cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring ecosystem capacity to provide regulating services: forest removal and recovery at Hubbard Brook (USA)

In this study, by coupling long-term ecological data with empirical proxies of societal demand for benefits, we measured the capacity of forest watersheds to provide ecosystem services over variable time periods, to different beneficiaries, and in response to discrete perturbations and drivers of change. We revisited one of the earliest ecosystem experiments in North America: the 1963 de-vegetation of a forested catchment at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, USA. Potential benefits of the regulation of water flow, water quality, greenhouse gases, and forest growth were compared between experimental (WS 2) and reference (WS 6) watersheds over a 30-year period. Both watersheds exhibited similarly high capacity for flow regulation, in part because functional loads remained low (i.e., few major storm events) during the de-vegetation period. Drought mitigation capacity, or the maintenance of flows sufficient to satisfy municipal water consumption, was higher in WS 2 due to reduced evapotranspiration associated with loss of plant cover. We also assessed watershed capacity to regulate flows to satisfy different beneficiaries, including hypothetical flood averse and drought averse types. Capacity to regulate water quality was severely degraded during de-vegetation, as nitrate concentrations exceeded drinking water standards on 40% of measurement days. Once forest regeneration began, WS 2 rapidly recovered the capacity to provide safe drinking water, and subsequently mitigated the eutrophication potential of rainwater at a marginally higher level than WS 6. We estimated this additional pollution removal benefit would have to accrue for approximately 65-70 years to offset the net eutrophication cost incurred during forest removal. Overall, our results affirmed the critical role of forest vegetation in water regulation, but also indicated trade-offs associated with forest removal and recovery that partially depend on larger-scale exogenous changes in climate forcing and pollution inputs. We also provide a starting point for integrating long-term ecological research and modeling data into ecosystem services science.
Correlation between Temperature, Colonization Rate, and Population Density of the Diatom Cocconeis placentula in Freshwater Streams

ABSTRACT We examined the correlation between water temperature, colonization rate, and population density of the freshwater diatom Cocconeis placentula over two complete annual cycles in two southeastern Pennsylvania streams. Previous research in these streams showed that differences in diatom community structure between spring and fall were not explained by day length, so water temperature was investigated as the controlling factor in the density of a single common genus in those communities. During the June 1992 to June 1993 period, the diatom population was monitored continuously at two-week intervals using 14-day colonized glass slides; during 2000–2001, colonization and monitoring was over 28-day intervals. Average monthly temperatures and diatom densities were analyzed with a Spearman rank-correlation test for each stream. There were significant positive correlations between the population density of C. placentula and water temperature at all population sizes in both streams in both years.
Structural complexity in mussel beds: the fractal geometry of surface topography

Seafloor topographic complexity is ecologically important because it provides habitat structure and alters boundary-layer flow over the bottom. Despite its importance, there is little agreement on how to define and measure surface complexity. The purpose of this investigation was to utilize fractal geometry of vertical cross-section profiles to characterize the surface topography of the soft-bottom mussel bed (Mytilus edulis L.) at Bob's Cove, ME, USA. Mussels there have been shown previously to have spatially ordered fractal characteristics in the horizontal plane. Two hypotheses were tested. The first was that the bed surface is fractal over the spatial scale of 1.44-200 mm, with fractal dimension less than or equal to 1.26, the value for the Koch curve, our model for bed profiles. The second was that bed surface topography (i.e., in vertical profile) is less complex than the mussel bed spatial pattern (i.e., aerial view in the horizontal plane). Both hypotheses were supported. Cross-sections of plaster casts of the bed produced 88 surface profiles, all of which were fractal over the entire spatial scale of more two orders of magnitude employed in the analysis. Fractal dimension values (D) for individual profiles ranged from 1.031 to 1.310. Fractal dimensions of entire casts ranged up to mean (1.242+/-0.046) and median (1.251) values similar to 1.26, the theoretical value of the Koch curve. The bed surface was less complex than the bed spatial pattern because every profile had D<1.36, the smallest value previously obtained from aerial views of the bed. The investigation demonstrated for the first time that surface topography of a soft-bottom mussel bed was fractal at a spatial scale relevant to hydrodynamic processes and habitat structure important for benthic organisms. The technique of using cross-section profiles from casts of the bed surface avoided possible underestimates of fractal dimension that can result from other profiling methods reported in the literature. The results demonstrate that fractal dimension can be useful in the analysis of habitat space and water flow over any irregular seafloor surface because it incorporates the size, shape, and scale of roughness elements into a simple, numerical metric.
Survival and growth of juvenile Virola surinamensis in Panama: effects of herbivory and canopy closure

