHTDT) was developed to convert the heavy tailed distribution into a transformed distribution to find the linear approximation. The EHTDT linearization has the advantage of being amenable to characterize and aggregate overdispersion of network traffic in realtime. Results of applying the EHTDT for innovative visual analytics to real network traffic data are presented.
Fatty acid composition of unfertilized and fertilized eggs of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata.

Fatty acid compositions of polar lipids and triacylglycerols isolated from eggs of the sea urchin,Arbacia punctulata, were examined before and 15 min after insemination. The main fatty acids present in polar lipids and triacylglycerols were palmitate, palmitoleate, eicosaenoate, arachidonate and eicosapentaenoate, while palmitate and palmitoleate predominated in triacylglycerols. There were no significant changes in weight percentrage of individual fatty acids of either polar lipids or triglycerides of eggs after insemination.
A Simple Dynamic Graphical Diagnostic Method for Almost Any Model

Abstract This article describes a simple dynamic graphical diagnostic method that can be used to explore fits to almost any parametric model. The technique is based on viewing diagnostic plots while fits in a neighborhood of a parametric fit are dynamically explored using an intuitively appealing and easy-to-use two-dimensional controller. The motivation for the controller comes from the 2 p -factorial designs used in response surface analysis. As with response surface analysis, exploration can proceed iteratively. When an interesting new fit is found, the controller can be recentered and exploration continued around the new fit. The technique integrates easily with other dynamic graphical techniques, such as brushing and the use of sliders. The dynamic graphical technique is developed in this article primarily in the context of multiple linear regression. An example of the application of the technique to the Brownlee stack loss data set is presented and compared to the extensive analysis given by Daniel ...
The effect of meridional and vertical shear on the interaction of equatorial baroclinic and barotropic Rossby waves

Simplified asymptotic equations describing the resonant nonlinear interaction of equatorial Rossby waves with barotropic Rossby waves with significant midlatitude projection in the presence of arbitrary vertically and meridionally sheared zonal mean winds are developed. The three mode equations presented here are an extension of the two mode equations derived by Majda and Biello [1] and arise in the physically relevant regime produced by seasonal heating when the vertical (baroclinic) mean shear has both symmetric and antisymmetric components; the dynamics of the equatorial baroclinic and both symmetric and antisymmetric barotropic waves is developed. The equations described here are novel in several respects and involve a linear dispersive wave system coupled through quadratic nonlinearities. Numerical simulations are used to explore the effect of antisymmetric baroclinic shear on the exchange of energy between equatorial baroclinic and barotropic waves; the main effect of moderate antisymmetric winds is to shift the barotropic waves meridionally. A purely meridionally antisymmetric mean shear yields highly asymmetric waves which often propagate across the equator. The two mode equations appropriate to Ref. [1] are shown to have analytic solitary wave solutions and some representative examples with their velocity fields are presented.
Performance of CVR Coatings for PBR Fuels

As a part of the component development process for the particle bed reactor (PBR), it is necessary to develop coatings for fuel particles which will be time and temperature stable. These coatings must not only protect the particle from attack by the hydrogen coolant, but must also help to maintain the bed in a coolable geometry and mitigate against fission product release. In order to develop these advanced coatings, a process to produce chemical vapor reaction (CVR) coatings on fuel for PBRs has been developed. The initial screening tests for these coatings consisted of testing in flowing hot hydrogen at one atmosphere. Surrogate fuel particles consisting of pyrolytic graphite coated graphite particles have been heated in flowing hydrogen at constant temperature. The carbon loss from these particles was measured as a function of time. Exposure temperatures ranging from 2500 to 3000 K were used and samples were exposed for up to 14 minutes in a cyclical fashion, cooling to room temperature between exposures. The rate of weight loss measured as a function of time is compared to that from other tests of coated materials under similar conditions. Microscopic examination of the coatings before and after exposure was also conducted and these results are presented.
The attainment of premixed compression ignition low-temperature combustion in a compression ignition direct injection engine

