cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships between Plant Diversity and Grasshopper Diversity and Abundance in the Little Missouri National Grassland

A continuing challenge in orthopteran ecology is to understand what determines grasshopper species diversity at a given site. In this study, the objective was to determine if variation in grasshopper abundance and diversity between 23 sites in western North Dakota (USA) could be explained by variation in plant species richness and diversity. In this system with relatively low plant diversity, grasshopper species richness and abundance were not significantly associated with plant species richness in either year. Although a number of significant associations between plant diversity and grasshopper diversity were found through regression analyses, results differed greatly between years indicating that plant species richness and diversity did not lead to strong effects on grasshopper diversity metrics. Plant species richness appears to be too coarse grained to lead to accurate predictions of grasshopper species richness in this system dominated by generalist grasshopper species.
Neuromodulation: Associative and nonlinear adaptation

Abstract Neuromodulation, the interaction between at least two chemical messengers in the nervous system, serves as a mechanism by which biochemical association can occur. A simple, yet compelling, hypothesis is that the criteria for expression of associative learning and memory are subserved by biochemical events which are also associative in nature. A neuromodulatory interaction that has been linked to memory function and which has been the subject of biochemical inquiry is the interaction between the catecholamine, norepinephrine (NE) and the neuropeptide, vasopressin (AVP). Studies described in this report show that vasopressin acts to potentiate norepinephrine (NE)-induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in the hippocampus by a calcium-dependent mechanism (13). Results of these studies are considered in the context of the nonlinear properties of synergism and conditionality and in the context of the associative learning requirements of spatial and temporal coupling. Secondly, the calcium dependency of AVP-induced neuromodulation is considered in relation to the calcium dependency for induction of associative long-term potentiation. Lastly, the potential for changes in neuronal morphology in response to neuromodulatory events is considered. By using vasopressin potentiation of noradrenalin-induced cAMP formation as a model system, I have applied the theoretical framework of associative learning and memory to test the hypothesis that neuromodulation can serve as a biochemical analog of associative cognitive events.
Family thinking in prevention of alcoholism

Abstract Prevention of alcoholism is considered through family therapy interfering with the transgenerational transmission. A theoretical structure is offered which argues that unless alcoholism is a strictly constitutional trait, genetically transmitted (for which there is inconclusive evidence), then intervention in the family through treatment offers a potential for breaking the chain. Evidence that alcoholism is familial is reviewed in terms of physiologic predisposition and family structure. The history and theoretical base for family thinking and family therapy are presented. The way in which these concepts apply to alcoholic families and the way alcoholic families reflect and reinforce symptoms of alcoholism are described. How intervention in family process can interrupt the continuation of alcohol abuse and change unhealthy patterns that promote alcohol abuse is described in terms of actual experience as well as theory. It is recommended that family thinking be introduced and encouraged in treatment programs, alcohol education, and public information about alcoholism.
Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of ICP47 inhibits major histocompatibility complex class I expression on vascular cells in vitro.

Abstract Purpose: Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to evade detection by the host immune system. The herpes simplex gene ICP47 encodes a protein that binds to the host antigen-processing transporter, inhibiting the formation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigens in infected cells. MHC-I antigen expression is also important in acute allograft rejection. This study was designed to quantitate the effect of adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of ICP47 on MHC-I cell surface expression of human vascular cells. We hypothesized that the transduction of vascular cells with a replication-incompetent adenoviral vector that was expressing ICP47 (AdICP47) would inhibit constitutive and inducible MHC-I expression and thereby reduce the rate of cytolysis of ICP47-transduced vascular cells by sensitized cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Methods: A replication-incompetent adenoviral vector, AdICP47, was created to express ICP47 driven by the cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter. Cultured human vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and human dermal fibroblasts were transduced with either AdICP47 or the control empty vector AddlE1. Cell surface constitutive and γ-interferon–induced MHC-I expression were quantitated by flow cytometry. A standard 4-hour chromium release cytotoxicity assay was used to determine the percent cytolysis of transduced and nontransduced endothelial cells by sensitized CTL. Finally, to quantitate the specificity of the effect of ICP47 on MHC-I expression, adhesion molecule expression was quantitated in both transduced and nontransduced cells. Results: Constitutive MHC-I expression in AdICP47-transduced endothelial cells was inhibited by a mean of 84% ± 5% (SEM) in five experiments. After 48 hours of exposure to γ-interferon, AdICP47-transduced cells exhibited a mean of 66% ± 8% lower MHC-I expression than nontransduced cells. Similar inhibition in MHC-I expression was achieved in AdICP47-transduced vascular smooth muscle cells and dermal fibroblasts. Percent cytolysis of AdICP47-transduced endothelial cells by CTL was reduced by 72%. Finally, the specificity of the effect of transduction of ICP47 on vascular cell MHC-I expression was confirmed by a lack of significant change in either constitutive or tumor necrosis factor–induced vascular cell adhesion molecule/intercellular adhesion molecule expression. Conclusion: Transduction of vascular cells with AdICP47 strongly inhibits both constitutive and inducible MHC-I expression in human vascular cells. AdICP47-transduced cells exhibited a substantial reduction in cytolysis by CTL. Thus AdICP47 transduction holds promise as a technique to characterize the role of MHC-I expression in acute vascular allograft rejection in vivo and as a potential therapeutic intervention. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:558-66.)
Suppression of cell-mediated tumour immunity by corynebacterium parvum.

