cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding community structure: a data-driven multivariate approach

Habitat is known to influence community structure yet, because these effects are complex, elucidating these relationships has proven difficult. Multiple aspects of vegetation architecture or plant species composition, for example, may simultaneously affect animal communities and their constituent species. Many traditional statistical approaches (e.g., regression) have difficulty in handling large numbers of collinear variables. On the other hand, multivariate methods, such as ordination, are well suited to handle these large datasets, but they have primarily been used in ecology as descriptive techniques, and less frequently as a data reduction tool for predictor variables in regression. Here, I employ a multivariate approach for variable reduction of both the predictor and response variables to investigate the influences of vegetation architecture and plant species on community composition in spiders using multiple regression. This allows retention of the information in the original dataset while producing statistically tractable variables for use in further analyses. I used nonmetric multidimensional scaling to reduce the number of variables for predictor (habitat architecture and plant species) and response (spider species) data matrices, and used these new variables in multiple regression analyses. These axes can be interpreted based on their correlations with the original variables, allowing for recovery of biologically meaningful information from regressions. Consequently, the important variables are determined by the data themselves, rather than by a priori assumptions of the researcher. Contrary to expectations based on previous work in spiders and other animals, plant species composition explained more variation in spider communities than did habitat architecture, and was also a stronger predictor of other community structure variables (overall abundance, species richness, and species diversity). I discuss possible ecological explanations for these results, and the advantages of the proposed method.
Molecular Classification of Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Translating New Insights from The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network

Gastric cancer is a heterogenous cancer, which may be classified into several distinct subtypes based on pathology and epidemiology, each with different initiating pathological processes and each possibly having different tumor biology. A classification of gastric cancer should be important to select patients who can benefit from the targeted therapies or to precisely predict prognosis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study collaborated with previous reports regarding subtyping gastric cancer but also proposed a refined classification based on molecular characteristics. The addition of the new molecular classification strategy to a current classical subtyping may be a promising option, particularly stratification by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and microsatellite instability (MSI) statuses. According to TCGA study, EBV gastric cancer patients may benefit the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors which are now being developed. The discoveries of predictive biomarkers should improve patient care and individualized medicine in the management since the targeted therapies may have the potential to change the landscape of gastric cancer treatment, moreover leading to both better understanding of the heterogeneity and better outcomes. Patient enrichment by predictive biomarkers for new treatment strategies will be critical to improve clinical outcomes. Additionally, liquid biopsies will be able to enable us to monitor in real-time molecular escape mechanism, resulting in better treatment strategies.
Stereochemical and skeletal diversity employing pipecolate ester scaffolds.

The stereocontrolled synthesis of pyridooxazinones by Mg(OTf)2-promoted epoxide ring-opening with use of chiral pipecolates as nucleophiles is described. Pyridooxazinone products derived from azido-epoxides can be further rearranged to seven-membered pyridodiazepinones by azide reduction. The sequence of functional group interconversions generates diversity through topological and stereochemical variation.
A Review of the Differential Predictive Validity of the Woodcock-Johnson Scholastic Aptitude Clusters

Historically the assessment of intelligence has been dominated by general ability or g type instruments. At variance with this tradition is the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJTCA) which employs four Scholastic Aptitude clusters to provide differential prediction of expected achievement. A review of published and unpublished research studies which have addressed the differential predictive validity of the Scholastic Aptitude clusters is reported. Generally positive findings are noted which reinforce the use of the WJTCA Scholastic Aptitude clusters, as well as suggesting the possibility that the field of psychoeducational assessment may need to reconsider the concept of differential prediction of school success.
Microstructural characterization of thin carbon films deposited from hydrocarbon mixtures

The connection between film microstructure and deposition conditions has been studied extensively for a variety of hydrocarbon precursors. This work focuses on carbon deposition by chemical vapor deposition from hydrocarbon mixtures and shows a simultaneous improvement in growth rate and film microstructure for specific gas combinations. Mixtures of acetylene, butane, methane and propane are used at concentrations between 20 and 100% to exploit the individual advantages of each precursor. Raman spectroscopy generally shows an isotropic pyrolytic carbon, with well-defined graphitic features. The degree of graphitization and the level of crystalline order are directly related to the deposition conditions used. The effect of the substrate temperature, precursor species, and the precursor concentration on growth kinetics and microstructural features are discussed in detail. Environmental scanning electron microscopy studies typically show an improvement in deposition rate with precursor concentration and substrate temperature for the range of deposition conditions considered.
SIRTF cryo-optics technology plan