Abstract This study theoretically proposes and experimentally demonstrates the simultaneous reductions of exhaust nitric oxide (NO) and soot via the attainment of premixed compression ignition (PCI) combustion in a modern compression ignition direct injection (CIDI) engine. The key features leading to PCI combustion are a well-mixed fuel–air mixture, following a long ignition delay period, which burns at relatively low temperature. It is shown that simultaneous reductions in exhaust NO and soot concentrations are possible with the implementation of PCI combustion. At very low combustion temperatures, soot formation mechanisms decrease substantially so that both NO and soot formation have very little dependence on local equivalence ratios. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the global equivalence ratio above stoichiometric, and produce rich products of combustion for regeneration of certain diesel aftertreatment systems.
Oxygen evolution in photosynthesis: simple analytical solution for the Kok model.

Abstract The light-induced oxidation of water by Photosystem II (PS II) of higher plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, is the main source of atmospheric oxygen. The discovery of the flash-induced period four oscillations in the oxygen evolution made by Pierre Joliot in 1969 has a lasting impact on current photosynthesis research. Bessel Kok explained such oscillations by introducing the cycle of flash-induced transitions of states (S-states) of an oxygen-evolving complex governed by the values of miss and double hit . Although this Kok model has been successfully used over 30 years for interpretation of experimental data in photosynthesis, until now there has been no simple analytical solution for it. Such an analytical solution for individual S-states and for oxygen evolution is presented here. When only the S 1 state is present before flash series, and when both the miss and double hit are zero, the oxygen evolved by the PSII after the n th flash, Y ( n ), is given by the following equation: 4 Y ( n )=1+(−1) n−1 -2 cos(( n -1) π /2). It is found here that binary oscillations of the secondary acceptor semiquinone at the acceptor side of the reaction center of PS II and release of reducing equivalents from reaction center to b 6 f complex can also be determined in the framework of the Kok model. The simple solutions found here for individual S-states, semiquinone, and oxygen evolution provide a basis for quantitative description of the charge accumulation processes at the donor and acceptor sides of PSII. It also provides a rare example of a significant problem in biology, which can be solved analytically.
Laser micromachining of terahertz systems

Laser micromachining is a powerful alternative to the conventional fabrication of waveguide structures, feedhorns and backshorts designed to operate at frequencies greater than 800 GHz. Computer controlled laser etching permits the direct scaling and fabrication of successful waveguide designs to THz frequencies with micrometer tolerances in just a few hours. Laser micromachining can also be used to produce quasi optical components such as anti-reflection (AR) grooved silicon lenses, and local oscillator (LO) phase gratings. In these proceedings we describe the specifics of the laser micromachining facility being completed at the Steward Observatory Radio Astronomy Laboratory and its potential for the fabrication of THz imaging array receivers.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SPATIAL DEPENDENCE IN NORTHERN FLICKER HABITAT-REPRODUCTION RELATIONSHIPS: AN APPLICATION OF DUTILLEUL'S MODIFIED t-TEST

Abstract. While there is growing awareness in ecology of spatial dependency, the application in avian ecology of spatially explicit statistical methods is rare in areas such as habitat—reproduction relationships. We compared nonspatial vs. spatially explicit tests of correlation between a measure of reproduction and a habitat attribute associated with Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) nests. While nonspatial tests showed a significant positive correlation between nest productivity and canopy cover of conifers, Dutilleul's modified t-test, which reduces the effective sample size by accounting for dependence among sampled nest trees, showed no significant correlation. These results may be due to spatial autocorrelation of both canopy cover of conifers and nest productivity at the scale of <1 km. Low localized nest productivity appears to have been driven by nest predation rather than by conifer cover. Our results illustrate the utility of this simple modification for examining ecological correlations in t...
Lymphomyeloid organs of amphibia. IV. Normal histology in larval and adult Rana catesbeiana

