cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Parameterization of Heterogeneous Oceanic Convection

Abstract A statistical convective adjustment scheme is proposed that attempts to account for the effects of mesoscale and submesoscale variability of temperature and salinity typically observed in the oceanic convective regions. Temperature and salinity in each model grid box are defined in terms of their mean, variance, and mutual correlations. Subgrid-scale instabilities lead to partial mixing between different layers in the water column. This allows for a smooth transition between the only two states (convection on and convection off) allowed in standard convective adjustment schemes. The advantage of the statistical parameterization is that possible instabilities associated with the sharp transition between the two states, which are known to occasionally affect the large-scale model solution, are eliminated. The procedure also predicts the generation of correlations between temperature and salinity and the presence of convectively induced upgradient fluxes that have been obtained in numerical simulati...
The effects of platelet secretion inhibitors on protein phosphorylation

Abstract Protein phosphorylation was investigated in human platelets after stimulation to secretion by thrombin. After stimulation by thrombin at 4°C (in which secretion is inhibited), phosphorylations of the 80, 56, and 38 kDa polypeptides and dephosphorylation of the 67 kDa phosphopeptide eventually occurred. The phosphorylations of the 27 and 20 kDa polypeptides remained inhibited until the temperature was increased to 37°C, which also resulted in secretion. Various stimulants and inhibitors of platelet function were used to characterize individual protein phosphorylations. The divalent-cation ionophore, A23187, induced the phosphorylations (or dephosphorylation) of the same proteins as thrombin with the exception of the 80 kDa protein, which remained incompletely phosphorylated. The intracellular calcium antagonist, TMB-8, inhibited thrombin-stimulated secretion and phosphorylation of all the polypeptides except the 80 kDa protein. The dephosphorylation of the 67 kDa phosphoprotein was not affected by TMB-8. Incubation of platelets with prostaglandin E1 and isobutylmethylxanthine inhibited thrombin-stimulated secretion and the phosphorylation of the 38 and 20 kDa proteins and increased the phosphorylation of the 67 and 27 kDa phosphoproteins. These observations may be used to correlate protein phosphorylation with secretion, suggesting a possible sequence of intracellular events that mediate thrombin-stimulated secretion.
Vitrectomy and Cystoid Macular Edema

Twenty-two patients who underwent vitrectomy surgery for chronic cystoid macular edema (CME) were evaluated. These patients all had uneventful intracapsular cataract extraction, but CME with vitreous adhesions to the cataract incision later developed. Vitrectomy was performed to remove the vitreous from the anterior segment structures in each case. Nineteen of the 22 patients showed improved visual acuities within six months, and all but two had complete resolutions of the CME by one year. These two patients did show marked improvements of visual acuity. The majority of patients younger than 65 years of age had final visual acuities of 20/50 or better, whereas the majority of those older than 65 years had less than 20/50. The results were not influenced by the duration or the pattern of the CME prior to vitrectomy. A prospective study to determine the value of vitrectomy in this type of patient is suggested.
Multicystic renal dysplasia detected by prenatal ultrasonography. Natural history and results of conservative management.

Summary— In a review of 44 infants with multicystic renal dysplasia diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography, contralateral anomalies, bilateral disease and other non-urinary congenital anomalies were rare. In approximately two-thirds of infants the lesion was impalpable and in 2 cases involution had ocurred prenatally. All but 5 were managed conservatively and without complications, and partial or complete involution of the lesion occurred in more than 50% during follow-up. It was concluded that the natural history of this anomaly is usually benign and that conservative management is advisable.
Postpartum Abnormalities of Carbohydrate and Cellular Calcium Metabolism in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

We have previously reported that young, primigravid, African-American women who developed preeclampsia exhibited insulin resistance (elevated fasting insulin:glucose ratios) and abnormal intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) metabolism as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. To determine if these abnormalities persist postpartum (suggesting a genetic link), we evaluated the effects of an oral glucose load (50 g) on plasma and glucose insulin, basal platelet [Ca2+]i and platelet [Ca2+]i responses to arginine vasopressin (AVP). The study population consisted of nine, young, primigravid, African-American women at 43 +/- 12 weeks postpartum from pregnancy induced hypertensive (PIH) gestations and 10 age- and weight-matched African-American women who were 29 +/- 7 weeks postpartum from normal pregnancies. The PIH group consisted of five subjects who were preeclamptic and four subjects with gestational hypertension. Baseline fasting body weights, body mass indices, plasma glucose, plasma insulin, basal platelet [Ca2+]i, and platelet [Ca2+]i responses to AVP were similar in the postpartum PIH and control groups. The oral glucose load had no effect on basal platelet [Ca2+]i levels in either group. However, plasma glucose and insulin and platelet [Ca2+]i responses to AVP were accentuated at 30 min following an oral glucose load suggesting a subtle abnormality of carbohydrate and [Ca2+]i metabolism that persists in individuals with pregnancy induced hypertension. Long term studies involving African-American populations will be necessary to determine if these metabolic abnormalities are associated with an increased propensity to hypertension.
Sex partner support, drug use and sex risk among HIV-negative non-injecting heroin users