THE use of immunoadjuvants in tumour therapy is based largely on the concept that an increased level of specific immunity against tumour-associated antigens may be achieved by nonspecific stimulation of the immune system (for review see ref. 1). Among these adjuvants, Corynebacterium parvum has received much attention since it represents one of the most powerful stimulants of the reticuloendothelial system in mice2, and is effective in inhibiting tumour growth in several animal tumour systems (for example, see refs 3–6). The mechanisms by which C. parvum interferes with tumour growth have not been established and the tumour protective effect of C. parvum has not been entirely consistent in all systems studied. An immunosuppressive effect of C. parvum has been demonstrated too. In mice, the in vitro lymphoproliferative responses to mitogens and to alloantigens were depressed after injection of C. parvum. It remains to be determined, however, whether a defect measured by these general tests of T lymphocytes may also represent an indication of depressed cell-mediated immunity against tumour cells.
Germ-line MuLV reintegrations in AKR/J mice

AKR mice are viraemic from birth1 and contract leukaemia at high incidence at 6–9 months of age2. They express, in all tissues studied, the ecotropic (mouse infectious) retrovirus AKV1. Rowe3,4 showed, by crossing AKR mice with the low-viraemia, non-leukaemic NIH/Swiss mice, that viraemia and the leukaemic phenotype are linked and carried at two independent loci (Akv-1 and Akv-2). These two loci were shown to represent integrated ecotropic proviruses5,6. As part of a study of the structure of proviruses which arise in the leukaemic thymus of AKR mice, we identified ecotropic-specific hybridization probes from different regions of the AKV genome7. Initial Southern hybridization8 analyses showed that individual leukaemic AKR/Jackson mice, which have been sibling inbred for over 140 generations, had differing numbers of ecotropic proviruses9. We now report analyses showing that AKR/J mice had three common proviruses; however, two additional ecotropic loci were scattered throughout the Jackson Laboratory AKR population. These loci probably arose through reinfection of the germ line and represent a currently occurring amplification of ecotropic proviruses in these inbred mice.
Importance of atmospheric inputs and Fe-oxides in controlling soil uranium budgets and behavior along a Hawaiian chronosequence

Abstract A long-term budget of uranium calculated for a chronosequence of Hawaiian soils demonstrates the importance of mineral aerosol deposition as a geochemical pathway. A series of sequential extractions on the same soils shows a strong association between Fe-oxides and uranium, especially the amorphous and poorly-crystalline Fe-oxides present in intermediate-age soils (20 and 150 ka). Despite intense leaching conditions, soil U contents were found to increase between 20-fold and 60-fold with age along the chronosequence, from 9 to 17 μg cm − 2 at 0.3 ka sites to 344–543 μg cm − 2 at the 4100 ka site. An open-system transport function comparing U to an index “least mobile” element (Nb) was used to calculate U gains or losses from the soils, relative to the input from parent material weathering. Results show small losses or small gains (± 25%) of U occurred in soils 150 ka and younger, while gains of up to 531% U occurred in soils older than 150 ka, highlighting the importance of mineral aerosol (dust) deposition at the older sites. In the 4100 ka soil, the ratio of dust-derived U inputs to parent material-derived U inputs is approximately 6. Sequential extractions show that between 0.1% and 1.2% of the total U in the soils was extracted with ammonium acetate, indicating that very little U exists as exchangeable cations. A second extraction employing citrate–dithionate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride was performed to extract U associated with Fe-oxides. Average percent occurrences for U in the Fe-oxide extraction for each profile are, 7% at 0.3 ka, 53% at 20 ka, 40% at 150 ka, and 17% at 4100 ka, illustrating an increase with age to 20 ka followed by a subsequent decline. This parallels the trend observed in amorphous Fe-oxide content, suggesting that adsorption on amorphous Fe-oxides is the dominant control on U in the intermediate-age soils.
Human Insulin Binding to Erythrocyte-Membrane

AbstractThe binding of human insulin to erythrocyte membrane in the form of ghosts, vesicles (ultrasonicated ghosts), lipid-coated-ghosts or lipid-coated-vesicles was the subject of this study. Insulin was found to associate with ghosts in two mechanisms, by encapsulation and adsorption on the surface. Insulin binding reached equilibrium with a much faster rate with ghosts than the other carriers, due to these two mechanisms. The findings from this study suggest that the use of these carrier-insulin systems may be of value in the delivery of insulin in the treatment of diabetes.
Laplace transform pairs of n-dimensions and heat conduction problem