This report presents light microscopic descriptions of normal histology, including innervation, of the lymph glands and jugular bodies, of larval and adult Rana catesbeiana. A brief description of two other adult organs, the propericardial and procoracoid bodies, is also included. The parenchyma was studied by employing the May-Grunwald-Giemsa staining technique for better cytoplasmic differentiation; the Periodic Acid-Schiff technique and hematoxylin and eosin yielded clearer nuclear and cytoplasmic delineations. The intercellular portion of the stroma was studied from sections stained with Masson's trichrome, Weigert's elastic stain, Periodic Acid-Schiff and Wilder's reticulum stain. Demonstration of phagocytes was facilitated by intraperitoneal India ink injections followed by the above staining procedures. Innerrvation was observed in serial sections of silver impregnated whole organs as well as in the other serial sections. These organs are lymphocytopoietic and to a certain extent granulopoietic; they also serve, like the spleen, as graveyards for dead cells and most probably play a role in immunity especially in the synthesis of antibodies as indicated by the presence of plasma cells, macrophages and lymphocytes.
Release and Degradation of Angiotensin I and Angiotensin II from Angiotensinogen by Neutrophil Serine Proteinases

Cathepsin G, elastase, and proteinase 3 are serine proteinases released by activated neutrophils. Cathepsin G can cleave angiotensinogen to release angiotensin II, but this activity has not been previously reported for elastase or proteinase 3. In this study we show that elastase and proteinase 3 can release angiotensin I from angiotensinogen and release angiotensin II from angiotensin I and angiotensinogen. The relative order of potency in releasing angiotensin II by the three proteinases at equivalent concentrations is cathepsin G > elastase > proteinase 3. When all three proteinases are used together, the release of angiotensin II is greater than the sum of the release when each proteinase is used individually. Cathepsin G and elastase can also degrade angiotensin II, reactions which might be important in regulating the activity of angiotensin II. The release and degradation of angiotensin II by the neutrophil proteinases are reactions which could play a role in the local inflammatory response and wound healing.
Portal-systemic anastomosis in the rat

Abstract In 1961, Lee and Fisher reported a reliable technique for making a portacaval shunt in the rat that has proven to be reproducible in the hands of many investigators. Sudden diversion of portal blood from the healthy rat liver causes a transient loss in body weight and specific atrophy of the liver in accord with the decrease in total liver blood flow caused by the shunt, but the liver of an Eck fistula rat clearly retains its potential to regenerate. Shuntrelated alterations in metabolic activity and hormone balance have been documented, and appear to be related either to decreased liver blood flow, or to impaired access of the liver to substances that are predominantly present in splanchnic venous blood.
The Impact of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Urinary Incontinence on Female Sexual Dysfunction Using a Validated Instrument

ABSTRACT Introduction Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a common problem in women and frequently coexists with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). However, the relationship of LUTS and FSD is poorly characterized. Aim To evaluate the relationship of LUTS and urinary incontinence (UI) to FSD using a validated instrument, the female sexual function index (FSFI). Methods We performed an institutional review board-approved retrospective evaluation of 236 female patients over a 3-year time-period who completed an FSFI-validated questionnaire and underwent urodynamics (UDS) evaluation for LUTS or UI. Patients were categorized based upon history and physical exam into different LUTS groups. Additionally, the presence or absence of UI, detrusor overactivity (DO), stress urinary incontinence, and maximal cystometric capacity (MCC) > or Main Outcome Measure FSFI scores were evaluated for women with similar clinical LUTS diagnosis and UDS findings. The Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test and the Dwass–Steel test determined statistical significance and performed multiple pairwise comparisons between the different voiding dysfunction groups and those with normal UDS (Leak-/DO-/urodynamic stress incontinence-). Results The mean age of the cohort was 49.5 (range 18–69), and there was no statistically significant difference in mean age within each LUTS subgroup. MCC Conclusions The sexual function of women is negatively impacted by the presence of LUTS, with UI and DO causing the greatest degree of FSD. The sexual domains most affected are desire, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. Cohen BL, Barboglio P, and Gousse A. The impact of lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary incontinence on female sexual dysfunction using a validated instrument.
Trifluoroacetyl as a protecting group for amino acid hydrazides.