HIV prevention efforts among drug users have incorporated social support to reinforce risk reduction. We examine the extent to which sex partner characteristics, including partner support, influence HIV sex risk practices among a little studied population of non-injecting heroin users, 257 of whom were recruited in New York City between 1996 and 2001. The sample was racially/ethnically diverse (26% African American, 43% Latino, 31% white or other ethnicity) and 65% male. Three-quarters reported having unprotected intercourse within 30 days; 27% had sex with partners at known risk of being HIV infected. There were no gender differences in terms of sex or drug use practices; however, gender differences in sex partner characteristics were apparent. Men were significantly less likely than women to have partners who used drugs (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3, 0.9), receive support from their partners (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3, 0.8), use heroin with their partners (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3, 0.8) and have partners at known risk of being HIV infected (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2, 0.7). For men, increased sex risk was independently associated with sex partner support, and for women, increased sex risk was independently associated with having used heroin with sex partners. Social support may have detrimental, as well as beneficial, consequences on HIV risk.
The immune response to parasitic helminths: insights from murine models.

Abstract Helminth parasites are a large group of multicellular organisms that affect vast numbers of humans and are a major cause of disease. Several relevant experimental murine models, representing the spectrum of human diseases, have been helpful in analyzing and characterizing the host immune response to the different helminths. Although this response is largely defined by type-2 immunity, recent observations have identified important differences regarding the development and function of T helper and other effector cells that can mediate immunopathology and protection in response to infection with these important pathogens.
A Study of Acidity and Structure of Hydroxy-Cr Intercalated Bentonites

Abstract Hydroxychromium bentonites were prepared using hydroxychromium solutions with a OH/Cr content of about 1 and 2. The samples were heated in air and vacuum to study the influence of temperature and atmosphere on their final properties. Structural characteristics were obtained using X-ray diffraction and sorption of nitrogen. The surface chemistry was evaluated by means of infrared spectroscopy and potentiometric titration. The results obtained demonstrate the influence of the content of intercalating solutions on the properties of clays. Intercalation caused a fourfold increase in the surface area compared to the initial bentonite. Potentiometric titration and IR provides the evidence of inner-sphere complexation of the interlayer Cr with siloxane oxygen. The pKadistributions revealed peaks characteristic of chromium polymers (CrIII). Heat treatment of intercalated samples in air caused oxidation of Cr species resulting in CrVI.
Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays to measure equilibrium dissociation constants: GAL4-p53 binding DNA as a model system.

An undergraduate biochemistry laboratory experiment is described that will teach students the practical and theoretical considerations for measuring the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for a protein/DNA interaction using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). An EMSA monitors the migration of DNA through a native gel; the DNA migrates more slowly when bound to a protein. To determine a KD the amount of unbound and protein-bound DNA in the gel is measured as the protein concentration increases. By performing this experiment, students will be introduced to making affinity measurements and gain experience in performing quantitative EMSAs. The experiment describes measuring the KD for the interaction between the chimeric protein GAL4-p53 and its DNA recognition site; however, the techniques are adaptable to other DNA binding proteins. In addition, the basic experiment described can be easily expanded to include additional inquiry-driven experimentation. © 2012 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Competencies and Higher Education Policy Analysts

The focus of this study is on higher education policy analysts and the competencies they employ to perform their work. The research focuses on responses from a U.S. sample of policy analysts to (a) define a meaningful list of competencies for higher education policy analysts and (b) empirically test whether those competencies meaningfully categorize into discrete groupings. A total of 25 competencies were factor analyzed, and the results suggest that these competencies may be meaningfully viewed through a framework consisting of four categories.
China, the United States, bargaining, and climate change

Knowing what is at stake in terms of likely damages from accumulating greenhouse gases, how can major emitters fail to reach agreement on limits? Bargaining analysis suggests that an uneven distribution of abatement costs over time may play a significant part. Using a stylized, complete-information model of the strategic space facing the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases, China and the United States, a simple numerical example reaches a strong and surprising conclusion: To be feasible under current technological and economic conditions, any international agreement on climate change will have to allocate a level of future emissions for carbon dioxide in China that is at least twice as large as the level for the United States, in order to account for the effects on Chinese interests from continued economic growth.
Pleasures and pounds: an exploratory study.