A study was undertaken, early in 1992, to determine if a SIRTF class mission could be developed to allow the Observatory to be launched on an Atlas IIAS rather than the Titan IV/Centaur previously planned. The substantial mass reduction required to make that change resulted in a new set of requirements for science and a heightened interest in light weight optics. This paper addresses the rationale and plan for the Atlas SIRTF cryo-optics technology plan.
Use of extended exergy analysis to evaluate the environmental performance of machining processes

Traditional applications of exergy analysis have focused upon the optimization of energy use in thermal and chemical processes. This paper introduces a form of exergy analysis in which the methodology is extended to consider the characteristics of material flows in a process as well. This new form of analysis, termed extended exergy analysis (EEA), is shown to be particularly useful in valuating the environmental performance of industrial processes. EEA differs from traditional theory in its requirement that all ground states be defined such that they are environmentally acceptable. Environmental acceptability can be determined using a number of health, occupational and ecological criteria. By integrating biological considerations into the existing physical definition, EEA provides manufacturers and regulators alike with relevant information regarding the costs of achieving environmentally benign production. These costs are valued consistently for both raw material and energy inputs and product and residual outputs, affording degrees of transparency and objectivity not present in other valuation methodologies. Application of the technique to a case study involving the machining of aluminium is developed.
Demand-side management of air conditioning cooling loads for intra-hour load balancing

This paper evaluates the performance of a centralized load controller designed to provide intra-hour load balancing services (LBSs) using air conditioning (a/c) units in their cooling modes. First, thermal models of a/c units and the control logic of the central controller are presented. The objective is to control the aggregated consumption of the thermostatically controlled appliances (TCAs) to follow a desired load profile for providing LBSs. The simulations are carried out in a MATLAB/Simulink environment. A total of 1000 a/c units in their cooling modes are modeled to provide a realistic ±1 MW load balancing signal for 24 hours for baseline settings. The impacts of lockout times, ambient temperatures, heat gains, and two-way communication delays on the demand-side management (DSM) performance are modeled. The cost of communication between the TCAs and the central controller, customer comfort, device life cycles, and control errors are used as metrics to evaluate the DSM performance. The results demonstrate that the DSM controller precisely controls the aggregated heating, ventilating, and air conditioning load shapes while maintaining load diversity. The controllable and the measurable load services that the controller provides can be used for many other demand response applications, such as peak shaving, load shifting, and arbitrage.
The spectacular consumption of "true" African American culture: "Whassup" with the Budweiser guys?

–Spectacular consumption is a process through which the relations among cultural forms, the culture industry, and the lived experiences of persons are shaped by public consumption. This essay examines how the spectacular consumption of “Whassup?!” Budweiser advertising is constitutive of white American ambivalence toward “authentic” blackness. The essay argues that Budweiser's hottest ad campaign benefits from a tension between the depiction of “universal” values and the simultaneous representation of distinctive culture. The illustration of blackness as sameness and blackness as otherness arises out of conflicted attitudes toward black culture. Thus, Budweiser's strategic attempts to regulate and administer “authentic” blackness as a market value also reproduce this ambivalence. Furthermore, as an object of spectacular consumption, the meaning of “authentic” black life and culture is partly generative of mediated and mass marketed images.
Data streaming and simd support for the microblaze architecture

The MicroBlaze architecture is a configurable "soft core" processor by Xilinx intended for use in embedded FPGA applications. Some embedded data processing algorithms benefit from the use of vectorized code and streaming I/O. Thus, configurable extensions that add these to the MicroBlaze architecture are developed. We discuss the current architecture, the necessary modifications, the methods employed, and analyze the theoretical gains. We then study the full synthesis of an example hardware platform with and without the extensions, comparing the expected performance of each. Following that, we discuss the work toward integrating with Xilinx's development tools, which allows simple and rapid deployment of the extended architecture. Modifications to the software toolchain are discussed as they pertain to extending the instruction set. Finally, we conclude with an assessment of the developed extensions and future work that could make them even more useful for reconfigurable, high-performance embedded applications.
Analysis of genes of tetrahydrofolate-dependent metabolism from cultivated spirochaetes and the gut community of the termite Zootermopsis angusticollis

