cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mini-open vs. Transfibular Approach for Ankle Arthrodesis, Which Approach is Superior in Joint Preparation: A Cadaver Study.

Arthrodesis is considered the gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis in patients who fail conservative management. Achieving union is paramount while minimizing complications. An essential item for successful union is preparation of the articular surface. Our study aims to evaluate the difference in joint preparation between direct lateral and dual mini-open approaches. Ten below knee fresh-frozen specimens were used for this study. Five were prepared through lateral approach, and five using dual mini-incisions. After preparation, all ankles were dissected and images of tibial plafond and talar articular surfaces were taken. Surface areas of articulating facets and unprepared cartilage of talus, distal tibia, and distal fibula were measured and analyzed. A greater amount of total surface area was prepared with the mini-open approach in comparison to the transfibular approach. Percentage of prepared surface area of total articulating surface (including talus and tibia/fibula), talus, tibia, and fibula with the transfibular approach were 76.9%, 77.7%, and 75%, respectively. Percentages were 90.9%, 92.9%, and 88.6% with the mini-open approach. When excluding medial gutter, there was no significant difference between techniques (83.94% vs. 90.85%, p = 0.1412). Joint preparation with the mini-open approach is equally efficacious as the transfibular approach for the tibiotalar joint. The mini-open approach does provide superior preparation of the medial gutter and inferior tibial surface which may help to increase union rates and decreased complications. V.
The estimation the size of erosion in the Merka Sur valley In Erbil

يهدف البحث الى دراسة تقدير حجم التعرية في وادي مركه سور الذي يقع في محافظة أربيل في شمال العراق ضمن المنطقة الجبلية البسيطة الالتواء (1000 – 2100) م , إذ يبلغ مساحة الحوض (162.1 كم2). استخدم الباحثين تقنية الاستشعار عن بعد (RS) (مرئية فضائية من قمرLandsat L8 OLI الأمريكي) لاستخراج التراكيب الخطية, ونموذج الارتفاع الرقمي DEM)) لاستباط التحليل الطبوغرافي (الارتفاع والانحدار) والتحليل الهيدرولوجي (شبكة الصرف النهري), ونظم المعلومات الجغرافية (GIS) لأعداد الخرائط والقيام بالتحاليل الهندسية داخل بيئة البرنامج Arc GIS 10.3 تم التعرف على الخصائص الطبيعية: صخارية المنطقة وتكويناتها والتربة والنبات الطبيعي فضلا عن التعرف على التوزيع المكاني لكل من هذه الخصائص. نستنج أن للتراكيب الخطية دورا في تحديد نوع التعرية ضمن تواجدها كما في الجهة الغربية للوادي إذ يوجد تراكيب خطية بشكل كثيف مما حفز من تواجد التعرية من نوع الاخدودي رغم تواجدها في تكوينات مقاومة لعوامل التعرية (تكوين قمجوقة , عقرة – بخمه). تؤدي درجة الانحدار دورا مهما في تحديد نوع التعرية , ففي المنحدرات شديدة الانحدار(18 – 50 درجة) تحفز التعرية من نوع الاخدودية , أما منحدرات بسيطة الانحدار (1 – 18 درجة)؛ فتحفز التعرية الغطائية. كذلك تبين ان أعداد الاودية ومجموع أطوالها ضمن المراتب النهرية العليا (الاولى , الثانية , الثالثة) لها دور في درجة التعرية ضمن معدلات التعرية حسب معادلة Bergsma , وتبين أن لعامل الارتفاع وكثافة الغطاء النباتي دورا في عرقة وتقليل حدة التعرية الريحية ضمن المنطقة.
Observation on the formation of ovule tapetum in Pinus tabulaeformis Carr

The formation process of ovule tapetum in Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. was observed with the paraffin sectioning method. After the first dormancy breaking of the female cones,there are some young cells with similar morphology in the deep center of nucellus. The initial tapetum which has 1 or 2 layers of cells and is dyed deeper in irregular shape appear in the nucellar tissues around the megaspore mother cell. During the meiosis of the megaspore mother cell,the tapetal cells which are apparently different from the surrounding nucellar cells increase to 5- 6 layers,and some of the tapetal cells near the nucellar tissues elongate radially. At the two-nucleate female gametophyte stage,2 layers of the tapetal cells near the female gametophyte degrade,and the tapetum reduces to only 3- 4 layers. With the number of free nuclear increasing,the large central vacuole in female gametophyte becomes larger,and the number of the tapetal layer increases to 5- 6. About 3- 4 layers of the tapetum near the nucellar tissues apparently elongate,and some of them begin to degrade. One or two layers of the tapetum near the female gametophyte also tend to elongate. Until the female cones enter the second time dormancy,the number of layer of the tapetum no longer increased. Because the tapetum which is adjacent to the female gametophyte is developed from the nucellar cells in P. tabulaeformis,it should be called "nucellar tapetum".
A review of onshore and offshore pipeline construction and decommissioning cost in the USA - part 1: specifications, cost estimation and onshore construction