Effects of mammalian herbivory and seasonal drought were studied for Virola surinamensis (Myristicaceae) juveniles on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Seedlings were planted at three months of age and the juveniles were monitored for two years; Treatments included: intact plants protected from mammals by cages, defoliated plants similarly protected, and unprotected plants, each planted in treefall gaps, on gap edges, and in the shaded understorey.Juveniles planted in treefall gaps survived seasonal drought far better than those planted on gap edges or in shaded understorey. Two years after establishment, juveniles protected from mammalian herbivory showed a 78% survival in gaps (mean 6.8% skylight), 50% survival on gap edges (mean 3.0% skylight), and 33% survival in shaded understorey (1.4% skylight). This advantage was due to accelerated growth in gaps. Juveniles in gaps increased 616% in height, 1075% in leaf number, and 1800% in total leaf area. Comparable numbers in edges were 247%, 378% and 690%; in understorey 33%, 222% and 289%. Accelerated growth in gaps permitted yearlings to survive drought that killed suppressed yearlings in understorey. Mean light differentials as small as 0.6% and 0.3% skylight significantly influenced survival on edges and in shaded understorey, respectively.Mammalian herbivory killed juveniles directly, and defoliation by mammals strongly accentuated drought mortality by suppressing root development. Natural defoliation was not attributable to gap conditions. Demographic projections from experimental data suggest that mammalian herbivory kills at least 48% of the juveniles of this species over two years, and contributes to the death of 32% more that actually die of drought stress. These projections suggest that 14% of the juveniles of this species die of drought mortality, independent of herbivory, during the first two years. Herbivory most strongly affects plants < 0.5 m in height, and is a continuing source of mortality among suppressed juveniles in the understorey. Steep slopes and large seed size each enhanced juvenile growth and survival in the intermediate conditions of gap edges, but not under the extreme conditions of gaps or shaded understorey.The context of establishment determines the ‘shade tolerance’ of this conspicuous canopy tree. Without serious mammalian herbivory or extreme dry seasons, V. surinamensis can easily recruit as a shade tolerant plant in the understorey. Under present conditions on Barro Colorado Island, it cannot. Persistence involves both the chances of arrival in different microhabitats, and survival therein. Projections that include both the forest area represented by gaps, gap edges, and understorey and the experimental results from this study indicate that juvenile V. surinamensis can survive for two years in gaps, edges, and understorey, but that the higher proportions of vigorous individuals survive in edges, gaps and understorey, respectively.
Technical communication degrees for the 21/sup st/ century

The practice of technical communication, especially for professionals just entering the workplace, is rapidly changing. Companies have higher expectations for degrees in technical communication, a strong foundation in technology, and the ability to function on cross-disciplinary teams alongside technical experts in the design and development process. As the practice of technical communication shifts its focus, academics have the responsibility to be certain that technical communication degree programs have a strong component of such topics as engineering design, programming, human factors, usability, instructional design, and project management, in addition to traditional communication skills. Academic programs have lagged behind practice, largely due to the location of degree programs, departmental reward systems, faculty deficiencies in technology, little depth in fields beyond rhetoric, and lack of exposure to best industry practices. This paper addresses these issues and makes some practical recommendations for catching academe up to practice.
Invariant operators, small samples, and the bias-variance dilemma

Invariant features or operators are often used to shield the recognition process from the effect of "nuisance" parameters, such as rotations, foreshortening, or illumination changes. From an information-theoretic point of view, imposing invariance results in reduced (rather than improved) system performance. In fact, in the case of small training samples, the situation is reversed, and invariant operators may reduce the misclassification rate. We propose an analysis of this interesting behavior based on the bias-variance dilemma, and present experimental results confirming our theoretical expectations. In addition, we introduce the concept of "randomized invariants" for training, which can be used to mitigate the effect of small sample size.
Nonlinear crosstalk and two countermeasures in SCM-WDM optical communication systems

We investigate, theoretically and experimentally, crosstalk between wavelengths in subcarrier-multiplexed (SCM) wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication systems. Crosstalk arises mainly from interactions between subcarriers on one wavelength and the optical carrier of another wavelength. In a dispersive fiber, crosstalk can be attributed to stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and cross-phase modulation (XPM) combined with group velocity dispersion (GVD). We investigate the phase relationship between SRS-induced and XPM-induced crosstalks. Crosstalks induced by SRS and XPM add in the electrical domain and can interfere constructively or destructively. Experimental results show that the combined crosstalk level can be as high as 40 dBc after 25 km of SMF with two wavelengths and 18 dBm per wavelength of transmitted power. We propose two crosstalk countermeasures. The first countermeasure uses parallel fiber transmission. We show theoretically that both SRS-induced and XPM-induced crosstalks can be cancelled to the first order. We present an experimental demonstration of concept which has achieved 15 dB of crosstalk cancellation over 200 MHz. The second countermeasure uses optical carrier suppression. We show, theoretically and experimentally, that by suppressing the optical carrier, we can significantly reduce crosstalk while maintaining the same link budget and carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) at the receiver, 20 dB of crosstalk reduction over 2 GHz has been demonstrated experimentally.
Are library and information science journals becoming more internationalized? — A longitudinal study of authors' geographical affiliations in 20 LIS journals from 1981 to 2003