Die Bildung von Z-N2-Trifluoroacetyl-Aminosaure-Hydraziden wird beschrieben. Die Anwendungsmoglichkeiten dieser Verbindungen in der Peptidsynthese werden durch mehrere Beispiele demonstriert.
Automated generation and grading of programming assignments (abstract only)

A problem with teaching large classes of introductory programming students is that students need copious practice but instructors do not have time to grade thousands of student programs. Large classes might require the instructor to restrict the graded programs to a handful. However, students need much more practice than this, and experience shows that if an assignment is not being graded then many students will not do it. Also, if the same problem is assigned to all students, copying of answers will occur. Programs that generate unique assignments and automatically grade submissions have been developed. Beginning with a brief example, this session will focus on experiences attendees have had with such approaches, and what an idealized system might look like, including exemplar use cases.
A Risk/Benefit Analysis of Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Relief of Lumbar or Cervical Pain

Approximately 12 million Americans undergo spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) every year. Renewed interest in this method requires an analysis of its reported risks and possible benefits. This review describes two patients with spinal cord injuries associated with SMT and establishes the risk/benefit ratios for patients with lumbar or cervical pain. The first case is a man who underwent SMT for recurrent sciatica 4 years after chemonucleolysis. During therapy, he developed bilateral sciatica with urinary hesitancy. After self-referral, myelography demonstrated a total block; he underwent urgent discectomy with an excellent result 3 months after surgery. The second patient with an indwelling Broviac catheter and a history of lumbar osteomyelitis underwent SMT for neck pain. Therapy continued for 3 weeks despite the development of severe quadriparesis. After self-referral, he underwent an urgent anterior cervical decompression and removal of necrotic bone and an epidural abscess with partial neurological recovery. An analysis of these cases and 138 cases reported in the literature demonstrates six risk factors associated with complications of SMT. These include misdiagnosis, failure to recognize the onset or progression of neurological signs or symptoms, improper technique, SMT performed in the presence of a coagulation disorder or herniated nucleus pulposus, and manipulation of the cervical spine. Clinical trials of SMT have been summarized in several recent articles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Institutional Environment for Business-to-Business (B2B) E-Commerce Usage: Toward an Understanding in the Chinese Context

This study leveraged new institutional economics (NIE) theory to examine whether and how four facets of the institutional environment—industrial pressure, governmental support, legal adequacy, and national culture compatibility—affect business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce usage. Due to a lack of overarching research models and empirical evidence, several research steps leading to interview data were taken to address the research question: 1) a comprehensive literature review on NIE theory and the four institutional factors; 2) a pilot study surveying 11 firms in China using short, structured questionnaires; and 3) focused phone interviews with three Chinese firms using non-directive, open-response questions based on the pilot study results. Then a pattern-matching, literal replication approach was followed to conduct a cross-case analysis. Results suggested that industry pressure from customer usage and requests was an important driver of B2B e-commerce usage in those Chinese firms. A supportive governmen...
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy occurring during resection of a posterior fossa tumor: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Our goal was to present a clinically and radiographically documented case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy (RPL) that occurred during resection of a posterior fossa tumor. Although RPL has been previously described in multiple nonsurgical settings, we hope that th
India and Pakistan: Competing Nuclear Strategies and Doctrines

India and Pakistan have now been nuclear powers for at least a decade, apparently already having “gone to the brink” several times. Despite the dire potentialities of nuclear exchange, both countries pursue very specific nuclear deterrent and response strategies. These strategies can be found in their doctrinal development, how they articulate that doctrine and affiliated “red lines,” and deployment of nuclear weapons delivery means and associated systems (such as antiballistic missiles systems and satellites).
Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom: Retrospective review of treatment received compared to evidence-based practice guidelines