The cost to construct and decommission oil and gas pipelines varies widely between onshore and offshore regions as well as within each area, depending on numerous factors. The purpose of this review is to evaluate publicly available data sources for onshore and offshore pipeline installation and decommissioning activities in the USA. The activities and processes involved, factors that impact cost, cost statistics and limitations of analysis are presented for onshore and offshore pipeline installation and decommissioning. Similarities and differences between construction and decommissioning processes and the tradeoffs involved in design are described to better understand the cost differences that arise between projects. In the first part of a two-part review, an overview of pipeline manufacturing and API 5L specifications introduce relevant terminology and basic pipeline requirements, and a description of cost estimation procedures, normalisation, and data sources provides the evaluation framework. A description of onshore pipeline construction cost data and analysis concludes the paper. [Received: May 4, 2020; Accepted: June 3, 2020]
An 8-b Multiplier Using Single-Stage Full Adder Cell in Single-Flux-Quantum Circuit Technology

Single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuits operate at higher frequencies with much lower power consumption when compared to their CMOS counterparts. Synchronous SFQ circuits require full path balancing by inserting D-Flipflops as needed, an operation that tends to greatly increase the number of gates in a circuit. To control this increase in the total number of gates, complex multi-input SFQ logic gates can be built and used to synthesize the circuits. In this work, a 1-b full adder is built with sum and carries as two individual single-stage SFQ gates. Both of the sum and the carry cells are demonstrated with their schematics and layouts. Postlayout simulation based on the extracted circuit parameters by InductEx is done by using JSIM and demonstrates the correct functionality of the proposed full adder design. Later, an 8-b signed multiplier using this newly designed single-stage full adder is implemented to illustrate the advantages of the new design. The structure and timing strategy of the multiplier as well as the simulation result are shown. In the end, circuits of different sizes are synthesized with the single-stage full adder circuit, and the results are discussed.
Synthetic biology strategies to address waste CO2 loss during biofuel production

Abstract Owing to differing degrees of reduction between substrates and products, biofuel production from carbohydrates inevitably releases a significant amount of CO2, reducing both overall carbon utilization efficiency and the sustainability of biofuel production processes. To address this fundamental and persistent challenge, recent studies have explored diverse metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches to either i) limit CO2 evolution by decreasing its generation or ii) recycle it through various biochemical mechanisms. Through these strategies, carbon that would have been wasted as CO2 is reduced, allowing carbon conversion efficiency to be significantly enhanced and greenhouse gas emission effectively mitigated, thus potentially leading to a more sustainable microbial process for biofuel production.
Tranexamic acid use in pelvic and/or acetabular fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether tranexamic acid (TXA) use was associated with lower rates of blood transfusion in patients undergoing pelvic and/or acetabular fracture surgery. Methods Four studies were included, 3 of which were included in the pooled data analysis for a total of 308 patients. Results The transfusion rate was significantly lower in the TXA group (44%) compared with the non-TXA group (57%) (P = 0.02). Conclusion TXA use was associated with a significantly lower transfusion rate in patients who underwent pelvic and/or acetabular fracture surgery. Level of evidence Level 3. Systematic review of retrospective cohort studies and prospective randomized controlled trials.
Maxillary pseudotumor as initial manifestation of von Willebrand disease, type 2: report of a rare case and literature review

Objectives Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder associated with inherited defects of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Type 2 N VWD is characterized by impaired FVIII-binding capacity (VWF:FVIIIB). Pseudotumor (PT) represents a serious complication of hemophilia. Case reports of oral PTs in VWD remain scarce. Methods An 11-year-old Caucasian female presented with an expansile gingival mass of the posterior maxilla. Surgical excision of the tumor was performed. Results Histopathologically, the tumor was characterized by cystic spaces filled with hemorrhagic material and dense fibrous connective tissue. Postoperatively, the patient suffered prolonged hemorrhage. Results of blood tests showed decreased levels of FVIII function (FVIII:C) and VWF:FVIIIB. Subsequent gene analysis for type 2 N VWD confirmed heterozygosity for the missense mutation p.Arg816 Trp. A diagnosis of oral PT was rendered. Conclusions Here, we report the clinical, radiographic, and microscopic features of a rare example of oral PT leading to the diagnosis of type 2 N VWD.
Approximate Method for Nonlinear Random Vibration

An approximate method for nonstationary solution of nonlinear systems under random excitation is presented. The nonlinearities in the restoring force are polynomial type. The excitation is either shot noise or filtered shot noise. The solution is based on a Markov-vector approach. The unsteady Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equation for the nonlinear system is solved approximately by a Galerkin method where a time-dependent Hermite-series expansion is used and the equation is reduced to a system of first-order ordinary differential equations. The method is illustrated by numerical examples on a damped Duffing oscillator and a Ramsberg-Osgood yielding system. Comparison of results obtained herein with exact stationary solution and Monte Carlo results indicates that the proposed method is powerful and efficient for study of nonlinear systems.
The applications of memristor devices in next-generation cortical processor designs