Abstract This study investigated the hypothesis that overweight college students and normal weight “restrained” students, particularly those susceptible to stress related overeating and binge episodes, have a restricted range of pleasurable activities available for positive reinforcement of behaviors other than eating. The major finding was that overweight students in a behavioral weight control program reported less enjoyment of pleasant activities than did normal weight classroom control subjects. The relationship of the amount and variety of pleasurable activities to subsequent body weight fluctuations, however, was ambiguous.
Guest Editorial: Quantum Dots

Abstract : Advances in quantum dot (QD) waveguides, lasers, photodetectors, and growth/synthesis technologies are the subject of this special section. The development of Stranski-Krastanow strain-layer QDs has led to the emergence of low-threshold and moderate to high bandwidth semiconductor lasers in the 0.85- to 1.5-mm wavelength range mainly based on the InGaAs system. Advances such as lower threshold, improved temperature performance, and high modulation bandwidths have been reported. Advances in epitaxially grown QD uniformity and density led to laser companies such as QD Laser of Tokyo, a Joint Venture of Fujitsu and Mitsui Venture Capital Corp., spun-off from Arakawa's group at the University of Tokyo. Innolume is another company based on epitaxially grown QD technology for lasers and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) spun-off from research in the past 16 years.
Work in progress — Intelligent tutoring system framework for the acquisition of knowledge and competences

Even though there are many tutoring systems to help students achieve their goals in terms of theoretical knowledge, as yet there is no system to foment the acquisition of the competences which form an integral part of university degree programs. This issue is crucial because the Higher Education System is changing in Europe. New educational models are being created to introduce competences which correspond specifically to degree programs. In this work-in-progress the general framework to develop an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) based on competences is presented. The system monitorizes the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and also the assessment of the competences related to the subject and it takes corrective actions when needed to fix a negative evolution of the student. The framework is divided into four main phases based on artificial intelligence techniques: construction, location, prediction and reinforcement. The main feature of the proposed framework is the fact that it promotes the academic development of the student in the future educational context by providing guidance and supervision to ensure the successful acquisition of both theoretical knowledge and the corresponding subject-related competences.
Patients with multiple chronic conditions do not receive lower quality of preventive care.

BACKGROUND The implications of measuring and rewarding performance for patients with multiple chronic conditions have not been explored empirically.
Environmental signals induce major changes in virulence of Shigella spp.

Growth conditions play a major role in expression of virulence by Shigella spp. both in vitro (adherence and internalization in eukaryotic host cells) and in vivo (keratoconjunctivitis). Optimized expression of virulence required anaerobic growth to log phase in particular media such as brain heart infusion broth. Kinetic studies of guinea pig eye infections showed that as few as 2 × 105S. dysenteriae CG097 or S. flexneri M90T, grown under these optimized conditions, produced keratoconjuctivitis in 15 h. In vitro studies demonstrated that adherence to and invasion of Henle 407 cells, at 37°C, by organisms grown under these optimized conditions, were significantly greater than when organisms were grown aerobically under the same conditions.
Cost-Effective Strategies for Rural Community Outreach, Hawaii, 2010–2011

Three strategies designed to maximize attendance at educational sessions on chronic disease medication safety in older adults in rural areas were implemented sequentially and compared for cost-effectiveness: 1) existing community groups and events, 2) formal advertisement, and 3) employer-based outreach. Cost-effectiveness was measured by comparing overall cost per attendee recruited and number of attendees per event. The overall cost per attendee was substantially higher for the formal advertising strategy, which produced the lowest number of attendees per event. Leveraging existing community events and employers in rural areas was more cost-effective than formal advertisement for recruiting rural community members.
SU-E-J-30: Benchmark Image-Based TCP Calculation for Evaluation of PTV Margins for Lung SBRT Patients

Purpose: Tumor control probability (TCP) calculated with accumulated radiation doses may help design appropriate treatment margins. Image registration errors, however, may compromise the calculated TCP. The purpose of this study is to develop benchmark CT images to quantify registration-induced errors in the accumulated doses and their corresponding TCP. Methods: 4DCT images were registered from end-inhale (EI) to end-exhale (EE) using a “demons” algorithm. The demons DVFs were corrected by an FEM model to get realistic deformation fields. The FEM DVFs were used to warp the EI images to create the FEM-simulated images. The two images combined with the FEM DVF formed a benchmark model. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, created from the EI and simulated images, were used to develop IMRT plans. Two plans with 3 and 5 mm margins were developed for each patient. With these plans, radiation doses were recalculated on the simulated images and warped back to the EI images using the FEM DVFs to get the accumulated doses. The Elastix software was used to register the FEM-simulated images to the EI images. TCPs calculated with the Elastix-accumulated doses were compared with those generated by the FEM to get the TCP error of the Elastix registrations. Results: For six lung patients, the mean Elastix registration error ranged from 0.93 to 1.98 mm. Their relative dose errors in PTV were between 0.28% and 6.8% for 3mm margin plans, and between 0.29% and 6.3% for 5mm-margin plans. As the PTV margin reduced from 5 to 3 mm, the mean TCP error of the Elastix-reconstructed doses increased from 2.0% to 2.9%, and the mean NTCP errors decreased from 1.2% to 1.1%. Conclusion: Patient-specific benchmark images can be used to evaluate the impact of registration errors on the computed TCPs, and may help select appropriate PTV margins for lung SBRT patients.
The home for histrionism