This paper examines journal publications in the field of library and information science (LIS) to assess the level of internationalization in their publications authorship pattern. The international production and communication of scholarly knowledge is crucial to the growth of a discipline. Recent advancement in communication technology and the rise of globalization have led to the hope of a more balanced flow of scientific knowledge. Nevertheless, scholars also cautioned the possibility of a global digital divide and a widening knowledge gap. This study analyzed the geographical affiliations of authors in 20 international LIS journals to track the longitudinal changes in LIS authorship pattern. Findings suggest an increase in the internationalization of LIS authorships over the years. However, the LIS authorship distribution was still highly uneven in 2003 (Gini coefficient = 0.95). Economic power is still found to be a moderate predictor of publication performance. The findings of this study suggest that, at the moment of the writing, there is still room for the LIS field to be more internationalized. Further research is needed to identify the barriers in international scholarly communication and to explore the implications of such a communication pattern on scientific development and global equality.
A fault tolerant fly by wire system for maintenance free applications

The authors describe a triplex primary flight computer system based on a reconfigurable architecture with extensive use of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The system comprises fault-tolerant fly-by-wire (FBW) computers which are triplex dissimilar in both software and hardware. These command actuator control electronics (ACE) units via DATAC (ARINC 629) data buses. The FBW computers form the core of the full-authority FBW system and perform all the computational commands for the pitch, roll, and yaw surface actuation systems. The authors review the architectural design issues in terms of integrity requirements and fault tolerance, leading to a design which not only meets civil safety requirements but also has ultra-high-reliability, offering little or no maintenance action. The FBW computer architecture is based on dividing the basic path into three subfunctional elements. Each of these elements is then replicated to provide fault tolerance. The internal element redundancy management function is performed both in hardware and software, and it is able to detect and isolate faulty elements and perform the necessary reconfiguration. The current expectation for system reliability gives an expected time to 95% probability of dispatch of 38100 operating hours and has a predicted MTBMA of 92700 operating hours per shipset. >
Synchrotron infrared measurements of protein phosphorylation in living single PC12 cells during neuronal differentiation.

Protein phosphorylation is a post-translational modification that is essential for the regulation of many important cellular activities, including proliferation and differentiation. Current techniques for detecting protein phosphorylation in single cells often involve the use of fluorescence markers, such as antibodies or genetically expressed proteins. In contrast, infrared spectroscopy is a label-free and noninvasive analytical technique that can monitor the intrinsic vibrational signatures of chemical bonds. Here, we provide direct evidence that protein phosphorylation in individual living mammalian cells can be measured with synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform-infrared (SR-FT-IR) spectromicroscopy. We show that PC12 cells stimulated with nerve growth factor (NGF) exhibit statistically significant temporal variations in specific spectral features, correlating with changes in protein phosphorylation levels and the subsequent development of neuron-like phenotypes in the cells. The spectral phos...
Processing of Ultrafine-Grained Materials through the Application of Severe Plastic Deformation

Processing through the application of severe plastic deformation (SPD) has become an absorbing tool because it provides the potential for refining the grain size of polycrystalline bulk metals to the submicrometer or even the nanometer level. Several SPD methods are now available, but the more promising procedures seem to be equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and high-pressure torsion (HPT). This report examines these procedures with an emphasis on the principles of grain refinement and the mechanical properties developed at high temperatures in materials after processing by ECAP and the hardness homogeneity and microstructural evolution in materials processed by HPT. Moreover, recent observations on the ECAP and HPT processing also are discussed.
Cell origin of the ventral spinocerebellar tract

The cells of origin of the ventral spinocerebellar tract have never been determined conclusively. We attempted to determine the cell origin of this tract by applying anatomical methods. Retrograde changes were observed in the lumbosacral segments following hemicerebellectomy, severance of cerebellar peduncle or hemisection of spinal cord at various levels. The chromatolytic motor-type neurons were plotted, most occupying the dorso-lateral portion of the ventral gray, with fewer cells in the medial, lateral and central part of ventral horn. Ablation of these neurons in different animals resulted in axonal degeneration which could be traced to the cerebellum via chiefly contralateral lateral funiculus and from the ventral spinocerebellar tract. The morphology of the ventral spinocerebellar tract neurons was studied by the Golgi method. Incidental findings of axonal degeneration bilaterally in the dorsal spinocerebellar tracts, with ipsilateral domination, following ablation of the ventral spinocerebellar tract neurons were discussed.
Lenalidomide in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma: overview and perspective.

