cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Potential Field Approach And Operational Space Formulation In Robot Control

The paper presents a radically new approach to real-time dynamic control and active force control of manipulators. In this approach the manipulator control problem is reformulated in terms of direct control of manipulator motion in operational space, the space in which the task is originally described, rather than controlling the task’s corresponding joint space motion obtained after geometric and kinematic transformation. The control method is based on the construction of the manipulator end effector dynamic model in operational space. Also, the paper presents a unique real-time obstacle avoidance method for manipulators and mobile robots based on the “artificial potential field” concept. In this method, collision avoidance, traditionally considered a high level planning problem, can be effectively distributed between different levels of control, allowing real-time robot operations in a complex environment. Using a time-varying artificial potential field, this technique has been extended to moving obstacles. A two-level control architecture has been designed to increase the system real-time performance. These methods have been implemented in the COSMOS system for a PUMA 560 robot arm. We have demonstrated compliance, contact, sliding, and insertion operations using wrist and finger sensing, as well as real-time collision avoidance with moving obstacles using visual sensing.
Christian Dior: History and Modernity, 1947–1957

Scholars of the French couturier Christian Dior (1905–57) already will be familiar with Alexandra Palmer’s work. She has written and lectured extensively on post-war haute couture and the House of ...
Documentation of shared decision making around primary prevention defibrillator implantations

INTRODUCTION Patients eligible for primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy are faced with a complex decision that needs a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of such an intervention. In this study, our goal was to explore the documentation of primary prevention ICD discussions in the electronic medical records (EMRs) of eligible patients. METHODS In 1523 patients who met criteria for primary prevention ICD therapy between 2013 and 2015, we reviewed patient charts for ICD-related documentation: "mention" by physicians or "discussion" with patient/family. The attitude of the physician and the patient/family toward ICD therapy during discussions was categorized into negative, neutral, or positive preference. Patients were followed to the end-point of ICD implantation. RESULTS Over a median follow-up of 442 days, 486 patients (32%) received an ICD. ICD was mentioned in the charts of 1105 (73%) patients, and a discussion with the patient/family about the risks and benefits of ICD was documented in 706 (46%) charts. On multivariable analyses, positive cardiologist (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.9, 95% confidence of intervals [CI]: 1.0-59.7, P < .05), electrophysiologist (HR: 7.7, 95% CI: 1.9-31.7, P < .001), and patient/family (HR: 9.9, 95% CI: 6.2-15.7, P < .001) preferences toward ICD therapy during the first documented ICD discussion were independently associated with ICD implantation. CONCLUSIONS In a large cohort of patients eligible for primary prevention ICD therapy, a discussion with the patient/family about the risks and benefits of ICD implantation was documented in less than 50% of the charts. More consistent documentation of the shared decision making around ICD therapy is needed.
Impact of therapeutic riding on motor function

Therapeutic Horse Riding (THR) is a popular program that usually involves a rider learning to take care of a horse and how to ride the horse (Dimitrakopoulou, 2015). Activities include, but are not...
Association between improved mobility and distal health outcomes.

BACKGROUND We examined the association between improved mobility and distal health outcomes in older adults using secondary analysis of data from a cluster-randomized controlled group exercise trial. METHODS Participants were 303 men and women aged ≥65 and older in 32 independent living facilities, senior apartments, and community centers who participated in 12-week group exercise interventions. Included were those who completed ≥1 follow-up phone call regarding outcomes assessment in the following year. Gait speed and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) were assessed at baseline and immediately after 12-week interventions to determine mobility performance change status. Falls, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations were assessed monthly for 12 months following the end of interventions via interactive voice response phone calls. Incident rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to quantify incidence of adverse outcomes with respect to mobility performance change. RESULTS Each 0.05 m/s increase in gait speed resulted in an 11% reduction in falls (IRR = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.94; p < .0001); a similar decrease was seen for each 20 m increase in 6MWD (IRR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.93; p = .0003). Those who improved gait speed had 61 falls per 1,000 person-months versus 135 in those who had no change/a decline. Those who improved 6MWD had 67 falls per 1,000 person-months versus 110 per 1,000 person-months in those who had no change/a decline. Differences in ED visits and hospitalizations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Improvements in mobility performance are associated with lower incidence of future falls. Given the exploratory nature of the findings, further investigation is warranted.
Practical Distributed Programming in C

The need for coupling high performance with productivity is steering the recent evolution of the C++ language where low-level aspects of parallel and distributed computing are now part of the standard or under discussion for inclusion. The Standard Template Library (STL) includes containers and algorithms as primary notions, coupled with execution policies that allow exploiting parallel platforms (e.g., multi-cores) on top of a well-defined operational semantics. In this work, we discuss the design of a stack for STL-compliant containers, iterators, algorithms, and execution policies targeting distributed-memory systems. Finally, we evaluate the proposed approach by analyzing the performance of our proof-of-concept implementation over a set of STL algorithms.
Revisiting James Q. Wilson’s Bureaucracy: Appointee Politics and Outcome Observability