One of the official proposals for the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual (DSM-5) is to provide a dimensional model in which 37 traits are included within six broad domains. One of the more important traits within this model is ‘histrionism’ because another proposal for DSM-5 is to delete the histrionic diagnostic category. The only way to recover histrionic traits in DSM-5 will be through the dimensional model. Histrionism, though, is included within the domain of antagonism of this dimensional model, despite the fact that previous research has consistently placed histrionic personality disorder within extraversion. The current study tests empirically whether histrionic personality traits are optimally placed within the domain of extraversion or antagonism through tests involving seven alternative measures of histrionic personality disorder, five scales to assess the DSM-5 components of histrionism, 10 measures of various histrionic personality traits and two alternative measures of extraversion. The results of the study provide support for placing histrionism within antagonism and clarify the inconsistency of the DSM-5 placement with the existing research, but also indicate that a more complete and accurate understanding of histrionism would include extraversion. The implications of the findings for DSM-5 and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital neuroangiography: an innovative application of PACS

An important aspect of interventional neuroradiological procedures is the ability to access and interact with digital angiographic images to select and clinically evaluate intravascular therapeutic treatment. These issues can be adequately addressed and successfully accomplished using PACS. PACS provides the key technologies needed to access, display, and analyze sequential angiographic images. A dedicated neuroradiology PACS network consisting of workstations for the review of diagnostic data, quantitative analysis of arterial blood flow, and therapeutic assessment has been established at UCLA. The PACS provides not only a reliable and efficient infrastructure for on-line image retrieval and delivery of all digitally acquired angiographic images, but could also serve as a network supercomputing resource for computationally intensive calculations of hemodynamic parameters in the cerebral vasculature. In summary we have developed an innovative application of PACS in neuroangiography. It offers: (1) automatic optimized image display upon acquisition; (2) automatic retrieval of archived cases for a current patient; and, (3) a rapid, streamlined user interface for the quantitation of hemodynamic flow phenomena in normal and diseased cerebral vessels.
Link-layer salvaging for making routing progress in mobile ad hoc networks

IEEE 802.11 MAC, called the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF), employs carrier sensing to effectively avoid collisions, but this makes it difficult to maximally reuse the spatial spectral resource available for exposed terminals. This paper proposes a new MAC algorithm, called Multiple Access with Salvation Army (MASA), which adopts less sensitive carrier sensing to promote more spatial reuse of the channel. However, this may result in a higher collision probability. MASA alleviates this problem by adaptively adjusting the communication distance via "packet salvaging" at the MAC layer. Extensive simulation based on the ns-2 has shown MASA to offer as much as 25% higher packet delivery rate and 27% higher throughput than the DCF with the CBR (constant bit rate) and TCP traffic, respectively. In particular, a significant reduction in packet delay, 86% and 70% lower packet delay with the CBR and TCP traffic, makes MASA suitable for delay-sensitive applications. For practicality, we discuss the implementation of MASA based on the DCF specification.
QUICK FREEZING OF THE MURINE CNS: COMPARISON OF REGIONAL COOLING RATES AND METABOLITE LEVELS WHEN USING LIQUJD NITROGEN OR FREON‐12

— Murine brains were frozen in situ, either in liquid N2 or in Freon-12 cooled to its freezing point. The effect of these coolants on cooling rates and times in various CNS regions was determined. In addition, levels of ATP, P-creatine and lactate were measured in selected regions of brains from both intact animals and severed heads frozen in either coolant. For both the intact animals and severed heads, superficial regions of brain cooled to 0°C and deeper regions to 25°C, at the same rate in either liquid N2 or Freon. Subsequent cooling was more rapid in liquid N2 in both regions. Levels of ATP, P-creatine and lactate were similar in brains frozen in either coolant, probably because CNS utilization of highenergy phosphates decreased markedly as body temperature fell. In brains of animals frozen intact, levels of ATP and P-creatine were higher and levels of lactate were lower than those in brains from heads which were severed prior to freezing. This difference may be a result of the marked stimulation which accompanies decapitation and may also reflect continued cerebral circulation in the intact animal for a brief time after immersing the animal in the coolant.
Is hand hygiene before putting on nonsterile gloves in the intensive care unit a waste of health care worker time?--a randomized controlled trial.