Discovery of memristor opened a new era of the research on universal memory thanks to many attractive properties demonstrated by this emerging device. In this paper, we switch our research focus to neuromorphic computing, which, same as memory technology, significantly benefits from the technical advances of memristor. Particularly, we present the implementation of cortical processor augmented with neuromorphic computing accelerators (NCAs) for cognitive applications, including: 1) the design details and basic operations of the NCA based on memristor crossbars; and 2) the integration between conventional pipeline and NCAs. At the end, we also discuss the scalability of our proposed NCA designs.
Minimizing consecutive packet loss in real-time ATM sessions

Packet loss probability alone does not provide a complete characterization of the quality of a network's real-time packet sessions. Additional performance measures such as the average consecutive packet loss (the so called "average packet gap") must be considered. The authors propose to improve the packet gap performance of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) sessions by minimizing the average packet gap present in the network's buffers. They introduce a simple packet dropping policy that, in steady state, minimizes: (i) the average packet gap, and (ii) the average packet buffering delay, when this delay can be reduced without increasing the average packet gap, or packet loss probability.
Napsin A and Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Canine Pulmonary Carcinomas

Targeted cancer therapy demands accurate diagnosis of primary pulmonary carcinomas and their distinction from metastatic tumors in the lung. Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is a commonly use...
Supercontinuum Interference from Fresnel Diffraction Caused by Periodic Filamentation

Periodic filaments produced from diffraction were demonstrated in BK7 glass using femtosecond laser pulses. Stable ring and fringe patterns were observed and contributed to the interference of supercontinuum generation from these kind of periodic structure
Binding of RNase R to ribosomes: comparison of non-stop mRNA and REP sequence-containing message (748.2)

RNase R, a 3' to 5' exoribonuclease able to act on most RNAs including those with extensive secondary structure, is subject to a complex regulatory mechanism. Most RNase R in exponential phase cells is sequestered on ribosomes, where it is stable. In contrast, the free form of the enzyme is turned over rapidly, presumably because it is deleterious to cells due to its promiscuous action on essential RNA molecules. We previously showed that RNase R binding to ribosomes is stimulated by non-stop mRNA leading to its participation in trans-translation. We show here that RNase R binding to ribosomes is also stimulated by messages containing intergenic REP sequences suggesting that degradation of these messages utilizes a similar mechanism to non-stop mRNA decay. Interestingly, the stimulation of RNase R binding is lost when the REP sequence is moved further away from the translation termination codon and the amount of protein produced from the message is elevated. These data show that as with non-stop mRNA, oth...
The role of ascorbic acid in the biosynthesis of collagen. II. Site and nature of ascorbic acid participation.

Abstract Studies have been conducted on collagen biosynthesis by embryonic chick tibias in tissue culture and on the nature of the action of ascorbic acid in this system. Inhibitors of electron transport and uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation were found to inhibit the synthesis of peptide-bound hydroxyproline and other proteins to a similar extent. Although depressed DNA and RNA synthesis by the bones is an early effect of ascorbic acid depletion, the effect of ascorbic acid on collagen synthesis did not appear to be on either the stability or synthesis of collagen mRNA. Puromycin was found to inhibit the synthesis of peptide-bound hydroxyproline more than it inhibited the incorporation of proline into protein, indicating that the incorporation of proline into peptide linkage preceded hydroxylation. Simultaneous addition of ascorbic acid and puromycin to bones prelabeled with [ 14 C]proline increased the amount of peptide-bound hydroxyproline in the absence of peptide synthesis. These results indicate that ascorbic acid exerts a direct action on collagen synthesis by stimulating the hydroxylation of peptide-bound proline.
Some Studies on the Effect of Androgens on Adrenal Cortical Function of Rats

The effect of ACTH upon the inhibition of corticosteroidogenesis produced by treating rats with several synthetic adrogens has been evaluated. In experiments lasting about 2 weeks in which the simultaneous treatment with ACTH prevented the fall in adrenal weight due to the androgen therapy, corticosteroidogenesis measured in adrenal homogenates was still greatly reduced. Associated with the reduced production of corticosterone from progesterone there was a marked fall in the level of adrenal mitochondrial cytochrome P-450. The fall in cytochrome P-450 was not prevented by simultaneous treatment with ACTH. Treatment of rats with all 3 androgens, 17α-methylandrostenediol, 17α-methyltestosterone and 11β-hydroxy- 17α-methyltestosterone, brought about the decrease in cytochrome P-450 levels, whereas when metyrapone, a nonsteroidal competitive inhibitor of steroid 11β-hydroxylase, was given to rats for 6 weeks no change occurred in the level of adrenal mitochondrial cytochrome P-450. These data suggest that thi...
Production of 10B and 11B negative ion beams with a sputter source

Abstract A method for producing intense negative 10B and 11B beams with a sputter source for use by Tandem Van de Graaff accelerators is described.
Computer Procedure to Construct Isodensity Ellipses for Bivariate Normal Correlational Analysis

A computer program is described that constructs and visually displays isodensity ellipses of a bivariate normal distribution for a maximum number of 100 pairs of values. The numbers of actual points within the ellipses can be compared with the theoretically expected frequencies by a chi-square analysis.
Nonlinear-optical Bragg scattering in Kerr media