The hindguts of wood-feeding termites are the sites of intense, CO2-reductive acetogenesis. This activity profoundly influences host nutrition and methane emissions. Homoacetogens previously isolated from diverse termites comprised novel taxa belonging to two distinct bacterial phyla, Firmicutes and Spirochaetes. Little else is known about either the diversity or abundance of homoacetogenic species present in any given termite or the genetic details underlying CO2-reductive acetogenesis by Spirochaetes. A key enzyme of CO2-reductive acetogenesis is formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (FTHFS). A previously designed primer set was used to amplify FTHFS genes from three isolated termite-gut spirochaetes. Sequencing DNA flanking the FTHFS gene of Treponema strain ZAS-2 revealed genes encoding two acetogenesis-related enzymes, methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase. Although termite-gut spirochaetes are only distantly related to clostridia at the ribosomal level, their tetrahydrofolate-dependent enzymes appear to be closely related. In contrast, homologous proteins identified in the non-homoacetogenic oral spirochaete Treponema denticola were only distantly related to those from clostridia and the termite-gut treponemes. Having demonstrated their utility with spirochaete pure cultures, the FTHFS primers were used to construct a 91-clone library from the termite-gut community DNA. From this, 19 DNA and eight amino acid FTHFS types were identified. Over 75% of the retrieved clones formed a novel, coherent cluster with the FTHFS homologues obtained from the termite-gut treponemes. Thus, FTHFS gene diversity in the gut of the termite Zootermopsis angusticollis appears to be dominated by spirochaetes. The homoacetogenic capacity of termite-gut spirochaetes may have been acquired via lateral gene transfer from clostridia.
Engineering Biomolecules To Decorate Nanofibers For Tissue Engineering Heart Valves

Biomimetic nanofibers are essential to produce scaffolds for tissue engineering. The success of this strategy critically depends on the ability of the nanofibers to attract, interact and instruct the appropriate types of cells. This can be achieved through decorating the surface of the nanofibers with customised biomimetic peptides those holding cell-signalling motifs, which could assist nanofibers to engraft characteristics of extracellular matrix. Recently, peptide amphiphiles (PAs) have been successfully used as basic units for self-assemble nanofibers in different shapes. Here, we computationally engineer the interior structural factors of the PAs to fine-tune their fiber-assembly, which would be helpful for coating the fibers experimentally with cell-signalling motifs of interest for tissue engineering myocardium and heart valves such as fibronectin, NANOG, integrins and MEIS1. To date, we have modelled several PAs specific to interact with the above signalling molecules. The modeling results of PAs show that their intra-molecular structural rigidity is governed by a network of hydrophobic interactions. In addition, there are specific electrostatic modifications are required on the surface to attract and to hold signalling motifs. Detailed characterizations and validation of their behaviour is currently being performed.
What Library Managers Should Know about Emotional Labor

This article presents emotional labor in a library context and offers library managers strategies to minimize the negative effects of emotional labor on both staff and users. The components of emotional labor are explained and a framework of response levels is presented with strategies targeted to each response level: incident, training, supervision, human resources, and organizational culture. The strategies offer library managers some ideas for effectively managing emotional labor in their organizations. Understanding the effects of emotional labor and developing the tools that can offset potential negative outcomes can create a more positive work climate and better customer service.
Pore Geometry Effects on Intrapore Viscous to Inertial Flows and on Effective Hydraulic Parameters

[1] In this article, the effects of different diverging-converging pore geometries were investigated, and the microscale fluid flow and effective hydraulic properties from these pores were compared with that of a pipe from viscous to inertial laminar flow regimes. The flow fields are obtained using computational fluid dynamics, and the comparative analysis is based on a new dimensionless hydraulic shape factor β, which is the “specific surface” scaled by the length of pores. Results from all diverging-converging pores show an inverse pattern in velocity and vorticity distributions relative to the pipe flow. The hydraulic conductivity K of all pores is dependent on and can be predicted from β with a power function with an exponent of 3/2. The differences in K are due to the differences in distribution of local friction drag on the pore walls. At Reynolds number (Re) ∼ 0 flows, viscous eddies are found to exist almost in all pores in different sizes, but not in the pipe. Eddies grow when Re → 1 and leads to the failure of Darcy's law. During non-Darcy or Forchheimer flows, the apparent hydraulic conductivity Ka decreases due to the growth of eddies, which constricts the bulk flow region. At Re > 1, the rate of decrease in Ka increases, and at Re >> 1, it decreases to where the change in Ka ≈ 0, and flows once again exhibits a Darcy-type relationship. The degree of nonlinearity during non-Darcy flow decreases for pores with increasing β. The nonlinear flow behavior becomes weaker as β increases to its maximum value in the pipe, which shows no nonlinearity in the flow; in essence, Darcy's law stays valid in the pipe at all laminar flow conditions. The diverging-converging geometry in pores plays a critical role in modifying the intrapore fluid flow, implying that this property should be incorporated in effective larger-scale models, e.g., pore-network models.
Behavior of nucleation sites in pool boiling

