cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of complications on long-term survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases.

Background Postoperative complications may have an adverse effect not only on short-term but also long-term outcome among patients having surgery for cancer. A retrospective series of patients who had surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) was used to assess this association. Methods Patients who had surgery with curative intent for CLM from 2000 to 2009 were included. The impact of postoperative complications, patient characteristics, disease stage and treatment on long-term survival was analysed using multivariable Cox regression models. Results A total of 251 patients were included. The median age was 58 (interquartile range 51–68) years and there were 87 women (34·7 per cent). A minor or major postoperative complication developed in 41 and 14 patients respectively, and five patients (2·0 per cent) died after surgery. The 5-year recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival rates were 19·5 and 41·9 per cent respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that postoperative complications independently predicted shorter RFS (hazard ratio (HR) 2·36, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·56 to 3·58) and overall survival (HR 2·34, 1·46 to 3·74). Other independent predictors of shorter RFS and overall survival included lymph node metastasis, concomitant extrahepatic disease, a serum carcinoembryonic antigen level of at least 100 ng/dl, and the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFS only). The severity of complications also correlated with RFS (P = 0·006) and overall survival (P = 0·001). Conclusion Postoperative complications were independently associated with decreased long-term survival after surgery for CLM with curative intent. The prevention and management of postoperative adverse events may be important oncologically.
Verapamil prevents isoproterenol-induced cardiac failure in the rat

Virgin, male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to study the production of cardiac failure by a single subcutaneous injection of 85 mg/kg dl-isoproterenol (ISO) and the possible preservation of cardiac function by a pre-treatment of 50 mg/kg verapamil (VER) 5 min prior to 85 mg/kg ISO. At 24 hrs after drug injections cardiac function was assessed in anesthetized, open-chest rats by the measurement of cardiac output and by a volume loading of the heart with a 2 min, 15.3 ml/min jugular vein infusion of Tyrode's solution. Peak cardiac index and peak stroke index were depressed by ISO. VER completely prevented these signs of ISO-induced cardiac failure. A second group of rats was sacrificed 24 hrs after ISO and VER-ISO and their left ventricular calcium contents were determined. ISO caused a significant increase in left ventricular calcium content. VER attenuated the ISO-induced increase in myocardial calcium content, but did not prevent it. This data raises questions as to whether VER's property as a transarcolemmal calcium flux inhibitor was the mechanism of preservation of cardiac function following ISO administration. It is possible that VER may have preserved cardiac function by altering ISO-induced hemodynamic changes in the rat.
Underground Nuclear Energy Complexes: Technical and Economic Advantages

Underground nuclear power plant parks have been projected to be economically feasible compared to above ground instalIations. This paper includes a thorough cost analysis of the savings, compared to above ground facilities, resulting from in-place entombment (decommissioning) of facilities at the end of their life. reduced costs of security for the lifetime of the various facilities in the underground park. reduced transportation costs. and reduced costs in the operation of the waste storage complex (also underground). compared to the fair share of the costs of operating a national waste repository.
Pleural Effusion in Pulmonary Embolism

An estimated 300,000 to 500,000 patients develop a pleural effusion secondary to pulmonary embolism each year in the United States. The pleural effusions due to pulmonary embolism are usually small. They occupy less than one third of the hemithorax in 90% and are frequently manifest only as blunting of the costophrenic angle. The pleural fluid with pulmonary embolism is almost always an exudate. When pulmonary embolism is considered a diagnostic possibility, the clinical probability of pulmonary embolism should be assessed. If the probability is low, measurement of D-dimers is useful. If the D-dimer test is negative, the diagnosis is virtually excluded. If the D-dimer test is positive or if there is a high clinical probability of pulmonary embolism, the best test to assess the possibility of pulmonary embolism is probably the computed tomographic angiogram (CTA). Patients who have a high probability of pulmonary embolism should be anticoagulated while the definitive test is being performed. The presence of a pleural effusion does not alter the standard treatment for pulmonary embolism. The two complications of pleural effusions in patients with pulmonary embolism are hemothorax and pleural infection. If the pleural effusion increases in size while a patient is being treated for pulmonary embolism, a diagnostic thoracentesis should be performed to rule out these complications.
Notes from Underground: Towards Ultimate Hypotheses of Cyclic, Discontinuous Gas-Exchange in Tracheate Arthropods'

SYNOPSIS. The Discontinuous Gas-exchange Cycle or DGC is generally thought to have evolved primarily as a means of reducing respiratory water loss rates in tracheate arthropods. However, several lines of evidence suggest that this supposition is oversimplified. I suggest that the DGC originated as an adaptation to the hypoxic and hypercapnic environments characteristic of underground burrows, rather than primarily as an adaptation to reduce respiratory water loss rates. This suggestion is based on a consideration of trans-spiracular oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure gradients in such environments, and the concomitant importance of decoupling oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. The occurrence and/ or absence of the DGC in sundry arthropod taxa is discussed, and diverse phylogenetic and other arguments are advanced for the inferred distribution thereof.
Obscured Overcast Sky Radiance Distributions for Ultraviolet and Photosynthetically Active Radiation