The nonlinear response of acousto-optic Bragg scattering due to the Kerr effect is considered. The problem is formulated by using a coupled-mode theory. An exact expression for the diffraction efficiency as a function of the optical intensity is obtained. We show that the diffraction efficiency is a nonlinear function of the intensity of the incident optical beam.
A branching process model of telomere shortening

A branching process model of a certain cell population is considered. The population is divided into types according to the number of remaining chromosome end units. This leads to a reducible multi-type Bellman-Harris branching process which turns out to exhibit polynomial growth dynamics: let be the expected number of j-type cells of age less than a at time t starting from a k-type ancestor cell. Then, as where the constant C depends on a,j and k. and can be given explicitely. The proof is fairly short and simple, using elementary results from renewal theory and a Tauberian theorem for Laplace-Stieltjes transforms
Converging pathways in leukemogenesis and stem cell self-renewal

Studies over the last 40 years have led to an understanding of the hierarchical organization of the hematopoietic system and the role of the pluripotential hematopoietic stem cell. Earlier recognition of the importance of bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironments has evolved into the recognition of specific niches that regulate stem cell pool size, proliferative status, mobilization, and differentiation. The discovery of the role of multiple hematopoietic growth factors and their receptors in the orchestration of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation has been followed by recognition of the importance of the Notch and Wnt pathways. The homeobox family of transcription factors serve as master regulators of development and are increasingly found to be critical regulators of hematopoiesis. In parallel with this understanding of normal hematopoiesis has come a recognition that stem cell dysregulation at various levels is involved in leukemogenesis. Furthermore, the progression from chronic leukemia or myelodysplasia to acute leukemia involves accumulation of at least two mutational events that lead to enhancement of stem cell proliferation, or acquisition of stem cell behavior by a progenitor cell, coupled with maturation inhibition. Translocations resulting in development of oncogenic fusion genes are found in AML and the transforming potential of two of these, AML1-ETO and NUP98-HOXA9, will be discussed. Secondary, constitutively activating mutations of the Flt3 and c-kit receptors and of K- and N-ras are found with high frequency in AML, and the transforming potential of mutated FLT3 and the role of STAT5A activation in human stem cell transformation will be reviewed.
Molecular outflows in galaxy merger simulations with embedded active galactic nuclei

We study the effects of feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) on emission from molecular gas in galaxy mergers by combining hydrodynamic simulations that include black holes with a three-dimensional, non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) radiative transfer code. We find that molecular clouds entrained in AGN winds produce an extended CO morphology with significant off-nuclear emission, which may be detectable via contour mapping. Furthermore, kinematic signatures of these molecular outflows are visible in emission-line profiles when the outflow has a large line-of-sight velocity. Our results can help interpret current and upcoming observations of luminous infrared galaxies, as well as provide a detailed test of subresolution prescriptions for supermassive black hole growth in galaxy-scale hydrodynamic simulations.
Changes in exploratory behavior as a measure of chronic central pain following spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) produces abnormal pain syndromes in patients that lead to changes in evoked and spontaneous behaviors. To test if a spontaneous component of pain-like behavior could be measured in a rodent model of chronic central pain (CCP), exploratory behavior (rearing events, rearing time, active time, rest time, distance traveled, and total activity) of adult male rats, subjected to sham surgery or spinal cord contusion injury treated with either vehicle (saline) or gabapentin (30 mg/kg, i.p.), was recorded. SCI was produced at spinal segment T10 using the NYU impactor device (10-g rod, 2.0-mm diameter, 12.5-mm drop height). Activity measures were collected on postsurgical days (PSD) 14, 28, and 60, and compared to presurgical activity. Sham control activity was not significantly different compared to presurgical activity in any measured parameter. SCI vehicle-treated rats demonstrated a significant decrease in total rearing time on PSD 14 and by PSD 28 significant differences in total activities where seen in all parameters measured. SCI gabapentin-treated rats did not display differences in total rearing time until PSD 28 and a significant difference in total activity of all measured parameters was not seen until PSD 60. No difference in hindlimb locomotor ability between SCI groups or sedation effects of gabapentin was found using open field BBB scores. We interpret the differences in exploratory behavior to reflect spontaneous behavioral changes due to CCP since (1) when locomotor ability was greatest, activity was lowest and (2) gabapentin attenuates the temporal decrease in activity. This study demonstrates that spontaneous as well as evoked behaviors may be used to evaluate CCP following SCI.
Surveying faculty book selection in a comprehensive university library

At Kean University, a comprehensive teaching institution, the submission of new library book orders by faculty is a long‐standing practice. In order to identify and assess the academic characteristics of faculty selectors as well as the audience, purpose, criteria, and sources prioritized by faculty selectors when submitting new requests, the library conducted a survey. The survey results indicated that, at Kean, the faculty of Liberal Arts and faculty with 1‐5 years of teaching across all disciplines were the most active in their participation in book selection. The findings also showed that Kean’s faculty ordered books mainly for undergraduate students and teaching; and primarily used publishers’ catalogs and professional journal book reviews for selection sources. This research study provides measurable data and constructive feedback for a comprehensive university library to enhance and facilitate the faculty book selection process effectively.
Production of positrons with the Stanford Mark III accelerator