The object of this paper is to establish several new theorems for calculating Laplace transform pairs of n-dimensions. The theorems are applied to the most commonly used special functions and so the article contains a few Laplace transform pairs, although some more can be obtained by the same technique. Two boundary value problems are also solved by using double Laplace transforms.
Using neutron reflectivity to determine the dynamic properties of a copolymer in a homopolymer matrix

A protocol for using neutron reflectivity to monitor the dynamic properties of a copolymer in a homopolymer matrix is described. This technique may be used to monitor a broad range of systems, as long as the copolymer and homopolymer form a miscible blend at low copolymer concentrations. Moreover, with knowledge of the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter between the copolymer and homopolymer, the molecular dynamic parameters of the copolymer, such as the tracer diffusion coefficient, segmental friction factor, and longest relaxation time, can be quantitatively determined. This technique is demonstrated by the determination of these parameters for a series of styrene/methyl methacrylate alternating copolymers dispersed in a matrix of deuterated poly(methyl methacrylate). Interestingly, the segmental friction factor of these alternating copolymers is significantly different from that of similar diblock copolymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3235–3247, 2004
Foraging Behavior in the Malayan Swarm-Raiding Ant Pheidologeton silenus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae)

Workers of the myrmicine ant Pheidologeton silenus (F. Smith) search for food in narrow column raids and in swarm raids up to 3 m wide, much as do army ants (Dorylinae and Ecitoninae) and the closely related species Pheidologeton diversus (Jerdon). P. silenus lacks the stable trunk routes of P. diversus . Media and major workers also perform fewer exterior tasks than do P. diversus , and they function outside the nest mainly in clearing trails and killing prey. Swarm raids advance at up to 4.5 m/h, faster than in P. diversus but still slower than in most army ants. This species feeds largely on animal material, and, unlike P. diversus , apparently never harvests seeds directly from fruiting plants. Despite the relatively rapid raid advance, P. silenus is generally less successful at catching massive or agile prey than P. diversus and collects mostly larval forms and other readily captured invertebrates. The significance of differences in raid velocity between species of group-hunting ants is discussed.
A Place and a Grid in the Sun

The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to John O'Keefe, May-Britt Moser, and Edvard I. Moser, recognizes the first deep-brain insights into a cognitive function. Their insights established a new view for how the brain represents spatial location.
Interrater Reliability of ICU EEG Research Terminology

Background:Standardized research terminology critical to the establishment of a multicenter intensive care unit (ICU) electroencephalogram (EEG) database was originally proposed in 2005 and has been modified many times since. However, interrater agreement (IRA) of the revised terminology has not bee
Home as a locus of work and career.

SUMMARY In response to contemporary work environments and the increased availability of technologies, individuals and organizations are experimenting with alternate forms of work located in the home. This article examines the complex and creative intersection of “home” and “work.” From 1990-1997, the number of individuals classified as home-based workers nearly tripled, reaching 9.3 million. Areas explored in the present study include emerging patterns in the work-at-home arena, the critical success factors that facilitate development of work and career in the home, and the opportunities afforded to individuals, families and communities when home is the locus of work. Directions for future research and debate in this area are presented.
Iodine stress corrosion cracking of zircaloy: Laboratory data, a phenomenological model, and predictions of in-reactor behavior

Abstract Data from laboratory tests performed on unirradiated and irradiated Zircaloy have been used as the basis for developing a phenomenological model of iodine-induced stress corrosion crack initiation and growth. The model is capable of predicting the response of cladding subjected to complex loading conditions. Major features of the data incorporated into the model include the existence of a threshold stress, the effect of iodine concentration, temperature effects, the role of chemical inhomogeneities and mechanical flaws, crack initiation in smooth specimens, crack propagation rates as a function of stress intensity in flawed specimens, and the detrimental effect of irradiation. The major physical processes addressed by the model include intergranular stress corrosion cracking (SCC), transgranular SCC, ductile rupture, iodine penetration by surface diffusion along existing or incipient cracks, and stress and strain intensification and triaxiality caused by cracks or flaws. A probabilistic description of the size distribution of the flaws found in as-fabricated cladding is used as the basis for quantitatively extrapolating the laboratory test results to predict in-reactor cladding behavior. The in-reactor SCC resistance of a large fuel assembly is predicted to be substantially lower and more variable than that of small laboratory specimens.
Alkoxy radical reactions: the isomerization of n-butoxy radicals generated from the pyrolysis of n-butyl nitrite

Abstract The very low-pressure pyrolysis of n -butyl nitrite has been studied at temperatures from 590–750 K. Evidence is presented that the n -butoxy radicals so formed undergo a fast intramolecular isomerization.
The insula–claustrum region and delusions in schizophrenia