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a syndrome that can emerge after exposure to a traumatic event. In the veteran population, the strongest predictor of developing PTSD is frequency and intensity of direct combat exposure. The 2010 Veterans Affairs (VA)/Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines for the treatment of PTSD published in 2010 recommend psychotherapy techniques and/or pharmacotherapy (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or venlafaxine) as initial management. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans received treatment for PTSD in concordance with VA/DoD guidelines. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 400 patients at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) with OEF/OIF service who had a PTSD-related encounter between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012. The primary outcome was the percentage of OEF/OIF veterans with PTSD who received treatment in concordance wit...
Generalized Fokker-Planck Equation for Multichannel Disordered Quantum Conductors

The Dorokhov-Mello-Pereyra-Kumar (DMPK) equation, which describes the distribution of transmission eigenvalues of multichannel disordered conductors, has been enormously successful in describing a variety of detailed transport properties of mesoscopic wires. However, it is limited to the quasi-one-dimensional regime only. We derive a one parameter generalization of the DMPK equation, which should broaden the scope of the equation.
Drip Irrigation of Tomato and Cotton Under Shallow Saline Ground Water Conditions

Artificial subsurface drainage is not an option for addressing the saline, shallow ground water conditions along the west side of the San Joaquin Valley because of the lack of drainage water disposal facilities. Thus, the salinity/drainage problem of the valley must be addressed through improved irrigation practices. One option is to use drip irrigation in the salt affected soil.
Models for evaluating interaction protocols in speech recognition

Recognition errors complicate the assessment of speech systems. This paper presents a new approach to modeling spoken language interaction protocols, based on finite Markov chains. An interaction protocol, prescribed by the interface design, defines a set of primitive transaction steps and the order of their execut ion. The efficiency of an interface depends on the interaction protocol as well as the cost of each different transaction step. Markov chains provide a simple and computationally eflicient method for modeling errorful systems. They allow for detailed comparisons between different interaction protocols and between different modalities. The method is illustrated by application to example protocols.
Lifestyle Effects on Hematopoiesis and Atherosclerosis

Diet, exercise, stress, and sleep are receiving attention as environmental modifiers of chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, the culprit condition of myocardial infarction and stroke. Accumulating data indicate that psychosocial stress and a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet aggravate cardiovascular disease, whereas regular physical activity and healthy sleeping habits help prevent it. Here, we raise the possibility that inflammation-associated leukocyte production plays a causal role in lifestyle effects on atherosclerosis progression. Specifically, we explore whether and how potent real-life disease modifiers influence hematopoiesis’ molecular and cellular machinery. Lifestyle, we hypothesize, may rearrange hematopoietic topography, diverting production from the bone marrow to the periphery, thus propagating a quantitative and qualitative drift of the macrophage supply chain. These changes may involve progenitor-extrinsic and intrinsic communication nodes that connect organ systems along neuroimmune and immunometabolic axes, ultimately leading to an altered number and phenotype of lesional macrophages. We propose that, in conjunction with improved public health policy, future therapeutics could aim to modulate the quantitative and qualitative output, as well as the location, of the hematopoietic tree to decrease the risk of atherosclerosis complications.
Hypersensitivity and desensitization in the sea cucumber, Holothuria cinerascens.

Summary Sea cucumbers, Holothuria cinerascens , that were given multiple injections of serum from the milkfish, Chanos chanos , lived longer and were judged to be healthier than animals which received no serum. Tests revealed that milkfish serum removed a natural precipitin from sea cucumber coelomic fluid and neutralized a muscular sensitivity to the serum. Increased longevity and good health appeared to be due primarily, if not entirely, to a serum-induced long-lasting desensitization from a previous natural hypersensitive condition. This is the first known instance for an invertebrate. Little is known of the biological role of natural precipitins, but this single example appears to be associated with the presence of a hypersensitive condition. The mechanism of desensitization may differ from that in vertebrates. Perhaps the process of desensitization in invertebrates assists various symbiotic relationships.
Nanoelectronics: Nanoribbons on the edge

Arrays of graphene nanoribbons are fabricated on structured silicon carbide substrates using self-organized growth, without lithography and with well-controlled widths.