Abstract Sky radiance measurements in the wavelength bands of ultraviolet-B (0.28–0.32 μm), ultraviolet-A (0.32–0.40 μm), and photosynthetically active radiation (0.40–0.70 μm) were made under obscured overcast skies in a rural area. Radiance distributions were modeled for seven measurement scans with solar zenith angles varying from 19° to 49°. For the seven scans, the atmospheric transmittance of photosynthetically active photon flux density varied from 0.16 to 0.25. The corresponding fraction of cloud-free sky photosynthetically active photon flux density ranged from 0.21 to 0.32. The corresponding fraction of ultraviolet-B cloud-free sky irradiance was between 0.20 and 0.34, with typically lower fractions of cloud-free sky irradiance in the ultraviolet-B than in the photosynthetically active photon flux density. The sky radiance was modeled from the ensembled measurements according to the standard overcast sky radiance distribution for each of the wavelength bands. Although the ultraviolet wave bands ...
Relationship of new-onset systemic hypertension and normal pressure hydrocephalus

Communicating normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an important remote complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The diagnosis of this hydrocephalus depends largely on clinical signs and symptoms, including cognitive deterioration, gait changes and incontinence. However, many of these signs are also seen during post-traumatic amnesia, making early recognition of this syndrome difficult. A case study of one man post-TBI, who presented with new-onset hypertension as a sign of NPH, prompted a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted over a 2-year period with a diagnosis of NPH. Ninety per cent of patients had one or more of the classic triad of NPH and 25% of patients had symptoms suggestive of raised intracranial pressure (unexplained nausea, headache and visual disturbance). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures among the 20 subjects for six consecutive days pre-operatively compared with those for days 8-14 and 15-21 post-operatively showed no significant differences; a subgroup of five patients (25%), however, demonstrated a significant change in blood pressure temporally related to shunting. We suggest that demonstration of new-onset systemic hypertension may also be a clinical sign suggestive of NPH useful in the evaluation of the TBI patient.
Bereavement, Ministerial Attitudes, and the Future of Church-Sponsored Bereavement Support Groups

Bereavement historically has been a concern of religious organizations, but the recent rise of secular bereavement support groups implies a void in the way churches deal with survivors. A survey of ministers in the Northern California Conference of the United Church of Christ documents the absence of church-sponsored bereavement support groups. It is argued that this absence stems not from a lack of parishioner demand, but from ministers' disinclination, an attitude that appears to arise from bereavement training. Such training is seen to have its result because of the manner in which it reinforces central aspects of the ministerial work role. The future of church-sponsored bereavement support groups is discussed.
Clinical excellence in academia: perspectives from masterful academic clinicians.

OBJECTIVE To better understand and characterize clinical excellence in academia by exploring the perspectives of clinically excellent faculty in the top American departments of medicine. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Between March 1 and May 31, 2007, 2 investigators conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 24 clinically excellent Department of Medicine physicians at 8 academic institutions. Interview transcripts were independently analyzed by 2 investigators and compared for agreement. Content analysis identified several major themes that relate to clinical excellence in academia. RESULTS Physicians hailed from a range of internal medicine specialties; 20 (83%) were associate professors or professors and 8 (33%) were women. The mean percentage of time physicians spent in clinical care was 48%. Eight domains emerged as the major features of clinical excellence in academia: reputation, communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism and humanism, diagnostic acumen, skillful negotiation of the health care system, knowledge, scholarly approach to clinical care, and passion for clinical medicine. CONCLUSION Understanding the core elements that contribute to clinical excellence in academia represents a pivotal step to defining clinical excellence in this setting. It is hoped that such work will lead to initiatives aimed at measuring and rewarding clinical excellence in our academic medical centers such that the most outstanding clinicians feel valued and decide to stay in academia to serve as role models for medical trainees.
Ontogeny of the opioid growth factor, [Met5]-enkephalin, preproenkephalin gene expression, and the ζ opioid receptor in the developing and adult aorta of rat