Background Hand hygiene (HH) is recognized as a basic effective measure in prevention of nosocomial infections. However, the importance of HH before donning nonsterile gloves is unknown, and few published studies address this issue. Despite the lack of evidence, the World Health Organization and other leading bodies recommend this practice. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of HH before donning nonsterile gloves prior to patient contact. Methods A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of health care workers entering Contact Isolation rooms in intensive care units was performed. Baseline finger and palm prints were made from dominant hands onto agar plates. Health care workers were then randomized to directly don nonsterile gloves or perform HH and then don nonsterile gloves. Postgloving finger and palm prints were then made from the gloved hands. Plates were incubated and colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria were counted. Results Total bacterial colony counts of gloved hands did not differ between the 2 groups (6.9 vs 8.1 CFU, respectively, P = .52). Staphylococcus aureus was identified from gloves (once in "hand hygiene prior to gloving" group, twice in "direct gloving" group). All other organisms were expected commensal flora. Conclusion HH before donning nonsterile gloves does not decrease already low bacterial counts on gloves. The utility of HH before donning nonsterile gloves may be unnecessary.
Modulation of ovarian follicle maturation in Long-Evans rats exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in-utero and lactationally.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous man-made toxicants capable of endocrine disruption. Studies in several species have shown that exposure to PCBs and their hydroxylated metabolites reduces fecundity and decreases circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones, causing serious reproductive and developmental defects. Thyroid hormones modulate both follicular development and steroidogenesis, and affect estrogen metabolism and the regulation of estrogen receptor. This study was designed (1). to determine whether exposure to a commercially prepared PCB mixture (Aroclor 1016) exerts detrimental effects on follicle maturation in the Long-Evans hooded rat; and (2). to determine whether the modulatory effects of Aroclor can be attenuated by levo-thyroxine sodium (T(4)) supplementation. Animals were treated on gestation days 7-13 with a single daily intraperitoneal injection (2.5 mg/kg per day) of Aroclor. Half of the Aroclor-treated dams were also given T(4) supplements (2.89 microg/kg per day) via drinking water. Female pups were sacrificed on postnatal days 24/25, and the ovaries were excised, fixed for histology and analyzed. The analysis included a count, measurement and classification of healthy and atretic preantral and antral follicles in the greatest cross-sectional area. The results indicated that treatment with Aroclor significantly reduced the number of preantral follicles 100000 microm(2) size classes. T(4) circumvented the Aroclor effect on the number of preantral follicles 100000 microm(2) size classes. In addition, we observed a significant increase in atresia in the Aroclor-treated ovaries in the antral <50000 microm(2) size class, which was not present in ovaries exposed to both Aroclor and T(4). These data support the hypothesis that Aroclor reduces the number of preantral and antral follicles of certain size classes in rats exposed during the critical period of development, and that supplementation with T(4) can attenuate the effects of Aroclor on small, but not medium or large antral follicles. Atresia of small, antral follicles may constitute one of the underlying mechanisms by which folliculogenesis is modulated by Aroclor 1016.
Forward patent citations as predictors for patent valuation

It has long been understood that highly cited patents tend to be more commercially valuable than patents that are not frequently cited. Early identification of highly cited patents would enable a technology manager to concentrate commercialisation resources on the most promising assets in a technology portfolio. There is therefore a need for predictive models of forward citation counts. We propose and test a theory that early forward citation observations can be a leading indicator of the future citations over the lifespan of a patent. The predictive model presented herein has implications for patent valuation, patent portfolio management and qualitative patent ranking programmes.
The Costs of Operative Complications for Ankle Fractures: A Case Control Study

As our healthcare system moves towards bundling payments, it is vital to understand the potential financial implications associated with treatment of surgical complications. Considering that surgical treatment of ankle fractures is common, there remains minimal data relating costs to postsurgical intervention. We aimed to identify costs associated with ankle fracture complications through case-control analysis. Using retrospective analysis at a level I trauma center, 28 patients with isolated ankle fractures who developed complications (cases) were matched with 28 isolated ankle fracture patients without complications (controls) based on ASA score, age, surgery type, and fracture type. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics and complications leading to readmission/reoperation and costs were obtained from the financial department. Wilcoxon tests measured differences in the costs between the cases and controls. 28 out of 439 patients (6.4%) developed complications. Length of stay and median costs were significantly higher for cases than controls. Specifically, differences in total costs existed for infection and hardware-related pain. This is the first study to highlight the considerable costs associated with the treatment of complications due to isolated ankle fractures. Physicians must therefore emphasize methods to control surgical and nonsurgical factors that may impact postoperative complications, especially under a global payment system.
Comparison of Two Systems for Group Feeding Dairy Cows

Abstract Jersey cows on a one-group feeding system (Treatment I) were compared to those on a two-group system (Treatment II) over 3 yr. Those on Treatment I were group-fed concentrates at 7.3kg per cow per day during the entire lactation regardless of yield. Cows on Treatment II were allotted to high and low subgroups on production of fat-corrected milk on a single day (Dairy Herd Improvement test day). Both subgroups were group-fed concentrates at the same rate (1kg per 2.25kg fat-corrected milk). Silage and hay allowances were constant for both groups throughout lactation. Except for gradual adjustment to concentrate feeding beginning 2 wk prepartum, nonlactating cows were allowed roughage only. The groups did not differ significantly in actual milk production, fat-corrected-milk production, body weight change, health, or reproductive performance. Milk fat percentage was higher for cows on the one-group system.
Parallel adaptive refinement for unsteady flow calculations on 3D unstructured grids