Abstract Objective We examined the relationship between cerebral gray matter (GM) volume and severity of delusions and hallucinations in adults with schizophrenia. Method MRI scans in 43 patients with schizophrenia were acquired. Correlations were computed between GM volume and clinician ratings of hallucinations and delusions. Results The analysis revealed significant inverse correlations between ratings of the severity of delusions and volumes of the left claustrum and right insula. Significant correlations were not observed between cerebral GM volume and ratings of hallucinations. Conclusion The insula/claustrum region may be critical to the experience of delusions and more careful scrutiny of the claustrum in relation to schizophrenia appears warranted.
Superelasticity of Vimentin Coiled-Coil Intermediate Filaments: Atomistic and Continuum Studies

Vimentin coiled-coil alpha-helical dimers are elementary protein building blocks of intermediate filaments (IFs), an important component of the cell’s cytoskeleton that has been shown to control the large-deformation behavior of eukaryotic cell [1].Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Treatment of Parkinson hypophonia with percutaneous collagen augmentation.

Objectives: It has been estimated that more than 70% of patients with Parkinson disease experience voice and speech disorders characterized by weak and breathy phonation, and dysarthria. This study reports on the efficacy of treating Parkinson patients who have glottal insufficiency. Study Design and Methods: Thirty-five patients underwent collagen augmentation of the vocal folds for hypophonia associated with Parkinson disease, using a new technique of percutaneous injection with fiberoptic guidance. Patient response to the collagen augmentation was determined by telephone survey. Results and Conclusions: The procedure required minimal patient participation and was safely performed on all the patients who were studied. Results of the survey indicated that 75% of patient responses demonstrated satisfaction with the technique, compared with 16% of patient ratings reflecting dissatisfaction. These results were moderately correlated with the duration of improvement of the dysphonia. Results of this preliminary evaluation demonstrate that voice deficits in Parkinson disease are amenable to vocal fold augmentation. Because this procedure requires minimal patient participation and can be safely performed in an office setting, it may also be useful in other severely debilitating neuromotor diseases that result in glottal insufficiency and hypophonia.
Dual infection with endogenous herpes- and C-type viruses in cultured cells derived from normal and leukemic guinea pigs.

Mixed infections with two or three types of virus in cultured cells have been studied by several investigators. Experimental infection of single cells with two different animal viruses have been reported ( 1-4). Furthermore, replication of murine and feline C-type viruses in a human lymphoblastoid cell line carrying EB herpesvirus (5) and budding of vesicular stomatitis virus in a reptile cell line carrying C-type virus (6) have been noted. However, a naturally occurring dual infection with both C-type virus and herpesvirus in the same cultured cells has not been extensively explored. The present paper describes such a dual infection with guinea pig C-type virus (GPCV) and guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) in cell cultures derived from normal guinea pigs. The successful activation of the two endogenous viruses in guinea pigs was dependent upon the conditions under which the cultured cells were maintained. Materials and Methods. Source of guinea
Transluminal extraction catheter atherectomy followed by immediate stenting in treatment of saphenous vein grafts.

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transluminal extraction catheter (TEC) atherectomy followed by immediate Palmaz-Schatz coronary stenting of coronary bypass vein grafts. Background. Degeneration of saphenous vein coronary bypass grafts has become a common problem. Repeat bypass surgery is associated with greater risk and a poorer outcome than the initial operation. Moreover, percutaneous interventional procedures in vein grafts have been associated with high procedural complication rates, including distal embolization, and high restenosis rates. TEC atherectomy may reduce distal embolization, and stenting may reduce restenosis rates. Methods. We evaluated the procedural, hospital and clinical outcomes of TEC atherectomy followed by immediate Palmaz-Schatz coronary stenting of 53 vein grafts in 49 consecutive patients. The strategy was to limit instrumentation to extraction debulking and to stabilizing the site with stent deployment before using balloon dilation for optimal gain in lumen diameter. Results. Results are shown as mean value (95% confidence interval [CI]). The mean graft age was 9.2 years (95% CI 7.9 to 10.5), and 1.0 (95% CI 1 to 1) TEC cutter (2.2 mm [95% CI 2.1 to 2.3]) and 1.7 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.0) Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents/vein graft were used. The procedural success rate was 98%, with a minimal lumen diameter at baseline of 1.3 mm (95% CI 1.1 to 1.5), increasing to 3.9 mm (95% CI 3.6 to 4.2) (p Conclusions. TEC atherectomy followed by immediate Palmaz-Schatz coronary stenting of stenoses in old (>9 years) saphenous vein grafts can be successfully performed, with a low incidence of procedural and hospital complications. Clinical restenosis rates are low and less than those previously reported; however, late morbid cardiac events are still frequent in this high risk group of patients. These observational findings suggest that this technique may improve percutaneous management of vein graft disease, but optimal long-term management strategies remain to be determined.
Inhibition of Cellular 2′-5′ Oligoadenylate Synthetase by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Us11 Protein