Opioid peptides are known to play a role in the function of the mammalian cardiovascular system in the newborn. To learn about mechanisms underlying the morphogenesis of the developing vasculature and the principles contributing to the organization and maintenance of adult blood vessels, we have investigated the expression of the opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met5]-enkephalin, and its receptor, ζ. Moreover, gene expression for preproenkephalin mRNA, which encodes OGF, was studied to determine the source(s) of this inhibitory growth factor. By using immunocytochemistry, both OGF and the ζ opioid receptor were detected at embryonic day (E) 16 in the mesenchymal cells of the aortic wall. Staining appeared to be abundant in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts at E20 and in the neonate. Immunoreactivity was noted to decrease progressively from day 5 to 10, but by weaning (day 21) and continuing into adulthood intense staining for both the peptide and receptor were observed. Preproenkephalin mRNA was detected throughout the aortic wall at E16, and the number of silver grains increased up today. Message was progressively reduced at days 5, 10, and 21, but signal in the adult aorta was comparable to that observed at day 5. These results indicate that components related to an endogenous opioid system regulating growth are present in the embryo, display a distinct spatial and temporal pattern of ontogeny, and persist into adulthood. In addition, these data indicate that OGF is an autocrine produced growth factor that is related to the emergence of vascular architecture and the maintenance of homeostasis in blood vessels. Dev. Dyn. 1998;211:327–337. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regenerative potential of the zebrafish corneal endothelium.

Corneal transparency, critical for clear vision, is maintained in part by the pump function of the corneal endothelial cells that are arrested in G1 phase of the cell cycle in adult humans. Thus loss of endothelial cells leads to a decrease in endothelial cell density. A decrease below a critical threshold results in corneal edema and subsequent vision loss. Corneal edema due to endothelial dysfunction is a common indication for transplantation in developed countries. The zebrafish has emerged as a model for vertebrate regeneration due to its ease of genetic manipulation and remarkable regenerative capacity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the response and regenerative potential of the zebrafish corneal endothelium to pharmacological and mechanical injury. Similar to the human cornea, Na+/K+ ATPase activity is necessary to maintain the pump function as intracameral injection of ouabain resulted in an increase in central corneal thickness. Surgical removal of the majority of the central corneal endothelium resulted in a similar increase in corneal thickness. Remarkably, by just one week post-injury the central corneal endothelium had largely re-formed. Immunofluorescence of phosphorylated histone H3 indicated that this recovery correlated with corneal endothelial cells re-entering the cell cycle. In conclusion, our results establish zebrafish as a useful model of corneal injury and repair that may offer insights into the mechanism of cell cycle arrest in human corneal endothelial cells.
Testosterone levels among Aché hunter-gatherer men

Salivary testosterone levels were measured in a population of New World indigenous adult hunter-gatherer males in order to compare circulating levels of free unbound bioactive steroid with those previously reported among Boston and nonwestern males. The study population consisted of adult Ache hunter-gatherer males (n=45) living in eastern Paraguay. Morning and evening salivary testosterone levels (TsalA.M.; TsalP.M.) among the Ache were considerably lower than western values (Boston) and even lower than other previously reported nonwestern populations (Efe, Lese, Nepalese). No association was observed between height, weight, or age and salivary testosterone levels within the Ache group, although older men (ages>40) were poorly represented in the study sample. Nevertheless, a mild correlation was observed between Ache TsalA.M. levels and BMI (r=0.133,p=0.0725). Comparison of Ache values with those for other populations confirms the prevalence of significant interpopulational variation in testosterone levels among adult males. Interpopulational variation in male testosterone is not as great, however, as has been documented for ovarian steroids among females, nor is it likely that such variation reflects differences in male fecundity. Nevertheless, such interpopulational variation in salivary testosterone levels may have a functional significance in the regulation of protein anabolism in skeletal muscle, thereby affecting the overall energy budget of the organism. It is suggested that relative suppression of average testosterone may be adaptive under conditions of chronic energy shortage.
Dietary fiber in childhood

Dietary fiber (DF) has important health benefits in childhood, especially in promoting normal laxation. Studies also suggest that DF in childhood may be useful in preventing and treating obesity and also in lowering blood cholesterol levels, both of which may help reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease. In adults, a high-fiber, low-fat diet has been linked to reduced rates of colon and other human cancers, and although it seems highly likely that this benefit would be even greater if this regimen had been started in childhood, epidemiologic and experimental confirmation is currently lacking. Children's typical DF consumption may not be adequate to maintain good health and prevent disease. Therefore, it would be prudent to recommend that children and adolescents increase DF intake by increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and other grain products. Several guidelines recommend quantitative ranges of DF intake for children. These include recommendations by the National Academy of Sciences, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) food label guide, and the "Age+5" guideline. The goal is to achieve a DF intake that is safe even for children and adolescents with marginal intake of vitamins and minerals, provides sufficient DF for normal laxation, and reduces the risk of future chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease. Current estimates of DF intake are much lower than recommended levels for a large proportion of the US pediatric population. This article reviews these data.
In vivo studies of the site of fatty acid synthesis in the rabbit

Abstract 1. 1. Liver and adipose tissue were the major sites of rabbit fatty acid synthesis from radioactive glucose or acetate. 2. 2. The relative importance of liver and adipose tissue in lipogenesis shifted upon maturing. In growing rabbits the liver accounted for approximately two-thirds of total fatty acid synthesis while in mature rabbits the adipose tissue accounted for approximately two-thirds. 3. 3. A comparison of the different adipose tissue depots indicated that the internal depots (perirenal and mesenteric) contributed a greater percentage of total lipogenesis than the subcutaneous adipose tissue depot in growing rabbits, while in mature rabbits the reverse was true.
Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of bovine milk protein genes using the tetra‐primer ARMS‐PCR

We demonstrate the use and optimization of the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (tetra-primer ARMS-PCR) as an efficient technique to genotype single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of milk protein genes. The technique utilizes a set of four primers in a single PCR reaction tube without the need of post-PCR manipulations to accomplish an efficient classification. The technique was successfully applied to genotype SNP in the bovine j-casein, b-casein, aS1-casein and a-lactalbumin genes.
Effects of glyphosate on metabolism of phenolic compounds I. Induction of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in dark-grown maize roots

SUMMARY The herbicide glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, induced phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity in the roots of dark-grown maize seedlings. This enzyme induction was shown to precede glyphosate-reduced fresh weight gain in the roots by 24--48 h. Feeding aromatic amino acids with glyphosate further inhibited growth while slightly lowering glyphosate-enhanced PAL activity. Soluble protein levels in the enzyme preparations were not affected by glyphosate. These results are discussed in terms of possible glyphosate mode of action through stimulating biosynthesis of growth-inhibiting phenolics.
Epicauta polingi (Coleóptera: Meloidae) Feeding on Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) and Guajillo (Acacia berlandieri) in West Texas

Abstract. On 17 June 2014, large aggregations of Epicauta polingi Werner 1943 (Coleoptera: Meloidae) were observed feeding on the leaves and stems of mountain laurel, Sophora secundiflora (Ortega) Lag. ex DC.; and guajillo, Acacia berlandieri Benth. (Fabaceae). After examination of the existing literature it was determined that these two plants represented new host records for E. polingi.
On thermal radiation from fusion related metals

In this paper, we use Mie theory to investigate the temperature-dependent emissivity of small particles composed of a fusion device relevant metal, lithium. We also use classical electromagnetic theory to estimate the high temperature emissivity of flat surfaces of liquid lithium and several metals, such as beryllium, being considered as plasma facing components in fusion devices. We use a Drude theory model for the temperature dependence of the optical constants of the metals. The results may have application to modeling or diagnosing the temperature of various metallic components in fusion environments.
MORPHOLOGICAL VARIABILITY IN POPULATIONS OF CHRYSOPHYCEAN RESTING CYSTS. I. GENETIC (INTERCLONAL) AND ENCYSTMENT TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON MORPHOLOGY1

Many chrysophycean species produce resting cysts (statospores) with purportedly species-specific morphology. I investigated variation in the cyst morphology of a single species that may result from genetic differences among the vegetative clones involved and from variation in the temperature of the environment during cyst development. Populations of Dinobryon cylindricum Imhof cysts were produced under defined conditions in vitro and then sampled for morphological analysis based on SEM micrographs. Morphological data is presented and then used in a multivariate discriminant analysis to determine the utility of each morphological character in distinguishing the six populations studied. Results suggest that some features of cyst morphology (i.e. cyst diameter) are invariant among the populations, while other features show distinctive variation. The density of spines covering the cyst body as well as the morphology of those spines appear correlated to the specific clones involved, and thus may represent useful phenotypic genetic markers. The length and definition of both the spines and the cyst collar, on the other hand, are markedly influenced by encystment temperature. The implications of these findings for paleoecological studies is discussed.
Bilateral ovarian pathology and torsion in infancy: Assessment of pubertal and gonadal function

Abstract Three children who presented with bilateral ovarian torsion are described. One patient presented with torsion on the right at age 4 and on the left at age 6, both necessitating salpingo-oophorectomies. Two patients had bilateral ovarian disease as neonates; a small portion of one ovary was left intact after these patients underwent resection. At puberty, gonadotropin status and physical development indicated ovarian failure. One patient who presented in infancy experienced normal pubertal development including menarche. She has demonstrated adequate ovarian function to date. These findings suggest that every effort should be made to preserve viable tissue. If unilateral torsion is involved, pexing or plication of the contralateral adnexa should be performed.
The Naxalites and the Maoist Movement in India: Birth, Demise, and Reincarnation

Far away from the glare of the achievements in the fields of information technology, a long festering Maoist insurgency is growing in the heart of India. The Maoists have found a strong base among the tribal people of India. By examining the history of Communist movements in India within a behavioral perspective, this article asks the question why in the past similar movements were relatively easy for the authorities to suppress, while the current Maoist insurgency is proving to be much harder to manage? 1 “The Naxalites occupy an ambiguous niche in history. Exemplary idealist to some, he indicates to others an expression of immature disaffection that has nothing constructive to offer. In either case, he embodies the reinstatement of man as a moral agent if only because Naxalites so radically challenge the premises of established morality.” — Rabindra Ray 2 (2002, p. 2–3).
The A dependence of dilepton production

The discovery in 1982, by the EMC group, that the structure function F{sub 2}(x) per nucleon is different in iron than deuterium was the first evidence that the structure of the nucleon might be altered in nuclei. Much more extensive and precise and data have been taken since the original discovery. This body of data is now quite consistent and many of the features of the original EMC effect'' remain intact. There have been a variety of theoretical explanations of the data, but none are totally compelling. The deep-inelastic-scattering (DIS) data for the ratio of F{sub 2}{sup Fe}(x) in iron to F{sub 2}{sup D}(x) in deuterium are given for the region 0.03 {le} {times} {le} {approximately} 1.0.
First report of keratitis in familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome

Abstract Objective To report corneal manifestations of familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) for the first time. Design small case series Participants Medical records of three members of a single family were reviewed after obtaining institutional review board (IRB) approval and informed consent. Methods All three members presented with a long history of maculopapular rash after cold exposure starting in childhood associated with nausea, low-grade fever, fatigue and arthralgia that lasted less than 24 hours. Their ocular manifestations consisted of ocular pain, photophobia and keratitis with subsequent stromal haziness. Results Patients underwent systemic therapy with canalinumab (Ilaris). They responded very well to repeated injections of Ilaris without side effects. Conclusions FCAS causes lifelong debilitating effects that restrict patients’ daily activities. Ilaris is an FDA-approved treatment for this condition and that typically results in dramatic improvement in clinical and laboratory measures of inflammation, and is well tolerated. Our report is the first small case series of FCAS with keratitis that responded to Ilaris beautifully.
A Theoretical Foundation of Network Navigation

Real-time navigation capability is a key enabler for many emerging applications in wireless networks. Localization of moving nodes via network navigation gives rise to a new paradigm, where nodes exploit both temporal and spatial cooperation to determine their positions based on intra- and inter-node measurements. In this paper, we establish a theoretical foundation for network navigation to determine the fundamental limits of navigation accuracy. In particular, we derive the accuracy limits in terms of navigation information by equivalent Fisher information analysis. Our framework unifies the navigation information obtained from temporal and spatial cooperation, leading to a deep understanding of information exchange in the network and benefit of cooperation.
Pressure Dependence of the Hall Constant of the Alkali Metals

The pressure dependence of the Hall constant of the five alkali metals has been measured to 15 000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ at room temperature. The purpose of the measurements was to investigate the effect of lattice constant on the warping of the Fermi surface. The Hall constant $R$ is written as $\frac{1}{\mathrm{Nec}{n}^{*}}$, where $N$ is the number of carriers/cc and ${n}^{*}$ expresses the deviation from the free electron value of the Hall constant. In all the alkalis except cesium, ${n}^{*}$ decreases monotonically with increasing pressure; the decreases range from 5% in 15 000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for lithium to 8% in 15 000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for rubidium. In the case of cesium, ${n}^{*}$ passes through a minimum at 5000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and rises to a value of 1.2 at 15 000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. The change of ${n}^{*}$ between room and liquid nitrogen temperatures was measured and is less than 3% for all the alkalis except lithium. In lithium, ${n}^{*}$ decreases about 25% between room and liquid nitrogen temperature. The sign of the pressure dependence of ${n}^{*}$, as well as its magnitude, can be reconciled with recent band structure calculations by Ham only if highly anisotropic scattering times are considered. The pressure results are explained in a semiquantitative manner using a scattering time, $\ensuremath{\tau}$, that varies by a factor of 3 over the Fermi surface. Consideration of the factors determining the scattering time indicates the both umklapp processes and the large elastic anisotropy of the alkalis contribute to the anisotropy of $\ensuremath{\tau}$. A crude calculation shows that the present results can be explained by the effects of umklapp processes alone.
CAUSES OF IN-FACEPIECE SAMPLING BIAS—II. FULL-FACEPIECE RESPIRATORS

Tests pour evaluer les performances de demi-masques protecteurs usages en utilisant les techniques d'echantillonnage de l'air expulse. Identification et selection des parametres retenus pour les tests
Hybrid and Aqueous Lithium-Air Batteries

Lithium-air (Li-air) batteries have become attractive because of their extremely high theoretical energy density. However, conventional Li-air cells operating with non-aqueous electrolytes suffer from poor cycle life and low practical energy density due to the clogging of the porous air cathode by insoluble discharge products, contamination of the organic electrolyte and lithium metal anode by moist air, and decomposition of the electrolyte during cycling. These difficulties may be overcome by adopting a cell configuration that consists of a lithium-metal anode protected from air by a Li+-ion solid electrolyte and an air electrode in an aqueous catholyte. In this type of configuration, a Li+-ion conducting “buffer” layer between the lithium-metal anode and the solid electrolyte is often necessary due to the instability of many solid electrolytes in contact with lithium metal. Based on the type of buffer layer, two different battery configurations are possible: “hybrid” Li-air batteries and “aqueous” Li-air batteries. The hybrid and aqueous Li-air batteries utilize the same battery chemistry and face similar challenges that limit the cell performance. Here, an overview of recent developments in hybrid and aqueous Li-air batteries is provided and the factors that influence their performance and impede their practical applications, followed by future directions are discussed.
The Effects of Prey Density on Capture Times and Foraging Success of Course-Hunting Adult Snail Kites

Abstract. Foraging-patch selection may be influenced by prey density, prey availability, and the energetic costs associated with searching for and capturing prey. Although prey density influences profitability, prey availability may be influenced by habitat and environmental characteristics. We made in situ observations of Snail Kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) foraging on their exclusive prey, apple snails (Pomacea paludosa), in selected habitats and environmental conditions. We measured the time to capture a snail at 10 sites on Florida lakes (two sites sampled twice over different years for 12 data points total) and five sites in wetlands of the Everglades. Capture times had an inverse asymptotic relationship to snail density. As snail density increased from ∼0.1 to 0.2m-2, capture times declined from ∼600 to 200 sec; capture times leveled off to ∼75 sec between 0.4 and 1.4 snails m-2. Densities of emergent plant stems and water depths, which may influence capture times, were controlled for by site select...
Short communications In Utero diagnosis of Kleeblattschädel (cloverleaf skull)

Kleeblattschadel anomaly, or cloverleaf skull (Comings, 1965) is a name given to a grotesque appearance of the skull resulting from congenital premature synostosis of the various sutures. These will usually include the coronal and lambdoidal sutures. This rare entity is usually diagnosed during the newborn period and is verified by radiological findings. With the advent of ultrasound, and its frequent usage in obtaining bi-parietal diameters, prenatal diagnosis of this skull abnormality is possible, and has recently been reported (Brahman et al. 1979). This communication reports another case of prenatal diagnosis of Kleeblattschadel by ultrasound.
Remarks on Kℓ3 form factors

Abstract Several simple models for Kl3 form factors are studied in the context of current algebra and dispersion relations. Results are compared with other theoretical work and with experiment.
Optimal parametrization of curves for robot trajectory design

A numerical method is presented for the offline determination of the minimum-time parameterization of a fixed path in robot joint space, assuming start and end at rest conditions and subject to constraints on manipulator joint torques. A numerical method for solving the problem is discussed in which the derivative of the change of variables is approximated by a cubic spline. Numerical results for a three-axis manipulator are presented. >
The reconstruction of helical particles with variable pitch.

In the reconstruction of helical particles, it is normally assumed that translation along the length of a particle is coupled to rotation about its axis. This assumption is not valid for particles whose pitch varies along the particle length (e.g. actin, HbS fibers), and application of the usual algorithms results in significant errors in both the shape and coordinates of subunits in the reconstructed density map. We have developed an iterative procedure for reconstructing particles with variable pitch. The goal of this procedure is to obtain an accurate estimate of the local pitch of the particle which can then be incorporated into the reconstruction algorithm. This involves synthesis of trial model structures which have constant pitch. The local pitch is derived from a cross-correlation analysis between these trial models and the variable pitch particles. The constant pitch models are constructed using coordinates measured from the reconstructed density maps. Each iteration of the procedure provides an improved estimate of the pitch which is incorporated into the succeeding iteration. The fidelity of the reconstruction is determined from cross-correlation between the original micrograph and a variable pitch model. The iterations are continued until the cross-correlation coefficient between the variable pitch model and the micrograph of the particle is maximized. The implementation of the iterative procedure is described and its behavior is evaluated using model structures which incorporate variations in pitch similar to those actually occurring in sickle hemoglobin fibers. The results indicate that the iterative reconstruction procedure considerably reduces the errors associated with constant pitch reconstructions. These tests provide a basis for applying this procedure in the structural analysis of micrographs of helical particles which display variable pitch. Application to sickle hemoglobin fibers resulted in an improvement in the accuracy with which the hemoglobin S molecules can be located in the density maps.
Water quality response to the Angora Fire, Lake Tahoe, California

The Angora Fire (summer of 2007) was the largest and most severe wildfire in recent history within the Lake Tahoe basin of the Sierra Nevada. To determine the watershed response and to assess the potential for downstream impacts of nutrient and sediment delivery to Lake Tahoe, we monitored the post-fire hydrology and stream water chemistry for 2 years at four locations along the length of Angora Creek, a perennial stream draining the burned watershed. When compared with unburned streams, the hydrology of Angora Creek indicated an earlier and faster melting of the spring snowpack. Peak stream water concentrations of total N (TN) and ammonium occurred within the burned area, whereas peak concentrations of nitrate (NO3 −), total P, soluble reactive P, total suspended solids, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), and dissolved organic C occurred below the burned area. In comparison to pre-fire data, TN, NO3 −, TP, total dissolved P, EC, and turbidity increased following the fire, particularly in the wetter second year. Yields for subwatershed areas suggest that the burned urban subwatershed was the largest source of nutrients and sediments, whereas the wet meadow subwatershed downstream of the burned area retained materials. Erosion control efforts, below-average annual precipitation and the timing of its arrival (absence of summer and fall rainstorms), and the existence of a wet meadow below the burned watershed likely reduced the negative impacts that would have been expected from such a severe wildfire.
Rhabdomeric membrane and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in photoreceptors of Manduca sexta: modulations associated with the diurnal light/dark cycle and effects of chromophore deprivation

Aberrations of photoreceptor ultrastructure resulting from carotenoid/retinoid (vitamin A) deprivation were studied in the retina of Manduca sexta. The syndrome of chromophore deficiency included hypertrophy of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, variable dilation of rhabdomeric microvilli, the insertion of endomembrane fingers into such enlarged microvilli, and the formation of ‘rhabdomeric vacuoles’, intracellular compartments containing microvilli similar to those of the rhabdomere. Retinas were processed either with conventional procedures employing preliminary aldehyde fixation followed by heavy metal postfixation, or by fixation and incubation in unbuffered OsO4. The latter method deposits osmium throughout the endomembrane system, within the rhabdomeric vacuoles, and in the extracellular space of the rhabdom. However, the intravillous fingers were rarely impregnated with osmium, despite their continuity with densely stained cisternae of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. We suggest that the insertion of endomembrane fingers into dilated microvilli results from a cytoskeleton-mediated link between cisternae of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the rhabdomeric membrane, an association that may be important in the turnover of photoreceptor membrane. We interpret endomembrane hypertrophy and development of rhabdomeric vacuoles as symptoms of disturbance in the pathway leading to the assembly of the rhabdomere resulting from reduced synthesis of visual pigment.
Standing-gradient osmotic flow Examination of its validity using an analytical method

The solutions to the non-linear differential equations governing solute-solvent coupling in the intercellular spaces of epithelial layers have been obtained by using an analytical method, rather than the usual numerical ones. When the present series solution includes second-order correction terms, the concentration and velocity profiles obtained by the analytical method agree very well with those coming from numerical solutions. This method has further allowed us to examine the standing-gradient hypothesis when applied to the backwards fluid transport system of the corneal endothelium. With the information presently available for the relevant parameters (osmotic permeability, rate of transport, radius and length of the spaces, and location of the pumping sites), near-isotonicity of the transported fluid would not be explained by the standing-gradient model.
Focal peripheral nerve injury induces leukocyte trafficking into the central nervous system: potential relationship to neuropathic pain

The present study was undertaken to determine whether leukocytes are recruited into the spinal cord following a peripheral L5 spinal nerve transection that results in mechanical allodynia (increased tactile sensitivity behavior correlates with neuropathic pain). In rats subjected to bone marrow irradiation, donor-specific major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (I1-69) positive peripheral immune cells trafficked to the L5 spinal cord in response to an L5 spinal nerve injury. The number of I1-69 positive cell profiles increased over time and correlated with increased mechanical allodynia. At early time points following injury, I1-69 positive immune cells co-regionalized with the expression of the macrophage marker ED2. At later time points following injury, some of the infiltrating immune cells did not co-regionalize with the macrophage marker ED2. At no time did the infiltrating cells co-regionalize with the neuronal marker (NeuN). Both macrophage-like morphology and T cell-like morphology were observed in the I1-69 positive cellular infiltrate. Conversely, animals that underwent sham surgery demonstrated little mechanical allodynia and a minimal number of infiltrating peripheral immune cells. In a separate group of rats, infiltration of CD3+ T-lymphocytes was confirmed at 14 days post-nerve transection. This study demonstrates trafficking of leukocytes into the lumbar spinal cord at time points that correlate with mechanical allodynia suggesting a role of central neuroinflammation in persistent neuropathic pain.
Commentary on "Bilateral cerebellar stroke presenting with acute dysphonia and late palatal tremor".

The case report by Walsh et al. described the development of spasmodic dysphonia (SD) secondary to cerebellar stroke. The patient was presented with hyperfunctional, hyperadductive voice disorder affecting supraglottis, including ventricular (false) cords. Speech was incomprehensible with strained-strangled quality and occasional voice arrests. The diagnosis of SD was made based on these speech symptoms, hyperfunctional supraglottis visualized with fiberoptic laryngoscopy, the lack of benefits from voice and speech therapy, and some improvement of voice problems following unilateral botulinum toxin injection into the thyroarytenoid muscle. As such, this is an atypical SD case due to several reasons. Laryngeal spasms in SD primarily affect (true) vocal cords rather than ventricular cords, although supraglottic hyperadduction involving ventricular cords may also be present. While SD patients have problems with coordinating voice onset and offset during connected speech due to SD-specific voice breaks, they usually are able to sustain sound, and their speech remains comprehensible. The lack of response to speech therapy and the benefits from botulinum toxin injections into the laryngeal muscles are typical but not specific to SD only. On the other hand, speech therapy is beneficial in patients with supraglottic hyperadduction, whereas persistent supraglottic squeeze may be managed more successfully with botulinum toxin injections into the supraglottic musculature1. This case report further suggests that cerebellar lesion without functional, structural or dopaminergic abnormalities in any other brain regions may cause SD. Conversely, previous studies have shown relief of dystonia symptoms following cerebellar lesions and cerebellectomy2, 3, and SD has been characterized as a brain network disorder, involving abnormalities in the basal ganglia, thalamus, sensorimotor cortex, and cerebellum4, 5. In conclusion, the diagnosis of SD in this patient is complicated by unusual clinical presentation, atypical diagnostic criteria, and the presence of cerebellar pathology without abnormalities in other dystonia-related brain regions. The differential diagnosis is more likely to include other cerebellar disorders, such as spinocerebellar atrophy, other movement disorders, such as chorea, and muscle tension dysphonia, as a compensatory voice disorder secondary to cerebellar pathology.
Exploiting the potential of antisense: beyond phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides

Abstract Phosphorothioate oligodeoxynudeotides, designed as nuclease-resistant antisense agents, appear to have a number of surprising biological effects that are unrelated to their intended antisense activity. These effects may be useful in themselves, but must be understood for the full potential of antisense technology to be realized.
On Two Families of Hopf Algebras of Dimension 2 m

Abstract In this paper we construct two families of semisimple Hopf algebras of dimension 2 n+1, n ≥ 3. They are all constructed as Radford's biproducts. For these examples and their duals we compute their grouplike elements, centers, character algebras and Grothendieck rings. Comparing these facts we are able to show that depending on the dimension, representatives of one of the families are selfdual. We also prove that Hopf algebras from these families are neither triangular nor cotriangular and that their cocycle deformations are trivial.
DINOSAUR PHYSIOLOGY AND THE ORIGIN OF MAMMALS.

Today and throughout the Cenozoic mammals have been the dominant class of land vertebrates. Mammals are the most conspicuous elements in most terrestrial vertebrate communities, and the vast majority of large land vertebrates (50 kg and larger) are mammals. The success of mammals probably is due in large measure to their high metabolic rates, great scope for increasing metabolism during activity, and their ability to maintain constant body temperatures by complex mechanisms of heat production, insulation, and heat loss. Mammals evolved from their therapsid reptilian ancestors in the Late Triassic, only a few million years after the first dinosaurs appeared (Crompton, 1968). Although they are common and diverse in most Jurassic and Cretaceous terrestrial microvertebrate faunas, mammals showed little or no promise of developing into the grand variety of large animals seen in modern mammalian communities. From their beginnings in the Late Triassic until the very end of the Cretaceous, a total of over 120 million years, twice the length of the entire Cenozoic, mammals were consistently tiny or at most small vertebrates, with the largest herbivores reaching the size of a large squirrel and the largest carnivores, the size of a cat. The greatest Cretaceous mammals were dwarfed by the largest contemporary lizards-the superficially iguana-like herbivore Polyglyphanodon (Gilmore, 1942) reached a length of a full meter, while some of the Cretaceous flesh-eating monitors such as Sanziwa and Parasaniwa (Gilmore, 1928) were even larger. Dinosaurs dominated the JuraCretaceous, but not in all size categories. Although the two orders of dinosaurs (Saurischia and Ornithischia) included virtually all the large fully terrestrial vertebrates, and many dinosaur genera were elephant-size or larger, the fossil evidence strongly suggests that no small (adult weight 10 kg or less) dinosaurs ever existed in either Jurassic or Cretaceous. The smallest, fairly complete dinosaur skeletons usually indicate a length of a meter from nose to tail tip (Compsognathus, Hypsilophodon, Microvenator, Tenontosaurus). But most of these small specimens probably are juveniles. In some cases, other conspecific specimens show that the adult size was much larger-up to 2.5 meters for Hypsilophodon (Galton, in press), and up to seven meters for Tenontosaurus (Ostrom, 1970a). Skeletal characters, such as the open sutures between centra and arches in the Microvenator vertebrae (Ostrom, 1970a) indicate immaturity in other cases. The most convincing proof of the lack of truly small dinosaur species is their absence in the carefully studied microvertebrate concentrates. In the Late Cretaceous localities at Bug Creek, Montana, and Lance Creek, Wyoming, several dozen species of small vertebrates are found including a wealth of lizards (monitors, skinks, teiids, and alligator lizards) and mammals, and yet nearly all the dinosaur specimens are small fragments of large genera (horned dinosaurs, duck-bills, deinonychids-Estes, 1964; Estes and Berberian, 1970). The author has examined the Yale samples from these localities and has found many