cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environs: The Superniches of Ecosystems

Evolution proceeds by natural selection of heritable variations of individual organisms based on direct influences of environment. However, indirect effects probably vastly outweigh direct ones in ecosystems. Therefore, why is evolution based on direct effects only? The ecological niche represents the point of direct contact between organisms and their environments. To encompass indirect influences, niches are extended to new structures, environs, which are units of organism-environment coevolution. The motive force for coevolution is closure of outputs back upon inputs of the organism members of ecosystems. Closure is achieved by biogeochemical cycling and feedback interactions, direct and indirect, between organisms. To the extent that closure does not occur, there is no imperative for organism-environment coevolution. Coevolution at the system level based on indirect effects is compatible with normal evolution at the individual organism level based on direct effects. The organism is the unit of the latter, but environs are the unit of coevolution.
Orbit Determination and Sea Level Rise: How Astrodynamics Informs Us About the Climate

Advancements in satellite tracking systems, Earth-gravity field models, and the definition of the terrestrial reference frame have led to significant improvements in the orbit determination for low Earth orbit satellites over the last few decades. These improvements have allowed climate-driven variations in the hydrosphere to be detected for the first time. The monitoring of global mean sea level variations was not originally a goal of satellite altimeter missions such as TOPEX/Poseidon, but now they are measured with an accuracy of ∼4 mm every 10 days because of improvements in the orbit determination (radial component ∼1 cm) and other advances. Similarly, satellite gravity missions such as GRACE have allowed time-variable gravity to become a major scientific objective, with monthly estimates of changes in global ocean mass with an accuracy of 2 mm. Taking advantage of these measurements for climate change studies will require multidecadal time-series using multiple satellite missions that may be tracked by different techniques and methods as technology evolves. For this reason, maintenance and improvement of the terrestrial reference frame is a critical component of an overall plan to monitor the Earth’s water reservoirs from space.
A novel recessive Nefl mutation causes a severe, early-onset axonal neuropathy.

Objective To report the first cases of a homozygous recessive mutation in NEFL, the gene that encodes the light subunit of neurofilaments. Methods Clinical and electrophysiologic data were evaluated, and a sural nerve biopsy from one affected child was examined by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The ability of the mutant protein to form filaments was characterized in an established cell culture system. Results Four of five siblings developed of a severe, progressive neuropathy beginning in early childhood. Serial nerve conduction studies showed progressively reduced amplitudes with age and pronounced slowing at all ages. Visual-evoked responses were slowed in three children, indicating that central nervous system axons were subclinically involved. All four affected children were homozygous for a nonsense mutation at glutamate 210 (E210X) in the NEFL gene; both parents were heterozygous carriers. A sural nerve biopsy from an affected patient showed markedly reduced numbers of myelinated axons; the remaining myelinated axons were small and lacked intermediate filaments. The E210X mutant protein did not form an intermediate filament network and did not interfere with the filament formation by wild-type human light subunit of neurofilaments in SW-13 vim− cells. Interpretation This is the first demonstration of a recessive NEFL mutation, which appears to cause a simple loss of function, resulting in a severe, early-onset axonal neuropathy with unique features. These results confirm that neurofilaments are the main determinant of axonal caliber and conduction velocity, and demonstrate for the first time that neurofilaments are required for the maintenance of myelinated peripheral nervous system axons. Ann Neurol 2009;66:759–770
A Paradigm for Quantitative Behavioral Finance

With increasing evidence challenging the efficient market hypothesis, there is a need for a unified methodology capable of quantifying the various, sometimes conflicting, effects suggested by behavioral finance. A paradigm for quantifying these effects is presented in this article. The authors review recent studies of large-scale New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) data modeling the daily price change and formulate an augmented version of the methodology in which the impact of and over- or underreaction to news announcements are considered. Variables that are more difficult to consider, such as the “affect heuristic,” are also considered within the context of this theory.
186 3′-AZIDO-3′-DEOXYTHYMIDINE (AZT) AND ACYCLOVIR (ACV): ANTIVIRAL NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGS WITH UNUSUAL CELL MEMBRANE PERMEATION PROPERTIES

AZT and ACV are nucleoside analogs which are clinically useful in the treatment of infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus and by herpes viruses, respectively. Since both agents must enter cells in order to exert their antiviral activity, the mechanism of their cell membrane permeation has been investigated. Unlike most nucleoside-like compounds, AZT was found to permeate human erythrocytes and lymphocytes chiefly by nonfacilitated diffusion and not via the nucleoside transport system (J. Biol. Chem. 262, 5748-5754 (1987)). In subsequent studies it was found that 2′, 3′-dideoxythymidine (ddThd) also entered human erythrocytes chiefly by nonfacilitated diffusion, thus indicating that the unusual cell membrane permeation behavior of AZT is due largely to elimination of the 3′-hydroxyl moiety of thymidine. However, the rate of nonfacilitated diffusion of AZT into these cells was 2- to 3-fold greater than that of ddThd, indicating that the increased lipophilicity conferred on AZT by its 3′-azido moiety enhances its penetration of cell membranes. Although often referred to as an “acyclic nucleoside,” ACV has been found to permeate the human erythrocyte membrane solely via the same purine nucleobase carrier which transports adenine, guanine and hypoxanthine and not via the nucleoside carrier. Elucidation of the unusual transport properties of these two antiviral drugs may contribute to our understanding of their human pharmacokinetics and disposition.
What makes a great software engineer

