cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of oceanic and continental leads in the Arabian-Nubian Shield

New common lead data for feldspar, whole-rock, and galena samples from the Arabian-Nubian Shield, together with data from previous work, can be divided into two main groups. Group I leads have oceanic (mantle) characteristics, whereas group II leads have incorporated a continental-crustal component of at least early Proterozoic age. The group I leads are found in rocks from the Red Sea Hills of Egypt and the western and southern parts of the Arabian Shield. Group II leads are found in rocks from the northeastern and eastern parts of the Arabian Shield, as well as from the southeastern Shield near Najran. They are also found in rocks to the south in Yemen, to the east in Oman, and to the west at Aswan, Egypt. This distribution of data suggests that the Arabian-Nubian Shield has an oceanic core flanked by rocks that have developed, at least in part, from older continental material. Two mechanisms are suggested by which this older lead component could have been incorporated into the late Proterozoic rocks, and each may have operated in different parts of the Shield. The older lead component either was derived directly from an underlying early Proterozoic basement or was incorporated from subducted pelagic sediments or sediments derived from an adjacent continent.
Volatile anesthetics modulate the binding of guanine nucleotides to the α subunits of heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins

Abstract The effects of volatile anesthetics on guanine nucleotide binding to the purified α subunits of heterotrimeric GTP binding (G) proteins were studied. At sub-anesthetic doses, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane and sevoflurane inhibit exchange of GTPγS for GDP bound to Gα subunits and markedly enhance the dissociation of GTPγS, but fail to suppress GDPβS release. Nucleotide exchange from non-myristoylated Gαi1 is similarly inhibited in the absence of any membrane lipid or detergent. The degrees of inhibition of GDP/GTPγS exchange and enhancement of GTPγS dissociation are in the same order: αi2>αi1>αi3>αs. By contrast, Gαo, which is closely related to Gαi, is completely insensitive to anesthetics. We conclude that volatile agents, at clinically relevant doses, have a direct effect on the conformation and stability of the GTP/Mg2+ bound state of some, but not all Gα subunits. By destabilizing this state, volatile agents may uncouple metabotropic and other heptahelical receptors from pathways modulating neuronal excitation.
Getting Real About Virtual Worlds: A Review

Virtual worlds have emerged as important socio-technical artifacts in contemporary society. They have enabled unique business models in the digital economy. This paper presents a rich account on how virtual worlds have transformed modern society and how they have been presented as having outstanding benefits and promise, with examples of successes and failures. The goal is to synthesize the research and demonstrate an accurate understanding of this novel artifact and its multi-facet consequences. In addition, and more importantly, this review proposes a research agenda for the information systems discipline and assists in identifying critical issues on virtual world technologies and strategic management practices. The objective of this study is to establish a foundation for research on virtual worlds.
The dynamics of sparse random networks

Recurrent neural networks with full symmetric connectivity have been extensively studied as associative memories and pattern recognition devices. However, there is considerable evidence that sparse, asymmetrically connected, mainly excitatory networks with broadly directed inhibition are more consistent with biological reality. In this paper, we use the technique of return maps to study the dynamics of random networks with sparse, asymmetric connectivity and nonspecific inhibition. These networks show three qualitatively different kinds of behavior: fixed points, cycles of low period, and extremely long cycles verging on aperiodicity. Using statistical arguments, we relate these behaviors to network parameters and present empirical evidence for the accuracy of this statistical model. The model, in turn, leads to methods for controlling the level of activity in networks. Studying random, untrained networks provides an understanding of the intrinsic dynamics of these systems. Such dynamics could provide a substrate for the much more complex behavior shown when synaptic modification is allowed.
Cluster approach for quasicrystals.

We consider a cluster picture'' to explain the structure and formation of quasicrystals. Quasicrystal ordering is attributed to a small set of low-energy atomic clusters which determine the state of minimum free energy. The nature of the ground state as [ital T][r arrow]0, depending upon the clusters and cluster energies, ranges from energetically stable and unique (as in Penrose tilings), to entropically stable and degenerate (as in random tilings).
Rapid and efficient isolation of transferrin and ferritin from Manduca sexta

Abstract We report methods for the rapid purification of two iron-binding proteins from larval hemolymph of Manduca sexta. Ferritin was purified in two steps by density gradient ultracentrifugation. To accomplish this, we utilized the relatively high level of ferritin present in the hemolymph of this animal and augmented the density of the protein in vivo by injection of iron sulfate. Nitrocellulose blots analyzed by laser densitometry showed hemolymph from iron-injected insects contained about 0.4 mg of ferritin per ml (approximately 0.7% of total hemolymph protein); of this, 62% was found as pure ferritin in the pellet formed during ultracentrifugation. Following the density ultracentrifugation, we purified transferrin from the hemolymph subphase by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography using a new gel, Novarose-SE1000/40 coupled to dipicolylamine (DPA) chelated with nickel. Higher capacity Ni 2+ DPA-gel permitted good resolution of transferrin in the first chromatography; a lower capacity of the same gel allowed purification of transferrin in a second step. Overall transferrin recovery was 52%. Larval hemolymph contained 0.770 mg transferrin/ml, representing about 1.3% of the total protein.
POTUS on the Road: International and Domestic Presidential Travel, 1977-2005

