cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forest pests and wood pellets: A literature review of the opportunities and risks in the United States' northeastern forests

As interest in alternatives to fossil fuels increases, low quality timber may become more attractive as feedstock material for biomass energy. This low-quality timber, referred to here as salvage wood, can be used to manufacture wood pellets, a densified biomass energy product which can be used for electricity and heating. The process of converting wood to pellets also results in total pest mortality in the final product, an important consideration given wood pellet’s international market and global concerns about phytosanitation, or the risk of pest spread. However, there is still potential to spread pests in the wood pellet supply chain. To better understand the potential benefits for forest health and the phytosanitary risks of the use of salvaged wood in the wood pellet supply chain, our study systematically reviews the literature published between 2000 and 2018, gleaning applicable considerations for the northeastern United States (US), a region already affected by the highest density of damaging forest pests in the country and an up-tick in wood pellet use. Our review focuses on three pest species likely to incur considerable change in northeastern US forests: emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis or EAB; an exotic, invasive species), hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand, or HWA; an exotic, invasive species), and southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, or SPB, a native species). Our review finds that wood pellets are being recognized as phytosanitary in their final form and that the forest health opportunities for the use of salvaged wood exist are beginning to be acknowledged in the region. However, our results also indicate that the spread of pests is still possible in the feedstock pre-treatment supply chain, which have yet to be directly addressed in US-related scientific literature. Our review concludes that further research and action on the phytosanitary risks in the supply chain focus on individual pest species behavior during harvesting, on-site comminution of feedstock material, and local processing at facilities within USDA APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) quarantine zones for maximum mitigation. The results of these considerations can accrue benefits for forest health, mitigate the spread of forest pests, and support the use of an alternative energy to fossil fuels in a changing climate.
Review of FDA Amendments Act Section 921 Experience in Posting Data-Mining Results from the FAERS Database

Abstract Purpose Title IX, § 921 of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act of 2007 requires the FDA to mine data on a regular basis, using its adverse events database, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, to identify potential signals of serious risks/new safety information. This review of the FDA's quarterly web-posted results is the first to document the contributions of the program to maintaining the continued safe use of approved pharmaceutical drugs/biologics and the lessons that have emerged from this rich experience. Methods Details on proprietary prescription drugs/biologics, generic prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs were downloaded from the quarterly posts that begin in first quarter of 2008. Key information was tabulated, including proprietary and generic names of products or classes of products, the identified potential signals of serious risks, the labeling-decision category (updated, no action is necessary at this time, or evaluating the need for regulatory action), the labeling section (Warnings and Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Drug Safety Communications, Contraindications, or Boxed Warnings), and estimated times to updated decisions. Findings Since the beginning of the FDAAA Section 921 posting requirement, the FDA has posted 555 potential signals of serious risk or new safety information. Of these, there have been 262 posts (47%) that resulted in decisions requiring updated product labeling, 75 posts (14%) that resulted in decisions that no action was necessary, and 218 posts (39%) indicating that the FDA was evaluating the need for regulatory action. Of the 262 posts that required updating one or more sections of a product label, there was a preponderance of Warnings and Precautions, with 172 (66%); followed by Adverse Reactions, with 114 (44%); Drug Safety Communications, 44 (18%); Contraindications, 27 (10%); and Boxed Warnings, 19 (7%). The median times to update decisions were 12 months for Warnings & Precautions, Adverse Reactions, and Boxed Warnings, and 11 months for Contraindications. Implications Important themes from the present analysis include the following: (1) nearly 80% of posts resulted in updated product labeling; (2) 20% of decisions concerned classes of proprietary and generic drug/biologic products; (3) product-use errors, such as name confusion, continue to be important; (4) the safe use of pharmaceuticals in children is gaining attention but still has a long way to go; and (5) drug–drug interactions are of continuing concern. The FDA Amendments Act § 921 program will continue to have an important place in the future of pharmacovigilance practices.
Risk and response adapted de-intensified treatment for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: Optima paradigm expanded experience.