Lenalidomide, a novel immunomodulatory agent, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome and relapsed multiple myeloma. Data from preclinical studies paved the way for clinical trials of lenalidomide in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Initial phase I and II clinical trials of lenalidomide alone and as part of combination regimens in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL have shown promising results. Its immunomodulatory, T cell costimulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic actions working together in the tumor cell microenvironment seem to be responsible for its enhanced antitumor efficacy. Lenalidomide’s nature of action and safety profile favor it over other agents studied in relapsed/refractory MCL. This review summarizes the data from preclinical and clinical studies of lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory MCL and compares the results with those of other novel agents being used for relapsed/refractory MCL.
Widespread activation of barrel cortex by small numbers of neonatally spared whiskers.

Activity-dependent plasticity in rodent whisker barrel cortex was examined by means of high-resolution 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) with immunohistochemical double labeling. Hamsters with all but one, two, or four follicles ablated on postnatal day 7 received 2-DG injections as adults. Autoradiograms of follicle-ablated animals showed heavy activation of the entire barrel field during normal behavior, despite the missing whiskers. The intensity of 2-DG labeling was significantly reduced if the whiskers spared after follicle ablation were trimmed prior to the 2-DG injection, demonstrating that the widespread activation was driven by the spared whiskers. This widespread metabolic activation of the adult barrel field after neonatal follicle ablation was in sharp contrast to the somatotopically appropriate 2-DG labeling in barrel fields of normal adults subject to acute trimming of most whiskers, but was similar to that seen in normal adult animals with all whiskers intact. The results demonstrate large-scale plasti...
Computationally efficient coherent-mode representations.

The numerical calculation of traditional coherent-mode representations (CMRs) involves an eigenvalue decomposition of the cross-spectral density matrix. An efficient alternative modal representation of a partially coherent field can be realized using an LDLdagger decomposition. Storage requirements are reduced by an amount on the order of the ratio between the coherence length and the source width. The efficiency of calculations requiring a CMR (e.g., numerical evaluation of partially coherent propagation effects) may thus be significantly improved, particularly when low-coherence fields are considered.
Segmentation of Tomographic Images

The objective of this paper is to show what the current techniques in image processing, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics can do in computed tomography. More concretely, we wish to show that given the tomographic data what can be done in order to: a) improve the spatial resolution b) improve the visualisation of the data c) improve the identification of anatomic structures Thus, we shall not deal with different hardware, nor with various reconstruction algorithms. We shall assume that the data is given and ask what can be done from there on. Examples, documenting each of the above points, will be presented.
Biceps tenodesis is a viable option for salvage of failed SLAP repair

Background: Outcomes of arthroscopic superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) repairs have been well reported with generally favorable outcomes. Unfortunately, a percentage of patients remain dissatisfied or suffer further injury after SLAP repair and may seek additional treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of biceps tenodesis for failed SLAP repairs. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing biceps tenodesis was completed. Inclusion criteria were previous SLAP repair and subsequent revision biceps tenodesis. Exclusion criteria were additional shoulder procedures including rotator cuff repair, instability procedures, and preoperative frozen shoulder. Objective outcomes were postoperative assessments with Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, and Veterans RAND 36-Item Health Survey. Physical examination was conducted to determine postoperative range of motion and strength compared with the nonoperative shoulder. Results: A cohort of 24 patients was identified, and of these, 17 patients (71%) completed the study at 2 years’ follow-up. The average postoperative Constant score was 84.4; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 75.5; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, 73.1%; Simple Shoulder Test score, 9.2; and Veterans RAND 36-Item Health Survey score, 76.1. Postoperative range of motion of the operative shoulder returned to near that of the asymptomatic nonoperative shoulder. Workers’ compensation status led to inferior results. Conclusions: Options for patients with a failed prior SLAP repair are limited. As a salvage operation for failed SLAP repair, biceps tenodesis serves the majority of patients well, with favorable outcomes by validated measures and excellent shoulder range of motion and elbow strength at 2 years’ follow-up. Workers’ compensation status may predispose patients to poorer outcomes. Level of evidence: Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study. 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.
Polydactyly in a Vaux's Swift

Abstract I report on polydactyly in a Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi). An extra, asymmetrically located toe was found on each foot of one swift. A check of 329 swifts from several museums produced no other examples of polydactyly in this species. A review of the literature and a query over the Internet, however, produced 10 other examples of polydactyly in wild birds.
Routine postoperative intensive care monitoring is not necessary after radical cystectomy.