Good software engineers are essential to the creation of good software. However, most of what we know about software-engineering expertise are vague stereotypes, such as 'excellent communicators' and 'great teammates'. The lack of specificity in our understanding hinders researchers from reasoning about them, employers from identifying them, and young engineers from becoming them. Our understanding also lacks breadth: what are all the distinguishing attributes of great engineers (technical expertise and beyond)? We took a first step in addressing these gaps by interviewing 59 experienced engineers across 13 divisions at Microsoft, uncovering 53 attributes of great engineers. We explain the attributes and examine how the most salient of these impact projects and teams. We discuss implications of this knowledge on research and the hiring and training of engineers.
Analysis of outcomes of single polypropylene mesh in total pelvic floor reconstruction.

Aims A 2.5-year outcome analysis was performed on patients who underwent transvaginal repair of total pelvic organ prolapse with single polypropylene mesh. A description of the repair technique using a tension-free 4-point fixation is also reviewed. Methods After proper vaginal dissection, a specially fashioned “H” shaped polypropylene mesh is positioned and fixed at 4-points. With a single piece of mesh, the anterior arms provide mid-urethral and bladder neck support, the mid-portion of the mesh corrects anterior compartment defects, and the posterior arms aid in vaginal vault suspension. Initially, bone anchors were utilized for anterior fixation, but currently a tension-free method is used. A retrospective analysis using chart review was performed on 96 patients who underwent this procedure from January 2000 to June 2005. Additional information was gathered by a telephone survey using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, with Sigma Stat®. Results Seventy-six patients (79%) were available with a mean follow-up time of 30.7 ± 1.7 months and mean age of 69.3 ± 11.3. Among those with follow-up, 36 patients (47.4%) underwent concurrent hysterectomies. Recurrence of prolapse was reported by four patients (5.2%). Sixty-eight patients (89%) were completely dry or almost dry, defined as an occasional leak. For those with preoperative incontinence (n = 36), average pad use per day decreased significantly from 2.1 ± 0.4 to 0.8 ± 0.2 (P < 0.005) postoperatively. Twelve patients (15.7%) reported of de novo urgency. Six patients required reoperation including excision of vaginal mesh erosion (2), uretholysis for obstruction (1), removal of palpable vaginal suture (1), and recurrent SUI (2). Among the 21 patients who are sexually active, 19 denied any dyspareunia (90.4%). Patient satisfaction was high, as the mean value was 7.9 ± 0.3 on a scale of 1 (least satisfied) to 10 (most satisfied). Conclusions Transvaginal repair of complete pelvic prolapse using polypropylene mesh is a safe and efficacious option, with minimal recurrence of prolapse and SUI. While two patients had vaginal erosions, no urethral or bladder erosions occurred. Patient satisfaction was overall favorable. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Late HIV diagnosis: bad medicine and worse public health.

The author discusses a new study that models the impact of the CDC's new recommendation of opt-out HIV testing in all health care encounters in the US for persons 13-64 years old.
Maximizing the efficiency of decoding by selecting heterogeneous inputs from a population of electrosensory neurons responding to communication signals

Neural processing of sensory signals relies on spatially and temporally distributed patterns of activity across a population of neurons; understanding the structure of these patterns of activity is key to understanding neural codes and thus how information is extracted from the environment to guide specific behaviors. It has long been recognized that a population of neurons of the same type, in a given brain area and subserving a similar function, must be regarded as a synergistic whole [1]. Only in recent years has the heterogeneity of neural properties within such a population, and its critical importance to the function of the population, been fully appreciated [2,3]. In the electrosensory system of gymnotiform fish, neural heterogeneity in the primary sensory area of the hindbrain (i.e. the ELL) has been shown to enhance the accuracy of encoding of a specific kind of communication signal: big chirps. Big chirps are commonly produced by males during courtship interactions with females. As with any courtship signal, its quality could influence the female’s response, and thus, detailed information about the signal’s characteristics should be acquired by the nervous system. The pyramidal cells of the ELL respond to big chirp with a graded increase in firing rate, and their spiking patterns are very variable from cell to cell, much more than from one response of ac ell to another response of the same cell to the same stimulus. Even cells that belong to the same sub-class can differ significantly in their response patterns. In a
Electroconvulsive therapy-induced cardiac arrhythmias during anesthesia with methohexital, thiamylal, or thiopental sodium