The behavior of active boiling site populations was monitored for pool boiling on an electrically heated 1-mil stainless steel sheet. The boiling sites were located using a high-speed infrared camera focused on the underside of the boiling surface. Experiments were conducted to determine factors affecting the origin, concentration, and lifetime of active sites.
Learning Styles and Online Discussion Posts

Scholars have suggested models proposing a variety of learning styles for humans. Human Dynamics is one such model, and it has been suggested within its model that one style of learning is enhanced by discussion among learners. While this style of learning may be accomplished relatively easily in an on-campus person-to-person situation, it is not clear how a discussion mode (online posts) of learning might be accomplished in an online format. A study of more than 9,000 posts from 240 students in 11 different online classes was conducted to determine whether differences in online discussion posts by individuals with different learning styles were evident. Results of the study suggest that discussion post activity, if managed with suitable rubrics and guiding principles, and augmented by appropriate modeling behavior, is an effective teaching mode for all dynamics, but seem to be a more successful learning mode for individuals of Physically Centered dynamics.
Robust dithiocarbamate-anchored amine functionalization of Au nanoparticles

We introduce an effective and facile technique that achieves robust amine functionalization of Au nanoparticles by binding the polyamine poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) to the surface using a dithiocarbamate (DTC) modification of the side group amines. The DTC anchor confers superior short- and long-term colloidal stability compared to a physisorbed layer of the same polymer. We also demonstrate that the surface amines are available for further functionalization and that at least four alternately charged polyelectrolyte layers can be assembled onto the particles. The latter modification could not be performed on a physisorbed functional layer, so this demonstrates the effectiveness of the DTC groups in robustly anchoring the polymer to the particle surface. At the same time, the DTC-anchored polymer layer is less than 2 nm thick in the dry state. This is one-third of the thickness of a physisorbed polyamine layer deposited under the same conditions, and sufficiently thin that the plasmonic field enhancement on the metal particle remains accessible to the outside environment. We attribute the difference in thickness to multiple DTC bonds on each polymer chain forcing it into much closer conformity to the particle surface than in the physisorbed case.
Intravital Imaging of the Lactating Mammary Gland in Transgenic Mice Expressing Fluorescent Proteins

Mammals are critically dependent upon maternal milk in the first few weeks to months of life. All essential nutrients for neonatal survival are either synthesized within mammary secretory cells or transported across the epithelium from interstitial spaces and the systemic circulation (Larson and Smith 1974/1978). Major milk components include proteins, carbohydrates, ions and water (the “skim milk” phase) synthesized, processed, sorted and secreted by compartments in the classical secretory pathway (Burgoyne and Duncan 1998; Shennan and Peaker 2000; Truchet et al. 2014), and membrane-coated neutral lipid droplets (the “cream or milk fat” phase) secreted by a form of reverse pinocytosis at the apical surface (Mather and Keenan 1998; McManaman et al. 2007) (Fig. 9.1). In addition, prolactin, serum albumin, immunoglobulins and other proteins are transported by transcytosis into colostrum and milk through the endosomal system (Hunziker and Kraehenbuhl 1998; Ollivier-Bousquet 1998; Monks and Neville 2004; Wheeler et al. 2007). Thus, milk-secreting cells provide a unique model for investigating the synthesis, assembly and secretion of a diverse complement of constituents.
The Effect of Averaging Duration on Differences Observed between Gust Factors from Tropical and Extratropical Winds

A higher gust factor (GF), the ratio of a short-duration gust speed normalized by a longer-duration mean wind speed, has been identified in tropical cyclone (TC) wind relative to synoptically-generated extratropical (ET) wind in a number of studies (Yu and Chowdhury, 2009; Miller, 2006; Paulsen and Schroeder, 2004). These studies have focused on a single gust length and averaging duration when making comparisons. Data collected from within fourteen landfalling tropical cyclones was compared with ET data collected during an experiment conducted west of Lubbock, TX. GFs were computed using a 2-second gust based on three mean lengths, 10minutes, 5-minutes, and 1-minute, and differences between the TC and ET GFs were evaluated. The percent difference between the TC and ET GFs was largest for the 10- and 5- minute segments and smallest for the 1-minute segment. Histograms for the various GF populations also revealed differences in distribution shape and position for the two environments that were more significant for the 10- and 5-minute data than for the 1-minute data. These findings make sense when comparing power spectral density (PSD) plots of data from the TC and ET environments. The two environments have similar distributions of high-frequency energy, but differences emerge between the two distributions at lower frequencies. As a result, the 2-second gust taken from the longer (5- and 10-minute) segments reflects the difference in lowfrequency variation between the two environments better than the 2-second gust taken from the 1-minute segment, which captures only the variation present in the portion of the spectrum the TC and ET data have in common. As a result, the distributions of GFs for TC and ET data are most alike when considering a shorter averaging duration.
A BRIEF FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF AGGRESSIVE AND ALTERNATIVE BEHAVIOR IN AN OUTCLINIC SETTING