As a president's time is perhaps his scarcest resource, the strategic choices that determine its allocation are some of the most significant that a president and his aides will make. When and where a president chooses to travel, and what he does while he is there, can reveal a great deal about his priorities. This essay analyzes patterns of both international and domestic travel over the past five presidential administrations in order to provide the incoming president and his aides with information that will assist them as they decide when, where, and for what the next president should travel.
Reform Teaching Strategies Used by Student Teachers

The purposes of this study were to observe the teaching practices occurring in student teachers' science and mathematics K-12 classrooms, compare the student teachers' perceptions of their teaching with what was actually occurring in their classrooms, and determine which college faculty members and courses these student teachers felt contributed to the teaching methods they used. Data on each student teacher were gathered via field notes of three classes, an observation protocol completed after each lesson, and an interview. Composites were written for each of the students. The total data set of all composites was examined to see if any patterns generalizable to the whole were evident. Differences between and among grade levels and content areas surfaced and are discussed.
Agent Based Economics

This chapter describes the application of artificial life techniques (ALIFE) to the study of auction markets for electric power optimization. Artificial life techniques include: artificial neural networks (ANN), genetic algorithms (GA) and genetic programming (GP). All ALIFE techniques are based on biological models of evolution and of neurological functions.
Indicators of "Healthy Aging" in older women (65-69 years of age). A data-mining approach based on prediction of long-term survival

Prediction of long-term survival in healthy adults requires recognition of features that serve as early indicators of successful aging. The aims of this study were to identify predictors of long-term survival in older women and to develop a multivariable model based upon longitudinal data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF). We considered only the youngest subjects (n = 4,097) enrolled in the SOF cohort (65 to 69 years of age) and excluded older SOF subjects more likely to exhibit a "frail" phenotype. A total of 377 phenotypic measures were screened to determine which were of most value for prediction of long-term (19-year) survival. Prognostic capacity of individual predictors, and combinations of predictors, was evaluated using a cross-validation criterion with prediction accuracy assessed according to time-specific AUC statistics. Visual contrast sensitivity score was among the top 5 individual predictors relative to all 377 variables evaluated (mean AUC = 0.570). A 13-variable model with strong predictive performance was generated using a forward search strategy (mean AUC = 0.673). Variables within this model included a measure of physical function, smoking and diabetes status, self-reported health, contrast sensitivity, and functional status indices reflecting cumulative number of daily living impairments (HR ≥ 0.879 or RH ≤ 1.131; P < 0.001). We evaluated this model and show that it predicts long-term survival among subjects assigned differing causes of death (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease; P < 0.01). For an average follow-up time of 20 years, output from the model was associated with multiple outcomes among survivors, such as tests of cognitive function, geriatric depression, number of daily living impairments and grip strength (P < 0.03). The multivariate model we developed characterizes a "healthy aging" phenotype based upon an integration of measures that together reflect multiple dimensions of an aging adult (65-69 years of age). Age-sensitive components of this model may be of value as biomarkers in human studies that evaluate anti-aging interventions. Our methodology could be applied to data from other longitudinal cohorts to generalize these findings, identify additional predictors of long-term survival, and to further develop the "healthy aging" concept.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain and related symptoms during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective To study osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain and related symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy. Study Design A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to compare usual obstetric care and osteopathic manipulative treatment, usual obstetric care and sham ultrasound treatment, and usual obstetric care only. Outcomes included average pain levels and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire to assess back-specific functioning. Results Intention-to-treat analyses included 144 subjects. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores worsened during pregnancy; however, back-specific functioning deteriorated significantly less in the usual obstetric care and osteopathic manipulative treatment group (effect size, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–1.14; P = .001 vs usual obstetric care only; and effect size, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, –0.06 to 0.76; P = .09 vs usual obstetric care and sham ultrasound treatment). During pregnancy, back pain decreased in the usual obstetric care and osteopathic manipulative treatment group, remained unchanged in the usual obstetric care and sham ultrasound treatment group, and increased in the usual obstetric care only group, although no between-group difference achieved statistical significance. Conclusion Osteopathic manipulative treatment slows or halts the deterioration of back-specific functioning during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Pyrolysis of Silicon‐Backbone Polymers to Silicon Carbide