Abstract Study Objective: To determine the frequency of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-induced arrhythmias under methohexital, thiamylal, or thiopental sodium anesthesia with and without atropine premeditation. Design: A randomized, double-blind study, placebo-controlled for atropine. Setting: The inpatient psychiatric unit at a university medical center Patients: Forty-nine patients scheduled for ECT. Interventions: Atropine 0.6 mg intravenously (IV) or an equal volume of normal saline IV was given before IV induction of anesthesia with methohexital 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg, thiamylal 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg, or thiopental sodium 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg. Measurements and Main Results: Single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were made for 1 minute before induction, during induction of anesthesia, and for 5 minutes after the ECT stimulus. Each ECG was evaluated for arrhythmias and evidence of ischemia in a blinded fashion. Blood pressure and ECG evidence of ischemia did not differ among the groups. Seizure duration was significantly (p vs. 24%) and premature atrial contractions (47% vs. 61 %) and increased the frequency of sinus tachycardia (88% vs. 75%). Conclusions: These data suggest that anesthesia for ECT therapy should be induced with methohexital to minimize the possibility of potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Atropine premedication may further decrease the frequency of premature atrial contractions and bradycardia, while increasing the frequency of tachycardia.
Effect of prolonged clonidine administration on growth hormone concentrations and rate of linear growth in children with constitutional growth delay.

Sixteen prepubertal children with constitutional growth delay (10 boys and six girls, mean age 7.2±2.1 years) were administered a daily dose of clonidine (0.15 mg/m 2 ) for a period of 1 year. Growth hormone levels, plasma somatomedin C, and linear growth rate were significantly increased at the end of the treatment. Six of the children maintained the higher growth rate even 6 months after treatment. These and other studies suggest that prolonged stimulation of the hypothalamus by clonidine may amellorate the impairment of growth hormone release seen in some children with constitutional growth delay. Because of the low cost and the convenience of the oral route, administration of clonidine could be a mode of treatment in some children with poor growth.
Is H2O Present on Io? The Detection of a New Strong Band Near 3590 cm-1 (2.79 μm)

A strong absorption band at 3590 +/- 20/cm (2.790 +/- 0.015 microns) has been discovered in the spectrum of Io using the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). The 2 nu(sub 1) + nu(sub 3) comination mode of solid SO2 falls at this position. Since SO2 is abundant on Io it must contribute to the new band. However, a band due to H2O was predicted near this frequency in Io's spectrum based on laboratory experiments of H2O:SO2 mixed Io ice analogs which were used to assign the two weak, variable features at 3370 and 3170/cm (2.97 and 3.15 microns) to trace amounts of H2O frozen in solid SO2 on Io. The new band probably originates from both SO2 and H2O. Unfortunately, the spectral resolution of the data is insufficient to settle the issue of whether there are two resolvable components.
Thalidomide metabolite inhibits tumor cell attachment to concanavalin A coated surfaces

Abstract The inhibitory effect of drug treatment on tumor cell attachment to plastic surfaces coated with concanavalin A correlates well with the in vivo teratogenicity of the drug. Using attachment as an assay, the effects of thalidomide and some of its metabolites have been examined for inhibitory activity. While thalidomide and its hydrolysis products did not alter attachment, metabolites of thalidomide produced by incubation of the drug with murine liver microsomes were inhibitory. Generation of inhibitory products required the presence of glucose-6-phosphate, NADP, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and magnesium chloride. The degree of inhibition was dependent on the duration of incubation at 37°C. These results suggest a model for the teratogenic action of thalidomide in which metabolites of the drug alter cell surface function leading to interference with normal morphogenic cell to cell interactions.
IMPORTANCE OF ADSORBENTS IN THE NUTRITION OF PARAMECIUM CAUDATUM.

SYNOPSIS. Paramecium caudatum was cultivated in a medium containing 17 amino acids, nucleic acid components, fatty acids, a supplementary carbon source, B-vitamins and stigmasterol. Growth was enhanced when particles such as corn starch, rice starch or activated charcoal were added to the denned portion of the medium along with an unidentified protein factor found in either yeast or peas. The addition of a synthetic magnesium silicate to the chemically known constituents eliminated the apparent requirement for the protein factor. Since the continuous maintenance of P. caudatum in a medium of known chemical composition is now possible, metabolic studies can be carried on with greater facility.
The Persistence of Polygyny as an Adaptive Response to Poverty and Oppression in Apartheid South Africa