We conducted a brief functional analysis to identify maintaining variable for aggressive behavior and an alternative replacement response during a 90-min outpatient evaluation of 3 individuals with severe handicaps. During the initial analogue assessment, which focused on identifying maintaining contingencies for aggressive behavior, each participant displayed a substantially greater frequency of aggressive behavior during one condition than during any other. The contingency that produced the highest percentage of aggressive behavior was then presented for the occurrence of a specific alternative behavior (a mand). During this contingency reversal phase, each participant displayed a substantial reduction in aggressive behavior and a substantial increase in alternative behavior, thus providing a direct analysis of the equivalency of the contingency for maintaining either behavior.
Characterization of Oriented Molecule Beams by Radio Frequency Spectroscopy

Molecular-beam electric-resonance spectroscopy is used to interrogate the rotational states present in a molecular beam of oriented symmetric-top molecules produced for scattering experiments. ¢M )( 1 transitions are observed between Stark energy levels in weak electric fields and depend on the rotational quantum numbers J and K. Substantial rotational cooling is apparent in both neat and seeded beams. Each resonance signal has a complicated dependence upon the high voltage applied to the hexapole focusing fields because molecules in the newly transformed states have vastly different focusing properties from the original. These effects can be unified using a “reduced” focusing voltage that allows intensity comparisons between rotational states, giving rotational temperatures of 3-4 K for CF3H seeded in He or Ar. Under favorable circumstances, radio frequency “labeling” might allow one to selectively remove one rotational level at a time from an oriented molecular beam and thereby to study the orientation dependence of different rotational states.
A Microchip CD4 Counting Method for HIV Monitoring in Resource-Poor Settings

Background More than 35 million people in developing countries are living with HIV infection. An enormous global effort is now underway to bring antiretroviral treatment to at least 3 million of those infected. While drug prices have dropped considerably, the cost and technical complexity of laboratory tests essential for the management of HIV disease, such as CD4 cell counts, remain prohibitive. New, simple, and affordable methods for measuring CD4 cells that can be implemented in resource-scarce settings are urgently needed.
The National Disaster Medical System: Past, Present, and Suggestions for the Future

This article reviews the history and structure of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), with an emphasis on its definitive care component. NDMS's capacity to handle very large mass casualty events, such as those included in the National Planning Scenarios, is examined. Following Hurricane Katrina, Congress called for a reevaluation of NDMS. In that context, we make three key suggestions to improve NDMS's capacity to respond to large mass casualty disasters: (1) increase the level of engagement by the private (i.e., nonfederal) healthcare system in preparedness and response efforts; (2) increase the reliance on regional hospital collaborative networks as part of the backbone of the NDMS system; and (3) develop additional, alternative patient transportation systems, linked to the overall NDMS patient tracking effort, to decrease the sole reliance on DoD long-haul air transport in medical evacuation.
Detection of Cardiac Quiescence From B-Mode Echocardiography Using a Correlation-Based Frame-to-Frame Deviation Measure

Two novel methods for detecting cardiac quiescent phases from B-mode echocardiography using a correlation-based frame-to-frame deviation measure were developed. Accurate knowledge of cardiac quiescence is crucial to the performance of many imaging modalities, including computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). Synchronous electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography data were obtained from 10 healthy human subjects (four male, six female, 23-45 years) and the interventricular septum (IVS) was observed using the apical four-chamber echocardiographic view. The velocity of the IVS was derived from active contour tracking and verified using tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography methods. In turn, the frame-to-frame deviation methods for identifying quiescence of the IVS were verified using active contour tracking. The timing of the diastolic quiescent phase was found to exhibit both inter- and intra-subject variability, suggesting that the current method of CTCA gating based on the ECG is suboptimal and that gating based on signals derived from cardiac motion are likely more accurate in predicting quiescence for cardiac imaging. Two robust and efficient methods for identifying cardiac quiescent phases from B-mode echocardiographic data were developed and verified. The methods presented in this paper will be used to develop new CTCA gating techniques and quantify the resulting potential improvement in CTCA image quality.
The rise of embedded processing and the opportunity for open standards