ABSTRACT Among the many host genes induced by virus infection and interferon, the eIF2α protein kinase PKR and the 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) are both activated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced in virus-infected cells. Furthermore, each is a critical component that independently acts to inhibit virus replication and thereby contributes to the establishment of an antiviral state. As part of their tactics to foil host defense mechanisms, some viruses prevent the induction of interferon-responsive genes at the level of transcription. Other viruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), can additionally replicate in interferon-treated cells and must also evade the actions of host defense proteins such as PKR and OAS that have been previously synthesized and merely await detection of an activating signal. Whereas HSV-1 gene products γ134.5 and Us11 are required for viral replication in interferon-treated cells and both act in a temporally coordinated manner during infection to counteract PKR, HSV-1 functions that target OAS have not been described. Here, we demonstrate that HSV-1 infection inhibits 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthesis in interferon-stimulated primary human cells. The OAS-inhibiting activity is generated late in the virus9 productive life cycle and requires the Us11 gene product. Moreover, we establish that the Us11 protein is sufficient to block OAS activation in extracts from uninfected, interferon-treated cells. Inhibition of OAS specifically requires the Us11 dsRNA-binding domain, suggesting a mechanism that, in part, relies on sequestering available dsRNA produced during infection. Thus, in addition to PKR and its protein activator, PACT, the HSV-1 Us11 gene product is able to counteract the activity of OAS, a third cellular protein critical for host defense.
Acceleration of reproductive development in female Djungarian hamsters by adult males.

Housing young female Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus campbelli) with an adult male accelerates uterine and ovarian development and there is a strong relationship between uterine weight and ovarian measures (e.g., follicular size). Uterine weights of females housed with an adult male for 10 days following weaning are comparable to values from females housed alone for 25 days. Removal of endogenous androgens by castration eliminated the capacity of adult males to accelerate reproductive development in young females and treatment of castrated males with exogenous androgens maintained the production of the acceleratory chemosignal. When adult male urine and ventral gland sebum were examined as possible sources for the acceleratory chemosignal, only male urine had an acceleratory effect on reproductive development. Thus, female Djungarian hamsters respond with accelerated reproductive development to androgen-dependent chemosignals in the urine of adult males. These mechanisms are similar to those found in several other rodents but contrast with the lack of such effects in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).
Zebra versus quagga mussels: a review of their spread, population dynamics, and ecosystem impacts

Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and D. rostriformis bugensis (quagga mussel) continue to spread in Europe and in North America, and have large ecological and economic impacts where they invade. Today many more waterbodies are invaded by zebra mussels, and therefore the extent of their impact is greater than that of quagga mussels. Both species provide additional space and food for invertebrates in the littoral zone, increasing their diversity and density. In contrast, in the profundal zone, quagga mussels may compete for space and food resources with benthic invertebrates, decreasing their diversity and density. The system-wide effect of dreissenids depends on water mixing rates, lake morphology, and turnover rates. Because quagga mussels are found in all regions of a lake, and form larger populations, they may filter larger volumes of water and may have greater system-wide effects, especially in deep lakes, than zebra mussels, which are restricted to shallower portions of lakes. Shortly after initial invasion, as populations increase, both dreissenids will have their largest effects on communities, and most of them will be direct effects. After the initial stage of invasion, impacts are less predictable, and more likely to be caused by indirect effects through changes in the ecosystem.
Prasugrel Metabolites Inhibit Neutrophil Functions

Clopidogrel and prasugrel belong to a thienopyridine class of oral antiplatelet drugs that, after having been metabolized in the liver, can inhibit platelet function by irreversibly antagonizing the P2Y12 receptor. Furthermore, thienopyridines influence numerous inflammatory conditions, but their effects on neutrophils have not been evaluated, despite the important role of these cells in inflammation. Therefore, we investigated the effect of prasugrel metabolites on neutrophils to further clarify the role of thienopyridines in inflammation. Interestingly, a prasugrel metabolite mixture, produced in vitro using rat liver microsomes, significantly inhibited N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)- and platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced neutrophil activation. More specifically, prasugrel metabolites inhibited neutrophil transmigration, CD16 surface expression, and neutrophil-platelet aggregation. Moreover, prasugrel metabolite pretreatment also significantly decreased fMLP- or PAF-induced extracellular-signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation as well as calcium mobilization. To determine the target of prasugrel in neutrophils, the role of both P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors was studied using specific reversible antagonists, AR-C69931MX and MRS2211, respectively. Neither antagonist had any direct effect on the agonist-induced neutrophil functional responses. Our findings indicate that prasugrel metabolites may directly target neutrophils and inhibit their activation, suggesting a possible explanation for their anti-inflammatory effects previously observed. However, these metabolites do not act through either the P2Y12 or P2Y13 receptor in neutrophils.
Closed-form maximum entropy image restoration