In Africa many women choose polygynous over monogamous marriages even in the absence of pressure from relatives. Western explanations of polygyny assume special qualities of the polygynous husband usually identifying exceptional economic resources as the quality that makes women willing to share a man. This article reports on the results of a survey of polygynously married southern African women living in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria between 1983 and 1986. The sample consisted of 22 monogamous and 22 polygynous families all resident in the Johannesburg-Pretoria area. Overall respondents explanations reveal that many women agree that sharing the household with a co-wife is beneficial. Many polygynously married women cited companionship and socializing with other women as a benefit of polygyny. In addition greater autonomy for individual wives vis-a-vis the husband typically accompanies polygyny. Aside from the economic gain having assistance in rearing a child was by far the most common explanation given by these South African women for accepting or becoming a co-wife. Finally the shortage of men although cited infrequently was probably of great importance.
The structure and stability of coronal magnetic fields

The high degree of symmetry often assumed in studies of the structure and stability of coronal magnetic field configurations is restrictive and can yield misleading results. Fully three-dimensional numerical methods for constructing force-free equilibria and for examining their stability properties are developed which make no assumptions about symmetry. A test of the stability analysis has been performed by applying it to the Gold-Hoyle twisted flux tube, which is known to be kink-unstable if the helical field makes more than about one turn between the line-tying end-plates. The preliminary result is that the critical number of turns is about 1.1, in good agreement with the previous best estimate. However, it is found that the growth rate, which has not been discussed previously, is orders of magnitude smaller than expected, even when the flux tube is twisted far beyond the stability limit.
Double Dissociation of Semantic Categories in Alzheimer's Disease

Data that demonstrate distinct patterns of semantic impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are presented. Findings suggest that while groups of mild-moderate patients may not display category specific impairments, some individual patients do show selective impairment of either natural kinds or artifacts. We present a model of semantic organization in which category specific impairments arise from damage to distributed features underlying different types of categories. We incorporate the crucial notions of intercorrelations and distinguishing features, allowing us to demonstrate (1) how category specific impairments can result from widespread damage and (2) how selective deficits in AD reflect different points in the progression of impairment. The different patterns of impairment arise from an interaction between the nature of the semantic categories and the progression of damage.
Phononic Nanophotonics: Super-Lensing in Mid-IR

We demonstrate that a layered structure of SiO2/SiC/SiO2 can act as a super-lens at mid-IR wavelength λ ∫ 11 µm due to the negative e of SiC caused by the optical phonon resonance.
Role of ascorbate in protection by nitecapone against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract The antioxidant properties of nitecapone, a catechol derivative and an inhibitor of catechol- O -methyltransferase, were reported recently. In the present study, the influence of nitecapone on isolated rat heart ischemia-reperfusion injury was investigated to elucidate its cardioprotective role. Nitecapone, administered in the perfusion buffer from the beginning of the pre-ischemic phase, significantly improved recovery of cardiac mechanical function, suppressed enzyme leakage in the coronary effluent, and minimized loss of ascorbate, compared with the control group. In rats fed a diet containing 4% ascorbate, myocardial ascorbate content in ascorbate-fed rats after ischemia-reperfusion was higher than that in control rats fed a normal diet without ischemia. However, supplemented rats did not show any beneficial effects on cardiac mechanical recovery or enzyme leakage, suggesting that maintenance of tissue ascorbate level is not the cause, but the result of the protective effects; of nitecapone against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. The iron-chelating effect of nitecapone was also lested. It was confirmed, using electron spin resonance, that 50 μM nitecapone chelates the same concentration of iron released from the heart into the coronary effluent. Hence, the iron-chelating ability of nitecapone may be responsible, at least in part, for its cardioprotective effects in ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Pruning of memories by context-based prediction error

The capacity of long-term memory is thought to be virtually unlimited. However, our memory bank may need to be pruned regularly to ensure that the information most important for behavior can be stored and accessed efficiently. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain, we report the discovery of a context-based mechanism for determining which memories to prune. Specifically, when a previously experienced context is reencountered, the brain automatically generates predictions about which items should appear in that context. If an item fails to appear when strongly expected, its representation in memory is weakened, and it is more likely to be forgotten. We find robust support for this mechanism using multivariate pattern classification and pattern similarity analyses. The results are explained by a model in which context-based predictions activate item representations just enough for them to be weakened during a misprediction. These findings reveal an ongoing and adaptive process for pruning unreliable memories.
Outcomes Associated with E-mail Delivery of a General Nutrition Course

Abstract Students in an introductory nutrition class self-selected a classroom or e-mail delivery format. Except two classroom meetings and examinations, e-mail students studied all course work using only e-mail. Delivery method was clearly assessed because examinations were completed in class. Online students felt more prestudy self-motivation, responsibility for learning, and comfort using e-mail and computers. Midterm and final examination mean scores and nutrition project results were not significantly different between groups. The findings support continued development of online nutrition education. However, because online learners were self-selected, continued research must accompany the current focus on pedagogic issues in online nutrition education.
Accelerated dynamic MRI using sparse dictionary learning