Abstract A positron beam of intensity 7 × 10 6 positrons per pulse ∗ (60 pulses per second) has been obtained with the Stanford electron linac. The energy is 300 MeV and the energy spread is 2%. The method of production of the beam and the factors involved in maximizing the intensity are discussed.
A GPS for Navigating DNA

A complete characterization of genetic and epigenetic variations in germ-line and somatic DNA can provide a blueprint for understanding causal relationships between genes and phenotypes, from hydrogen production in bacteria to glucose homeostasis in humans. Detecting small nucleotide differences, structural variations (such as duplications), and a range of chemical modifications to nucleic acids have pointed to variations that potentially underlie the risk of disease, disease severity, and response to treatments for specific diseases. However, these changes alone are not sufficient to explain how a given variant or constellation of variants increases the risk of disease. What is needed is an integration of many different kinds of genetic and molecular data to elucidate regulatory networks underlying disease ( 1 ). On page 1190 of this issue, Maurano et al. ( 2 ) contribute such data by characterizing how DNA variants associated with common disease traits are concentrated in noncoding regulatory regions of the human genomes that are marked by hypersensitivity to the enzyme deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I). When appropriately integrated with other molecular, cellular, and physiological data, such information may improve the way we understand normal conditions and diagnose and treat disease.
Screening for cancer and coronary risk factors through a nurse practitioner-staffed preventive health clinic.

The Preventive Health Examination (PHE) program was designed to screen for cancer of the lung, colon, skin, and prostate (or breast) and to detect the risk factors for coronary artery disease, i.e., arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, and obesity. To investigate the cost-effectiveness of PHE performed by nurse practitioners, the first 176 subjects enrolled in the PHE program at a northeastern, suburban VA Medical Center were evaluated prospectively. The subjects were recruited through random mailing. The direct cost of PHEs was $80 per patient. PHEs were performed on 171 men and 5 women, mean age 57.2 years, divided into groups according to the date of evaluation. Nine percent of patients had findings highly suspicious of cancer (lung nodules in 7, skin lesions in 9). As a consequence, one patient underwent lobectomy for squamous carcinoma of the lung and another underwent prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Fifty-five percent of patients had high cholesterol levels, 53% were obese, 30% were heavy cigarette smokers, and 19% were hypertensive. Nineteen percent of the patients had three or more coronary artery disease risk factors. We conclude that low cost PHEs performed by nurse practitioners have a high yield in detecting risk factors for coronary artery disease, and for detecting potentially treatable malignancies.
Drug screening versus history in detection of substance use in ED psychiatric patients

Abstract Because self-reporting of substance use may not be reliable, physicians rely on drug screening. We tested the hypothesis that drug screening alone is sufficient to detect substance use in ED psychiatric patients. We prospectively evaluated patients receiving psychiatric consultation over 6 months ending in April 1998 in an urban medical/psychiatric ED with 42,000 annual visits. After informed consent, patients underwent a structured interview by trained research associates who queried regarding substance use in the past 3 days. This self-report was compared with urine drug screen results for 11 substances of abuse. Standard descriptive statistical techniques were used. Kappa statistics were used to assess concordance between history and drug screens. Two hundred eighteen patients participated, 124 had a urine drug screen obtained. Patients with and without urine drug screens were similar with respect to age (34.9 versus 34.9 years, P =.3) and psychiatric diagnosis ( P =.24). Overall, there was only fair concordance between history and drug screens (kappa = 0.46). History alone detected substance use in 70 patients (57%); drug screening alone detected substance use in 77 patients (62%). The combination of history and drug screening more often detected substance use than either alone (90 pts (73%); P
Phytochemistry predicts habitat selection by an avian herbivore at multiple spatial scales

Animal habitat selection is a process that functions at multiple, hierarchically structured spatial scales. Thus multi-scale analyses should be the basis for inferences about factors driving the habitat selection process. Vertebrate herbivores forage selectively on the basis of phytochemistry, but few studies have investigated the influence of selective foraging (i.e., fine-scale habitat selection) on habitat selection at larger scales. We tested the hypothesis that phytochemistry is integral to the habitat selection process for vertebrate herbivores. We predicted that habitats selected at three spatial scales would be characterized by higher nutrient concentrations and lower concentrations of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) than unused habitats. We used the Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), an avian herbivore with a seasonally specialized diet of sagebrush, to test our hypothesis. Sage-Grouse selected a habitat type (black sagebrush, Artemisia nova) with lower PSM concentrations than the alternative (Wyoming big sagebrush, A. tridentata wyomingensis). Within black sagebrush habitat, Sage-Grouse selected patches and individual plants within those patches that were higher in nutrient concentrations and lower in PSM concentrations than those not used. Our results provide the first evidence for multi-scale habitat selection by an avian herbivore on the basis of phytochemistry, and they suggest that phytochemistry may be a fundamental driver of habitat selection for vertebrate herbivores.
Levels of experienced dimensionality in children and adults.

Abstract This work presents a new conceptualization of the contrast between holistic and differentiated perception of multidimensional stimuli. Specifically, two hypotheses about the experiential status of dimensions within holistic perception are proposed and tested as explanations of young children's general perceptual mode and adults' integral mode. The major result is that three levels of dimensional status are realized: (1) the hypothesis of nonprimary axes characterizes adult “integral” perception of saturation and brightness relations, (2) the hypothesis of primary but not mandatory axes characterizes kindergarteners' “integral” perception of size and shade relations, and (3) the notion of mandatory axes characterizes adults' separable perception of size and shade relations. These results indicate a new interpretation of the integrality-separability distinction and the derivative developmental hypothesis. It is specifically hypothesized that the developmental history of most dimensional combinations includes these three levels.
A convenient holder for microcapillary glass electrodes

Abstract A holder for microcapillary glass electrodes is described which is particularly suitable for preparation of a large number of electrodes at one time. The system is especially convenient for filling electrodes by the method of Caldwell and Downing.
Brief announcement: optimal self-stabilizing multi-token ring: a randomized solution

The token ring is a seminal topic in self-stabilization research. It has been expanded to include multiple tokens, and improved upon using randomization to lower the state space requirements. In this brief announcement, we discuss how the two ideas can be brought together for an optimal solution to the multi-token ring problem.
Milignant lymphoma with a monoclonal F(ab)μ fragment

Abstract An unusual monoclonal immunoglobulin was found in the serum and urine of a 47-yr-old female who had the clinical features of a malignant lymphoma. Serum immunoelectrophoresis revealed a monoclonal IgM kappa “M” component of unusually slow electrophoretic mobility. The “M” component was isolated and found to have an s 20 ω of 6.1 and a molecular weight of 130,000. Immunologically it reacted as an F(ab) 2 fragment and was devoid of a large part of the Fc portion of the molecule. The estimated molecular weight of the μ chains by SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis was 42,000 (normal 70,000) while the L chains were of normal size. No evidence of increased proteolytic activity against IgM could be demonstrated in this patient's serum. It is possible that this case represents a type of μ chain disease and the first example of a deletion occurring in the Fc region of an H chain of an immunoglobulin.
Presentation Software in the College Classroom: Don't Forget the Instructor

Abstract Past research on the effects of presentation software has relied on small samples and experienced instructors. My research used a quasi-experimental pretesti?–posttest design to evaluate the impact of PowerPoint® on student learning, satisfaction, and engagement in an introductory psychology course taught by graduate student instructors. Results showed several main effects of instructor but virtually no effects of PowerPoint, although there was a significant instructor by PowerPoint interaction on perceived learning and interest in psychology. PowerPoint reduced perceived learning for one instructor, but increased interest in psychology for another. The results are a reminder that good teaching depends more on the instructor than the technology.
The regulation of renal ammoniagenesis in the rat by extracellular factors. I. The combined effects of acidosis and physiologic fuels

Substrate oxidation by rat kidney slices regulates renal ammoniagenesis from glutamine. At concentrations close to those expected in plasma, lactate alone, or combined with other renal fuels, inhibits ammoniagenesis markedly; glucose and citrate decrease ammoniagenesis slightly. However, lactate, citrate, and glucose inhibit ammoniagenesis of kidney slices from acidotic rats less than ammoniagenesis of kidney slices from control rats. Lesser inhibition of ammoniagenesis is seen also when acidotic slices rather than control slices are incubated in the presence of all the tested substrates combined in the same medium. In addition to decreasing the ammoniagenesis of renal slices from control rats, the presence of lactate causes an augmented accumulation of glutamate. In contrast, adding lactate to acidotic slices does not increase glutamate accumulation nearly as much. When glutamate is substituted for glutamine in the medium, lactate still decreases ammonia production, but to a lesser extent with acidotic slices. Changes in medium pH from 7.0 to 7.8 have no, or only small, overall effects on net renal slice ammonia production from glutamine under any of the circumstances tested. We conclude that lactate alone and combined with other substrates decreases ammoniagenesis primarily at the glutamate dehydrogenase step and that slices from acidotic rats are relatively resistant to substrate mediated inhibition.
Plasma waves as indicators of the termination shock

The plasma wave receivers on the Voyager spacecraft will likely provide indicators of both the actual crossing of the termination shock as well as precursors of the shock crossing. Since the electron foreshock can extend considerable distances upstream of the termination shock, the detection of these waves can provide as many as several weeks warning that a crossing of the termination shock is imminent. Electrostatic turbulence associated with planetary bow shocks themselves is also an expected feature of the solar wind termination shock and will provide an important signature with which to identify the shock and to provide information on its thickness and fundamental processes. Both upstream Langmuir waves and electrostatic wave turbulence can often be found in conjunction with interplanetary shocks, although the generally weaker nature of these shocks often leads to weaker plasma wave signatures than observed at planetary bow shocks. We demonstrate with Voyager observations that the amplitudes expected for each of these phenomena are well within the range of detectability by the Voyager plasma wave receiver even for termination shock distances exceeding 100 AU.
Relapse management in neurobiological disorders: The Moller-Murphy Symptom Management Assessment Tool

The Moller-Murphy Symptom Management Assessment Tool (MM-SMAT) was developed to assist in the identification of psychiatric symptoms, health, and environmental variables, problems related to medication management and provide a common language for everyone involved in the ongoing management of neurobiological disorders to use in identifying the frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms. The Murphy Wellness Model is a framework that provides insight into health, environment, and attitudes/behavior variables that became triggers of relapse. The combined use of this model and the MM-SMAT provides data to be used for anticipatory guidance of relapse management and the development of symptom-specific interventions.
The effect of post-UV dark incubation on survival of chick-embryo fibroblasts after photoreactivation.