This study introduces a measurement approach to test a core precept in the study of bureaucratic politics and public organizations. First, we quantify James Q. Wilson’s famous agency typology by the relative observability of agency outcomes. We code over 20,000 stated objectives from Performance and Accountability Reports (PAR) for United States federal agencies over the years 2000 to 2012 by whether the attainment of a given objective can be attributed directly to the programmatic activities of the agency (i.e., observable) or if its attainment is dependent upon other actors or other socioeconomic factors outside the agency’s control (i.e., unobservable). We then test Wilson’s previously untested proposition that “production” and “craft” organizations (i.e., those with more observable outcomes) will be better managed by career leadership, whereas “coping” and “procedural” organizations (i.e., those with more unobservable outcomes) are better managed by appointed leadership. We account for contemporary realities of appointee politics, including the president’s strategic use of unilateral appointments in lower executive and upper management positions and the pervasiveness of appointee vacancies at the highest levels. Although scholars frequently rely on the Wilson typology in empirical and theoretical explorations of bureaucratic behavior, its dimensions have not been systematically measured at any level of government. We find, consistent with Wilson, that politicization diminishes performance in Craft and Production agencies. On the other hand, vacancies in presidential appointee positions are associated with lower performance only in those agencies that do not map to ideal types in Wilson's schema. In other words, the relative observability of an agency’s goal agenda moderates the effectiveness of its appointed leadership—a contingency that has been insufficiently accommodated in previous work.
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive lymphoma that accounts for approximately 18% of natural killer/T-cell lymphomas.1 AITL typically affects older men and manifests at nodal and extranodal sites with B symptoms, lymphadenopathy, hematologic abnormalities, and, in up to 50% of cases, cutaneous manifestations.1, 2, 3 We report a case of AITL with a severe skin eruption developing during checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Delayed Fluorescence from Carbon Nanotubes through Singlet Oxygen-Sensitized Triplet Excitons

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in liquid suspension have been observed to emit delayed, microsecond-scale fluorescence arising from upconverted triplet excitons that are directly created through energy transfer from singlet oxygen molecules (1O2). The singlet oxygen is produced through quenching of an optically excited organic sensitizer. The mechanism of this delayed fluorescence has been deduced from measurements of time-resolved emission kinetics, delayed emission spectra, and polarization-resolved excitation-emission spectra. The observed strong dependence of 1O2 sensitization efficiency on SWCNT structure suggests that (7,6) triplet excitons have an energy near 970 meV. The yields for E11T → E11S upconversion are found to be in the range of several percent. These yields increase with increasing temperature and decrease with increasing excitation intensities, reflecting thermal activation and triplet-triplet exciton annihilation processes.
Crowding-out lower-level authorities: Interactions and transformations of higher and lower-level authorities in Kenya's polycentric fisheries

Abstract Polycentric governance has gained prominence in the environmental sector because of the potential for multiple, overlapping decision centers to address complex, multiscale socio-ecological challenges. These decision centers may interact with each other through cooperation, conflict and conflict-resolution, competition, co-existence, and may result in transformations such as consolidation/fusion, and replacement. However, not all of the interactions among decision centers and transformations have been investigated. This study examines the interactions and transformations of higher and lower-level authorities in Lake Victoria’s polycentric fisheries in Kenya using the Government Impacts Framework through qualitative research methods. We find that confusion over framing of fisheries and fishing drives functional and geographic overlaps between higher and lower levels. Higher-levels drive overlaps to replace lower-level functions. Lower-levels drive overlaps to resist the higher-level’s intrusion in their jurisdiction, leading to conflicts. Lower-levels also resist attempts at conflict-resolution. Resource scarcities and a complex bureaucracy prevent information-sharing between higher and lower-level authorities. Finally, cooperative overlaps between higher-level authorities increase oversight over lower-level authorities. In combination, these interactions and transformations, driven by overlaps, crowd-out lower-level authorities from fisheries management to concentrate policy development and implementation with higher-level authorities, even as illegal and overfishing continue. We conclude by identifying questions on drivers and functions of overlaps for future research on polycentric systems.
Variability in the Duration of Designated Pediatric Orthopaedic Rotations Among US Residency Programs.

Objective Our goal was to assess the variability in the assigned duration of pediatric orthopaedic rotation among US allopathic orthopaedic residency programs to see how pediatrics is incorporated into surgical education. Methods Using publicly available information for US allopathic orthopaedic residency programs in 2019, we retrospectively collected data on the assigned duration of pediatric orthopaedic rotation and variables such as number and sex of residents, number of orthopaedic faculty, university- versus community-based programs, outsourcing residents to unaffiliated hospital for pediatric exposure, specialty of program leadership, and presence of pediatric orthopaedic fellowship in the home program. Results One hundred thirty-eight of the 146 (95%) eligible allopathic orthopaedic residency programs provided sufficient information. The average time assigned to a pediatric rotation during residency was 6 months (range: 2 to 11 months). Overall, 43/146 (29%) programs outsourced their pediatric training to another institution. A correlation was noted between the length of pediatric rotation and percentage of pediatric orthopaedic faculty (P = 0.0007, r = 0.3). Conclusions The impact of the variability in the duration of duration of pediatric orthopaedic rotation on the clinical knowledge and skills acquired by the resident during training needs further study.
Baseline characteristics and outcomes of end-stage renal disease patients after in-hospital sudden cardiac arrest: a national perspective.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a well-recognized risk factor for the development of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). There is limited data on baseline characteristics and outcomes after an in-hospital SCA event in ESRD patients. For the purpose of this study, data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample from January 2007 to December 2017. In-hospital SCA was identified using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification and International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes of 99.60, 99.63, and 5A12012. ESRD patients were subsequently identified using codes of 585.6 and N18.6. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared among ESRD and non-ESRD patients in crude and propensity score (PS)–matched cohorts. Predictors of mortality in ESRD patients after an in-hospital SCA event were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. A total of 1,412,985 patients sustained in-hospital SCA during our study period. ESRD patients with in-hospital SCA were younger and had a higher burden of key co-morbidities. Mortality was similar in ESRD and non-ESRD patients in PS-matched cohort (70.4% vs. 70.7%, p = 0.45) with an overall downward trend over our study years. Advanced age, Black race, and key co-morbidities independently predicted increased mortality while prior implantable defibrillator was associated with decreased mortality in ESRD patients after an in-hospital SCA event. In the context of in-hospital SCA, mortality is similar in ESRD and non-ESRD patients in adjusted analysis. Adequate risk factor modification could further mitigate the risk of in-hospital SCA among ESRD patients.
Parenting as Beta Testing: Perceived Changes in Parenting from Firstborns to Secondborns:

Research suggests that parents often change parenting strategies between children, but few studies have examined parents’ perceptions of those changes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to c...
Utilization Trends and Outcomes of Computer-Assisted Navigation in Spine Fusion in the United States

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Computer-assisted navigation (CAN) has emerged in spine surgery as an approach to improve patient outcomes. While there is substantial evidence demonstrating improved pedicle screw accuracy in CAN as compared to conventional spinal fusion (CONV), there is limited data regarding clinical outcomes and utilization trends in the United States. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization rates of CAN in the United States, identify patient and hospital trends associated with both techniques, and to compare their results. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of national database. PATIENT SAMPLE Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), United States national database. OUTCOME MEASURES CAN utilization, mortality, medical complications, neurologic complications, discharge destination, length of hospital stay, cost of hospital stay. METHODS The NIS database was queried to identify patients undergoing spinal fusion with CAN or CONV. CAN and CONV utilization were tracked by year and anatomic location (cervical, thoracic, lumbar/lumbosacral). Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, index length of stay (LOS), and cost of stay (COS) were compared between the cohorts. After multivariate adjustment, index hospitalization clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS A total of 4,275,413 patients underwent spinal fusion surgery during the study period (2004 to 2014). CONV was performed in 98.4% (4,208,068) of cases and CAN was performed in 1.6% (67,345) of cases. The utilization rate of CAN increased from 0.04% in 2004 to 3.3% in 2014. Overall, CAN was performed most commonly in the lumbar/lumbosacral region (70.4%) compared to the cervical (20.4%) or thoracic (9.2%) regions. When normalized to region-specific rates of fusion with any technique, the proportional utilization of CAN was highest in the thoracic spine (2.7%), followed by the lumbar/lumbosacral (2.2%) and cervical (0.9%) regions. CAN utilization was positively correlated with patient factors including increasing age and number of medical comorbidities. Multivariate adjusted clinical outcomes demonstrated that compared to CONV, CAN was associated with a statistically significant decreased risk of mortality (0.28% vs 0.31%, OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.46-0.97, p=.035) and increased risk of blood transfusions (9.1% vs 6.7%, OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.02-1.39, p=.032). However, there was no difference in risk of neurologic complications. CAN patients had an increased average LOS (4.44 days vs. 3.97 days, p CONCLUSIONS CAN utilization increased in the United States from 2004-2014. Use of CAN was proportionately higher in the thoracic and lumbar/lumbosacral regions and in older patients with more comorbidities. Given the continued trend towards increased CAN utilization, large-scale studies are needed to determine the impact of this technology on long-term clinical outcomes.
HCV communication within ego-centric networks of men and women who inject drugs.

Abstract Introduction Leveraging interpersonal communication among social networks of people who inject drugs (PWID) may be an innovative strategy to increase awareness and access to hepatitis C (HCV) care. However, little is known about HCV communication patterns among PWID and if these patterns vary by gender. Methods Egocentric network data collected at baseline from HCV-infected PWID enrolled in a randomized HCV treatment intervention trial in Baltimore, Maryland were analyzed. Logistic generalized estimating models were conducted to identify predictors of HCV communication. Results Among 227 PWID, the mean age was 43.8 (SD=10.3), 28.2% (n = 64) were women and 71.8% (n = 163) were men. Female participants reported 516 dyadic relationships and male participants 1139 dyadic relationships. While there were significant gender differences based on socio-demographics, risk behavior and network composition, there were few differences in HCV communication patterns. Both men and women had increased odds of HCV communication with alters who are currently enrolled in drug treatment (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.4), alters with whom participants share drug preparation equipment (AOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.9–4.6), alters who are sex partners compared to kin (AOR 3.0; 95% CI: 1.9–4.9) and alters with whom respondents have increased trust (AOR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.11.2) and daily/weekly interactions (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.3–2.1). Conclusion PWID engaged with trusted alters about HCV disclosure and information, highlighting the important role network interventions could play in this vulnerable population.
TH-AB-BRA-11: Fear Not the Y-90 Surgical Staff Dose

Purpose: Patients with hepatic malignancies treated with ⁹⁰Y-microsphere brachytherapy are often precluded from liver transplantation for 4-weeks (∼10 half-lives) following therapy. This delay protects surgical staff from potential radiation dose but negatively impacts patients who could benefit from early transplantation post-therapy. We investigated the potential radiation dose to surgical staff performing early liver transplantation. Methods: Measured data from 30 treated patients were used to determine an average liver ⁹⁰Y-radioactivity concentration (Cavg= 60 µCi/cm3) and average maximum patient surface exposure rate (Ravg_max = 5.9 mR/h). Beta and bremsstrahlung dose rates at the liver surface were calculated from Cavg and Ravg_max respectively. These surface dose rates were compared with Monte Carlo (Geant4) simulated dose rates for a voxelized 1600 cm3 liver (C liver = Cavg) containing a 5 cm diameter tumor (C tumor = 3Cavg). The radiation dose to the hands of a transplant surgeon (Dhand) handling a radioactive liver for 2-hours was estimated using the calculated and Monte Carlo derived liver surface dose rates. Dhand was determined at different time-points post ⁹⁰Y-therapy. Results: Transplantation performed at 1-day and at 1-week post ⁹⁰Y-therapy resulted in Dhand<100 mSv and Dhand<20 mSv, respectively. At 1-week post-therapy, Dhand was less than 5% of the annual occupational dose limit to the hand (500 mSv). Calculated Dhand and Monte Carlo derived Dhand agreed within 20%. At the liver surface, bremsstrahlung dose rates were less than 1% of beta dose rates. Location of the liver tumor did not have a significant effect on Dhand. Conclusion: Potential radiation dose to surgical staff is low (<5% of annual limit) when performing liver transplantation in patients as early as 1-week after ⁹⁰Y microsphere brachytherapy. Future work aims to improve dosimetry by incorporating patient specific imaging data of the ⁹⁰Y radioactivity distribution and by measuring dose to surgical staff via ring and body dosimeters.
Expression of the transcription factor ΔFosB in the brain controls sensitivity to cocaine

Acute exposure to cocaine transiently induces several Fos family transcription factors in the nucleus accumbens, a region of the brain that is important for addiction. In contrast, chronic exposure to cocaine does not induce these proteins, but instead causes the persistent expression of highly stable isoforms of deltaFosB. deltaFosB is also induced in the nucleus accumbens by repeated exposure to other drugs of abuse, including amphetamine, morphine, nicotine and phencyclidine. The sustained accumulation of deltaFosB in the nucleus accumbens indicates that this transcription factor may mediate some of the persistent neural and behavioural plasticity that accompanies chronic drug exposure. Using transgenic mice in which deltaFosB can be induced in adults in the subset of nucleus accumbens neurons in which cocaine induces the protein, we show that deltaFosB expression increases the responsiveness of an animal to the rewarding and locomotor-activating effects of cocaine. These effects of deltaFosB appear to be mediated partly by induction of the AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole) glutamate receptor subunit GluR2 in the nucleus accumbens. These results support a model in which deltaFosB, by altering gene expression, enhances sensitivity to cocaine and may thereby contribute to cocaine addiction.
Traumatic Combat Exposure and Parenting among National Guard Fathers: An Application of the Ecological Model

This study investigates how traumatic combat exposure affects fathers’ perceptions of parenting difficulties following military deployment with data from 206 Indiana National Guard members. Based on Belsky’s ecological model, findings from structural equation modeling indicate that combat exposure is indirectly associated with parental difficulties through major depression, but not Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Further, unit support experienced while deployed is associated with lower perceptions of parenting difficulties among fathers during reintegration. Detecting and treating depression upon redeployment and encouraging support within the unit during deployment and after may enhance well-being among National Guard families.
WISE measurement of the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect

The integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect measures the decay of the gravitational potential due to cosmic acceleration and is thus a direct probe of dark energy. In some of the earlier studies, the amplitude of the ISW effect was found to be in tension with the predictions of the standard Lambda cold dark matter ($\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$) model. We measure the cross power of galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN) from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer mission with cosmic microwave background temperature data from WMAP9 in order to provide an independent measurement of the ISW amplitude. Cross-correlations with the recently released Planck lensing potential maps are used to calibrate the bias and contamination fraction of the sources, thus avoiding systematic effects that could be present when using autospectra to measure bias. We find an amplitude of the cross power of $\mathcal{A}=1.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.47$ from the galaxies and $\mathcal{A}=0.88\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.74$ from the AGN, fully consistent with the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ prediction of $\mathcal{A}=1$. The ISW measurement signal-to-noise ratio is 2.7 and 1.2 respectively. Comparing the amplitudes of the Galaxy and AGN cross-correlations, which arise from different redshifts, we find no evidence for redshift evolution in dark energy properties, consistent with a cosmological constant.
Economic Inequality, the German Left, and the Politics of Economic Redistribution

This paper explores the relationship between increases in unemployment and levels of economic inequality in Germany since the 1990s and support for the far Left, in particular Die Linke, or “The Left Party.” Though the aftermath of German reunification in 1990 marked the definitive end of the “Economic Miracle” for the country as a whole, the effects of the climate of economic austerity have been particularly severe for certain groups. In this paper, we investigate the extent to which these groups within the German electorate support Die Linke and its interventionist and economically redistributive policies. Using data drawn from the 2006 and 2008 German General Social Surveys (ALLBUS), we investigate the relationship among voters’ social characteristics, attitudes, and favored policy positions, on the one hand, and support for Die Linke, on the other. We find that support for Die Linke does not appear to be based solely on ideological extremism or economic pessimism, but also on beliefs about economic inequalities and the government’s efforts to redress them. This evidence contradicts elements of conventional accounts that supporters for the far Left are simply “the losers” from economic modernization and suggests fruitful avenues for research on the relationship between economic decline and support for the Far Left across the advanced industrial world.
Orbital Radial Velocity Curves of Symbiotic Stars

For the past 6 years we have been measuring the radial velocity of the M-giant component of Symbiotics Stars with high dispersion echelle spectrographs. Because these velocities are based on the absorption line spectrum of the M-star, very reliable orbital radial velocity curves can be constructed. The orbital solutions derived from these velocity curves allow the approximate size of the binary to be determined, and also provide insight into the origin of the photometric variations seen in these stars. For most of the stars, the photometric variations are due to eclipse or reflection effects (two notable exceptions are Z And and RW Hya). Stars which may be near to filling their Roche lobes are TX CVn, Z And, EG And, UV Aur, and CI Cyg. Stars which do not appear to fill their Roche lobes are AG Dra, RW Hya, and AG Peg.
Clinal colour variation within a panmictic population of tree squirrels, Tamiasciurus douglasii (Rodentia: Sciuridae), across an ecological gradient

Local adaptation occurs when a population in a heterogeneous environment experiences divergent ecological selection but only if selection is stronger than the homogenizing effects of gene flow. The forest environments of Oregon vary along a physical and biotic gradient from a wet, closed-canopy forest near the coast to a drier open-canopy forest eastward across the Cascade Mountains. The present study explores patterns of local adaptation in Douglas squirrels (Tamiasciurus douglasii) in relation to these transitions in forest structure and ecology. We test for the presence of morphological clines in relation to gene flow and, more specifically, whether any such character clines correspond with environmental clines. We sampled animals at six locations (10 specimens each) and evaluated environmental parameters across a 240-km west-to-east transect. Population structure analysis of 18 microsatellite loci indicates a single, panmictic squirrel population across the entire transect. Coalescent-based estimates show bidirectional gene flow at similar west–east intensities between squirrels in coastal and interior forests. Of the four skull traits examined, none shows a significant clinal transition. By contrast, ventral fur colour shows a strong clinal transition, from deep-orange in coastal forest to whitish–yellow in the interior forest. This pattern of phenotypic divergence coincides with the gradient in tree-canopy cover. Ventral fur colour of T. douglasii exemplifies a gradation of continuous phenotypic variation maintained despite ongoing gene flow in a panmictic population. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 113, 536–546.
Sprinkler Irrigation Pressure and Spacing Effect for Cold Protection of Strawberries

AbstractIrrigation for cold protection in strawberries has been used for many years to protect plants from cold damage; however, large volumes of high-quality water are needed for this purpose. Bas...
Intraoperative electrical stimulation of cavernosal nerves with monitoring of intracorporeal pressure in patients undergoing nerve sparing radical prostatectomy