The use of maximum entropy image restoration has, heretofore, required recursive, or iterative, search routines. This paper, by contrast, describes a one-pass, closed-form maximum entropy algorithm. The approach derives from minimization of a Log-L 2 error norm between object and reconstruction. The resulting output has the form of the exponential of a Wiener-type filtering of the image data. The logarithmic nature of the norm gives rise to a tendency toward constant relative error across the output field.
Biodiversity and Industry Ecosystem Management

The term biodiversity describes the array of interacting, genetically distinct populations and species in a region, the communities they comprise, and the variety of ecosystems of which they are functioning parts. Ecosystem health, a closely related concept, is described in terms of a process identifying biological indicators, end points, and values. The decline of populations or species, an accelerating trend worldwide, can lead to simplification of ecosystem processes, thus threatening the stability and sustainability of ecosystem services directly relevant to human welfare in the chain of economic and ecological relationships. The challenge of addressing issues of such enormous scope and complexity has highlighted the limitations of ecology-as-science. Additionally, biosphere-scale conflicts seem to lie beyond the scope of conventional economics, leading to differences of opinion about the commodity value of biodiversity and of the services that intact ecosystems provide. In the face of these uncertainties, many scientists and economists have adopted principles that clearly assign burdens of proof to those who would promote the loss of biodiversity and that also establish “near-trump” (preeminent) status for ecological integrity. Electric utility facilities and operations impact biodiversity whenever construction, operation, or maintenance of generation, delivery, and support facilities alters landscapes and habitats and thereby impacts species. Although industry is accustomed to dealing with broad environmental concerns (such as global warming or acid rain), the biodiversity issue invokes hemisphere-wide, regional, local, and site-specific concerns all at the same time. Industry can proactively address these issues of scope and scale in two main ways: first, by aligning strategically with the broad research agenda put forth by informed scientists and institutions; and second, by supporting focused management processes whose results will contribute incrementally to the broader agenda of rebuilding or maintaining biodiversity.
A Comparative Study of Creativity and Cognitive Problem-Solving Strategies of High-IQ and Average Students.

This study assessed the creative thinking abilities of high-IQ and average students on fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Seventeen high-IQ fifth and sixth graders and 20 average f...
Drosophila melanogaster's history as a human commensal

When W.E. Castle at Harvard and T.H. Morgan at the Columbia University started using a tiny fly for laboratory experiments in genetics they were probably unaware that the species had only been introduced to the United States a few years earlier. Drosophila melanogaster , now a widely popular organism in biological research, is a human commensal that owes its current cosmopolitan distribution largely to human activity. Since this became clear considerable progress has been made in understanding the historical biogeography of Drosophila melanogaster and its association with human activities. There are even first attempts to describe the ecology of populations not associated with human activities, which might shed light on the evolutionary history of the species.
Is the Bis(μ‐oxo)dicopper Core Capable of Hydroxylating an Arene?

Direct attack of the bis(μ-oxo)dicopper core on an arene appears feasible in tyrosinase and model complexes on the basis of studies of new [Cu(III) 2 (μ-O)2 ](2+) compounds supported by bidentate imine/amine ligands. In the first demonstration of such reactivity for a bis(μ-oxo)dicopper core, decomposition of these intermediates caused hydroxylation of a pendant phenyl ring [Eq. (a)] in a reaction analogous to that catalyzed by tyrosinase.
A use of self-instruction to extend the generalization of a self-instructed in-common discrimination

Abstract Three typically developing preschool children were presented with an in-common sorting problem involving colored and marked shapes; the task was to see what two pictures had in common and to sort a deck of pictures according to that feature. The children failed to sort accurately. They were then taught to name the common features of any pair and to answer the question, “What are you looking for?” before sorting, to produce the form of a self-instruction (e.g., “I'm looking for blue triangles”). They still failed to sort accurately until they were taught to link their sorting to that potentially self-instructive answer. They then showed perfect accuracy in sorting and occasional spontaneous overt self-instructions, when told only, “Put here what these pictures have in common,” across ever-changing pairs (much like the children of prior reports). The present report asks whether that finally correct performance would generalize to new stimuli. Accordingly, the children were probed with steadily changing sample pairs of three new stimulus sets—recombinations of the colored, marked shapes used in training; letters; and pictures. One child showed near-perfect generalization to all three of these new sets (like many children in prior reports). But the other two children showed near-perfect generalization to only two of the sets and not to the third Set—letters. Merely reintroducing the content-free question, “What are you looking for?” and acknowledging correct answers to it (i.e., self-instructions about letters) yielded largely accurate sorting of letter problems; this way of remediating failures of generalization had not been studied before. In general, sorting problems with two elements in common proved more difficult than those with one element in common; this difference diminished in the child told to self-instruct about letters after that self-instruction.
“Experience is a great teacher”: citizens’ reception of a proposal for the implementation of green infrastructure as stormwater management technology

This paper examines citizen receptivity to green infrastructure (GI) development in three neighborhoods in Syracuse, New York. Data from 208 surveyed residents were statistically assessed to determine levels of environmental knowledge (EK) about and stated willingness to implement rain barrels, rain gardens, trees, porous pavements, and curbside extensions. Respondents had high levels of EK about GI as a measure for stormwater control and strong stated willingness to implement GI measures. There were no statistically significant relationships between either EK or stated willingness to implement, and sociodemographic variables, with the exception of age. However, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between EK and stated willingness to implement GI. This article, grounded in environmental psychology, argues that there may be nuances in the type of EK that can explain the observed relationships. Specifically, knowledge obtained from a common shared experience of combined sewer overflo...
Triplet Acetylenes as Synthetic Equivalents of 1,2‐Bicarbenes, Part II: New Supramolecular Scaffolds from Photochemical Cycloaddition of Diarylacetylenes to 1,4‐Cyclohexadienes

1,5-Diaryl substituted homoquadricyclanes which are readily available through cascade photocycloaddition of diarylacetylenes to 1,4-cyclohexadienes are useful supramolecular scaffolds with an angle of about 60 degrees formed by the two aromatic rings defining a hydrophobic cavity. These structural features of pyridinyl homoquadricyclanes were applied to the design of composite organic/inorganic materials with topologies depending on the ratio of ligand to metal. The crystal structure of complex 1 (L1/AgNO(3) in a 1:1 ratio) shows an alternating ligand-metal polymer in which each of the silver ions in its linear coordination geometry is shared between two L1 molecules. A small change in the crystallization method yields a supramolecular rhomboid (complex 2, L1/AgNO(3) 3:2 ratio) which has two ligands that occupy opposite corners of the rhomboid and two silver atoms occupy the other two corners. Connection of the rhomboids units through a third molecule forms unique "beads on a string" polymeric chains. In complex 2, the silver ions adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry with the nitrate anion occupying one of the vertices of the tetrahedron. The crystal packing of the chain of rhomboids generates cavities which are filled with disordered solvent molecules. Non-symmetrical homoquadricyclane L3 coordinates with silver only through the nitrogen of the pyridine ring but not through the nitrogen of the tetrafluoropyridine ring in which the electron density of the nitrogen lone-pair is very low. The substituents on the polycyclic moiety of the homoquadricyclane cause restricted rotation of the pyridine rings which suggests that the flexibility of such systems can be fine-tuned to create a family of supramolecular scaffolds of controlled rigidity.
Thoracic Robotics at the Heart Hospital Baylor Plano: The First 20 Cases

A da Vinci Robotic Surgical System was purchased for The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano in fall 2011 and a program for robotic-assisted thoracic surgery commenced at the facility. Successive thoracic patients were offered and accepted a robotic-assisted operation. No patient was excluded because of age, height, weight, or comorbidities. The first 20 patients are summarized herein. Of the first 10 operations, only one was a lobectomy. As the program staff gained experience, seven of the latter 10 procedures were lobectomies. The average length of stay was 2.6 days (longest, 4 days). The average operating room time was 147 minutes overall and 200 minutes for lobectomies. The longest operating room time was 337 minutes in a patient who underwent a right middle lobectomy that was converted to a video-assisted thoracic surgery. Two patients developed atrial fibrillation, one of whom had a pacemaker and a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. One patient developed a bronchopleural fistula on the first postoperative day, following a coughing episode. One patient was readmitted 6 days after hospital discharge with a pneumothorax, which was successfully treated with a small-bore catheter. In conclusion, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery has many advantages. Decreased complications can lead to improved outcomes, and hospitals can achieve cost savings as a result of reduced length of stay.
A simple vacuum cassette for microradiography.

Microradiography has been found to be a useful research tool for the investigation of bone formation, resorption and mineralization. Since relatively thin (60-125 μm) embedded hard tissue sections are used for this procedure, great care must be taken to ensure that the specimen is placed firmly and flatly without buckling against the photographic emulsion during the period of x-ray exposure in order to avoid distortion in the final microradiograph. The construction and use of a simple and inexpensive vacuum cassette for this purpose is described. With the use of a portable vacuum reservoir, specimen mounting can be done in a darkroom some distance from the x-ray source, often permitting the use of already existing x-ray facilities in other laboratories.
CMOS Micromachined Inductors With Structure Supports for RF Mixer Matching Networks

This letter presents the comparison of three novel structure supports for on-chip complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based micromachined inductors by using a proposed two-step maskless post-CMOS process. A 3-D electromagnetic inductor simulation model is established and calibrated with inductor fabrication. The proposed inductors are applied in the matching network of the double-balanced Gilbert mixer to improve the performance and the mechanical stability. The mixers, with and without micromachined process inductors, are fabricated in a 0.5-mum CMOS process and compared in this letter. The measurement results show a 28.12% increase in conversion gain, a 31.7% improvement in third intercept point, and a 44% reduction in the noise figure.
Conservation properties of convection difference schemes

Abstract The so-called conservative or flux form of the finite difference formulation of convection terms is shown to be inadequate for preventing nonlinear instability in some cases. A preferred scheme for the convection terms which has the property of absolute spatial conservation is obtained. Illustrative examples are given for (i) the Navier-Stokes equations; (ii) a forced convection equation; and (iii) a Burger's type equation.
DC and high-frequency performance of AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors

The DC and high frequency performance of AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) is analyzed using an enhanced drift-diAusion model and GaN/AlGaN material parameters, which were previously verified by modeling experimental device characteristics. The emitter‐base diode turn-on voltage is as high as 2.7 V while the collector and base ideality factors are 1.16 and 1.46 respectively. A DC current gain of b=15 is found at a collector current density of 2.5 kA/cm 2 and the gain is maintained at this value up to 4.1 kA/cm 2 . The devices show a small oAset voltage of 0.5 V. A forward breakdown voltage BVCEO of 70 V is found for designs with collector doping of 5 10 16 cm ˇ3 . The current gain varied from 22 to 6 when the base doping was increased from 5 10 17 to 2 10 18 cm ˇ3 . At the same time, the maximum oscillation frequency fMAX increased from 3 to 6 GHz. A severe degradation of the current gain, fT, and fMAX was observed for HBT designs with a base thickness wider than 1000 A˚ .B y optimizing the transistor design and bias, an fT of 44 GHz and an fMAX of 24 GHz are predicted. Results of a large-signal analysis are also presented to evaluate the power capability and eAciency of AlGaN/GaN HBTs. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ligand and antagonist driven regulation of the Vibrio cholerae quorum-sensing receptor CqsS.

Quorum sensing, a bacterial cell–cell communication process, controls biofilm formation and virulence factor production in Vibrio cholerae, a human pathogen that causes the disease cholera. The major V. cholerae autoinducer is (S)-3-hydroxytridecan-4-one (CAI-1). A membrane bound two-component sensor histidine kinase called CqsS detects CAI-1, and the CqsS → LuxU → LuxO phosphorelay cascade transduces the information encoded in CAI-1 into the cell. Because the CAI-1 ligand is known and because the signalling circuit is simple, consisting of only three proteins, this system is ideal for analysing ligand regulation of a sensor histidine kinase. Here we reconstitute the CqsS → LuxU → LuxO phosphorylation cascade in vitro. We find that CAI-1 inhibits the initial auto-phosphorylation of CqsS whereas subsequent phosphotransfer steps and CqsS phosphatase activity are not CAI-1-controlled. CAI-1 binding to CqsS causes a conformational change that renders His194 in CqsS inaccessible to the CqsS catalytic domain. CqsS mutants with altered ligand detection specificities are faithfully controlled by their corresponding modified ligands in vitro. Likewise, pairing of agonists and antagonists allows in vitro assessment of their opposing activities. Our data are consistent with a two-state model for ligand control of histidine kinases.
State of flat-panel display technology and future trends

The rivalry between the cathode-ray tube and flat-panel displays (FPDs) has intensified as performance of some FPDs now exceeds that of that entrenched leader in many cases. Besides the well-known active-matrix-addressed liquid-crystal display, plasma, organic light-emitting diodes, and liquid-crystal-on-silicon displays are now finding new applications as the manufacturing, process engineering, materials, and cost structures become standardized and suitable for large markets.
Evaluation of the learning curve for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Abstract Background The literature reports that the learning curve for laparoscopic Roux-en- Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is approximately 75–100 cases. This aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of shortening the learning curve for performing LRYGBP by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Methods This study analyzed retrospectively the first 100 consecutive LRYGBP cases performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon between April 2003 and September 2003. The surgeon performed these cases after first assisting in 30 cases, and the first 4 cases were proctored by an experienced laparoscopic bariatric surgeon. Two cases done after previous gastric stapling and Nissen fundoplication were excluded from the study. Outcome variables included operative time, complications, conversion, and mortality. Results For the first 100 LRYGBP patients, the mean age was 42.6 years (range, 22–62 years) and mean body mass index (BMI) was 47.6 kg/m2 (range, 36–71.8). The complications included 1 case of intestinal leak, 1 case of small bowel obstruction, 6 cases of gastrojejunal stenosis, 8 cases of wound infection, 1 case of wound seroma, and 2 cases of pulmonary embolism, resulting in 1 mortality. One case was converted to an open technique. Over the second 50 cases, there was a significant reduction in mean operative time, to 73 minutes (range, 39–145 minutes) from 113 minutes (range, 54–238 minutes) (P Conclusion A bariatric surgical practice incorporating LRYGBP can be safely done by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. With appropriate advanced laparoscopic skills, preparatory steps, proctorship, and adequate volume of cases, the learning curve for performing LRYGBP can be reduced to 50 cases. Further experience is associated with a significant reduction in operative time with acceptable mortality, complication, and conversion rates.