Abstract A survival assay with chick-embryo fibroblasts was used to study photoreactivation of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-induced damage. The kinetics of the photoreactivation was studied as a function of the length of a post UV dark incubation period of from 0 to 18 h at 38.5°C. The logarithmic survival curve with no photoreactivation had a Do of about 4.3 J/m2 giving ∼ 0.8% relative plating efficiency after a UV dose of 21 J/m2. At this dose the efficiency of photoreactivation (survival increase per unit blacklight dose) increased with post UV incubation time reaching a maximum at 4–6 h, then declining until there was little photoreactivation observed for times longer than about 11 h. The possibility that this effect was produced by pre-UV perturbations of the cell cycle was eliminated by the fact that the same results were achieved after several rather different trypsinization protocols. The shape of the photoreactivation vs. blacklight curve at the time of peak efficiency showed a threshold up to about 3 kJ/m2, a rising portion and a plateau after 12–16 kJ/m2 when the survival increased by a factor of roughly 8.
Hydrogen production in a microbial electrolysis cell with nickel-based gas diffusion cathodes

Abstract Gas diffusion cathodes with Ni alloy and Ni catalysts manufactured by chemical deposition were tested for H2 production in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). In a continuous flow MEC, multi-component cathodes containing Ni, Mo, Cr, and Fe, at a total catalyst load of 1 mg cm−2 on carbon support demonstrated stable H2 production at rates of 2.8 – 3.7 L L R − 1 d − 1 with only 5% methane in the gas stream. Furthermore, a Ni-only gas diffusion cathode, with a Ni load of 0.6 mg cm−2, demonstrated a H2 production rate of 4.1 L L R − 1 d − 1 . Overall, H2 production was found to be proportional to the Ni load implying that inexpensive gas diffusion cathodes prepared by chemical deposition of Ni can be successfully used for continuous production of H2 in a MEC.
Comparison of the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) induced by ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, cefoxitin, ampicillin–sulbactam, and ticarcillin–clavulanate against selected isolates of Bacteroides fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron ☆

The exposure of bacteria to various groups of antimicrobials at different concentrations can produce damage to the bacteria that persists even after removal of the antimicrobial agent. The post antibiotic effect (PAE) of beta-lactams on aerobic gram-negative bacilli is relatively short (<1 h), however, little information is available regarding anaerobic gram-negative bacilli. We studied the PAE of ceftizoxime, ampicillin-sulbactam, ticarcillin-clavulanate, cefoxitin, and ceftriaxone against strains of Bacteroides fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron at antimicrobial concentrations 4x, 8x, and 16x the MIC values using colony count determinations of treated and untreated cultures. Against B. fragilis H931, ceftizoxime-induced PAE values were 2 h, 3 h 24 min, and 11 h 36 min at 4xMIC, 8xMIC, and 16xMIC while for the B. thetaiotaomicron isolates PAEs ranged from 2 h 27 min to 6 h 12 min at the same concentrations. Cefoxitin PAE values were 3 h 6 min and 2 h 18 min for the clinical isolates at 16xMIC and 3 h 24 min and 1 h 12 min against the laboratory strains at 16xMIC respectively, and for ceftriaxone 1 h 12 min and 5 h 12 min, respectively, for the B. thetaiotaomicron D933 and B. fragilis H931 strains at 16xMIC. With ampicillin-sulbactam, the longest PAE values were observed at 16xMIC with all the test isolates of B. fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron. PAE values induced by ticarcillin-clavulanate overall were the shortest for the two clinical isolates. These studies indicate substantial PAE values for beta-lactams against selected anaerobes which may be an important factor in the dosing regimen of these test agents.
The use of abciximab in the treatment of acute cerebral thromboembolic events during neuroendovascular procedures

Abstract Background Recently, a great interest has emerged regarding the use of abciximab for treatment of stroke. Thromboembolic events that occur during neuroendovascular procedures represent a unique subset of stroke patients because definitive angiographic diagnosis and treatment can be performed immediately. The existing literature on this situation suggests excellent results; however, most publications are case reports, and the largest series is 13 cases. We report our experience using abciximab in the treatment of acute thromboembolic events that occur during neuroendovascular procedures. Methods We reviewed the last 1373 consecutive patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures at the University of Florida from our prospectively maintained clinical database. Of these patients, 29 (2.11%) endovascular cases were complicated by acute cerebral thromboembolic events that were treated with abciximab. Abciximab was administered in less than 1 hour after the onset of the occlusion in every patient. The Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scale was used to measure immediate angiographic outcome, and the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was used to measure clinical outcome at the time of follow-up. Independent outcome was defined as an MRS of 3 or less at follow-up. Results Angiographic improvement in the TIMI grade was achieved in 29 (81%) of 36 arteries. Three intracerebral hemorrhages occurred with abciximab when administered with concurrent mechanical clot disruption; in two of these hemorrhages, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) was also administered. The mean follow-up time for the living cohort was 7.54 months. Twenty-four (83%) patients were independent at follow-up, 3 (10%) were dependent at follow-up, and 2 (7%) died. Conclusion Abciximab appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of acute cerebral thromboembolic complications during neuroendovascular procedures.
Hydrolysis of acyl phosphates by alkaline phosphatases.