Embedded processing is experiencing rapid growth. More semiconductors are sold for embedded applications than for desktop computers. Processors are found in automobiles, multimedia devices, cell phones, appliances, and soon may appear in paper (or its replacement.) General purpose computing divided the enormous expense of hardware among a large number of tasks. A well-understood, open, standard operating system core is needed if the growth of embedded systems is to continue unhindered. Operating system refer to a massive collection of programs that includes the core operating system, the graphics and user interfaces built on top of it, communications software, and the suite of user applications that are woven throughout. Only the core operating system is relevant to most dedicated devices. Linux is an operating system that is free for anyone to use or modify for their own purpose. Although its most prominent use is in desktop computers, it is used in a wide range of applications including embedded applications and large computer clusters. The principles of operating systems are well known. For desktop computers an open source operating system core may become a world standard.
Modeling antibiotic resistance to project future rates: quinolone resistance in Escherichia coli

While the development of resistance to a new antibiotic is expected, the time course and degree of resistance that will develop are uncertain. Some best projections of the future extent of resistance can be highly impactful for activities, such as antimicrobial development, that require significant lead time. We focus on the surge among hospital isolates in fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli and use data on resistance and consumption to explore and quantify trends in increasing resistance and their relationship to antibiotic use from 2001 to 2007. A mixed-effects logistic regression model produced a good fit to the observed resistance rates during this period in the United States and Europe. The model contained significant effects of time, consumption, and country on developing fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli. There was a larger projected increase in resistance for high fluoroquinolone-consuming countries projected to 2013: 45% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38%, 53%) for high consumers vs. 33% (95% CI: 25%, 41%) for low consumers. The model was also used to obtain regional projections of resistance that can be used by local prescribers. In order to better understand and predict trends in antimicrobial resistance, it is vital to implement and expand current surveillance systems.
Validating the use of channels to estimate the ideal linear observer

Image quality can be objectively defined according to how well an observer can perform a task of practical interest given the image. We review a practical model observer for the signal-detection task. The ideal observer for this task is a function of the image probability distributions, which are multidimensional and complicated. This observer is often too difficult to derive or estimate. An alternative to the ideal observer is the ideal linear observer, which can still be unmanageable. Our alternative is the ideal linear observer constrained to a small set of channels: the channelized-Hotelling observer.
Bioavailability of dextromethorphan (as dextrorphan) from sustained release formulations in the presence of guaifenesin in human volunteers

A multiple dose bioavailability study with six healthy male human volunteers was conducted. The bioavailability of an experimental sustained release tablet containing dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DXP-HBr), was compared with a marketed sustained release DXP-HBr suspension in a three-way crossover study. Plasma samples, collected serially after oral drug administration, were analysed for the major metabolite of dextromethorphan (DXP), dextrorphan (DX), using a specific HPLC method with fluorescence detection. The bioavailability parameters; area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to peak (Tmax), were obtained from the plasma concentration-time data. Additionally, pharmacokinetic parameters such as mean residence time (MRT), accumulation factor (R), fluctuation index (Fi), total body clearance (Cl), and the average concentration (C) were estimated by using model independent kinetics approach. Analysis of variance of the data revealed that the presence of guaifenesin in the test formulation does not appear to have a statistically significant (p > 0.05) effect on the bioavailability of dextromethorphan as dextrorphan. The relative bioavailability of the tablet dosage form with respect to the suspension was found to be 113% on Day 1 and 110% on Day 6.
Comparing sea-ice sediment load with Beaufort Sea shelf deposits; is entrainment selective?

ABSTRACT Modern dispersal of sea-ice-rafted debris (IRD) is important for the Arctic Ocean sediment budget from sources to sinks. Sediment entrainment occurs mainly through the action of small ice crystals (frazil) attaching to sedimentary particles in shallow water, a mechanism that could be selective. The principal source for entrainment of IRD by suspension freezing into the Beaufort Gyre, western Arctic Ocean, is the adjacent shallow ( 250 m) lithology, and carbon and carbonate content of IRD in the Beaufort Gyre were compared to sediments from the probable source surface, in order to determine whether preferential entrainment occurs with any of these sediment parameters. IRD is generally much finer grained than the source surface, showing that silt- and clay-size particles are preferentially entrained by frazil ice, although anchor ice can locally incorporate very high percentages of sand and coarser clasts. The coarsest IRD is also the most poorly sorted. The clay mineralogy of the < 2 m IRD fraction is very similar to that of the source surface, indicating no selective entrainment within the clay fraction. The lithology of sand in IRD also matches that of the source surface, although the number of coarse grains is too small (< 100) in most samples for a statistically meaningful count. The average organic-carbon content of IRD is three times higher than that of the source surface, but we attribute this to summer algal growth on ice floes rather than to selective entrainment. A relatively low carbonate content in IRD may be because much of the carbonate in the source is of silt size while about 50% of the IRD measured is clay size. The low carbonate content may also reflect solution under acidic summer conditions on sea ice. Selective export of silt- and clay-size particles by ice rafting from the shallow shelf with time should lead to the formation of a slightly coarser lag, even though some of the dirty ice drops its sediment load in the entrainment area. Further mineralogical and lithological analysis on IRD promises to become a useful tool for the study of sediment dispersal paths by drift ice in the Arctic today and in the past, and also for the study of sources of anthropogenic pollutants found in sea ice.
Staining and Observing Pollen Tubes in the Style by Means of Fluorescence