Purpose: Patients undergoing radical cystectomy have historically required intensive care monitoring in the perioperative period. We examined the postoperative care of these patients since the institution of a clinical care pathway with special attention to the need for intensive care unit admission.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 304 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy from December 1995 to July 2000. Variables examined were the location and nature of postoperative care, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirement, hospital stay, perioperative minor complications, major complications, the mortality rate and urinary diversion type.Results: Of the 304 patients 20 (6.5%) required intensive care unit monitoring during postoperative recovery and 18 were admitted directly to the intensive care unit postoperatively. Compared with the total population those admitted to the intensive care unit had increased hospital stay (p = 0.002...
ATP Requirement for Chloroplast Protein Import Is Set by the Km for ATP Hydrolysis of Stromal Hsp70 in Physcomitrella patens

The 70-kD family of heat shock proteins (Hsp70s) is involved in a number of seemingly disparate cellular functions, including folding of nascent proteins, breakup of misfolded protein aggregates, and translocation of proteins across membranes. They act through the binding and release of substrate proteins, accompanied by hydrolysis of ATP. Chloroplast stromal Hsp70 plays a crucial role in the import of proteins into plastids. Mutations of an ATP binding domain Thr were previously reported to result in an increase in the Km for ATP and a decrease in the enzyme's kcat. To ask which chloroplast stromal chaperone, Hsp70 or Hsp93, both of which are ATPases, dominates the energetics of the motor responsible for protein import, we made transgenic moss (Physcomitrella patens) harboring the Km-altering mutation in the essential stromal Hsp70-2 and measured the effect on the amount of ATP required for protein import into chloroplasts. Here, we report that increasing the Km for ATP hydrolysis of Hsp70 translated into an increased Km for ATP usage by chloroplasts for protein import. This thus directly demonstrates that the ATP-derived energy long known to be required for chloroplast protein import is delivered via the Hsp70 chaperones and that the chaperone's ATPase activity dominates the energetics of the reaction.
Complications of Middle Cerebral Artery-Superficial Temporal Artery Anastomosis

Microvascular bypass surgery for occlusive cerebral vascular disease has aroused considerable interest in the past decade. This interest has been accompanied by considerable experience. Improvements in the technique, together with experience, has refined the indications for the procedure and made us aware of the complications of bypass surgery for occlusive cerebral vascular disease.
Efficient internal exon recognition depends on near equal contributions from the 3′ and 5′ splice sites

Pre-mRNA splicing is carried out by the spliceosome, which identifies exons and removes intervening introns. In vertebrates, most splice sites are initially recognized by the spliceosome across the exon, because most exons are small and surrounded by large introns. This gene architecture predicts that efficient exon recognition depends largely on the strength of the flanking 3 0 and 5 0 splice sites. However, it is unknown if the 3 0 or the 5 0 splice site dominates the exon recognition process. Here, we test the 3 0 and 5 0 splice site contributions towards efficient exon recognition by systematically replacing the splice sites of an internal exon with sequences of different splice site strengths. We show that the presence of an optimal splice site does not guarantee exon inclusion and that the best predictor for exon recognition is the sum of both splice site scores. Using a genomewide approach, we demonstrate that the combined 3 0 and 5 0 splice site strengths of internal exons provide a much more significant separator between constitutive and alternative exons than either the 3 0 or the 5 0 splice site strength alone.
Some Structural and Functional Substrates of Development in Young Cats

Publisher Summary The material presented in this chapter is developed within the framework of a long-term study of neuropil patterns in the brain stem reticular core and related structures, and is geared toward elucidating certain aspects of the problems of inhibition and facilitation. Three general topics are considered here: (1) some structuro-functional correlates of brain wave maturative patterns with particular reference to cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and reticular formation, (2) the maturation of cortical activation mechanisms, including cortical “following” reactions, and (3) the development of certain discriminative conditional responses, including habituation-like phenomena. The data discussed in this chapter are drawn from a large body of material gathered over several years from a group of approximately 80 kittens chronically implanted within a few hours to a few days of birth. Although the neurophysiological material and related structural correlative data are derived from this source, a larger body of structural information rests on some 12 years of experience with several thousand brains of laboratory animals examined by Golgi and related techniques. Wherever possible, kittens were operated within 3 to 12 h of birth. Minute amounts of intraperitoneal Nembutal (30 mg/kg) in saline were used as basal anaesthesia and supplemented by open drop ether as needed. Under sterile precautions, animals were placed in a specially constructed head-holder, which was suspended within the frame of a standard Johnson stereotaxic apparatus. Three adjustable arms shaped to the bridge of the nose and the mastoid prominences held the head motionless without injury to sensitive tissue of mouth, eyes, or ears.
Effect of Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies on B Cells and Humoral Immunity