Acyl phosphatase activity is an intrinsic property of E. coli and intestinal alkaline phosphatases. Values of kinetic constants for hydrolysis of an acyl phosphate, benzoyl phosphate, are very similar to the values obtained with 4-nitrophenyl phosphate, a phosphomonoester, indicating that the rate-limiting step of the mechanism is truly independent of the nature of the substrate. The mechanism of acyl phosphate hydrolysis in volves phosphoryl group transfer, just as with phosphomonesters. The results are fully consistent with a rate-limiting rearrangement of the enzyme conformation as an obligatory part of the reaction mechanism.
A discontinuous hp finite element method for convection—diffusion problems

This paper presents a new method which exhibits the best features of both finite volume and finite element techniques. Special attention is given to the issues of conservation, flexible accuracy, and stability. The method is elementwise conservative, the order of polynomial approximation can be adjusted element by element, and the stability is not based on the introduction of artificial diffusion, but on the use of a very particular finite element formulation with discontinuous basis functions. The method supports h-, p-, and hp-approximations and can be applied to any type of meshes, including non-matching grids. A priori error estimates and numerical experiments on representative model problems indicate that the method is robust and capable of delivering high accuracy.
Existence and uniqueness of complete constant mean curvature surfaces at infinity ofH 3

A set of conditions are given, each equivalent to the constancy of mean curvature of a surface inH3.It is shown that analogs of these equivalences exist for surfaces inS∞2,the bounding ideal sphere ofH3,leading to a notion of constant mean curvature at infinity ofH3.A parametrization of all complete constant mean curvature surfaces at infinity ofH3is given by holomorphic quadratic differentials on Ĉ,C, andD.
Meta-Analysis of Natural Therapies for Hyperlipidemia: Plant Sterols and Stanols versus Policosanol

Study Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of plant sterols and stanols as well as policosanol in the treatment of coronary heart disease, as measured by a reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels. Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Patients. A total of 4596 patients from 52 eligible studies. Measurements and Main Results. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from January 1967–June 2003 to identify pertinent studies. Reduction of LDL levels was the primary end point; effects on other lipid parameters and withdrawal of study patients due to adverse effects were the secondary end points. Weighted estimates of percent change in LDL were −11.0% for plant sterol and stanol esters 3.4 g/day (range 2–9 g/day [893 patients]) versus −2.3% for placebo (769 patients) in 23 eligible studies, compared with −23.7% for policosanol 12 mg/day (range 5–40 mg/day [1528 patients]) versus −0.11% for placebo (1406 patients) in 29 eligible studies. Cumulative p values were significantly different from placebo for both (p<0.0001). The net LDL reduction in the treatment groups minus that in the placebo groups was greater with policosanol than plant sterols and stanols (−24% versus −10%, p<0.0001). Policosanol also affected total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglyceride levels more favorably than plant sterols and stanols. Policosanol caused a clinically significant decrease in the LDL:HDL ratio. Pooled withdrawal rate due to adverse effects and combined relative risk for patients who withdrew were 0% and 0.84, respectively (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36–1.95, p=0.69), for plant sterols and stanols across 20 studies versus 0.86% and 0.31, respectively (95% CI 0.20–0.48, p<0.0001), for policosanol across 28 studies. Conclusion. Plant sterols and stanols and policosanol are well tolerated and safe; however, policosanol is more effective than plant sterols and stanols for LDL level reduction and more favorably alters the lipid profile, approaching antilipemic drug efficacy.
The Effects of Intermittent Chlorination on Coho Salmon, Alewife, Spottail Shiner, and Rainbow Smelt

Abstract Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) were exposed for 30 min to residual chlorine. The alewives were tested at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 C, the salmon and shiners at 10, 15, and 20 C and the smelt at 10 C. Thirty-minute LC50 values were both species- and temperature-dependent. All species showed an inverse relationship between test temperatures and LC50 values. The range of LC50 values observed, with the test temperatures in parentheses, were coho salmon, 0.29 (20 C)-0.56 mg/liter (10 C); alewife, 0.30 (30 C)-2.27 mg/liter (15 C); spottail shiner, 0.53 (20 C)-2.41 mg/liter (10 C); and smelt, 1.27 mg/liter (10 C). Mortalities usually occurred within 24 h after exposure. Except for the 10-C spottail shiners, fish rarely recovered following loss of equilibrium. Concentrations resulting in no mortality were approximately 0.6-0.7 of the LC50 value.