Pollen tubes in the styles of the tomato and of other flowering plants can be observed by using the following technic. Styles are fixed in formalin-acetic-80% alcohol (1:1:8) and cleared and softened in a strong (8 N) sodium hydroxide solution. Staining is accomplished in a 0.1% solution of water-soluble aniline blue dye dissolved in 0.1 N, K3PO4. The styles are smeared or are observed whole under a conventional or dissecting microscope by direct illumination with ultraviolet light of a wavelength of about 356 m°. Observations are made in a darkened room. Under these conditions callose fluoresces bright yellow-green and contrasts strongly with the bluish or grayish fluorescence of the stylar tissue. The pollen tubes are outlined by a callose lining and irregularly spaced callose plugs.
Glacial cycles and the tempo of avian speciation

How old are most species of North American birds? A longstanding debate centers on whether Pleistocene events caused substantial avian diversification. Two new syntheses of speciation times by Johnson and Cicero, and Weir and Schluter provide compelling evidence of recent Pleistocene speciation, whereas diversification rate analyses by Zink et al. suggest that most speciation events occurred earlier. Although these results are seemingly contradictory, when considered together they provide a robust and complementary perspective on the tempo of avian diversification in North America.
The meaning of early intervention: A parent's experience and reflection on interactions with professionals using a phenomenological ethnographic approach

The purpose of this study is to describe how a parent’s partnership with professionals progresses and evolves throughout the service provisioning process. Using a phenomenological ethnographic approach, the lived reality of a family is depicted as the parent walks through different stages of the Individualized Family Service Plan process over a 6-month period. Data concerning parent–professional interactions were obtained via observation notes and document reviews whereas data regarding parent perceptions were collected through multiple individual interviews. Overall, the parent conveyed her satisfaction with actual services especially regarding the professionals’ knowledge and parental advocacy. However, the parent also indicated frustration with the early intervention planning process and “obligated” partnerships with providers. In particular, the providers’ lack of sensitivity was noted, and greater emotional and psychological support was suggested. The overall process of developing partnerships with professionals can be excessively intrusive to the family’s lives. Future research directions are offered as a contribution for the development of improved policies for early intervention programs regarding family-centered practice, utilizing the perspectives of families. Key words: Phenomenological ethnographic approach, family-professional partnership, family-centered practice, parent participation, early intervention (Published: 21 July 2015) Citation: Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being 2015, 10: 25891 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v10.25891
A shoot-tip culture micropropagation system for chokecherry.

Abstract A micropropagation system was developed to clonally propagate juvenile and mature chokecherry plants. Establishment of shoot tips from seedling plants was best on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 5 μM benzyladenine (BA) and 5 μM indolebutyric acid (IBA). Significantly more shoots proliferated on the MS or Driver and Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) medium than on Woody Plant medium. Rooting of microshoots could be induced on medium with either IBA or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The highest rooting percentage and the greatest number of roots occurred when shoots were placed in a medium with 0.5 or 2.5 μM IBA. More than 20 chokecherry plants shown to have a high level of field tolerance to X-disease were micropropagated for further X-disease resistance testing using the technique described here.
Program Director Survey: Attitudes Regarding Child Neurology Training and Testing

Abstract Background As a result of major clinical and scientific advances and changes in clinical practice, the role of adult neurology training for Child Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Disability (NDD) certification has become controversial. The most recently approved requirements for board eligibility for child neurology and neurodevelopmental disability residents still include 12 months in adult neurology rotations. The objective of this study was to assess United States child neurology and neurodevelopmental disability residency program directors' opinions regarding optimal residency training. Methods The authors developed an 18-item questionnaire and contacted all 80 child neurology and neurodevelopmental disability program directors via e-mail, using SurveyMonkey. Results A total of 44 program directors responded (55%), representing programs that train 78 categorical and 94 total resident positions, approximately 70% of those filled in the match. Respondents identified multiple areas where child neurology residents need more training, including genetics and neuromuscular disease. A substantial majority (73%) believed child neurology and neurodevelopmental disability residents need less than 12 adult neurology training months; however, most (75%) also believed adult hospital service and man-power needs (55%) and finances (34%) would pose barriers to reducing adult neurology. Most (70%) believed reductions in adult neurology training should be program flexible. A majority believed the written initial certification examination should be modified with more child neurology and fewer basic neuroscience questions. Nearly all (91%) felt the views of child neurology and neurodevelopmental disability program directors are under-represented within the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Residency Review Committee. Conclusions The requirement for 12 adult neurology months for Child Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Disability certification is not consistent with the views of the majority of program directors, who favor more training in subspecialized fields of child neurology.
Use of the Novel Therapeutic Agent Miltefosine for the Treatment of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis: Report of 1 Fatal and 1 Surviving Case