A parallel adaptive refinement algorithm for three-dimensional unstructured grids is presented. The algorithm is based on an hierarchical h-refinement/derefinement scheme for tetrahedral elements.The algorithm has been fully parallelized for shared-memory platforms via a domain decomposition of the mesh at the algebraic level. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated with applications which involve unsteady compressible fluid flow. A parallel speedup study of the algorithm also is included. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A resonance Raman study of substrate and inhibitor binding to protocatechuate-3,4-dioxygenase

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra were obtained for complexes of protocatechuate-3,4-dioxygenase with substrate and hydroxybenzoate inhibitors. The data establish metal coordination by these bound species and demonstrate further that tyrosine ligation, present in the resting enzyme, is not altered in the complexes. For the inhibitors, 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoate and 3-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzoate, the data are interpreted as indicating iron ligation by the phenolate functionality. For the substrate, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylproprionate, chelation via the o -dihydroxy grouping is proposed. In all three complexes tyrosine ligands present in the resting enzyme are not displaced. The inhibitor scattering intensity was utilized as an internal standard to estimate that two tyrosines are coordinated to the iron at the active site.
Hydrogen peroxide and the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis.

The early atmosphere of the Earth is considered to have been reducing (H2 rich) or neutral (CO2-N2). The present atmosphere by contrast is highly oxidizing (20% O2). The source of this oxygen is generally agreed to have been oxygenic photosynthesis, whereby organisms use water as the electron donor in the production of organic matter, liberating oxygen into the atmosphere. A major question in the evolution of life is how oxygenic photosynthesis could have evolved under anoxic conditions — and also when this capability evolved. It seems unlikely that water would be employed as the electron donor in anoxic environments that were rich in reducing agents such as ferrous or sulfide ions which could play that role. The abiotic production of atmospheric oxidants could have provided a mechanism by which locally oxidizing conditions were sustained within spatially confined habitats thus removing the available reductants and forcing photosynthetic organisms to utilize water as the electron donor. We suggest that atmospheric H2O2 played the key role in inducing oxygenic photosynthesis because as peroxide increased in a local environment, organisms would not only be faced with a loss of reductant, but they would also be pressed to develop the biochemical apparatus (e.g., catalase) that would ultimately be needed to protect against the products of oxygenic photosynthesis. This scenario allows for the early evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis while global conditions were still anaerobic.
Activity Of Paricutin Volcano From August 1, 1948 to June 30, 1949

The present brief summary of activity at Paricutin Volcano, State of Michoacan, Mexico, follows the pattern of the last report on this volcano published in these Transactions late in 1948 [Wilcox and Gutierrez, 1948]. Anticipating the end of his two-year period of observation at Paricutin in December 1948, Wilcox instructed the junior author, a native Tarascan from the town of San Juan Parangaricutiro, now destroyed, in the processes of keeping detailed diagrammatic records of eruptive activity, of making weather observations, and of outlining the monthly advance of the new lava. On Wilcox's departure the senior author, who had closely followed the series of studies at Paricutin and had frequently visited the Volcano from June 1943 onward, took up the task-of watching over Paricutin and preparing reports on its activity. During the first six months of 1949 he spent 11 days at the Volcano on the following dates: January 25–28, March 29–April 1, and May 18–20. On these visits he checked the elevations of the chief points on the rim of tie cone, using an alidade at known stations, and in addition followed the growth of the lava-vent mound, variations in the form of the interior of the crater, and any other features that showed change. Further, he discussed with the junior author, the Volcano's activity during the periods between visits and assembled the observational data for formal presentation.
Modification of an existing measure of Body image preoccupation and its relationship to disordered eating in female college students

Body image disturbance is both positively associated with the development of eating disorders and negatively associated with recovery. However, the aspects of body image most relevant to eating disorders have not been clearly established. Body image preoccupation may be particularly relevant to disordered eating. Yet, its measurement has proven problematic. In Study 1, a modification of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), a measure of body image preoccupation (P. J. Cooper, M. J. Taylor, Z. Cooper, & C. G. Fairburn, 1987), was developed in a sample of female undergraduates. The BSQ-R-10 yielded reliable and valid scores, and was more strongly related to disordered eating than measures of body image attitudes. In Study 2, the BSQ-R-10 was cross-validated in another sample of female undergraduates, and its psychometric properties further supported.
Metacarpal Fractures: Treatment and Complications