The unequivocal success of B-cell-depleting agents in reducing magnetic resonance imaging and clinical activity in therapeutic trials indicates that B cells play a vital role in mediating the clinical course of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Although no agent that specifically targets B cells has yet been approved for clinical use, all existing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS modulate B-cell immunity to some degree. This review examines the effects of MS DMTs on B-cell immunity. Most MS DMTs induced a relative decrease in circulating memory B cells with concomitant expansion of circulating B-cell precursors and/or naive B cells. B-cell function was also altered; most DMTs induced B-cell production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 while inhibiting B-cell expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The commonalities in the effects of approved DMTs on B-cell phenotype and function among treated patients with MS are striking and suggest that effects on B cells underlie part of their efficacy. More complete understanding of how the existing DMTs modulate B-cell immunity may identify future targets for therapeutic intervention.
The Effect of Hypotonicity Upon the Ultrasonic Scattering Properties of Erythrocytes

The ultrasonic scattering properties of a suspension of fluid particles whose dimension is much less than the wavelength, such as blood, has been shown both theoretically and experimentally to be related to the size and physical properties, namely, the compressibility and density of the particle.1–4
Imaging of Silicon Carrier Dynamics with Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy

A contactless high spatial resolution technique has been developed to characterize semiconductor materials using the Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscope. The technique can be used to non-invasively measure: surface topography, defect content, and carrier lifetime variations in silicon. The success of the technique relies on the sensitive detection of changes in infrared transmission induced by local generation of free carriers using pulsed visible radiation. Here we extend the application of this technique to characterize silicon on insulator materials. We also include computer simulation results to address the role played by diffusion in the ultimate lateral resolution that can be achieved using this technique.
Abstract B29: African American men never or rarely screened for prostate cancer

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the leading cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. African American (AA) men are at greater risk than Caucasian American (CA) and other men in both incidence and mortality related to prostate cancer. Incidence among AA men is about 60 percent greater and mortality about 240 percent greater than in CA men. AA men also have a greater likelihood of presenting at higher stage and grade with poorer health and other outcomes. Little is known about factors related to AA men who never or are rarely screened for prostate cancer using the DRE and PSA tests. The purpose of this study was to explore prostate cancer screening practices of AA men and to examine demographic characteristics that are associated with AA men who never or are rarely screened. Methods: AA men age 40 or older were asked questions about their knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening using DRE and PSA. The study used a convenience sample of 448 AA men 40 years and older residing in the Southeastern U.S. Data were self‐reported survey responses and analyzed using SAS. Results: The majority of study participants were married (52%), had some college or technical training (78%), and employed (59%). Over 90% of the AA men had prior knowledge of DRE and 77% were aware of the PSA test. The percentage of AA men who had not had prostate cancer screening in over 5 years or not at all (never or rarely screened) was 33% for DRE and 34% for PSA. Demographic factors related to never or rarely screened for DRE were: being single, younger age, no health insurance, and higher levels of education. Factors related to never or rarely screened for PSA were: younger age, no health insurance, and higher levels of education. Conclusions: Since AA men have greater burden of prostate cancer among men, it is surprising that despite knowledge and awareness of screening and increased levels of education, approximately one‐third of the men in this sample had neither a DRE or PSA ever or in 5 or more years. Additional studies are needed to further explore the relationship between prostate cancer knowledge and awareness, education attainment, and prostate cancer screening in AA men. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B29.
Depth and Time Dependence of Polystyrene Chain Diffusion Near the Polystyrene/Silicon Interface

We report on the results for the diffusion coefficient (D*) of polystyrene (PS) chains near the PS/Silicon interface. The present study employs secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to examine diffusion from a deuterated marker layer in thin PS films on silicon. The observed SIMS depth profiles are fit to numerical simulations of the diffusion process. The best fit is obtained for a super-linear dependence of D* vs. distance from the silicon wall. A non-trivial time dependence extending over tens of hours is observed for all the models tested.
The Effects of Institutional Corporate Social Responsibility on Bank Loans

The authors study the impact of institutional corporate social responsibility (CSR)—defined as CSR targeted at a borrowing firm’s secondary stakeholders—on bank loans. Findings suggest that higher levels of institutional CSR are associated with lower levels of interest rates and loan spreads. In addition, institutional CSR also tempers the positive impact of loan maturity and firm leverage on interest rates and loan spread. These effects were strongest among firms that demonstrated sustained performance, rather than among firms that showed mixed performance in terms of their secondary stakeholder-related activities. This study indicates institutional CSR is valued by stakeholders for its risk mitigating and transaction cost reducing effects independent of technical CSR, defined as CSR targeted at primary stakeholders.
Intermediate- and long-term follow-up of device closure of patent arterial duct with severe pulmonary hypertension: factors predicting outcome.