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a fulminant central nervous system infection caused by the thermophilic free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. Few survivals have been documented and adequate treatment is lacking. We report 2 PAM cases, 1 fatal and 1 surviving, treated with the novel antiparasitic agent miltefosine.
Lipid Exchange Envelope Penetration (LEEP) of Nanoparticles for Plant Engineering: A Universal Localization Mechanism

Nanoparticles offer clear advantages for both passive and active penetration into biologically important membranes. However, the uptake and localization mechanism of nanoparticles within living plants, plant cells, and organelles has yet to be elucidated.1 Here, we examine the subcellular uptake and kinetic trapping of a wide range of nanoparticles for the first time, using the plant chloroplast as a model system, but validated in vivo in living plants. Confocal visible and near-infrared fluorescent microscopy and single particle tracking of gold-cysteine-AF405 (GNP-Cys-AF405), streptavidin-quantum dot (SA-QD), dextran and poly(acrylic acid) nanoceria, and various polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), including lipid-PEG-SWCNT, chitosan-SWCNT and 30-base (dAdT) sequence of ssDNA (AT)15 wrapped SWCNTs (hereafter referred to as ss(AT)15-SWCNT), are used to demonstrate that particle size and the magnitude, but not the sign, of the zeta potential are key in determining whether a particle is spontaneously and kinetically trapped within the organelle, despite the negative zeta potential of the envelope. We develop a mathematical model of this lipid exchange envelope and penetration (LEEP) mechanism, which agrees well with observations of this size and zeta potential dependence. The theory predicts a critical particle size below which the mechanism fails at all zeta potentials, explaining why nanoparticles are critical for this process. LEEP constitutes a powerful particulate transport and localization mechanism for nanoparticles within the plant system.
The Arbitrator as a Fiduciary Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974: A Misguided Approach

This Article examines the soundness of the view that a Taft-Hartley arbitrator is potentially a fiduciary under ERISA. The Article first briefly describes the fiduciary responsibility requirements of ERISA, and then examines the Department of Labor's position that an arbitrator may be a fiduciary under ERISA. Next, this Article raises several considerations that cast doubt on the Labor Department's view, and concludes that the arbitrator cannot be a fiduciary under ERISA and thus should not be subject to the risks of personal liability that inhere to a fiduciary.
Evolving Consciousness: The Very Idea!

Abstract Discovering an adequate explanation for the evolution of consciousness has been described as “the hard problem” about consciousness that we would like to understand. The difficulty becomes compounded by the introduction of such notions as the unconscious or the preconscious as its counterparts, at least for species of the complexity of human beings. An evaluation of the prospects for unconscious factors as exerting causal influence upon human behavior, however, depends upon understanding both the nature of evolution and the nature of consciousness. This paper sketches a theoretical framework for understanding both phenomena in general with regard to their various forms and suggests the evolutionary function of consciousness in genetic and in cultural contexts. It becomes increasingly apparent that, given a suitable conceptual framework of minds as semiotic systems, the evolution of consciousness may not be such a “hard problem”, after all.
Thermocapillary and natural convective flows generated by a bubble in 1-g and low-g environments

In this paper, we study the combined thermocapillary and natural convective flow generated by a bubble on a heated solid surface. The interaction between gas and vapor bubbles with the surrounding fluid is of interest for both space and ground-based processing. On Earth, the volumetric forces are dominant, especially in apparatuses with large volume-to-surface ratio. But in the reduced-gravity environment of an orbiting spacecraft, surface forces become more important, and the effects of Marangoni convection are easily unmasked. In order to delineate the roles of the various interacting phenomena, a combined numerical-experimental approach is adopted. The temperature field is visualized using Mach-Zehnder interferometry, and the flow field is observed by a laser sheet flow visualization technique. A numerical FEM is developed which solves the 2D momentum and energy equations and includes the effects of bubble-surface deformation. A parametric study of the interaction between Marangoni and natural convective flows, including conditions pertinent to microgravity space experiments, is presented. (Author)