Abstract Background Favorable prognosis for Human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) led to investigation of response-adaptive de-escalation, yet long-term outcomes are unknown. We present expanded experience and follow-up of risk/response adaptive treatment de-intensification in HPV+ OPC. Methods A phase 2 trial (OPTIMA) and subsequent cohort of sequential off-protocol patients treated from September 2014 to November 2018 at the University of Chicago were reviewed. Eligible patients had T3-T4 or N2-3 (AJCC 7th edition) HPV+ OPC. Patients were stratified by risk: High-risk (HR) (T4, ≥N2c, or >10PYH), all others low-risk (LR). Induction chemotherapy (IC) included 3 cycles of carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel (OPTIMA) or paclitaxel (off-protocol). LR with ≥50% response received low-dose radiotherapy (RT) alone to 50 Gy (RT50). LR with 30–50% response and HR with ≥50% response received intermediate-dose chemoradiotherapy (CRT) to 45 Gy (CRT45). All others received full-dose CRT to 75 Gy (CRT75). Results 91 patients consented and 90 patients were treated, of which 31% had >10PYH, 34% had T3/4 disease, and 94% had N2b/N2c/N3 disease. 49% were LR and 51% were HR. Overall response rate to induction was 88%. De-escalated treatment was administered to 83%. Median follow-up was 4.2 years. Five-year OS, PFS, LRC, and DC were 90% (95% CI 81,95), 90% (95% CI 80,95), 96% (95% CI 90,99), and 96% (88,99) respectively. G-tube placement rates in RT50, CRT45, and CRT75 were 3%, 33%, and 80% respectively (p Conclusion Risk/response adaptive de-escalated treatment for an inclusive cohort of HPV+ OPC demonstrates excellent survival with reduced toxicity with long-term follow-up.
Abstract PO-097: Addition of losartan to FOLFIRINOX and chemoradiation reduces the expression of pro-invasive and immunosuppressive genes in locally-advanced pancreatic cancer

Purpose: A phase II trial in patients with locally-advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) revealed unprecedented rates of complete surgical resection after adding losartan (L) to FOLFIRINOX (FFX) chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation (CRT) (NCT01821729). The aim of this study was to identify potential mechanisms of benefit by assessing the effects of FFX-L+CRT and FFX+CRT on the stromal tumor microenvironment. Experimental Design: We performed a gene analysis of RNA extracted from pancreatic cancer (PC) tissue sections (NanoString nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel of 730 genes) and immunohistochemistry using surgical samples from patients treated with FFX+CRT (N=15), FFX-L+CRT (N=17) or underwent surgery upfront, without any neoadjuvant therapy (N=9). Results: In comparison to untreated PC, we found 314 and 243 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, adjusted p-value Citation Format: Yves Boucher, Jessica M. Posada, Sonu Subudhi, Ashwin S. Kumar, Ivy X. Chen, Mei R. Ng, Mari Mino-Kenudson, Nilesh Talele, Dan G. Duda, Dai Fukumura, Janet E. Murphy, Jeffrey W. Clark, David P. Ryan, Carlos Fernandez-Del Castillo, Theodore S. Hong, Rakesh K. Jain. Addition of losartan to FOLFIRINOX and chemoradiation reduces the expression of pro-invasive and immunosuppressive genes in locally-advanced pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2021 Sep 29-30. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(22 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-097.
Viking Lander reliability program

The Viking Lander reliability program is reviewed with attention given to the development of the reliability program requirements, reliability program management, documents evaluation, failure modes evaluation, production variation control, failure reporting and correction, and the parts program. Lander hardware failures which have occurred during the mission are listed.
Biology of Breast Cancer

Breast carcinogenesis is a multi-step process that initially is recognized histopathologically as a series of preinvasive stages (intermediate stages) leading to invasive carcinoma, and ultimately to metastatic adenocarcinoma. Histologically the preinvasive stages of breast neoplasia consist of a sequence of epithelial changes which include hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia, and carcinoma in-situ (1, 2). All aspects of breast carcinogenesis are better characterized in ductal adenocarcinomas (the majority of breast cancers) than in lobular adenocarcinomas of the breast, which tend to have different molecular characteristics than ductal neoplasia. The subsequent discussion focuses only on ductal neoplasia of the breast.
Combined UV irradiance from TOMS-OMI satellite and UVMRP ground measurements across the continental U.S.

Surface ultraviolet (UV) observations can be obtained from satellite or ground observations. This study uses data fusion to combine the advantages from both sources of observations, aiming at achieving a better estimate of surface UV. In this study, ensemble methods were used to estimate the covariances, which are the most important components in data fusion. The combined UV observations not only have the same coverage as satellite data, but also improve their regional accuracy around the ground observatories.
Maximal Causal Models for Sequentially Consistent Systems

This paper shows that it is possible to build a maximal and sound causal model for concurrent computations from a given execution trace. It is sound, in the sense that any program which can generate a trace can also generate all traces in its causal model. It is maximal (among sound models), in the sense that by extending the causal model of an observed trace with a new trace, the model becomes unsound: there exists a program generating the original trace which cannot generate the newly introduced trace. Thus, the maximal sound model has the property that it comprises all traces which all programs that can generate the original trace can also generate. The existence of such a model is of great theoretical value as it can be used to prove the soundness of non-maximal, and thus smaller, causal models.
Use of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate in cardiovascular disease correction of bowel function.

Abstract We have studied the application of fecal softening (doxinate) as a means of avoiding some of the dangers which accompany the appearance of constipation in cardiac patients. Our observations were made in 103 patients with classic acute transmural myocardial infarction due to coronary occlusion, pulmonary emboli resulting in pulmonary infarction, cardiac decompensation and other cardiovascular conditions resulting in hospitalization. Results were excellent in all cases and the avoidance of impaction and straining on defecation not only helps the cardiologist treating the patient, but may actually save the life of the patient. Our regimen of treatment consists in the administration of one doxinate 240 mg capsule daily throughout the period of hospital stay for all patients. In our practice this procedure has been so effective and patient satisfaction has been so great that it has almost entirely replaced the use of laxatives and enemas. In our experience no evidence of undesirable effects or toxicity were noted. In the handling of bowel problems in cardiac patients, the properties of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate closely approach those required of an ideal agent.
Comprehensive review of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome with report of two new cases

The BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) tumor predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) is a recently identified hereditary cancer syndrome. Germline mutations in this tumor suppressor gene predispose families to the development of various malignancies. The molecular functions of the gene as well as the clinical phenotype of the syndrome are still being clarified. We sought to conduct a comprehensive review of published research into BAP1-TPDS to more thoroughly delineate the clinical implications of germline BAP1 mutations. We also report two additional families with germline BAP1 mutations. Current evidence demonstrates that germline BAP1 mutations predispose families to uveal melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, malignant mesothelioma, cutaneous melanoma, and possibly to a range of other cancers as well. Some of these cancers tend to be more aggressive, have a propensity to metastasize, and onset earlier in life in patients with BAP1 mutations as compared to non-predisposed patients with equivalent cancers. Although further research is necessary, this information can aid in the management, diagnosis, and therapy of these patients and their families, and highlights the importance of genetic counseling.
The effects of sympathectomy on abdominal pain in man.

Summary Pain produced by balloon distention of the intestinal tract and by water distention of the biliary passages was studied in normal human subjects and in patients following unilateral or bilateral lumbodorsal sympathectomy. Following unilateral sympathectomy, 1) pain is referred to the contralateral side; 2) the degree of the contralateral reference varies with the intestinal area stimulated; and 3) the threshold of pain is elevated. Following bilateral sympathectomy, distention pain is abolished. Limited evidence suggests that pain pathways from the jejunum may pass through the 10th, 11th, and 12th thoracic sympathetic ganglia and not invariably through the greater splanchnic nerves. Case reports of sympathectomized patients with various abdominal disorders are presented to illustrate that abdominal pain in these patients may be abolished, or grossly altered, or unchanged following sympathetic denervation. Since the results obtained by balloon distention suggest that "true visceral" pain is abolished following sympathectomy, it appears that other mechanisms and pathways account for such pain as the sympathectomized patient with abdominal disorders may experience.
Assessment challenges in competency-based education: A case study in health professions education

There is a growing demand for health sciences faculty with formal training in education. Addressing this need, the University of Michigan Medical School created a Master in Health Professions Education (UM-MHPE). The UM-MHPE is a competency-based education (CBE) program targeting professionals. The program is individualized and adaptive to the learner's situation using personal mentoring. Critical to CBE is an assessment process that accurately and reliably determines a learner's competence in educational domains. The program's assessment method has two principal components: an independent assessment committee and a learner repository. Learners submit evidence of competence that is evaluated by three independent assessors. The assessments are presented to an Assessment Committee who determines whether the submission provides evidence of competence. The learner receives feedback on the submission and, if needed, the actions needed to reach competency. During the program's first year, six learners presented 10 submissions for review. Assessing learners in a competency-based program has created challenges; setting standards that are not readily quantifiable is difficult. However, we argue it is a more genuine form of assessment and that this process could be adapted for use within most competency-based formats. While our approach is demanding, we document practical learning outcomes that assess competence.
The Mixing of Lithium

The observational status of the problem of lithium abundances has been thoroughly detailed in the preceding papers in this symposium, and it is clear why we must consider how matter is mixed from outer convection zones to inner, hotter regions. The need for appropriate mixing mechanisms has also been nicely brought out by Herbig and Wolff (1), and Bohm (2) has summarized the role of convective mixing. Conventional mixing-length models for the outer convection zones seem to give qualitatively reasonable results for the depletion during pre-main-sequence contraction (3, 4, 5) but do not completely account for the observations, and it seems inescapable that main-sequence depletion of lithium must be considered (1). I shall therefore simplify the discussion of mixing by concentrating on main-sequence models in the following outline of some possible mixing processes, though most of the remarks to be made should apply generally to other phases. I shall also pretend that there is one principle mechanism (or combination of them) that must be found, though stars in different evolutionary phases, or with different masses, may deplete lithium quite differently. Further, I shall use the Sun as an illustration in general since we know some important details about it that are not always known for other stars.
Gamma (40-100 Hz) oscillation in the hippocampus of the behaving rat

The cellular generation and spatial distribution of gamma frequency (40-100 Hz) activity was examined in the hippocampus of the awake rat. Field potentials and unit activity were recorded by multiple site silicon probes (5- and 16-site shanks) and wire electrode arrays. Gamma waves were highly coherent along the long axis of the dentate hilus, but average coherence decreased rapidly in the CA3 and CA1 directions. Analysis of short epochs revealed large fluctuations in coherence values between the dentate and CA1 gamma waves. Current source density analysis revealed large sinks and sources in the dentate gyrus with spatial distribution similar to the dipoles evoked by stimulation of the perforant path. The frequency changes of gamma and theta waves positively correlated (40-100 Hz and 5-10 Hz, respectively). Putative interneurons in the dentate gyrus discharged at gamma frequency and were phase-locked to the ascending part of the gamma waves recorded from the hilus. Following bilateral lesion of the entorhinal cortex the power and frequency of hilar gamma activity significantly decreased or disappeared. Instead, a large amplitude but slower gamma pattern (25-50 Hz) emerged in the CA3-CA1 network. We suggest that gamma oscillation emerges from an interaction between intrinsic oscillatory properties of interneurons and the network properties of the dentate gyrus. We also hypothesize that under physiological conditions the hilar gamma oscillation may be entrained by the entorhinal rhythm and that gamma oscillation in the CA3-CA1 circuitry is suppressed by either the hilar region or the entorhinal cortex.
Business Organization in Pre-Industrial Europe

Business in pre-industrial Europe was predominantly commercial, and its organization served the two basic requirements of commerce-representation in distant markets and financing. The various forms of organization included the sea loan, commenda, the share venture, the joint stock company, the compagnia, the holding company, the limited partnership, and commission. This paper examines these forms of organization and how they evolved to meet the needs of business enterprise.
Modeling and control of a rotating flexible beam on a translated base

The flexible beam slewing control problem is investigated for the situation when the base of the beam is allowed to both rotate and translate in a plane. A nonlinear model is obtained by using Hamilton's principle. By assuming a massive base, a simple proportional-derivative type control law is obtained. In the linearized form, measurements of the integral of the bending displacement and velocity over the length of the beam are required, but the only model information needed is the beam length. Simulation has shown a significant improvement in performance over the torque feedback alone. A laboratory experiment where a flexible beam is mounted at the wrist of a Cartesian robot arm has also been performed to validate this approach experimentally. Preliminary results have shown effective vibration suppression capability by using translation alone. >
The progression of human papillomavirus lesions in sexual assault victims.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are seen in up to 15% of adolescents who present to a gynecology clinic.1 Anogenital HPV develops in some adolescents as a result of sexual assault. Sexual sault protocols address detection and follow-up for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis, 2,3 but follow-up for detection of HPV lesions is not formally addressed. Early detection of HPV lesions is important for treatment and long-term management, because subtypes 6, 10, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35 have been associated with cervical cancer.4 Although 6 and 11 are the most common subtypes found in condylomata acuminata, types 1, 2, 10, 16, and 18 are also found in anogenital lesions.5
An exploratory study of therapeutic misconception among incarcerated clinical trial participants.

ABSTRACTBackground: Therapeutic misconception, the misunderstanding of differences between research and clinical care, is widely prevalent among non-incarcerated trial participants. However, little attention has been paid to its presence among individuals who participate in research while incarcerated. Methods: This study examined the extent to which 72 incarcerated individuals may experience therapeutic misconception about their participation in one of six clinical trials, and its correlation with participant characteristics and potential influences on research participation. Results: On average, participants endorsed 70% of items suggestive of therapeutic misconception. The tendency toward therapeutic misconception was significantly higher among African Americans and Latinos compared to Whites, among older and less educated participants, and among enrollment in a substance-abuse-related trial; it was also correlated with a belief that the trial was the only way to obtain needed treatment. Conclusions: T...
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced rhabdomyolysis in an allogeneic stem cell transplant patient

Trimethoprim-Rhabdomyolysis is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication diagnosed when creatine phosphokinase levels exceed 1000 U/L. Although many drugs are associated with rhabdomyolysis, the previous reports of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX)-induced rhabdomyolysis have involved patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of TMP/SMX-induced rhabdomyolysis in an allogeneic stem cell transplant patient.
Effect of nickel on biological methane generation from a laboratory poultry waste digester.

Nickel added in concentrations as low as 10..mu..M significantly increased biogas production in a laboratory poultry waste digester utilizing excreta from laying hens as the organic energy source. It was shown that the initial rate of biogas production increased as early as 4 h after the addition of nickel to the laboratory cultures. Analysis of the excreta for nickel content prior to addition of exogenous NiCl/sub 2/ showed appreciable amounts of nickel present. The data indicate that nickel naturally present in layer excreta is suboptimal or unavailable to the bacteria for biogas production purposes.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Hemoglobin A in Different States and Bound to DPG: Effector-Linked Perturbation of Tertiary Conformations and HbA Concerted Dynamics

Recent functional studies reported on human adult hemoglobin (HbA) show that heterotropic effector-linked tertiary structural changes are primarily responsible for modulating the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin. We present the results of 6-ns molecular dynamics simulations performed to gain insights into the dynamical and structural details of these effector-linked tertiary changes. All-atom simulations were carried out on a series of models generated for T- and R-state HbA, and for 2,3-diphosphoglycerate-bound models. Cross-correlation analyses identify both intra- and intersubunit correlated motions that are perturbed by the presence of the effector. Principal components analysis was used to decompose the covariance matrix extracted from the simulations and reconstruct the trajectories along the principal coordinates representative of functionally important collective motions. It is found that HbA in both quaternary states exists as ensembles of tertiary conformations that introduce dynamic heterogeneity in the protein. 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate induces significant perturbations in the fluctuations of both HbA states that translate into the protein visiting different tertiary conformations within each quaternary state. The analysis reveals that the presence of the effector affects the most important components of HbA motions and that heterotropic effectors modify the overall dynamics of the quaternary equilibrium via tertiary changes occurring in regions where conserved functionally significant residues are located, namely in the loop regions between helices C and E, E and F, and F and G, and in concerted helix motions. The changes are not apparent when comparing the available x-ray crystal structures in the presence and absence of effector, but are striking when comparing the respective dynamic tertiary conformations of the R and T tetramers.
On a modified bootstrap for certain asymptotically nonnormal statistics

Abstract The classical bootstrap approximation is known to break down (Babu, 1984), even for “nice” statistics such as a smooth function of a multivariate sample mean for certain “critical” values of the mean vector. A simple modification of the naive bootstrap is suggested to take care of this problem. Simulation results show improvements at or near a critical value while using the modified bootstrap. Asymptotic validity (with rate of convergence) of the modified bootstrap is established for parameter values including the critical values.
Principles and Practice of Disaster Relief: Lessons From Haiti

Disaster relief is an interdisciplinary field dealing with the organizational processes that help prepare for and carry out all emergency functions necessary to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural, technological, or human-made. Although it is an important function of local and national governing in the developed countries, it is often wanting in resource-poor, developing countries where, increasingly, catastrophic disasters tend to occur and have the greatest adverse consequences. The devastating January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake is a case study of the impact of an extreme cataclysm in one of the poorest and most unprepared settings imaginable. As such, it offers useful lessons that are applicable elsewhere in the developing world. Emergency preparedness includes 4 phases: mitigation or prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Periods of normalcy are the best times to develop disaster preparedness plans. In resource-poor countries, where dealing with the expenses of daily living is already a burden, such planning is often neglected; and, when disasters strike, it is often with great delay that the assistance from international community can be deployed. In this increasingly interconnected world, the Haiti earthquake and the important international response to it make a strong case for a more proactive intervention of the international community in all phases of emergency management in developing countries, including in mitigation and preparedness, and not just in response and recovery. Predisaster planning can maximize the results of the international assistance and decrease the human and material tolls of inevitable disasters. There should be a minimum standard of preparedness that every country has to maintain and the international assistance to achieve that. International academic medical centers interested in global health could strengthen their programs by prospectively including in them contingency planning for international relief operations. Healthcare professionals of these institutions who travel to disaster zones should rigorously prepare themselves and make provisions for collecting and reporting data, which will enrich the knowledge of this growing activity.
Becoming Citizens: The Emergence and Development of the California Women's Movement, 1880-1911

'In 1880, the California woman safeguarded the Republic by maintaining a morally sound home. Scarcely forty years later, women in the Pacific state won full-fledged citizenship and voting rights of their own. "Becoming Citizens" shows how this enormous transformation came about. Gayle Gullett demonstrates how women's search for a larger public life in the late nineteenth century led to a flourishing women's movement in California. Women's radical demand for citizenship, however, was rejected by state voters along with the presidential reform candidate, William Jennings Bryan, in the tumultuous election year of 1896'.'Gullett shows how women rebuilt the movement in the early years of the twentieth century and forged a critical alliance between activist women and the men involved in the urban Good Government movement. This alliance formed the basis of progressivism, with male Progressives helping to legitimize women's new public work by supporting their civic campaigns, appointing women to public office, and placing a suffrage referendum before the male electorate in 1911. Placing local developments in a national context, "Becoming Citizens" illuminates the links between these two major social movements: the western women's suffrage movement and progressivism'.
Paradoxical acclimation and seasonal comparisons of oxygen consumption rates in three species of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Seasonal comparisons of oxygen consumption rates of three species ofPogonomyrmex harvester ants demonstrate paradoxical acclimation in the laboratory and negative acclimatization in the field.
Research and Application of an Improved Ant Colony Algorithm

Ant colony algorithm is a bionic algorithm which is used to optimize the shortest path in graph. But the traditional ant colony algorithm has some disadvantages, such as slow convergence speed, easy to fall into local optimum, high complexity and so on. In this paper, it focus on the problems of slow convergence speed and easily falling into local optimum and contribute the local pheromone updating strategy and global pheromone updating strategy, it also optimize the routing formula and local search method after analyzing the problems. It conducts some simulation experiments about our optimization scheme and the traditional ant colony algorithm in Matlab environment, by comparing the results of experiments, the optimization scheme proposed can get a better search path in different examples and the μ (t) function can effectively reduce iterations.
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in pigs

We induced, as a precondition for a pancreas transplant, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in 67 Yorkshire Landrace pigs by administering streptozotocin. A dosage of 150 mg/kg body weight gave rise to a long-lasting diabetes mellitus that persisted with time (follow-up period: 26 weeks). Consecutive measurements of serum glucose and plasma insulin, before and up to 30 hours after administering streptozotocin, revealed triphasic behavior: initial hyperglycemia (1st to 3rd hour), pronounced hypoglycemia (12th to 18th hour), then hyperglycemia (22nd hour on). IVGTTs done 1 to 7 days after administering streptozotocin revealed a reduction of the K-value (glucose disappearance rate) from 0.3 (day 2) to 0.07 (day 4). Immunohistochemical studies revealed a complete loss of all beta-cells, concomitantly with a relative increase in glucagon- and somatostatin-positive cells. We also observed a complete loss of pp (pancreatic polypeptide)-positive cells. Diabetes induced by streptozotocin at 150 mg/kg body weight is complete and permanent; our mortality rate was 0%. Given the high morbidity rate after pancreatectomy, streptozotocin should be the method of choice for inducing diabetes mellitus in pigs.
Molecular phylogenetics and reproductive incompatibility in a complex of cryptic species of aphid parasitoids

We infer the phylogeny of a complex of cryptic species and populations of parasitic wasps and examine how reproductive incompatibility maps onto the molecular phylogeny. We used four nuclear (28S-D2, ITS1, ITS2, ArgK) and two mitochondrial (COI, COII) gene regions to analyze relationships among populations in the Aphelinus varipes species complex (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) from throughout Eurasia (France, Georgia, Israel, China, Korea and Japan) and from three aphid hosts (Aphis glycines, Diuraphis noxia and Rhopalosiphum padi; Hemiptera: Aphididae). A combined analysis of 21 genotypes of Aphelinus resulted in six most-parsimonious trees, and successive approximations character-weighting selected two of these as best supported by the data. All six gene regions were necessary to fully resolve the relationships among taxa. Four clades within the A. varipes complex were distinguished: (1) Aphelinus kurdjumovi, (2) Aphelinus hordei, (3) Aphelinus atriplicis, Aphelinus varipes, and Aphelinus albipodus, and (4) Aphelinus certus (populations from China, Korea, and Japan). Based on rates of nucleotide substitutions, these clades diverged between 78 and 526 thousand years ago during a period of repeated glaciations in Eurasia. In laboratory crosses, A. kurdjumovi, A. hordei, and A. varipes were reproductively incompatible with one another and all other populations. A. atriplicis was incompatible with these three species, but not with A. certus. The populations of A. certus from China, Japan, and Korea were reproductively compatible with one another but not with the other populations. Thus, with one exception, entities that were phylogenetically distinct were also reproductively incompatible with one another. Our evidence on molecular differentiation and reproductive incompatibility supports recognition of at least five cryptic species in the A. varipes complex. We discuss likely reasons for the high rate of speciation in this complex.
Remediation of subsoil compaction and compaction effects on corn N availability by deep tillage and application of poultry manure in a sandy-textured soil

Abstract Subsoil compaction may reduce the availability and uptake of water and plant nutrients thereby lowering crop yields. Among the management options for remediating subsoil compaction are deep tillage and the selection of crop rotations with deep-rooted crops, but little is known of the effects of applications of organic amendments on subsoil compaction. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of subsoil compaction on corn yield and N availability in a sandy-textured soil and to evaluate the use of deep tillage and surface applications of poultry manure to remediate subsoil compaction. A field experiment planted to corn ( Zea mays L.) was conducted from 2000 to 2001 on a Reelfoot fine sandy loam (fine-silty, mixed thermic Aquic Argiudolls) formed in silty alluvium located in southeast Missouri near the Mississippi River. Treatments were arranged in a factorial design with three levels of subsoil compaction and subsoiling and four rates (averaging 0, 6, 11 and 18 Mg ha −1 ) of poultry manure. Subsoil tillage to a depth of 30 cm had multiple effects, including overcoming a natural or tillage-induced dense layer or pan and increasing volumetric soil water content and crop N uptake, especially in the 2001 cropping year with low early season precipitation. N recovery efficiency (NRE) was significantly higher in the subsoil treatment compared to the highest compaction treatment in 2001. No significant interactions between manure rates and compaction and subsoiling treatments were observed for corn grain and silage yields, N uptake and NRE. Average increases in corn grain yields over all manure rates due to subsoil tillage of compacted soil were 2002 kg ha −1 in 2000 and 3504 kg ha −1 in 2001. Application of poultry manure had a consistent positive effect on increasing grain yields and N uptake in 2000 and 2001 but did not significantly alter measured soil physical properties. The results of this study suggest that deep tillage and applications of organic amendments are management tools that may overcome restrictions in both N and soil water availability due to subsoil compaction in sandy-textured soils.
Oral contraceptives and individual variability of circulating levels of ethinyl estradiol and progestins.

The realities of the EE and progestin pharmacokinetics described in this commentary imply that there should be less fixation on using the lowest dose oral contraceptive available and more flexibility in adjusting the OC regimen. These pharmacokinetic phenomena of individual variability (and individual response) are equally relevant to the issue of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy since the same classes of drugs are involved. (excerpt)
Thermolytic decomposition of benzylic dialkoxy disulfides

Abstract Dialkoxy disulfides have been used as an alkoxy radical source under photolytic conditions. In addition, this class of disulfide thermally decomposes to deliver S 2 to dienes. We examined benzylic dialkoxy disulfides (X–Ph–CH 2 –O–S–S–O–CH 2 –Ph–X) under thermolytic conditions and observed that the rates of decomposition are related to Swain and Lupton’s field constant, F . In addition, the observed non 1:1 ratio of alcohol to aldehyde reaffirms Harpp’s-postulated cage mechanism. We have shown that the ratio is dependant upon the substituent present which can enhance the pi-stacking ability with the solvent, and thus favor diffusion out of the solvation cage yielding the non 1:1 ratio observed.
Perceptual differentiation among drug addicts: Correlations with intelliegence and MMPI scores†

Examined the level of perceptual differentiation, as measured by Witkin's Embedded Figures Test, as well as the correlations between perceptual differentiation and scores on The Shipley Institute of Living Scale and MMPI scales for drug addicts. The sample of 42 polydrug-dependent persons was court mandated into inpatient treatment as a condition of probation, parole, or furlough. Analysis of variance showed that addicts, like alcoholics, were less perceptually differentiated than normals. Correlational and/or multivariate procedures yielded significant relationships. between differentiation, verbal and abstraction abilities, likelihood of cognitive impairment, and MMPI scales F, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 0.
THE MOMENTUM OF COMPLIANCE

Compliance with demanding requests that are normally ineffective may be increased by presenting a series of easy or high-probability (high-p) requests before the more demanding requests. Mace and his colleagues have discussed the effectiveness of the high-p procedure in relation to behavioral momentum—the tendency for behavior, once initiated and reinforced, to persist in the face of a challenge. The high-p procedure differs in several ways from that employed in laboratory research on momentum, and the methods and findings of basic research may not be relevant to applied work on compliance. This article reviews some laboratory procedures used in research on behavioral momentum, summarizes the major findings of that research, and discusses its relevance to the high-p procedure and its outcomes. Increased compliance with demanding requests following the high-p procedure can be understood in relation to the procedures and findings of basic research, but some questions arise in the process of translating research into application via the metaphor of momentum. These questions suggest some new directions for both experimental and applied behavior analysis.
Human perspective on affective robotic behavior: a longitudinal study

Humans are inherently social creatures, and affect plays no small role in their social nature. We use our emotional expressions to communicate our internal state, our moods assist or hinder our interactions on a daily basis, we constantly form lasting attitudes towards others, and our personalities make us uniquely predisposed to perform certain tasks. In this paper, we present a framework under development that combines these four areas of affect to influence robotic behavior, and describe initial results of a longitudinal human-robot interaction study. The study was designed to inform the development of the framework in order to increase ease and pleasantness of human-robot interaction.
A GIS Approach to Prioritizing Habitat for Restoration Using Neotropical Migrant Songbird Criteria

Restoration efforts to increase wildlife habitat quality in agricultural landscapes have limited funding and are typically done on a first come, first serve basis. In order to increase the efficiency of these restoration efforts, a prioritized ranking system is needed to obtain the greatest increase in habitat quality possible for the fewest amount of hectares restored. This project examines the use of a GIS based multi-criteria approach to prioritize lands for reforestation along the Kaskaskia River in Illinois. Loss of forested area and corresponding increase in forest fragmentation has decreased songbird habitat quality across the Midwestern United States. We prioritized areas for reforestation based on nine landscape metrics: available agricultural land, forest cover gaps, edge density, proximity to river, 200 m corridor area, total forest core area, fringe core area, distance to primary core value, and primary core area. The multi-criteria analysis revealed that high priority areas for reforestation were most likely to be close to the riparian corridor and existing large blocks of forest. Analysis of simulated reforestation (0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 10.0, 25.0, and 50.0% of highest priority parcels reforested) revealed different responses for multiple landscape metrics used to quantify forest fragmentation following reforestation, but indicated that the study area would get the greatest rate of return on reforestation efforts by reforesting 10.0% of the highest priority areas. This project demonstrates how GIS and a multi-criteria analysis approach can be used to increase the efficiency of restoration projects. This approach should be considered by land managers when attempting to identify the location and quantity of area for restoration within a landscape.
Software and Web applications security: state-of-the-art courseware and learning paradigm

University graduates with strong technical hands-on skills to develop highly secure software and Web systems are in high demand in industry. This paper is focused on designed and developed state-of-the-art courseware and appropriate learning paradigm in software and Web applications security for computer science and computer information systems students. The main topics of developed curriculum include motivation of attackers, modern treats and vulnerabilities in software and Web systems, categories of computer attacks, types of computer attacks, hacker tools, protection and defense mechanisms, secure programming styles for software and Web systems' development. Based on student feedback and student academic performance, a combination of learning-by-doing paradigm of education with multiple hands-on exercises, computer lab sessions and projects proved to be very efficient and provided students with strong technical hands-on skills in software and Web applications security.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumors Greater Than 5 cm: Safety and Efficacy

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes of patients with node-negative medically inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose primary tumors exceeded 5 cm and were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials We surveyed our institutional prospective lung SBRT registry to identify treated patients with tumors >5 cm. Treatment outcomes for local control (LC), locoregional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Toxicities were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4. Mean pretreatment pulmonary function test values were compared to mean posttreatment values. Results From December 2003 to July 2014, 40 patients met study criteria. Median follow-up was 10.8 months (range: 0.4-70.3 months). Median age was 76 years (range: 56-90 years), median body mass index was 24.3 (range: 17.7-37.2), median Karnofsky performance score was 80 (range: 60-90), and median Charlson comorbidity index score was 2 (range: 0-5). Median forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 1.41 L (range: 0.47-3.67 L), and median diffusion capacity (DLCO) was 47% of predicted (range: 29%-80%). All patients were staged by fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography staging, and 47.5% underwent mediastinal staging by endobronchial ultrasonography. Median tumor size was 5.6 cm (range: 5.1-10 cm), median SBRT dose was 50 Gy (range: 30-60 Gy) in 5 fractions (range: 3-10 fractions). Eighteen-month LC, LRC, DFS, and OS rates were 91.2%, 64.4%, 34.6%, and 59.7%, respectively. Distant failure was the predominant pattern of failure (32.5%). Three patients (7.5%) experienced grade 3 or higher toxicity. Mean posttreatment FEV1 was not significantly reduced ( P =.51), but a statistically significant absolute 6.5% ( P =.03) reduction in DLCO was observed. Conclusions Lung SBRT for medically inoperable node-negative NSCLC with primary tumors larger than 5 cm is safe and provides excellent local control with limited toxicity. The predominant pattern of failure in this population was distant failure.
The NOSAP--A Tool for Ocean Surveys

The National Ocean Survey (NOS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has had the opportunity to apply the science of photogrammetry to various ocean surveying projects. The unique capabilities of the NOS Analytical Plotter (NOSAP) was paramount in utilizing the submarine photography associated with these projects. A look at these projects reveals some different photogrammetric problems and demonstrates the potential of analytical plotters to this type of short-range photogrammetry. A close look at the geometry and control of the underwater photographic systems used indicates areas where improvements could be made to utilize the power of NOSAP and other comparable analytical plotters.
Intersection Representation of Complete Unbalanced Bipartite Graphs

Ap-intersectionrepresentation of a graphGis a map,f, that assigns each vertex a subset of {1,2,?,t} such that {u,v} is an edge if and only if |f(u)?f(v)|?p. The symbol?p(G) denotes this minimumtsuch that ap-intersection representation ofGexists. In 1966 Erdo?s, Goodman, and Posa showed that for all graphsGon 2nvertices,?1(G)??1(Kn,n)=n2. In 1992, Chung and West conjectured that for all graphsGon 2nvertices,?p(G)??p(Kn,n) whenp?1. Subsequently, upper and lower bounds for?p(Kn,n) have been found to be (n2/p)(1+o(1)). We show in this paper that many complete unbalanced bipartite graphs on 2nvertices have a largerp-intersection number thanKn,n. For example, whenp=2,?2(Kn,n)?12n2(1+o(1))<4172n2(1+o(1))??2(K(5/6)n,(7/6)n).