Background In patients with large patent arterial ducts and severe pulmonary hypertension, the natural history of progression of pulmonary hypertension is very variable. Whether to close or not to close is often a difficult decision, as there are no established haemodynamic parameters predicting reversibility. Objectives The objectives of this study were to evaluate the results of device closure of large patent arterial ducts with severe pulmonary hypertension after 2 years of age and to determine haemodynamic variables associated with its regression during long-term follow-up. Methods A total of 45 patients, with median age of 10 (2–27) years, with large patent arterial ducts and severe pulmonary hypertension, were considered. Haemodynamic variables were assessed in air, oxygen, and after occlusion. The follow-up was performed to assess regression of pulmonary hypertension. Results Device closure was successful in 43 (96%) patients. Pulmonary artery systolic and mean pressures decreased from 79 to 67 mmHg and from 59 to 50 mmHg, respectively (p 25% (both in oxygen) (p=0.007). Conclusions Device closure of large patent arterial ducts with severe pulmonary hypertension is safe and effective. Pulmonary vascular resistance index and systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures in oxygen are the key prognostic variables predicting regression of pulmonary hypertension.
Postoperative dysphagia correlates with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs in anterior cervical fusion

Anterior cervical fusion (ACF) after discectomy and/or corpectomy is a common procedure with traditionally good patient outcomes. Though typically mild, postoperative dysphagia can result in significant patient morbidity. In this study, we examine the relationship between postoperative dysphagia and in-hospital outcomes, readmissions, and overall costs. The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database was utilized to perform a retrospective cohort study of all adults who underwent a principal procedure of ACF of the anterior column (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision [ICD-9] procedure code 81.02) between 2013 and 2015. Patients with a diagnosis of dysphagia (ICD-9 78720-78729) were compared to those without. Patient demographics, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmissions, and direct costs were recorded. A total of 49,300 patients who underwent ACF were identified. Mean age was 54.5years and 50.2% were male. Dysphagia was documented in 3,137 patients (6.4%) during their hospital stay. Patients with dysphagia had an average 2.1 comorbidities, while patients without dysphagia had 1.5 (p<0.01). Mean length of stay was 6.38days in patients with dysphagia, and 2.13days in those without (p<0.01). In-hospital mortality was 0.10% in patients without dysphagia, and 0.61% in those with dysphagia (p<0.01). Direct costs were $13,099 in patients without dysphagia, and $21,245 in those with dysphagia (p<0.01). Thirty-day readmission rate was 2.9% in patients without dysphagia, and 5.3% in those with dysphagia (p=0.01). In summary, dysphagia in patients who undergo ACF correlates with significantly increased length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and in-hospital mortality. Direct costs are similarly increased as a result.
Changing management strategies for hepatic colorectal metastasis.

With approximately 150,000 new cases annually, colorectal carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity in the United States. Nearly 50% of these patients will develop metastatic liver disease at sometime in the course of their illness, and approximately one-third of this group will have disease confined to the liver.
Altered [3H]Quinuclidinyl Benzilate Binding in the Striatum of Rats following Chronic Cholinesterase Inhibition with Diisopropylfluorophosphate

Chronic administration of diisopropylfluorophosphate to rats at a dose regimen producing 90% inhibition of striatal cholinesterase caused a significant decrease in the density of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding sites in homogenates of the striatum. The concentration of binding sites decreased from 1.39 ± 0.06 in controls to 0.82 ± 0.02 pmol/mg protein in diisopropylfluorophosphate-treated rats, and the half-time for the loss of binding sites was approximately 1.6 days. This decrease in [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding was not due to a direct effect of diisopropylfluorophosphate on muscarinic receptors since no inhibition of binding was produced by high concentrations of diisopropylfluorophosphate when added in vitro . An increase in the Ki for inhibition of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding by various nonlabeled cholinergic ligands was observed in chronic diisopropylfluorophosphate-treated rats, indicating that the affinity of the muscarinic receptors in the striatum had decreased. Following diisopropylfluorophosphate treatment, muscarinic receptors displayed a greater decrease in affinity to muscarinic agonists than to antagonists. Scatchard analysis of oxotremorine inhibition of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding showed both high ( K H = 0.01 ± 0.002 µM) and low ( K L = 0.86 ± 0.18 µM) affinity binding sites in relative densities of 26 and 74%, respectively. Chronic administration of diisopropylfluorophosphate produced an increase of K H to 0.037 ± 0.008 µM, indicating a decrease in affinity but had no significant effects on K L or on the relative densities of the two sites. Similar results were obtained for acetylcholine and pilocarpine. In contrast, Scatchard analysis of the atropine inhibition of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding showed a single class of antagonist binding sites. These decreases in affinity and density of muscarinic receptors in the striatum following chronic cholinesterase inhibition demonstrate that the tolerance to diisopropylfluorophosphate is, in part, a receptor mediated phenomenon.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Renal Cancer Markers