Metacarpal fractures comprise between 18–44 % of all hand fractures. Non-thumb metacarpals account for around 88 % of all metacarpal fractures, with the fifth finger most commonly involved [19]. The majority of metacarpal fractures are isolated injuries, which are simple, closed, and stable. While many metacarpal fractures do well without surgery, there is a paucity of literature and persistent controversy to guide the treating physician on the best treatment algorithm. The purpose of this article is to review non-thumb metacarpal anatomy and treatment protocols for nonoperative management of stable fractures, and compare existing literature on surgical techniques for treatment of acute fractures and complications.
Adult human hematopoietic cells provide functional hemangioblast activity

The murine adult hematopoietic stem cell is able to function as a hemangioblast, contributing both to blood reconstitution and to blood vessel repair in response to ischemic injury. We developed a novel mouse xenotransplantation model of retinal neovascularization to test human hematopoietic cell plasticity. Immunocompromised nonobese diabetic (NOD)/scid mice underwent myeloablative conditioning and transplantation with human CD34+ umbilical cord blood. After multilineage reconstitution was established, retinal ischemia was induced to promote neovascularization. Our results demonstrate human retinal neovascularization, thus revealing the functional hemangioblast activity of human hematopoietic cells.
Climate change and tick-borne diseases: A research field in need of long-term empirical field studies

Abstract The emerging research field focusing on climate-driven change in spatial and temporal patterns of arthropod vectors, vector-borne pathogens, or incidence of vector-borne diseases is characterized by a plethora of models based on empirical data of variable quality and a disturbing lack of empirical long-term studies that will allow us to demonstrate that future change was in fact driven by climate factors. Problems and possibilities related to research on climate change and tick-borne diseases are addressed, using examples from the author's studies on the common tick, Ixodes ricinus , in Sweden and the Rocky Mountain wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni , in Colorado, USA. The data from Sweden provided tantalizing hints that climate warming allowed I. ricinus to expand its distribution toward the north and become more abundant in Central Sweden from the early 1980s to the early 1990s. However, a lack of comprehensive field data on spatial patterns of tick distribution or abundance in Central Sweden during the early 1980s precluded a clear demonstration that changes in tick distribution or abundance patterns had taken place. The Colorado Front Range area, which includes the transitional zone between the Central Plains and the Rocky Mountains, provides a wealth of dramatic elevation and climate gradients. Studies during 2005–2006 in Poudre Canyon of Larimer County, Colorado, demonstrated that local elevation gradients include the entire climatic range where D. andersoni can establish stable populations; the human-biting adult tick stage is commonly encountered at elevations between 2100 and 2500 m but very rarely at lower elevations to the east or higher elevations to the west. Further, it was found that temperature-related factors (e.g., maximum temperature, growing degree days) could explain peak abundance of host-seeking D. andersoni adults per drag sampling time unit (hereinafter referred to as abundance) within a uniform habitat type (south/west-facing, rocky hillsides with mixed grasses, brush, and scattered pine–juniper–aspen) along the Poudre Canyon elevation gradient. In Poudre Canyon, peak abundances of host-seeking D. andersoni adults occur at mid-range elevations (2200–2350 m), with suitable tick habitat available both in warmer areas at lower elevations in the canyon (1600–2200 m) and in cooler areas at higher elevations at the top of the canyon (2350–2500 m). A future change in the local climate therefore has the potential to cause a readily detectable shift in the spatial pattern of abundance of D. andersoni along this elevation gradient. This is the type of situation where empirical long-term field studies will allow us to demonstrate that future climate change did result in changes in the spatial patterns of tick distribution, tick abundance, pathogen presence, or pathogen infection rates.
Periodic density functional theory calculations of bulk and the (010) surface of goethite

Goethite is a common and reactive mineral in the environment. The transport of contaminants and anaerobic respiration of microbes are significantly affected by adsorption and reduction reactions involving goethite. An understanding of the mineral-water interface of goethite is critical for determining the molecular-scale mechanisms of adsorption and reduction reactions. In this study, periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the mineral goethite and its (010) surface, using the Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package (VASP). Calculations of the bulk mineral structure accurately reproduced the observed crystal structure and vibrational frequencies, suggesting that this computational methodology was suitable for modeling the goethite-water interface. Energy-minimized structures of bare, hydrated (one H2O layer) and solvated (three H2O layers) (010) surfaces were calculated for 1 × 1 and 3 × 3 unit cell slabs. A good correlation between the calculated and observed vibrational frequencies was found for the 1 × 1 solvated surface. However, differences between the 1 × 1 and 3 × 3 slab calculations indicated that larger models may be necessary to simulate the relaxation of water at the interface. Comparison of two hydrated surfaces with molecularly and dissociatively adsorbed H2O showed a significantly lower potential energy for the former. Surface Fe-O and (Fe)O-H bond lengths are reported that may be useful in surface complexation models (SCM) of the goethite (010) surface. These bond lengths were found to change significantly as a function of solvation (i.e., addition of two extra H2O layers above the surface), indicating that this parameter should be carefully considered in future SCM studies of metal oxide-water interfaces.
Gene expression, X-inactivation, and methylation during spermatogenesis: the case of Zfa, Zfx, and Zfy in mice.