We propose a novel sparse dictionary learning frame work to recover dynamic images from under-sampled measurements. Unlike the recent low rank schemes, the proposed scheme models the dynamic signal as a sparse linear combination of temporal basis functions chosen from a large dictionary. Both the basis functions and the sparse coefficients are estimated from the undersampled data. We show that this representation is much more compact compared to the low rank models. We also develop an efficient majorize-minimize algorithm to estimate the sparse model coefficients and the dictionary directly from the measured data. We compare the proposed scheme against low rank models and compressed sensing, and demonstrate improved reconstructions in the context of myocardial perfusion imaging in the presence of motion.
Effects of contact formulation and bulk processing on the switching performance of Si-doped Cu-compensated GaAs

The Bulk Optically Controlled Semiconductor Switch (BOSS) is based on GaAs doped with silicon and compensated with diffused copper. The BOSS device can be turned on with a laser pulse of one wavelength and turned off with a second laser pulse of a different wavelength. The resulting electrical pulse duration may be varied depending on the timing between the two, relatively short, laser pulses. Two factors that limit the lifetime of this photoconductive switch are the choice of contact gcometry/formulation, and the conductivity during the "on-state." Diffused copper forms several deep acceptor levels in GaAs:Si, and the two dominant levels are labeled CUA and CuB which are located 0.14 eV and 0.44 eV from the top of the valence band respectively. The BOSS switching concept relies on the CuB level, and therefore the CUA level is considered to be parasitic. The on-state conductivity of the switch can be enhanced by either maximizing the density of CUB acceptors through processing techniques, or by increasing the total donor/acceptor concentrations. The contact formulation must also be considered due to the high currents through these devices. The lifetimes of similar devices have been directly measured using an automated, high-current, pulse circuit. The following paper describes our recent progress related to the bulk processing of BOSS devices, contact geometry/formulations, and experimental lifetime studies.
Extension-enhanced conductivity of liquid crystalline polymer nano-composites

Our aim here is to predict elongational flow-induced enhancements in thermal or electrical conductivity of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) nano-composites. To do so, we combine two classical mathematical asymptotic analyses: slender longwave hydro-thermo-dynamics for fibers and exact analysis of pure elongation of LCPs in solvents for bulk phases without boundary effects; and homogenization theory for effective properties of low volume-fraction spheroidal inclusions. Two implications follow: elongational flow dominates fiber free surface and thermal effects on electrical and thermal conductivity enhancements; and, there appears to be no sacrifice in enhancements by producing much higher radius, bulk fibers.
An energy analysis of polylactic acid (PLA) produced from corn grain and corn stover integrated system

Polylactic acid (PLA) has been identified as one of the most promising biobased plastics for various applications. The nonrenewable energy use of 1 kg PLA produced in an integrated system where both corn grain and corn stover are harvested and used for lactic acid production has been assessed through life cycle assessment. The overall findings are that PLA produced from integrated system does not show advantages compared with current corn starch based system. Feedstock consumption of producing 1 kg PLA is about 1.62 kg corn grain and 0.81 kg corn stover. Nonrenewable energy use associated with PLA resin produced in the integrated system is about 58.9 MJ/kg. In order to facilitate future large scale biobased PLA production, and also reduce its dependence on corn grain which increase food costs, more efforts are needed to focus on choosing appropriate lignocellulosic raw materials and developing more efficient technologies.
A systematic review of placental pathology in maternal diabetes mellitus

Abstract Introduction During a pregnancy complicated by diabetes, the human placenta undergoes a number of functional and structural pathologic changes, such as increased placental weight and increased incidence of placental lesions including villous maturational defects and fibrinoid necrosis. The pathologic findings reported have differed among studies, potentially reflecting differences in type of diabetes, study methodology, or glycemic control of study participants. Alternatively, these discrepancies may represent different biologic adaptations to distinct metabolic diseases. Methods We conducted a comprehensive review of English language citations in Pubmed and Embase using the keywords “diabetes”, “placenta”, AND “pathology”. Abstracts were reviewed for relevance then full-text articles were reviewed in order to extract a comprehensive summary of current pathological findings associated with pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as an understanding of the impact of glycemic control on placental pathology. Results Placental abnormalities most consistently associated with maternal diabetes are an increased incidence of villous immaturity, increased measures of angiogenesis, and increased placental weight. Conclusions The literature suggests that, despite similarities in placental abnormalities, differences in placental pathology may reflect differences in pathophysiology among different types of diabetes. Consequently, standardization of terminology used to define placental lesions is warranted. Moreover, further research is needed to investigate the impact of pathophysiology, glycemic control and clinical factors, such as infant sex, weight and race, on placental structure and function.
The acquisition of coordination: Preliminary analysis of learning to write