Objective To explore the utility of intraoperative cavernosal nerve stimulation in facilitating atraumatic nerve dissection during radical prostatectomy, and thus help predict postoperative erectile function. Patients and methods Fourteen patients (aged 51–72 years) underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (NSRRP); 10 were potent before surgery (group 1), and four had erectile dysfunction (group 2). A multi-acquisition system (MacLab/8e) with a Macintosh computer was used for real-time display and recording of intracavernosal pressure (ICP) during surgery. Nerves were stimulated with a bipolar probe (monophasic rectangular pulses, 10 mA, 20 Hz, 0.22 s) before and after removal of the gland. The follow-up consisted of interviews with patients and their partners’ 12–18 months after treatment. Results The mean (sem) basal ICP of 8.0 (2.0) cmH2O remained unchanged during nerve dissection. The mean increase in ICP during electrical stimulation was >50 cmH2O in seven potent patients (group 1) and was sustained as long as the nerve was stimulated. Postoperatively, these seven patients reported erections sufficient for sexual intercourse. However, the three remaining patients in group 1 had pressure rises of <30 cmH2O, of whom two reported partial erections and one reported total impotence postoperatively. The recovery time for erectile function was 6–12 months after surgery. Two patients from group 2 had transient increases in ICP to <40 cmH2O; one had an increase to 20 cmH2O and one had no response at all. All four patients remained totally impotent postoperatively. There were no complications. Conclusions Intraoperative electrical stimulation of the cavernosal nerves with ICP monitoring before and after NSRRP is a safe and reliable method for documenting nerve continuity and its functional status. Patients who have normal preoperative erectile function and show an adequate rise in ICP upon electrical nerve stimulation during NSRRP will almost certainly be potent after surgery. This tool may be used to facilitate atraumatic nerve dissection during NSRRP.
Coronary collateral circulation in the pig correlation of collateral flow with coronary bed size

Coronary bed sizes were measured in pigs. The left anterior descending bed occupies about 31% of the heart, the right coronary bed about 38% of the heart and the left circumflex bed about 31% of the heart is (including atria). The right coronary artery supplies about 81% of the right ventricle and 23% of the left ventricle with its blood supply. The remaining portion of the right ventricle is supplied by the LAD.
Steroids and Serum Complement in Mice: Influence of Hydrocortisone, Diethylstilbestrol, and Testosterone

Hydrocortisone depresses hemnolytic complement in male and female mice. Testosterone causes increase of serum complement in female mice, and diethylstilbestrol causes decrease of serum complement in male mice, in each instance to activities approximating those found normally in the opposite sex. Male and female sex hormones have no effect, in the doses used, on the serum complement of male and female mice respectively.
Human Blood Components I. Preparation and Characteristics of Leukocyte Concentrates from Single Units of Human Blood

The distribution of white blood cells in the packed cells remaining after removal of platelet-rich plasma has been examined. The top 50 ml, which includes the huffy coat, was expressed in 5 aliquots of 10 ml and analyzed. With ACD, the top SO ml contained 52 per cent of the total sedimented WBC but only 33 per cent of the available polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). With CPD, the top 50 ml contained 65 per cent of the total sedimented WBC and 52 per cent of the available PMN. The PMN were relatively evenly distributed throughout the five aliquots, while the non-PMN leukocytes were concentrated in the first three aliquots. The hematocrit of the top layer of packed cells was consistently lower for units collected in ACD than for units collected in CPD anticoagulant. Standard curves for the volume dependence of the differential and hematocrit were generated from these data. The characteristics of leukocyte concentrates routinely prepared as part of component production from the top 35 ml of the packed cells have been analyzed. Leukocyte concentrates prepared with ACD had, on the average, lower hematocrit, a lower percentage of PMN and fewer total white blood cells than leukocyte concentrates prepared from CPD-anticoagu-lant. Using CPD-anticoagulant instead of ACD-anti-coagulant during source blood collection resulted in an increase of the mean PMN differential count of the leukocyte concentrates from 29.8 to 45.7 per cent and of the mean total number of PMN in the concentrates from 0.46 × 109 to 0.74 × 109. The application of these data to component preparation and use is discussed.
Analysis of bacterial genome organization and replication using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

The techniques described in this chapter provide a framework with which to begin an analysis of important features of bacterial genome organization and gene function. In this report we describe the preparation of chromosomal DNA, conditions for digestion with restriction endonucleases, and electrophoretic methods that result in the optimal resolution of large DNA restriction fragments. The sizes of the separated fragments can be summed to accurately determine genome size. The fragments can also be probed in hybridization experiments to produce low-resolution genomic restriction maps, and the precise locations of insertion or deletion mutations can be rapidly identified. In addition, PFGE technology can be applied to analyses of in vivo chromosome replication. We describe how replication forks can be synchronized and how to radiolabel the newly replicated DNA. The sequential incorporation of labeled nucleotides into DNA fragments separated on pulsed-field gels allows the identification of the chromosomal origin of replication, the rate and direction of replication fork movement, and the localization of the replication terminus in a single experiment.
Drosophila Homeodomain Protein dHb9 Directs Neuronal Fate via Crossrepressive and Cell-Nonautonomous Mechanisms

Here we present the identification and characterization of dHb9, the Drosophila homolog of vertebrate Hb9, which encodes a factor central to motorneuron (MN) development. We show that dHb9 regulates neuronal fate by restricting expression of Lim3 and Even-skipped (Eve), two homeodomain (HD) proteins required for development of distinct neuronal classes. Also, dHb9 and Lim3 are activated independently of each other in a virtually identical population of ventrally and laterally projecting MNs. Surprisingly, dHb9 represses Lim3 cell nonautonomously in a subset of dorsally projecting MNs, revealing a novel role for intercellular signaling in the establishment of neuronal fate in Drosophila. Lastly, we provide evidence that dHb9 and Eve regulate each other's expression through Groucho-dependent crossrepression. This mutually antagonistic relationship bears similarity to the crossrepressive relationships between pairs of HD proteins that pattern the vertebrate neural tube.
Mössbauer Spectrum of Iron-57 in Iron Metal at Very High Pressures

The effect of pressure on the Mossbauer spectrum of Fe 57 in iron metal has been studied as the pressure was increased presumably to more than 140 kbar. At pressures up to 120 kbar, a six-line spectrum characteristic of α-iron was observed. At 140 kbar, a seventh line appeared in the spectrum at -0.12 ± 0.06 mm/sec relative to stainless steel. This line was attributed to the appearance of the high-pressure phase of iron.
The Effects of Line Length on Reading Performance of Online News Articles

Previous research has shown that typographical factors of online text may influence its readability. This study examines the effects of line length on reading speed, comprehension, and user satisfaction of online news articles. Twenty college-age students read news articles displayed in 35, 55, 75, or 95 characters per line (cpl) from a computer monitor. Comprehension was assessed using six question types — title, main idea, main factual, structure, incidental, and recognition (Dyson & Haselgrove, 2001). Results showed that passages formatted with 95 cpl resulted in faster reading speed. Structure questions were found to be more challenging overall when compared to factual and other lower-level questions. Overall satisfaction was not affected by line length; however, users indicated a strong preference for the extreme line lengths.
Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy.

Abstract Amyloidosis has received considerable attention recently because of its association with Alzheimer's disease. Actually, the amyloid in the cortical plaques, which is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, is a localized form of amyloid deposition. Although intracranial vascular amyloid deposits which contain the A 4 or β-protein are usually associated with Alzheimer's disease, deposition of this amyloid fibril substance in other organs of the body has not been described 1 . Much less attention has been paid to amyloid involvement of the PNS which is a fascinating subject in itself and is the subject of this review.
Lack of enhanced cytotoxicity of cultured L1210 cells using folinic acid in combination with sequential methotrexate and fluorouracil

Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that treatment of cultured cells with sequential methotrexate (MTX) and fluorouracil (FUra) leads to synergistic cell killing in several murine and human neoplasms in vitro. In this study leucovorin (folinic acid, LCV) was added to the MTX/FUra combination with the intention of generating elevated levels of methylenetetrahydrofolate to promote the formation of a stable fluorodeoxyuridylate-thymidylate synthetase ternary complex, thereby augmenting the cytotoxicity of the MTX-FUra sequence. The addition of 10 or 100 μM LCV concurrently with or after 10 μM FUra following MTX (1 μM) pretreatment did not augment the inhibition of L1210 cell growth or the clonigenicity compared with MTX prior to FUra without LCV. The effects of LCV schedulling on the sequential MTX and FUra-induced inhibition of thymidylate synthesis were measured by examining the rate of [6-3H] dUrd incorporation into the acid-precipitable cell fraction and by direct quantitation of the thymidylate synthetase ternary complex. Combination of 100 μM LCV with 10 μM FUra after 1 μM MTX resulted in significantly more ternary complex formation than did 1 μM MTX before 10 μM FUra alone. The inhibitory effects of FUra on thymidylate synthetase in the presence of MTX, however, could not be augmented by LCV as determined by [6-3H] incorporation into acid-precipitable material, nor did the addition of LCV result in increased cytotoxicity. Factors other than the inhibition of DNA synthesis may be critical to the cytotoxicity of sequential MTX and FUra in L1210 cells.
Excitatory amino acid antagonists depress acoustic startle after infusion into the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus or paralemniscal zone.

Abstract Rats were implanted with bilateral cannulas in an area just medial to the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, an obligatory relay along the acoustic startle pathway. Bilateral infusions of excitatory amino acid transmitter antagonists into this region (10, 25 or 50 nmol per side) produced a rapid, dose-dependent depression of acoustic startle. λ- d -Glutamylglycine, λ- d -glutamylaminomethyl sulfonate and 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate were equally effective in depressing the startle response over this dose range. These results indicate that excitatory amino acid transmitters play an important role in the expression of acoustic startle at this part of the startle pathway.
Retrieval analysis of total knee prostheses: A method and its application to 48 total condylar prostheses

A technique for the classification and quantification of damage in retrieved total knee prostheses is presented and applied to the examination of 48 removed total condylar-type knee replacements. The technique involves inspection of all metallic and polyethylene components for evidence of gross deformation, fracture, and damage to articulating surfaces. A grading system was developed to quantitate surface damage on polyethylene components. Results of the examinations are combined with patient variables (weight, activity level, radiographic findings, time of implantation, and results of histology performed on surrounding tissue) to determine correlations between clinical variables and the mechanical damage experienced by the prostheses. For the 48 total condylar-type prostheses, significant positive correlations were found for the surface damage correlated with the patient's weight and the time the prosthesis was implanted.
Interaction of Silanol Species on Silica Surface with Hydrogen Bonding Agents Studied by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

The interaction of amorphous silica particles with several hydrogen bonding agents (H2O, C2H5OH, C7H8NO) was investigated by monitoring the changes in the bulk and surface IR vibrational modes of silica using photoacoustic spectroscopy. It is argued that the intensity of the silanol band at 3747 cm−1 provides (an inverse) quantitative measure of the interaction of surface groups, along with the shift in the broad hydroxyl band, the interaction following the order C7H8NO > C2H5OH > H2O.
The impact of climate change on rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves in Alabama

Changes in the hydrologic cycle due to increase in greenhouse gases are projected to cause variations in intensity, duration, and frequency of precipitation events. Quantifying the potential effects of climate change and adapting to them is one way to reduce vulnerability. Since rainfall characteristics are often used to design water management infrastructures, reviewing and updating rainfall characteristics (i.e., Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves) for future climate scenarios is necessary. This study was undertaken to assess expected changes in IDF curves from the current climate to the projected future climate. To provide future IDF curves, 3-hourly precipitation data simulated by six combinations of global and regional climate models were temporally downscaled using a stochastic method. Performance of the downscaling method was evaluated, and IDF curves were developed for the state of Alabama. The results of all six climate models suggest that the future precipitation patterns for Alabama are expected to veer toward less intense rainfalls for short duration events. However, for long duration events (i.e., >4 h), the results are not consistent across the models. Given a large uncertainty existed on projected rainfall intensity of these six climate models, developing an ensemble model as a result of incorporating all six climate models, performing an uncertainty analysis, and creating a probability based IDF curves could be proper solutions to diminish this uncertainty.
Starch Xanthide in Pilot Paper Machine Trials

Starch xanthate, an inexpensive water-soluble derivative of starch, was oxidatively converted to the insoluble xanthide and evaluated on a pilot paper machine as a wet- and dry-strength additive for unbleached kraft paper. Pilot data are compared with data reported previously that were obtained in laboratory evaluations. Differences observed in xanthide effectiveness on scale-up from laboratory to pilot evaluations are described, and the variables responsible identified.
Vehicle Routing Problem for Emissions Minimization

Environmental, social, and political pressures to limit the effects associated with greenhouse gas emissions are mounting. Little research has been done on reducing emissions as the primary objective of a routing problem despite the growth in use and impact of commercial vehicles. In the capacitated vehicle routing problem (VRP) with time windows, it is traditionally assumed that carriers minimize the number of vehicles as a primary objective and distance traveled as a secondary objective without violating time windows, route durations, or capacity constraints. New research focuses on a different problem: the minimization of emissions and fuel consumption as the primary or secondary objective. This creates the emissions VRP (EVRP). A formulation and solution approaches for the EVRP are presented. Decision variables and properties are stated and discussed. Results obtained with a proposed EVRP solution approach for different levels of congestion are compared and analyzed.
The universal nature of the third power stress dependence for steady-state creep

Expressions are presented representing the steady-state creep rate at high temperatures as mentioned in this paper. The approach of Brown and Ashby is modified to give an alternative general creep equation for all material classes: b.c.c. metals and alloys; f.c.c. and h.c.p. metals and alloys; and oxides and alkali halides. It is also shown that this new approach leads naturally to a third power stress dependence which, it is suggested, is the universal creep law and it is demonstrated that the approach is compatible also with the microstructural requirement introduced by Walsner and Sherby. Earlier approaches are cited and their further development into the Brown and Ashby approach.
Cloning humans? Current science, current views, and a perspective from Christianity

Therapeutic cloning is urgent and should be vigorously supported. To successfully argue for this position, the distinction between a human embryo and a human nuclear transplant may be helpful. Even if current technical difficulties should be solved, global legislation should prohibit cloning for the purpose of fabricating babies. This position originates from a view on human nature in general and from a Christian perspective in particular.