While it has become clear that X-inactivation in the female soma is complete in mouse (in contrast to being “patchy” in man), the degree of X-inactivation in the testes has not been ascertained. We have compared autosomal and X-linked zinc finger homolog expression and X-linked and Y-linked zinc finger homolog methylation in an attempt to elucidate this question. Using RTPCR, we have extended earlier studies of Zfx and Zfa expression in developing testes and find that Zfa expression starts at the time of X-inactivation while Zfx expression is continuous. Cell separation studies did not preclude continued expression of Zfx in adult germ cells. The methylation status of four CCGG residues in the Zfx promoter was studied using PCR bridging this region before and after DNA digestion with the isoschizomers Msp I and Hpa II, the latter being methylation sensitive. Hpa II resistant Zfx promoter DNA was found in all female tissues, but not in male tissues, including the testes. Previous studies have shown that Zfy is expressed at meiosis (like Zfa and unlike Zfx). Despite its expression, the Zfy gene is adjacent to, or contains, highly methylated CCGG sites since hybridization after Msp I digestion detected multiple small fragments that were not released after DNA digestion with Hpa II. Thus, Zfx is not methylated in sperm, while Zfy is, in contrast to their apparent patterns of expression. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
41.25 Gb/s real-time OFDM receiver for variable rate WDM-OFDMA-PON transmission

The first real-time, record-speed 41.25Gb/s 8QAM-OFDM receiver is demonstrated using FPGA-based DSP. Superior upstream WDM-OFDMA-PON performance with variable rate transmission is exhibited over 20km SSMF and a 1:32 split.
Doppler-shifted Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

This paper describes the principles and applications of Doppler-shifted (DS) Fourier Transform Emission (FTE) spectroscopy.
Criminal thinking patterns, aggression styles, and the psychopathic traits of late high school bullies and bully-victims.

This study explored the current psychological characteristics and criminal behavior history of individuals who retrospectively reported being bullies, bully-victims, victims, or controls (i.e. neither victims nor bullies) during their last 2 years of high school. College students (n = 960) completed measures of criminal thinking, aggression, psychopathy, and criminal behavior online. We predicted bullies and bully-victims would demonstrate the highest scores for criminal thinking, proactive aggression, psychopathy, and have the most criminal infractions. Bullies and bully-victims had significantly higher scores on criminal thinking, aggression, psychopathy, and criminal behaviors than victims or controls. Additionally, men were significantly higher in criminal thinking, aggression, psychopathy, and had more criminal acts than women. There were no gender by bully group interactions. Logistic regression analyses differentiated bully-victims from bullies. Bully-victims tended to be male, higher in criminal thinking, and higher in reactive aggression. In addition, bully-victims were distinct from victims, showing higher criminal thinking and higher proactive aggression. Aggr. Behav. 35:1-16, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
N-acyldihydropyridones as synthetic intermediates. synthesis of (±)-septicine and (±)-tylophorine.

Abstract The indolizidine alkaloids (±)-septicine and (±)-tylophorine were prepared from N-acyldihydropyridone 7 in five and six steps, respectively.
Predicting plant invasions in an era of global change

The relationship between plant invasions and global change is complex. Whereas some components of global change, such as rising CO2, usually promote invasion, other components, such as changing temperature and precipitation, can help or hinder plant invasion. Additionally, experimental studies and models suggest that invasive plants often respond unpredictably to multiple components of global change acting in concert. Such variability adds uncertainty to existing risk assessments and other predictive tools. Here, we review current knowledge about relationships between plant invasion and global change, and highlight research needed to improve forecasts of invasion risk. Managers should be prepared for both expansion and contraction of invasive plants due to global change, leading to increased risk or unprecedented opportunities for restoration.
Illusion Susceptibility and Adaptation to the Marine Environment Is the Carpentered World Hypothesis Seaworthy

The relatively flat and featureless marine environment makes unique perceptual demands on fishermen who must make distance judgments in order to locate themselves with respect to available resources. Past research has found that perceptual adaptation to one environment (e.g., a carpentered environment) can result in perceptual erors in another (e.g., judging line lengths on the Muller-Lyer Illusion). This paper provides a strong test of the environmental hypothesis by interrelating years of experience as a fisherman with susceptibility to the horizontal-vertical illusion among small-scale fishermen in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica.
Democracy Promotion, Civil Society Building, and the Primacy of Politics

Since 1991, Western bilateral and multilateral democracy promotion assistance, especially for civil society development, has increased dramatically. Much of the literature that assesses the impact ...