Abstract The acquisition of coordination in handwriting was studied by comparing aspects of the limb dynamics in dominant and nondominant limbs, and having subjects learn to write their signature and produce repetitive cursive e's with their nondominant arm. Analysis of the motion of the limb links revealed that naturally right-handed subjects using their nondominant limb locked their distal limb joints and tended to write with the more proximal joints in contrast to the organization displayed by the dominant limb. Left-handed subjects did not demonstrate differences in phase-locking between the dominant and the nondominant limb. In contrast, they showed high correlations in the proximal linkages for both dominant and nondominant limbs. The findings revealed strong differences in limb organization between naturally dominantright- and left-handed subjects but these respective styles of coordination were transferred to nondominant limb writing. Overall, the findings provide some evidence towards Bernstein's (1967) intuitions regarding the mastery of biomechanical degrees of freedom, but suggest that coordination is strongly influenced by a variety of sources of constraint, including past experience. In addition, the results indicate that there may be directional trends to the acquisition of coordination similar to those observed in the development of fundamental movement patterns.
Examining antisocial behavior through the lens of the five factor model of personality

The current study attempts to provide greater precision in understanding how personality is related to antisocial behavior. Specifically, we examined the relations between the facets (subordinate traits) from three domains (superordinate dimensions): Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, of the Five Factor Model and five outcome variables: stability of conduct problems, variety of conduct problems, onset of conduct problems, aggression, and antisocial personality disorder symptoms. These relations were examined in a community sample of 481 individuals. These three personality dimensions were chosen for exploration due to their consistent relations, at the domain level, with antisocial behaviors. The results from this study suggest that the facets from the dimension of Agreeableness are the most consistently related to all five outcomes. However, the facets from all three domains made significant contributions. Overall, three personality traits stood out as being the strongest and most consistent predictors: low straightforwardness, low compliance, and low deliberation. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
Markov Chain Monte Carlo Convergence Diagnostics: A Comparative Review

Abstract A critical issue for users of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods in applications is how to determine when it is safe to stop sampling and use the samples to estimate characteristics of the distribution of interest. Research into methods of computing theoretical convergence bounds holds promise for the future but to date has yielded relatively little of practical use in applied work. Consequently, most MCMC users address the convergence problem by applying diagnostic tools to the output produced by running their samplers. After giving a brief overview of the area, we provide an expository review of 13 convergence diagnostics, describing the theoretical basis and practical implementation of each. We then compare their performance in two simple models and conclude that all of the methods can fail to detect the sorts of convergence failure that they were designed to identify. We thus recommend a combination of strategies aimed at evaluating and accelerating MCMC sampler convergence, including ap...
Strategies of Civility and Incivility

On September 9, 2009, the President of the United States addressed a joint session of Congress on the issue of health care. The speech followed a long national debate over reforming a system with rising costs, declining coverage, and suboptimal outcomes. As is customary, U.S. presidents address Congress annually to report on the state of the union. They also gather the Congress in times of national crisis. At least since the Reagan administration, these nationally televised addresses allow audiences to view party divisions. Politicians sit in different groups. Members of the president’s party jump up and applaud during his speech, while those out of power remain seated, usually with crossed arms. Hissing and booing are not uncommon. Barack Obama’s health care address was greeted with the usual partisan jostling. Skeptical laughter surged from the Republicans when he reported that policy details have yet to be worked out. In the middle of the speech, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina shouted for the country to hear: “You lie!” The challenge turned out to be factually incorrect, and Wilson offered a half-hearted apology shortly afterward. Norman Ornstein reported that Wilson’s outburst “really does tell you how low we’ve sunk when it comes to common courtesy” (Friedman, 2009, para. 2). Unfortunately, virulent partisan displays in Congress are not uncommon, but according to Norman Ornstein “yelling in the middle of a speech ‘you lie,’ that’s something different” (ibid., para. 3). With conflict animating presidential campaigns, the question arises: How low can politics go?
Decaying wood and tree regeneration in the Acadian Forest of Maine, USA.

Abstract We examined the effect of management history on the availability of decayed downed wood and the use of downed wood as a regeneration substrate in mixed-species stands in the Acadian Forest of Maine. Regeneration of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.), balsam fir (Abies balsamea L. Mill), and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) was quantified. Treatments included variants of selection cutting, commercial clearcutting (unregulated harvesting), and no harvesting for >50 years (reference). Area of wood substrate (wood ≥ Decay Class III and ≥10 cm on at least one end) was less in the commercial clearcut than in the reference; other treatments were not differentiated. Spruce and hemlock seedlings were found at higher densities on wood than paired forest floor plots of equal area, regardless of treatment. Conversely, fir and maple were less abundant on wood than forest floor plots in reference and selection treatments, but more or equally abundant on wood than forest floor plots in the commercial clearcut. These findings suggest that silvicultural treatment affects both the availability of decayed downed wood and seedling-substrate relationships, and that forest management in the Acadian Region should consider availability of downed woody material.
The Zinc Finger Protein Zat12 Is Required for Cytosolic Ascorbate Peroxidase 1 Expression during Oxidative Stress in Arabidopsis

Cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase 1 (Apx1) is a key H(2)O(2) removal enzyme in plants. Microarray analysis of Apx1-deficient Arabidopsis plants revealed that the expression of two zinc finger proteins (Zat12 and Zat7) and a WRKY transcription factor (WRKY25) is elevated in knock-out Apx1 plants grown under controlled conditions. Because mutants lacking Apx1 accumulate H(2)O(2), we examined the correlation between H(2)O(2) and the expression of Zat12, Zat7, WRKY25, and Apx1. The expression of Zat12, Zat7, and WRKY25 was simultaneously elevated in cells in response to oxidative stress (i.e. H(2)O(2) or paraquat application), heat shock, or wounding. In contrast, light or osmotic stress did not enhance the expression of these putative transcription factors. All stresses tested enhanced the expression of Apx1. Transgenic plants expressing Zat12 or Zat7 could tolerate oxidative stress. In contrast, transgenic plants expressing WRKY25 could not. Although the expression of Zat12, Zat7, or WRKY25 in transgenic plants did not enhance the expression of Apx1 under controlled conditions, Zat12-deficient plants were unable to enhance the expression of Apx1, Zat7, or WRKY25 in response to H(2)O(2) or paraquat application. Zat12-deficient plants were also more sensitive than wild type plants to H(2)O(2) application as revealed by a higher level of H(2)O(2)-induced protein oxidation detected in these plants by protein blots. Our results suggest that Zat12 is an important component of the oxidative stress response signal transduction network of Arabidopsis required for Zat7, WRKY25, and Apx1 expression during oxidative stress.
Psychological well-being of surgery residents before the 80-hour work week: a multiinstitutional study

Abstract Background Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education work-hour restrictions are aimed at improving patient safety and resident well-being. Although surgical trainees will be dramatically affected by these changes, no comprehensive assessment of their well-being has been recently attempted. Study design A multicenter study of psychological well-being of surgical residents (n = 108) across four US training programs before implementation of the 80-hour work week was performed using two validated surveys (Symptom Checklist-90-R [SCL-90-R] and Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]) during academic year 2002–03. Societal normative populations served as controls. Primary outcomes measures were psychologic distress (SCL-90-R) and perceived stress (PSS). Secondary outcomes measures (SCL-90-R) were somatization, depression, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, obsessive-compulsive behavior, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. The impact of personal variables (age, gender, marital status) and programmatic variables (level of training, laboratory experience, institution) was assessed. Results Mean psychologic distress was significantly higher in general surgery residents than in the normative population (p th percentile and 72% above the 50 th percentile. Mean perceived stress among surgery residents was higher than historic controls (p th percentile and 68% above the 50 th percentile. Among secondary outcomes, eight of nine symptom dimensions were significantly higher in surgical residents than in societal controls. In subgroup analyses, male gender was associated with phobic anxiety (p Conclusions More than one-third of general surgery residents meet criteria for clinical psychologic distress. Surgery residents perceive significantly more stress than societal controls. Both personal and programmatic variables likely affect resident well-being and should be considered in assessing the full impact of Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education directives and in guiding future restructuring efforts.
Gemcitabine: Single-Agent and Combination Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

With the advent of several newer agents with single-agent response rates greater than 20% and approximately 30%-40% in combination therapy, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may now be considered a malignancy that is moderately sensitive to chemotherapy. Examples of these agents include the taxanes, paclitaxel and docetaxel; vinorelbine, a new vinca alkaloid, and the camptothecins, of which CPT-11 is the most actively studied agent. Another new and exciting agent is gemcitabine, a nucleoside analogue structurally related to cytosine arabinoside. Gemcitabine's mechanism of action is activated by deoxycytidine kinase to dFdCMP, dFdCDP and dFdCTP. The latter two compounds, when incorporated into DNA, result in chain termination. Phase I studies using a short infusion schedule given weekly for three weeks followed by one week off established 1,000-1,250 mg/m2/week as the maximum tolerated dose. Single-agent gemcitabine has been extensively studied in patients with chemotherapy-naive advanced NSCLC with response rates of approximately 20%. Response rates for the combination of gemcitabine plus cisplatin are approximately 28%-54% in phase II trials. Recently, this combination has been studied in randomized phase II and III trials revealing improvements in response rates, time to progression and, in the phase III trial, survival. Current and future studies are evaluating gemcitabine in non-cisplatin combinations (i.e., taxanes).
On Statistical Testing

The statistical testing approaches of Hypothesis Testing (Fisher) and Significance Testing (Neyman-Pearson) are briefly reviewed. Highly related notions of alpha-values, P-values, and magnitude-of-effect are discussed. A statistical testing approach that is a hybrid of Hypothesis Testing and Significance Testing is then advanced. This approach takes into consideration the two decision-error probabilities as well as an alternative hypothesis characterization of interest.
Viewing and analyzing multimodal human-computer tutorial dialogue: a database approach