A systematic study of the role of the composition of polysilane homo-, co-, and terpolymers on their pyrolysis yield to silicon carbide (SiC) was performed. The ceramic yield was found to increase as the poly(dimethylsilane) structure was substituted with hexyl and, especially, phenyl groups. the best improvement in SiC yield came from the copolymerization of low levels of silane monomers containing unsaturated groups (vinyl or allyl). For a given composition, ceramic yield increased with increasing heating rate under argon. Infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry were used to identify the chemical changes accompanying the pyrolysis process up to 1200°C. These changes included the formation of carbosilane linkages and Si-H groups.
On bit allocation strategies for paraunitary subband coders

Quadrature mirror filters have been employed to decompose a signal into subbands. The signals in each subband are quantized before transmission. The authors derive conditions on the individual quantizer error variances so as to minimize the overall reconstruction error variance. The present results hold for filter banks having paraunitary polyphase matrices. Under the assumption that the total number of bits over all channels is fixed, it is shown that their distribution which minimizes the reconstruction error variance is the one that makes the individual quantizer variances equal. This analysis is extended to tree-structured filter banks, such as those used for generating orthonormal wavelets. In this case, it is shown that the quantizer error variance in a particular branch should be proportional to the corresponding decimation factor. >
REGRESSION WITH MULTIPLE CANDIDATE MODELS: SELECTING OR MIXING?

Model combining (mixing) provides an alternative to model selection. An algorithm ARM was recently proposed by the author to combine different regres- sion models/methods. In this work, an improved risk bound for ARM is obtained. In addition to some theoretical observations on the issue of selection versus com- bining, simulations are conducted in the context of linear regression to compare performance of ARM with the familiar model selection criteria AIC and BIC, and also with some Bayesian model averaging (BMA) methods. The simulation suggests the following. Selection can yield a smaller risk when the random error is weak relative to the signal. However, when the random noise level gets higher, ARM produces a better or even much better estimator. That is, mixing appropriately is advantageous when there is a certain degree of uncer- tainty in choosing the best model. In addition, it is demonstrated that when AIC and BIC are combined, the mixed estimator automatically behaves like the better one. A comparison with bagging (Breiman (1996)) suggests that ARM does better than simply stabilizing model selection estimators. In our simulation, ARM also performs better than BMA techniques based on BIC approximation.
Embryo survival, uterine fluids and tubal SEM in progesterone-asynchronized rabbits

Survival of embryos exposed to several concentrations of uterine proteins and changes in tubal morphology in rabbits given low preovulatory doses of progesterone (P4) that had previously not affected ovulation or fertilization, but caused severe embryo mortality, were studied. In experiment 1, 332 morulae were cultured for 24 h in a control medium containing 3.0 mg x mL(-1) of Day 3 uterine fluid proteins. There was no difference in blastocyst development nor implantation to Day 12 following transfer of the blastocysts to recipients, except fewer implants developed in the BSA control. In experiment 2 the oviducts and uteri of control and P4-treated does were examined by SEM for 8 days following ovulation. Secretory cells in the oviducts and to a lesser extent in the uteri were stimulated by P4 treatment for 3 to 4 days after ovulation. Morphology of ciliated cells was unaffected. The subtle changes did not fully account for P4-induced embryo mortality in vivo.
A Case Study in Business Writing: An Examination of Documents Written by Executives and Managers

This study examines the types of documents written by 23 executives/managers in two different companies—a col lection agency division of a large service company and a mid-sized professional liability insurance company. Implications for business writing courses are given.
World Wide Web network traffic patterns

The World Wide Web (WWW) generates a significant and growing portion of traffic on the Internet. With the click of a mouse button, a person browsing on the WWW can generate megabytes of multimedia network traffic. WWW's growth and possible network impact merit a study of its traffic patterns, problems, and possible changes. This paper attempts to characterize World Wide Web traffic patterns. First, the Web's HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is reviewed, with particular attention to latency factors. User access patterns and file size distribution are then described. Next, the HTTP design issues are discussed, followed by a section on proposed revisions. Benefits and drawbacks to each of the proposals are covered. The paper ends with pointers toward more information on this area.
Sedimentation in Andaman Basin, Northeastern Indian Ocean: ABSTRACT

The northeastern corner of the Indian Ocean is contained in the Andaman basin which has an area of 900,000 square kilometers. The northern and eastern third of the Andaman basin is composed of the shallow Irrawaddy delta shelf and Malay shelf, respectively 200 and 170 kilometers broad from the coasts to the 200-meter deep-shelf break. Along this terrace the bottom drops to the topographically complex basin floor with a maximum depth of 4,400 meters east of the Andaman-Nicobar Ridge. Principal sediment source for the basin is the load of the Irrawaddy River, estimated during the last century at 265,000,000 metric tons per year, a figure which may be in error by a large amount. The subaerial delta is accumulating very little of the sediment, which reaches the sea and is displaced eastward by monsoon-driven currents. A 12,000-square-kilometer area southeast of the subaerial delta is the main depositional site. Marked shoaling of this area during the past century is too great to be explained by sediment accumulation alone, and it is suggested that localized tectonism is distorting the delta shelf. Deposition also is localized in the disturbed area, as sedimentation strives to re-establish and maintain a stable delta-shelf gradient of less than 0°01^prime. A radiocarbon date from a basin core and foraminiferal data indicate a deep-basin depositional rate of 15 centimeters per 1,000 years. Sediment carbonate contents provide a rough comparison of relative depositional rates for the basin floor and the delta, indicating that sediment accumulates on the delta shelf at least 10 times faster than in the deep basin, or at a rate of from 100 to 200 centimeters per 1,000 years. Approximately 90 per cent of the Irrawaddy's load is deposited on the delta and only 10 per cent reaches depositional sites beyond the delta. End_of_Article - Last_Page 479------------
Seismic anisotropy in Eastern Tibet from shear wave splitting reveals changes in lithospheric deformation

Abstract Knowledge about seismic anisotropy can provide important insight into the deformation of the crust and upper mantle beneath tectonically active regions. Here we focus on the southeastern part of the Tibetan plateau, in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, SW China. We measured shear wave splitting of core-refracted phases (SKS and SKKS) at a temporary array of 25 IRIS-PASSCAL stations. We calculated splitting parameters using a multi-channel and a single-record cross-correlation method. Multiple layers of anisotropy cannot be ruled out but are not required by the data. A Fresnel zone analysis suggests that the shallow mantle (between 60 and 160 km depth) is the most likely source of anisotropy. The polarization directions reveal a pronounced transition from primarily north–south in the north (Sichuan) to mostly east–west orientations in the south (Yunnan). In the southern part of the study region, that is, south of ∼ 26°N, the fast polarization directions do not correlate well with known surface features and geodetic estimates of the crustal displacement fields. Whereas GPS campaigns provide evidence suggesting north–south crustal flow across the Red River Fault, the pattern of anisotropy argues against such flow in the upper mantle. These observations support models that allow differential movement of upper crust relative to lithospheric mantle. In the northern part of the study region the relationships are more ambiguous and coherent deformation of the crust and mantle lithosphere cannot be excluded. The interpretation of the shear wave splitting results is non-unique, but we suggest that the observed N–S transition reflects a fundamental change in deformation regime across our study region. It may be related to lateral variations in lithospheric rheology, or may mark a transition from the direct impact of the continental collision to dominance of the far-field strain field associated with regional subduction processes. Understanding the nature of the lateral change in deformation regime may prove critical for our understanding the geotectonic evolution of (eastern) Tibet.
Volume illustration: non-photorealistic rendering of volume models

Accurately and automatically conveying the structure of a volume model is a problem that has not been fully solved by existing volume rendering approaches. Physics-based volume rendering approaches create images which may match the appearance of translucent materials in nature but may not embody important structural details. Transfer function approaches allow flexible design of the volume appearance but generally require substantial hand-tuning for each new data set in order to be effective. We introduce the volume illustration approach, combining the familiarity of a physics-based illumination model with the ability to enhance important features using non-photorealistic rendering techniques. Since the features to be enhanced are defined on the basis of local volume characteristics rather than volume sample values, the application of volume illustration techniques requires less manual tuning than the design of a good transfer function. Volume illustration provides a flexible unified framework for enhancing structural perception of volume models through the amplification of features and the addition of illumination effects.
Computerized provider documentation: findings and implications of a multisite study of clinicians and administrators

Objective Clinical documentation is central to the medical record and so to a range of healthcare and business processes. As electronic health record adoption expands, computerized provider documentation (CPD) is increasingly the primary means of capturing clinical documentation. Previous CPD studies have focused on particular stakeholder groups and sites, often limiting their scope and conclusions. To address this, we studied multiple stakeholder groups from multiple sites across the USA. Methods We conducted 14 focus groups at five Department of Veterans Affairs facilities with 129 participants (54 physicians or practitioners, 34 nurses, and 37 administrators). Investigators qualitatively analyzed resultant transcripts, developed categories linked to the data, and identified emergent themes. Results Five major themes related to CPD emerged: communication and coordination; control and limitations in expressivity; information availability and reasoning support; workflow alteration and disruption; and trust and confidence concerns. The results highlight that documentation intertwines tightly with clinical and administrative workflow. Perceptions differed between the three stakeholder groups but remained consistent within groups across facilities. Conclusions CPD has dramatically changed documentation processes, impacting clinical understanding, decision-making, and communication across multiple groups. The need for easy and rapid, yet structured and constrained, documentation often conflicts with the need for highly reliable and retrievable information to support clinical reasoning and workflows. Current CPD systems, while better than paper overall, often do not meet the needs of users, partly because they are based on an outdated ‘paper-chart’ paradigm. These findings should inform those implementing CPD systems now and future plans for more effective CPD systems.
Side by Side: a more appropriate form of peer interaction for infant pupils?

Abstract This study explores the possibility that 6 and 7 year‐old pupils might learn more through associative than through collaborative peer interaction. Thirteen dyads worked in both modes at a series of tasks involving the completion and modelling of simple number sentences. High order talk tended to be more frequent in the associative mode, principally as a result of more frequent and more closely monitored disagreement. Task performances were little different in the two modes. Post‐test learning appeared to be greater after associative interaction, particularly for lower attaining dyads, who struggled to cope with the demands of collaboration, and at the simpler tasks, at which partners could interact with more understanding and confidence. It is concluded that associative interaction merits further attention, while suggestions are made for the enhancement of collaboration.
Perioesthetic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of carious and noncarious cervical lesions: Part I

Several factors can contribute to the development of noncarious cervical lesions. Therefore, these lesions can be described and classified according to their primary etiology. Traditionally, most dentists have treated noncarious cervical lesions only with restorative methods, for example, composite resin restorations. However, in many cases, a periodontal or a combined restorative/periodontal approach provides a better esthetic and functional result. In part I of this two-part report, we provide a review of noncarious cervical lesions and a series of clinical case reports showing surgical techniques used and the importance of the periodontal aspect of lesion management.
Comprehensive evaluation of decision performance

Decision performance metrics abound, but they all have three fundamental limitations: (a) none are unified for diverse situations including, in particular, the case with mis-specified truth; (b) none are comprehensive; and (c) they all rely on perfect knowledge of the ground truth. In this paper, we present a unified metric that measures decision performance comprehensively without the need to know the ground truth. It is truly a distance metric and enjoys many nice properties.
Risky Business: Sustainability and Industrial Land Use across Seattle’s Gentrifying Riskscape

This paper examines the spatial and temporal trajectories of Seattle’s industrial land use restructuring and the shifting riskscape in Seattle, WA, a commonly recognized urban model of sustainability. Drawing on the perspective of sustainability as a conflicted process, this research explored the intersections of urban industrial and nonindustrial land use planning, gentrification, and environmental injustice. In the first part of our research, we combine geographic cluster analysis and longitudinal air toxic emission comparisons to quantitatively investigate socioeconomic changes in Seattle Census block-groups between 1990, 2000, and 2009 coupled with measures of pollution volume and its relative potential risk. Second, we qualitatively examine Seattle’s historical land use policies and planning and the growing tension between industrial and nonindustrial land use. The gentrification, green cities, and growth management conflicts embedded within sustainability/livability lead to pollution exposure risk and socioeconomic vulnerability converging in the same areas and reveal one of Seattle’s significant environmental challenges. Our mixed-method approach can guide future urban sustainability studies to more effectively examine the connections between land use planning, industrial displacement, and environmental injustice. Our results also help sustainable development practitioners recognize that a more just sustainability in Seattle and beyond will require more planning and policy attention to mitigate obscured industrial land use conflicts.
Stroke in women: Where are we in 2015?

Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality in women, and 60% of strokes occur in women. Given that approximately 55,000 more strokes/year occur in women compared to men, and the incidence of stroke in middle-aged women is increasing, our stroke preventive strategies are of particular importance in women. Failure to recognize that there are sex-specific stroke risk factors, and lack of research regarding sex-specific mechanisms and therapy in stroke disserves women. Recognizing the need for specific guidelines to address the growing burden of stroke in women, the AHA/ASA published stroke prevention guidelines last year, a decade after the publication of prevention of heart disease guidelines in women [1]. Lundberg and Volgman [2] review this important topic of stroke burden in women, including sex-specific risk factors. They conclude the review with the following recommendations: (1) careful follow up of pregnancy-related HTN, (2) increased attention to pre-hypertensive women to reduce their blood pressure through lifestyle changes, (3) emphasize the importance of a healthy weight, and (4) more intensive
Applications of the LCLS X-ray Free Electron Laser for High-Energy Density Science

Abstract (35 Word Limit) LCLS, the first x-ray FEL has been operational since late 2009. The facility provides x-ray from 600 eV to 10 keV in the fundamental. The LCLS operates at 120 Hz, with pulses from ≤ 10fs to 300fs containing up to 3mJ of energy. We will discuss the implementation of early High Energy density Science experiments that have been performed. These experiments cover LCLS-solid interaction which measured the spectral response, high pressure warm dense matter creation, self-Thomson scattering from solid and liquid jet samples, scattering from shocks, and x-ray generated cluster explosions. These experiment were performed in the extant end station, while the MEC -Matter in Extreme Conditions- end station is being constructed. A brief discussion of the MEC, which will be commissioning in autumn of 2011 and ready for users in January 2012, will be presented. Article not available.
Diversity in Accounting Standards and Financial Reporting Practices: A Global Perspective

ABSTRACT There are vast differences in accounting standards among countries worldwide. These differences can be observed in depreciation methods, inventory methods, deferred taxes, consolidation principles, discretionary reserves, inflation adjustments and many more. There are also differences in financial reporting practices in areas such as cash flow statements, segment and geographic information, footnoting, management discussion and analysis and others. These differences present problems in the analysis and interpretation of financial statements of companies in different countries. Most importantly, the differences create unique problems in the valuation of businesses with a high real estate content such as hospitality. A solution to this diversity lies in harmonizing accounting standards and reporting practices worldwide. The pressure to harmonize cannot be ignored considering the interdependence of the world capital markets today.
Reexamination of the Female Sex Pheromone of the Peach Twig Borer: Field Screening of Minor Constituents of Pheromone Gland Extracts and of Pheromone Analogs

Several minor constituents in extracts of female peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller, pheromone glands have been identified as decyl acetate, ( E )- and (Z)-4- decenyl acetate, and ( E, E )3,5- and (Z, E)3,5-decadienyl acetate. Decyl acetate and (E)-4- decenyl acetate were also identified in effiuvia from live female moths. None of the identified compounds enhanced the attractiveness of the standard blend of (E)-5-decenol and (E)-5-decenyl acetate (19:81) in field tests. However, the analogous compounds ( E )-6- decenyl acetate and (E)-7-decenyl acetate were identified as behavioral antagonists, and strongly suppressed trap captures. When the contents of various commercial pheromone lures and mating disruption devices were analyzed, one batch of lures that performed very poorly in field tests was found to contain the inhibitory compound (E)-6-decenyl acetate.
Population Levels and Parasitism of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on Peanut Cultivars

Sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), has recently become a pest of peanut in the southern United States. Limited observations in grower fields had identified differences in infestation among cultivars. We wished to determine whether selected cultivars grown commercially in this region resisted whitefly infestation and whether parasitism by aphelinid parasitoids differed among cultivars. Five cultivars were evaluated in summer 1992 and six in summer 1993. In 1992, ‘Florunner’ supported the greatest populations of red-eye nymphs and ‘Southern Runner’ supported the lowest populations. Encarsia nigricephala Dozier was the most common parasitoid (53.0% of all parasitoids reared), followed by Encarsia transvena (Timberlake) (25.6%), and Encarsia pergandiella Howard (18.3%). Parasitism was uniformly high and species composition on the five cultivars did not differ. In 1993, ‘Southern Runner’ supported the greatest populations of all immature whitefly stages except red-eye nymphs. ‘Marc I’ supported the lowest levels of whitefly infestation. E. nigricephala was extremely abundant in 1993 (85.3% of all parasitoids reared), followed by E. pergandiella (9.8%), and E. transvena (4.7%). Eretmocerus nr. californicus was found in low numbers in both years. Again, in 1993, parasitism was high on all cultivars (up to 100% by the end of September), and no differences were noted in the parasitoid composition among the six cultivars. Whitefly infestation was light in these noninsecticide-treated peanut plots, most likely because of natural control by native aphelinid parasitoids, and other beneficial insects.
The enigma of early lens use.

L'histoire des premieres lentilles utilisees en orfevrerie et leur developpement sont decrits et analyses, en montrant leur origine a l'Est du bassin mediterraneen, et particulierement en Crete
Corn Stunt Vector Leafhopper Attractancy to and Oviposition Preference for Hybrid Dent Corn. I. Dalbulus maidis

Results from a series of attractancy and oviposition preference tests conducted in a field cage in which Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) was given a free choice of corn hybrids indicated that this vector of corn stunt virus apparently does not prefer corn-stunt-susceptible hybrids over hybrids exhibiting resistance. Large but insignificant differences were obtained in the number of eggs laid in some corn hybrids. Egg-laying tests in the greenhouse where leafhoppers were confined to individual hybrids were not consistent with field-cage results.
Non-Conventional Receivers for Applications in Coherent Optical Communications

We demonstrate a non-conventional receiver discriminating multiple coherent states with error rates far below the ideal heterodyne measurement limit in the regime of many photons. We also discuss its potential for optical communications. Article not available.
Comparing Prospective Twice-Exceptional Students with High-Performing Peers on High-Stakes Tests of Achievement.

From a sample of 1,242 third graders, prospective twice-exceptional students were selected using reading and math curriculum-based measures (CBMs), routinely used in Response to Intervention (RtI)....
Analysis of heavy metals in cosmetics in Henan Province, 2013

Objective To explore the distribution of Pb, As and Hg in cosmetics. Methods We took cosmetics samples from the cosmetics company in Henan Province, 2013, and they were tested and analyzed for Pb, As and Hg by the hygienic standard for cosmetics(version 2007). Results The detection rates of Pb, As and Hg among 214 samples were 2.3%, 51.4% and 43.5%,respectively, with average values of 0.153, 0.090 and 0.038 mg/kg. 2 cosmetics were unqualified with a compliance rate of 99.1%.Conclusion Pb, As and Hg in cosmetics were common, and the supervision of heavy metals should be strengthened.
Alteration of red cell membrane viscoelasticity by heat treatment: effect on cell deformability and suspension viscosity.

The membrane shear elastic modulus (mu) and the time constant for extensional shape recovery (tc) were measured for normal, control human red blood cells (RBC) and for RBC heat treated (HT) at 48 degrees C. Three separate methods for the measurement of mu were compared (two used a micropipette and one employed a flow channel), and the membrane viscosity (n) was calculated from the relation n = mu. tc. The deformability of HT and control cells was evaluated using micropipette techniques, and the bulk viscosity of RBC suspensions at 40% hematocrit was measured. The shear elastic modulus, or "membrane rigidity", was more than doubled by heat treatment, although both the absolute value for mu and the estimate of the increase induced by heat treatment varied depending on the method of measurement. Heat treatment caused smaller increases in membrane viscosity and in membrane bending resistance, and only minimal changes in cell geometry. The deformability of HT cells was reduced: 1) the pressure required for cell entry (Pe) into 3 micrometers pipettes was increased, on average, by 170%; 2) at an aspiration pressure (Pa) exceeding Pe, longer times were required for cell entry into the same pipettes. However, when Pa was scaled relative to the mean entry pressure for a given sample (i.e, Pa/Pe), entry times were similar for control and HT cells. Bulk viscosity of HT RBC suspensions was elevated by approximately 12% on average (shear rates 75 to 1500 inverse seconds). These findings suggest that alteration of RBC membrane mechanical properties, similar to those induced by heat treatment, would most affect the in vivo circulation in regions where vessel dimensions are smaller than cellular diameters.
The vaccination campaign against 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and its continued importance in view of the uncertainty surrounding the risk associated with the pandemic.

To the editor: Low rates of vaccine uptake have been observed during the national immunisation campaign against the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in Greece. Data from the national influenza A(H1N1) immunisation programme that started on 16 November 2009 in Greece reveal that as of 8 January 2010 approximately 360,000 persons have been vaccinated (3.2% of the population). Of these approximately 8% were aged 65 and older. A significant part of the population of high risk individuals has not been vaccinated yet. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the population (approximately 80%) does not intend to get vaccinated against the pandemic influenza, largely due to perceived safety concerns regarding the vaccine [1,2]. We comment on the current risk assessment of the evolution of the pandemic over the next few months and the potential benefits of improving the vaccination coverage.
Getting Pregnant with PCOS

A 36-year-old married gravida 0 sees her OB/GYN after stopping oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) in order to get pregnant. She started using OCPs while in college to help with acne. Her weight, since her wedding 5 years ago, has steadily increased by 4–5 pounds per year. While her menstrual cycles on OCPs were regular, every 25 days since OCP discontinuation, her cycles became irregular coming every 6–9 weeks lasting 8 days. Her periods are free of cramps but can be heavy warranting a change in sanitary napkin every hour for the first day. She is otherwise healthy without medical problems and sees her gynecologist on an annual basis. She has never had an abnormal PAP smear and takes no medications other than a daily multivitamin. She is 5′7″ tall and weighs 180 pounds (BMI 28.2 kg/m2). Her physical examination is notable for a blood pressure of 134/88, increased hair growth on her chin and posterior thighs, and she has a skin tag in her left axilla. The following test results are reported in a workup for anovulation: hCG <1.0 mIU/ml; FSH 5.6 mIU/ml; TSH 1.480 mIU/L; FT4 1.21 ng/dL; Prolactin 9.3 ng/mL; 17-OHP 120 ng/dl; DHEAS 240 ug/dl; Total Testosterone 55 ng/dl; HgbA1c 6.0 %; fasting glucose 88 mg/dl; fasting insulin 21 uU/ml; transvaginal ultrasound demonstrates an endometrial lining of 1.2 cm and bilateral ovarian diffuse enlargement with multiple peripheral cysts in a “string of pearls” configuration.
The Prevalence of Unanticipated Hamate Hook Abnormalities in Computed Tomography Scans: A Retrospective Study.

Background:It is possible that some hamate hook fractures are not diagnosed or treated, thereby affecting the study of their natural history. Study of the prevalence of incidental hamate hook fractures, nonunions, and other abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) ordered for another reason could document a subset of undiagnosed and untreated hamate hook fractures which might change our understanding about the natural history.Methods: Reports of 2489 hand, wrist, and forearm CT scans for hamate hook abnormalities were searched. We excluded 19 patients with anticipated hamate fractures and 1 patient that had a hamate hook excision. Twenty-eight patients had an unanticipated hamate hook abnormality.Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of incidental hamate hook abnormalities by sex but not by age. Among the 28 unexpected hamate hook abnormalities, there were 16 fractures of the base (12 acute, 1 nonunion, and 3 of uncertain age), 5 acute oblique fractures, and 7 tip abnormalities/ossicles. The patient with an incidental nonunion had a CT scan for wrist pain and was diagnosed with gout.All fractures involved a direct blow to the hand (distal radius or scaphoid fracture, or crush injury). The 7 patients with a hamate tip abnormality had a CT scan for a distal radius or metacarpal fracture, crush injury or wrist pain. Five acute fractures were treated operatively with excision and the other 23 fractures were treated nonoperatively.Conclusion: Hamate fractures can be diagnosed incidental to other hand and wrist problems on CT.
Discussion: “Contextual Interactionists”

Several issues raised by the papers of Handy, Shute, Miller, and Fuller on contextual interactionism are discussed.
Building Applications from a Web Service based Component Architecture

This chapter describes an approach to building large-scale, distributed applications based on a software component composition model that allows web services to be used as the basic units. The approach extends the Common Component Architecture used in many parallel supercomputer applications, from static composition of directly coupled processes to a system that incorporates mediated workflow between remote services. The system also allows legacy applications to be easily wrapped as a component and executed from a service factory. We motivate the work in terms of a large, distributed application for modeling severe storms. The entire system is based on a three-level architecture with a portal providing the user interface, a set of security and factory service utilities in the middle and the application services and components in the back-end.
Cross-compartmental Modulation of Dendritic Signals for Retinal Direction Selectivity

Compartmentalized signaling in dendritic subdomains is critical for the function of many central neurons. In the retina, individual dendritic sectors of a starburst amacrine cell (SAC) are preferentially activated by different directions of linear motion, indicating limited signal propagation between the sectors. However, the mechanism that regulates this propagation is poorly understood. Here, we find that metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) signaling, which acts on voltage-gated calcium channels in SACs, selectively restricts cross-sector signal propagation in SACs, but does not affect local dendritic computation within individual sectors. mGluR2 signaling ensures sufficient electrotonic isolation of dendritic sectors to prevent their depolarization during non-preferred motion, yet enables controlled multicompartmental signal integration that enhances responses to preferred motion. Furthermore, mGluR2-mediated dendritic compartmentalization in SACs is important for the functional output of direction-selective ganglion cells (DSGCs). Therefore, our results directly link modulation of dendritic compartmentalization to circuit-level encoding of motion direction in the retina.
Dual freelayer reader for improved linear density

The Bottom Spin Valve (BSV) geometry has been the standard HDD Reader design for well over 10 years [1].
Giant omphalocele treated with intramuscular tissue expansion.

A 6-year-old girl had undergone multiple operations for an omphalocele but still retains a very large ventral hernia. She presented with an eventrated abdomen with unstable, scarred closure (see Fig. 1). A reconstruction using intermuscular tissue expanders was performed. Figure 1 Patient presenting at age 6 after several surgical attempts at closure. She has unstable skin graft over allogenic dermis graft.
Single-step synthesis of styryl phosphonic acids via palladium-catalyzed Heck coupling of vinyl phosphonic acid with aryl halides

We have developed a single step palladium-catalyzed Heck coupling of aryl halides with vinyl phosphonic acid to produce functionalized (E)-styryl phosphonic acids. This pathway utilizes a variety of commercially available aryl halides, vinyl phosphonic acid and Pd(P(tBu)3)2 as catalyst. These conditions produce a wide range of styryl phosphonic acids with high purities and good to excellent yields (31–80%).
Barriers to Women’s Progress After Atrocity: Evidence from Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina:

Researchers have recently documented the unexpected opportunities war can present for women. While acknowledging the devastating effects of mass violence, this burgeoning field highlights war’s potential to catalyze grassroots mobilization and build more gender sensitive institutions and legal frameworks. Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina serve as important examples of this phenomenon, yet a closer examination of both cases reveals the limits on women’s capacity to take part in and benefit from these postwar shifts. This article makes two key contributions. First, it demonstrates how the postwar political settlement created hierarchies of victimhood that facilitated new social divisions and fractured women’s collective organizing. Second, it argues that while war creates certain opportunities for women, a revitalization of patriarchy in the aftermath can undermine these gains. Drawing on more than 250 interviews with women in both countries, this article ultimately questions the extent to which postwar mobili...
Effective antibiotic stewardship in spinal cord injury: Challenges and a way forward

ContextAntibiotic stewardship, defined as a multidisciplinary program to reduce the misuse of antibiotics, and in turn, antibiotic resistance, is a high priority. Persons with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) are vulnerable to receiving multiple courses of antibiotics over their lifetime given frequent healthcare exposure, and have high rates of bacterial infection with multi-drug resistant organisms. Additional challenges to evaluating appropriate use of antibiotics in this population include bacterial colonization in the urine and the differences in the presenting signs and symptoms of infection. Therefore, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities with SCI/D centers need effective antibiotic stewardship programs.ResultsWe analyzed the results of a 2012 VHA-wide survey evaluating available antibiotic stewardship resources, and compared the resources present at facilities with SCI/D (n=23) versus non-SCI/D facilities (n=107). VHA facilities with SCI/D centers are more likely to have components o...