Seventeen thousand Americans develop renal cancer annually. At the time of diagnosis, 30% have metastatic disease demonstrable by conventional radiologic or nuclide imaging techniques. Of the remaining patients who are ostensibly surgically curable, about 40% have micrometastatic disease that will later manifest itself. Currently no effective method exists for detection of micrometastatic disease. Likewise, no effective systemic therapy exists and these patients will die of their disease.
Treatment of Men for “Low Testosterone”: A Systematic Review

Testosterone products are recommended by some prescribers in response to a diagnosis or presumption of “low testosterone” (low-T) for cardiovascular health, sexual function, muscle weakness or wasting, mood and behavior, and cognition. We performed a systematic review of 156 eligible randomized controlled trials in which testosterone was compared to placebo for one or more of these conditions. We included studies in bibliographic databases between January 1, 1950 and April 9, 2016, and excluded studies involving bodybuilding, contraceptive effectiveness, or treatment of any condition in women or children. Studies with multiple relevant endpoints were included in all relevant tables. Testosterone supplementation did not show consistent benefit for cardiovascular risk, sexual function, mood and behavior, or cognition. Studies that examined clinical cardiovascular endpoints have not favored testosterone therapy over placebo. Testosterone is ineffective in treating erectile dysfunction and controlled trials did not show a consistent effect on libido. Testosterone supplementation consistently increased muscle strength but did not have beneficial effects on physical function. Most studies on mood-related endpoints found no beneficial effect of testosterone treatment on personality, psychological well-being, or mood. The prescription of testosterone supplementation for low-T for cardiovascular health, sexual function, physical function, mood, or cognitive function is without support from randomized clinical trials.
Personality, Attitudes, and Bonding in Conversations

This paper investigates how the personality and attitudes of intelligent agents could be designed to most effectively promote bonding. Observational data are collected from a series of conversations, and a measure of bonding is adapted and verified. The effects of personality and dispositional attitudes on bonding are analyzed, and we find that attentiveness and excitement are more effective at promoting bonding than traits like attractiveness and humour.
Treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a serious condition, and a substantive need exists for evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents suffering from this condition. A fundamental intervention used in this patient population is pharmacotherapy. Despite the importance of medication treatment in this patient population, only limited amounts of methodologically stringent data exist pertaining to this form of intervention. The evidence that does exist suggests that some psychotropic medications can provide salutary effects for youths suffering from bipolar I disorder (BD-I). Also relevant is the pharmacotherapy of genetically at-risk children suffering from bipolar spectrum disorder and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities. Further placebo-controlled trials are needed in order to better characterize the efficacy and safety of psychotropic medications in this population.
Modeling of the simulated countercurrent moving-bed chromatographic reactor used for the oxidative coupling of methane

Abstract The oxidative coupling reaction of methane (OCM) is a potential industrial reaction for the efficient production of ethylene. Replacement of current technologies requires significant product yield improvements. A novel experimental reactor, the simulated countercurrent moving-bed chromatographic reactor (SCMCR), has reported OCM yields which exceed conventional reactors [ Tonkovich et al. , 1993, Science 262 , 221 ; Tonkovich and Carr, 1995, Chem. Engng Sci. (in press) ]. An understanding of the SCMCR operation is aided by concurrent mathematical modeling. The model mimics the experimental reactor configuration and operation. Four sections are used in the SCMCR, each containing one reaction column and two separation columns connected in series. The feed is switched from section to section at a rate less than a single section breakthrough time, and a make-up feed is used after the first cycle. Reaction occurs in the first column and is followed by rapid product and reactant separation in the ensuing section columns. The model does not incorporate the realistic and complex kinetics arising from the OCM, rather a simplified reaction term is used to qualitatively gain insight into the operation of the SCMCR. The effects of the feed switching time and the make-up feed rate are investigated. The reactant conversion has a maximum at intermediate values of both parameters. This agrees with experimental trends, where the methane conversion and the C 2 yield are also maximized at similar intermediate values of the switching time.