It is easier to record logs of multimodal human-computer tutorial dialogue than to make sense of them. In the 2000-2001 school year, we logged the interactions of approximately 400 students who used Project LISTEN's Reading Tutor and who read aloud over 2.4 million words. This paper discusses some difficulties we encountered converting the logs into a more easily understandable database. It is faster to write SQL queries to answer research questions than to analyze complex log files each time. The database also permits us to construct a viewer to examine individual Reading Tutor-student interactions. This combination of queriesand viewable data has turned out to be very powerful, and we discuss how we have combined them to answer research questions.
Modeling the diffuse reflectance due to a narrow beam incident on a turbid medium

We present a model for the diffuse reflectance when a continuous beam is incident normally on a half space composed of a uniform scattering and absorbing medium. This model is the result of an asymptotic analysis of the radiative transport equation for strong scattering, weak absorption, and a narrow beam width. Through comparison with the diffuse reflectance computed using the numerical solution of the radiative transport equation, we show that this diffuse reflectance model gives results that are accurate for small source--detector separation distances.
Assembly and Function of the Lambdoid Bacteriophage Tail: Observations from φ80-Lambda Host-Range Phenotypic Mixing

The host-range proteins of lambda and φ80, while differing sharply in host-receptor specificity and in sensitivity to phage-killing antiserum, can be assembled into functional phage tail structures of mixed composition.
A Random Process Model of Cognitive Deficit in Schizophrenia

It is argued that in schizophrenic patients the process of selecting responses to incoming stimuli becomes increasingly random the more disturbed the patient is. This is seen as a disordered overextension of normal behavioral flexibility and variability. A model is proposed which considers the range of human behavior to be the result of perceptions of incoming stimuli compared to related analogs retrieved from memory. In the schizophrenic individual, the range of memory elements likely to be elicited by an input becomes abnormally large so that in the severely disturbed patient, behavior approaches randomness. The model is discussed in light of current thinking about schizophrenia, and data are presented in support of the new approach.
Personal Bankruptcy: Reconciling Adverse Events and Strategic Timing Hypotheses Using Heterogeneity in Filing Types

Gan, Li, Sabarwal, Tarun and Zhang, Shuoxun, (2011), Personal Bankruptcy: Reconciling Adverse Events and Strategic Timing Hypotheses Using Heterogeneity in Filing Types, No 201008, WORKING PAPERS SERIES IN THEORETICAL AND APPLIED ECONOMICS, University of Kansas, Department of Economics.
Extramedullary Hematopoiesis Manifesting as a Symptomatic Pleural Effusion

The occurrence of extramedullary hematopoiesis in the pleura is rare and is usually asymptomatic. It is generally diagnosed on postmortem examination. Herein we describe a 61-year-old woman with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia who sought medical assessment because of progressive dyspnea. Thoracentesis yielded sanguineous fluid with 10% myeloblasts. A 99m Tc bone marrow scan demonstrated increased tracer activity throughout both lungs, an outcome consistent with extramedullary hematopoiesis. Fine- needle aspiration and video-assisted thoracoscopy were considered but deferred because of the potential risk of profuse bleeding. Treatment with low-dose external beam irradiation to the left posterior pleura was successful. To date, no hemothorax has recurred.
The effect of framing incentives as either losses or gains with contingency management for smoking cessation

Cumulative prospect theory predicts that losses motivate behavior more than equal gains. Contingency management procedures effectively reduce drug use by placing incentives in direct competition with the drug taking behavior. Therefore, framing incentives as losses, rather than gains should decrease drug use to a greater extent, given equivalent incentives. We examined whether contingent vouchers described as either losses or gains differentially affected smoking abstinence rates. Over 5 consecutive days, participants could either gain $75 per day for verified abstinence or lose $75 per day (initial endowment=$375) for continuing to smoke. As a result, loss-framed participants were more likely to achieve at least one day of abstinence. There was a trend towards loss-framed participants reducing the amount smoked more than gain-framed participants. However, participants in the gain-framed group were more likely to maintain abstinence, once initiated. The results partially support cumulative prospect theory and suggest additional ways to initiate behavior change using incentives, outside of using larger magnitude incentives in contingency management procedures.
Influence of Food Label Quantifier Terms on Connoted Amount and Purchase Intention

This research examined the influence of food label quantifier terms (e.g., Low, Reduced, and Free) on people's interpretation of implied quantity. Experiment 1 assessed people's perceptions (connotation) of eight terms to determine whether the terms convey distinct quantities. Results showed significant differences among the lowest quantity-connoting terms. Experiment 2 investigated the influence of three specific quantifier terms placed in the context of nutrient claims on product labels and measured their effect on purchase intentions before and after dietary health concerns were made explicit. Results showed that the quantifier terms influenced people's purchase intentions when health and diet concerns were made salient, but not when general purchase preferences were requested. Implications for consumer comprehension and interpretation of food label are discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered.