cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Phylogenetic Analysis of Sexual Size Dimorphism in Turtles

Abstract Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is widespread in a variety of vertebrate taxa, and its presence has been associated with a range of evolutionary and ecological factors. Turtles, as a lineage, have been shown to include species that exhibit both forms of SSD—male-biased (male larger) and female-biased (female larger)—as well as species that do not exhibit SSD (male size ≅ female size). Previous work has suggested that factors affecting the direction and magnitude of SSD in turtles may include habitat preference and fecundity; these correlations, however, have not been tested in a phylogenetic context. To provide a framework for evaluating potential correlates with the magnitude and direction of SSD in turtles, we examined the phylogenetic distribution of SSD in this clade. Published sources were surveyed for data on the direction and magnitude of SSD, carapace length, clutch size, egg size, and preferred habitat (terrestrial vs. nonterrestrial). Phylogenies were compiled from multiple published sourc...
Hydrogeological Processes and Chemical Reactions at a Landfill.

Chemical and isotopic analyses were made of water from wells in and downgradient from a landfill to determine chemical and isotopic effects of generation and migration of leachate on ground water. The distribution and wide concentration range of oxygen and methane permit the delineation of an anaerobic zone, a regional oxygenated zone and an intermediate zone. The ratio of reduced nitrogen to nitrate indicates location of reducing fronts as the leachate migrates. The pH of the native ground water is low (≥5.0) primarily because of the low pH of rainfall and the lack of calcareous or other soluble minerals in the aquifer material. The pH is higher (∼6.6) in the leachate because of generation of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and methane. The native ground water has a low TDS (80 mg/l) while the leachate has an average TDS of 2800 mg/l and is primarily a NaHCO3 type water. Sulfate concentrations are extremely low and H2 S was not detected. We suggest that a major source of cations may be their exchange from the clays by the ammonium generated in the leachate. High concentrations of Fe and Mn are attributed to a source in the refuse but more important to reduction of oxide cements and coatings resulting from degradation of organic matter. The main source of bicarbonate is from organic degradation with minimal CO2 from the soil zone. At one landfill site 52% of the total alkalinity is attributed to organic compounds, mainly organic acid anions. The δ13 C of bicarbonate in the leachate is exceedingly heavy (+18.400 /00 ) which results from fractionation during the formation of methane. The 10 per mil deuterium enrichment of water may be due to decomposition of deuterium-enriched compounds and bacterial processes that preferentially consume the lighter hydrogen isotope.
Why Americans should not misunderestimate Europe

Many in the US “misunderestimate” Europe. From an economic perspective, exports by EU member countries to locations outside the EU are higher than US exports. On the political dimension, the US media has reported constantly on the “Euro crisis” but very few commentators have tried to explain the difficulties member states have faced in achieving an equitable resolution. Many European countries appear to be doing better than the US in preparing their companies and workers for the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly interconnected world. Rather than ridicule Europe, it is suggested the US should try to better understand why parts of that region are doing well, and attempt to adapt those best practices at home.
A structural study of glassy polystyrene

X-ray scattering from three polystyrene glasses and from a partially devitrified specimen has been measured. The intensity data are identical for quenched and slowly cooled atactic polystyrene but differ for isotactic polystyrene quenched to the glassy state. Radial Distribution Functions (RDF) exhibit five principal peaks centred at 1.5, 2.5, 5, 6, and 10A for all of the glasses. A model RDF based on the published crystal structure is shown to compare well with the RDF obtained experimentally for devitrified isotactic polystyrene. On the basis of this model, peaks in the RDFs are assigned. It is shown that both inter- and intramolecular scattering contributes to the polystyrene RDF at distances beyond 3.7A. The structure is dominated by steric interaction of the phenyl groups, affecting both chain conformation and molecular packing.
A comparative study of the membrane potential from before fertilization through early cleavage in two frogs, Rana pipiens and Xenopus laevis.

Abstract 1. 1. The membrane potential of Rana pipiens eggs (−55.0mV ± 11.2(16)) was more likely to recover from impalement and was always more negative than that of eggs of Xenopus laevis (−19.3 mV ± 4.2(68)). It was also much more negative than previously reported. 2. 2. Essentially similar membrane resistance changes were measured in the two frog species through fertilization and cleavage. 3. 3. Small transient depolarizations only associated with the onset of the fertilization potential in Xenopus could be prevented by hyperpolarizing the egg membrane prior to fertilization. 4. 4. Repolarization was variable and longer in Rana and often accompanied by large transient spontaneous depolarizations. 5. 5. Insemination time, the time between fertilization and cleavage and the first cleavage division cycle, were all about twice as long in Rana. 6. 6. Xenopus egg cleavage was invariably accompanied by pronounced transient hyperpolarizations that were essentially absent in Rana.
Some Social‐Psychological and Political Functions of Ideology*

(1969). Some Social-Psychological and Political Functions of Ideology. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 72-83.
The freeze-drying of pollens

The preservation of viable pollen for future study and for breeding is of considerable theoretical and practical value. The pollens of many horticultural crops will survive for many months, with decreasing viability, at temperatures just above freezing so long as the relative humidity of the storage environment is controlled and the pollen is not disturbed. Freezing to -20? C. or storage in liquid oxygen have shown promise for pollen storage, although the latter is generally impractical (Cf. Visser [15] ). Pollen storage at sub-zero temperatures or a combination of low temperature and a controlled humidity are not practical, however, for long-distance shipments or the maintenance of viable pollens used in extensive plant breeding programs. The longevity of many pollens, furthermore, has not been greatly increased by subzero temperatures and controlled humidity. An encouraging approach to the problem of pollen preservation is now evident in the freeze-dry method, which has been successful for fungus spores, bacteria, and blood plasma. An essential requirement for successful freezing is that the rate of temperature reduiction must be rapid (2). This is not solely a function of the temperature of the freezing bath or medium, but is, rather, a function of the rapid rate of heat extraction. Meryman (9) designated two rates of freezing-"slow" and "rapid." The distinction between the two is that crystallization is wholly or pre-
Characteristics of in situ deposited GaAs metal-insulator-semiconductor structures

Abstract GaAs based metal-insulator-semiconductor structures utilizing a pseudomorphic Si interface layer were investigated. Deposition involved molecular beam epitaxy for GaAs and remote plasma enhanced chemical vapor epitaxy for Si and insulator (Si 3 N 4 ) layers, all without exposure to air. As determined by the conductance method, interface trap densities in the upper 10 10 eV −1 cm −2 were obtained, with samples withstanding high temperature rapid thermal annealing. Frequency dispersion and hysteresis of under 100 mV indicate the quality of the interface and bulk layers. Bulk trap density in the insulator appears to be below 10 12 cm −2 . Metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect-transistors were fabricated and investigated. With GaAs channels, excess channel conduction which vanished at low temperatures was observed. Addition of as low as 5% InAs in the channel eliminated this excess channel current. A similar observation was made when a Ge interface layer was grown on GaAs prior to the Si layer. The excess current is attributed to interfacial traps below the midgap. Transconductances as high as 160 and 170 mS/mm have been obtained with about 2.5 μm gate length in GaAs and InGaAs channels, respectively.
Nature of cell-to-cell transfer of auxin in polar transport.

By application of agar blocks (“side blocks”) against the inner and outer epidermis of maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptiles whose cuticle has been abraded it is found that radioactive auxin in the polar transport stream exchanges rapidly with the tissue's free space and therefore does not move confined within the symplast. Polar transport of IAA is demonstrable in Avena coleoptile segments plasmolyzed in 0.5 and 0.7 M mannitol, in which most of the plasmodesmatal connections between successive cells in the polar transport pathway appear to have been broken. We conclude that during polar transport IAA probably moves from cell to cell by crossing the plasmalemmas and the free space between successive cells, rather than via plasmodesmata. Auxin in the polar transport stream exchanges rapidly with side blocks by a cyanide-and azide-insensitive, presumably passive, process. A similarly passive uptake takes place into the cells from an external donor. NPA almost completely inhibits efflux from the polar transport stream even though it does not inhibit uptake; its inhibition of efflux is completely reversed by azide or cyanide. These findings are compatible either with the traditional model of polar transport as passive uptake combined with an active basal efflux pump for IAA, or with the model of purely passive polar transport driven by pH and/or potential differences across the plasma membrane, provided certain ad hoc assumptions are made about the characteristics of the IAA anion carrier that would be operating in either model.
Elastic Scattering and Cross Sections in Antiproton-Proton Interactions at 3.3 and 3.7 BeV/ c

The elastic, the pion-production, and the multipion-annihilation cross sections for antiproton-proton interactions at 3.28 and 3.66 BeV/c incident antiproton momenta have been measured. A comparison of the elastic interactions at 3.28 BeV/c with a purely-absorbing disc optical model gave a best value for the radius of interaction of $1.3 F$. The real part of the forward scattering amplitude has been found to be less than 20% of the imaginary part. A study of the asymmetries in double elastic scatters yielded a value for a polarizing power of the hydrogen consistent with zero when averaged over production angles.
Electron impact excitation of ions from larger organic molecules

[M + Na]+ ions (m/z 1164) from gramicidin S can be dissociated in a Fourier-transform mass spectrometer with ∼ 85% efficiency using a 50 μA beam of 70 eV electrons for 500 μs. Although the fragment ions are smaller, on average, than those from collisionally activated dissociation or 193 nm photodissociation, these also provide extensive sequence information.
Contested Spaces of a “Failing” Elementary School

AbstractAmid the recent proliferation of teacher-led movements resisting high-stakes testing across the United States, the authors identify how a “failing” elementary school reclaimed local discourse by taking political action against top-down measures. Framed as competing modes of school reform, the authors offer the sociocultural framework of “contested spaces” to build understanding of top-down and bottom-up school reform efforts. The data are organized in three descriptive scenarios: (1) the principal of Dewey Elementary created spaces to reclaim public education as local, (2) teachers created a Facebook group called “Democracy in Action” with a corresponding call and write-in campaign to protest current political measures, and (3) parents pulled their students from taking standardized tests to an extent that merited national news coverage. Drawn from the results of interactive qualitative analysis performed with the participants, the authors examine the contextual supports in which all participants w...
Chiari Type I Malformations in Young Adults: Implications for the College Health Practitioner

The authors describe 2 cases of Chiari type I malformation (CM-I) in students presenting to a college health center within a 6-month period. A review of CM-I, including epidemiology, typical presentation, evaluation, and management, is followed by a discussion of the clinical and functional implications of the disorder in an emerging adult population.
Dynamic behaviour of R/C highway bridges under the combined effect of vertical and horizontal earthquake motions

Measurements of ground motions during past earthquakes indicate that the vertical acceleration can reach values comparable to horizontal accelerations or may even exceed these accelerations. Furthermore, measurements of structural response show the possibility of significant amplification in the response of bridges in the vertical direction that can be attributed to the vertical component of ground motion. In this study, the relative importance of the vertical component of ground motion on the inelastic response of R/C highway bridges is investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on modelling of the deck and piers to account for complex loading histories under combined vertical and horizontal earthquake motions. Analyses of actual bridges indicate that, in general, the vertical motion will increase the level of response and the amount of damage sustained by a highway bridge. Vertical motion generates fluctuating axial forces in the columns, which cause unstability of the hysteresis loops and increase the ductility demand. Furthermore, vertical motion can generate forces of high magnitude in the abutments and foundations that are not accounted for by the current seismic design guidelines. Thus, it is important to consider this component of the ground motion in the design of highway bridges, especially for those located in regions near seismic faults.
Investigation of RNA-Protein and RNA-Metal Ion Interactions by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: The HIV TAR-Tat Motif

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to investigate changes in dynamics of spin-labeled nucleotides in the TAR RNA (U23, U25, U38, and U40) upon binding to cations, argininamide, and two peptides derived from the Tat protein. Nearly identical changes in dynamics were obtained for either calcium or sodium ions, indicating the absence of a calcium-specific structural change for the TAR RNA in solution that had previously been suggested by crystallographic data. Similar dynamic signatures were obtained for two Tat-derived peptides that have the same important binding determinant (R52) and similar binding affinities to the TAR RNA. However, U23 and U38 were substantially less mobile for the wild-type peptide (YGRKKRRQRRR) than for the mutant (YKKKKRKKKKA), demonstrating that, flanking R52, amino acids in the wild-type sequence make specific contacts to the RNA.
Should treatments for asthma be aimed at the airway smooth muscle

The airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell is an important part of the airway wall of asthma patients because of its increased contractile properties, which appear to be enhanced in this condition and which contribute to airflow obstruction and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. ASM cells are also abnormal in asthma with increased expression of certain chemokines, with increased proliferation rate, numbers and size. β-adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids are the two most important treatments for asthma; other drugs used are leukotriene receptor antagonists and theophylline. Combination therapy of β-adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids has become the treatment of choice for moderate-to-severe asthma. β-adrenergic agonists cause relaxation of ASM cells, leading to a decrease in airflow obstruction of asthma and acute relief of symptoms. Corticosteroids also have direct effects on ASM cells. It is postulated that the effect of anti-inflammatory agents on ASM cells is the most important determinant of the therape...
Relativistic calculation of ground-state baryon masses

Abstract The masses of the ground-state baryons are calculated in a relativistic quark model by using the saddle-point variational method to solve the three-body Breit equation. The saddle-point variational method maximizes the energy with respect to small component parameters, while minimizing with respect to size parameters. This removes the problems usually caused by negative-energy states, without the need for positive-energy projection operators. The variational method, applied to an asymmetric trial wave function with naturally borken SU(3) and SU(6) symmetry, permits solution of the Breit equation for realistic QCD-inspired potentials without using perturbation theory. The calculated masses are in good agreement with experiment, and the asymmetric wave function gives reasonable values for the proton and neutron charge radii.
The use of synchrotron radiation for detector calibrations

Abstract The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) VUV radiometric detector program calibrates photodiode detectors as radiometric transfer standards over the wavelength range between 50 and 2500 A (5–250 eV photon energy). Our calibration uncertainty is 10% or better over this full range. The source of radiation used for calibration in the spectral region below 600 A is synchrotron radiation from the NBS Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF) while a duoplasmatron source is used above 600 A. A noble gas double ionization chamber is used as the absolute detector between 400–1000 A while a single ionization chamber is used below 400 A and a thermopile referred to the double ionization chamber is used above 1000 A. At wavelengths above 1200 A magnesium flouride windowed photodiodes with cesium or rubidium telluride photocathodes serve as transfer standards. For wavelengths below 1200 A specially prepared Al 2 O 3 photodiodes are used. Their photocathodes are made by evaporating about 1800 A of aluminum onto a quartz disc. Then a 150 A thick layer of Al 2 O 3 is formed through anodization to serve as the photoemitting surface. The properties of these diodes prove to be very sensitive to contamination especially at wavelengths below 200 A. It is particularly important that hydrocarbon oils not be cracked on their surface since this tends to form a carbonaneous photoemitting surface. We are also investigating tungsten photocathodes as a possible transfer standard for the shorter wavelengths. In collaboration with groups at LASL and NRL studies have been made of the photoefficiency of several “practical” photocathode materials at wavelengths between 50–584 A. Results will be shown for natural aluminum, gold, and carbon. The studies include evaluation of the stability of photoefficiency with time and the sensitivity of the photoefficiency to contamination with use in plasma machine diagnostics. In collaboration with DoE and the University of Hawaii a study was made of some high photoefficiency materials for radiometric diagnostic work. Results for CuI and CsI will be reported as will a study of some “disposable” radiometric detectors.
LV Mass Assessed by Echocardiography and CMR, Cardiovascular Outcomes, and Medical Practice

The authors investigated 3 important areas related to the clinical use of left ventricular mass (LVM): accuracy of assessments by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), the ability to predict cardiovascular outcomes, and the comparative value of different indexing methods. The recommended formula for echocardiographic estimation of LVM uses linear measurements and is based on the assumption of the left ventricle (LV) as a prolate ellipsoid of revolution. CMR permits a modeling of the LV free of cardiac geometric assumptions or acoustic window dependency, showing better accuracy and reproducibility. However, echocardiography has lower cost, easier availability, and better tolerability. From the MEDLINE database, 26 longitudinal echocardiographic studies and 5 CMR studies investigating LVM or LV hypertrophy as predictors of death or major cardiovascular outcomes were identified. LVM and LV hypertrophy were reliable cardiovascular risk predictors using both modalities. However, no study directly compared the methods for the ability to predict events, agreement in hypertrophy classification, or performance in cardiovascular risk reclassification. Indexing LVM to body surface area was the earliest normalization process used, but it seems to underestimate the prevalence of hypertrophy in obese and overweight subjects. Dividing LVM by height to the allometric power of 1.7 or 2.7 is the most promising normalization method in terms of practicality and usefulness from a clinical and scientific standpoint for scaling myocardial mass to body size. The measurement of LVM, calculation of LVM index, and classification for LV hypertrophy should be standardized by scientific societies across measurement techniques and adopted by clinicians in risk stratification and therapeutic decision making.
Differences between daily smokers, chippers, and nonsmokers with co-occurring anxiety and alcohol-use disorders.

Abstract Tobacco use is disproportionately represented among both alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) and anxiety disorders (ANX) compared to the general population [Kalman, D. A., Morissette, S. B., & George, T. P. (2005). Co-morbidity of nicotine and tobacco use in psychiatric and substance use disorders. The American Journal on Addictions , 14, 1–18]. Despite this common overlap, little is known about how smokers with co-occurring AUD–ANX differ from their nonsmoking counterparts. Seventy-two patients participated in a larger clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of venlafaxine and cognitive-behavioral therapy for AUD–ANX. Differences between daily smokers ( n = 23), chippers ( n = 12) and nonsmokers ( n = 37) with AUD–ANX were examined with respect to intensity and frequency of alcohol use, anxiety symptoms, depressed mood, and stress. Point prevalence of current daily smoking was 31.9%, which is considerably lower than traditionally reported in AUD studies. Consistent with predictions, daily smokers reported higher levels of alcohol dependence, average drinks per drinking occasion, and peak blood concentration levels in a day than nonsmokers during the 90 days prior to assessment. Chippers were nonsignificantly different from either smokers or nonsmokers. Smokers and nonsmokers did not differ with respect to percent heavy drinking days or emotional symptoms.
Deconstructing Pancreas Development to Reconstruct Human Islets from Pluripotent Stem Cells

There is considerable excitement about harnessing the potential of human stem cells to replace pancreatic islets that are destroyed in type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying pancreas and islet ontogeny has come largely from the powerful genetic, developmental, and embryological approaches available in nonhuman organisms. Successful islet reconstruction from human pluripotent cells will require greater attention to "deconstructing" human pancreas and islet developmental biology and consistent application of conditional genetics, lineage tracing, and cell purification to stem cell biology.
Suffering and healing: An interpretation of the Buddhist doctrine of the four noble truths

The Buddha's method of spiritual release is crystallized in the Four Noble Truths. The Four Truths profile the condition of an individual's life. It explains the cause of suffering, the means through which an individual residing in a transient world can extract oneself from samsara and propel oneself into an abiding spiritual reality or nirvana. This four stage method parallels the principles of diagnosis, etiology, recovery or health, and therapeutics, which are employed by physicians in their clinical practice. This article is a reflection on this method and its practical application.
Spontaneous reports of hypertension leading to hospitalisation in association with rofecoxib, celecoxib, nabumetone and oxaprozin.

Data on file with the US FDA, and other published studies, suggest that the selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor NSAID rofecoxib has a greater hypertensive adverse effect than other NSAIDs, including celecoxib. In this study we describe a pharmacoepidemiologic analysis of spontaneous adverse event reports of acute, clinically serious hypertension (as defined by hospitalisation) reported in association with rofecoxib, celecoxib, nabumetone and oxaprozin. The objective of this analysis is to assess whether postmarketing data are consistent with results of clinical trials. We also collapse cases into series for the identification of possible risk factors for clinically severe, NSAID-associated hypertension. Domestic (US) cases of apparently unconfounded, acute hypertension leading to hospitalisation were collected and reviewed from the spontaneous adverse events database of the FDA for rofecoxib, celecoxib, nabumetone and oxaprozin for the initial 3 years of marketing. Drug use data for the same intervals enabled calculation of reporting rates. In an analysis of reporting rates, hospitalisation for acute blood pressure (BP) elevation was reported more frequently (3.8-fold) for rofecoxib compared with celecoxib. A total of 34 cases are collapsed into case series. No cases were identified for either nabumetone or oxaprozin. Inspection of reviewed cases for celecoxib and rofecoxib suggest that these patients (average age 72 years) were potentially high-risk candidates for NSAID therapy. During early marketing, hospitalisation for acute BP elevation appears to have been reported more frequently for rofecoxib compared with celecoxib. This is consistent with clinical trial data on file with the FDA, and other published studies that found rofecoxib to have a greater effect on BP than other NSAIDs, including celecoxib. This finding may be particularly relevant in older patients given the prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in this age group.
Size effects in the elasticity and viscoelasticity of bone.

Size effects of large magnitude are observed in the torsional shear modulus and damping of bovine plexiform bone. Damping increases and stiffness decreases with specimen size over all sizes studied. Measurements were conducted in torsion using a laser-based micromechanics apparatus capable of viscoelastic studies over a range of frequencies up to 100 kHz, upon samples of various size, with no parasitic friction or other errors that could mimic any size effect. Torsional tan δ at 1 Hz varies by about a factor of five over the size range 2.8–6.2 mm thick, and is more dependent on specimen thickness at 1 Hz than it is at higher frequency. The size effects are attributed to compliance and viscoelasticity of the interfaces between laminae. These laminae must be substantially stiffer than whole bone. Observed size effects are likely to play a role in understanding scaling laws of bones in living organisms.
Dynamics of defects in Rayleigh-Bénard convection

The behavior of an extra roll extending into an otherwise regular convection pattern is studied as a function of Rayleigh number, Prandtl number, $P$, and wavelength, by means of a fully resolved numerical simulation of the Boussinesq equations with free-slip boundary conditions. For reduced Rayleigh numbers of order one or less and $P\ensuremath{\gtrsim}40$, numerical simulations of the lowest-order amplitude equations reproduce the Boussinesq results semiquantitatively. In particular, we find that when this class of defects is stable, they move with constant velocity $v$, parallel to the roll axis and give rise to a slow modulation of the roll pattern of the form $f(x,y\ensuremath{-}vt)$. Both $f$ and $v$ have been calculated analytically within a linearized theory. The envelope function $f$ depends in an essential way on $v$ such that the limit $v\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ cannot be sensibly taken.
Crane double cycling in container ports: Planning methods and evaluation

In this paper we look at the longer term impact of double cycling on port operations including crane, vessel, and berth productivity. Double cycling is a technique by which empty crane moves are converted into productive ones. We use a double cycling sequence that is operationally convenient, easy to model, and nearly optimum. We evaluate the performance of this sequence over single cycling. A framework is developed for analysis, and a simple formula is developed to predict the impact on turn-around time. The formula is an accurate predictor of performance. We show that double cycling can, in some cases, reduce the requirements for yard tractors and drivers. The paper also comments on strategies for altering port operations to support double cycling such as segmenting vessel storage, and streamlining traffic flows. We show that double cycling can reduce operating time by 10%, improving vessel, crane and berth productivity. We identify additional benefits on the landside, but these are typically much less significant.
Utility of ultrasound-guided near-nerve needle recording for lateral femoral cutaneous sensory nerve conduction study: does it increase reliability compared with surface recording?

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of a near-nerve needle recording technique in lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS). Methods: Bilateral LFCN sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) were recorded from 10 healthy volunteers using surface and near-nerve needle recording electrodes. Absolute amplitudes were compared side-to-side in each subject and between the 2 techniques. Results: Near-nerve needle electrode recording amplitude was significantly higher when compared with surface electrode recording (surface 9 μV, needle 58 μV; P < 0.0001), whereas side-to-side variability did not differ (surface 37%, needle 37%; P = 0.94). Conclusions: We propose that near-nerve needle recording is a simple technique to employ for clinicians with experience in ultrasound-guided needle placement, especially when evaluation is critical and responses are difficult to obtain. However, given the degree of side-to-side variability in healthy subjects, we recommend caution when interpreting side-to-side differences. Muscle Nerve, 2013
The lipid geochemistry of Antarctic marine sediments: Bransfield Strait

Abstract Ten sections of a 10m long sediment core from Bransfield Strait, Antarctic region, have been examined for hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, hopanoic acids, lignins and stable isotope ratios. The resolvable lipid compound classes generally occur in the following order of abundance: n-fatty acids > n-alkanes > n-alcohols > sterols > PAH with n-fatty acids comprising 50–80% of the lipids. The distribution of various lipid components indicate that they are principally from marine autochthonous sources, largely from diatoms and bacteria and to a lesser extent from dinoflagellates. There is no evidence from the lipid fraction of significant terrestrial plant input, which was also confirmed by the absence of methoxyphenols of the lignin degradation products. Aeolian transport from other continents appears to be minor or negligible. Minor amounts of epigenetic (mature) triterpenoids and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons found in all the samples are probably derived from submarine outcrops of weathered coaliferous shales. Stable carbon isotope ratios fall within a narrow range ( −25 to −26‰ ), characteristic of Antarctic plankton. Coprostanol is the major stanol identified in the sediment core, most probably derived from the excreta of marine mammals, i.e. whales. Perylene, the dominant PAH, appears to be of marine origin in these Antarctic sediments. The presence of labile alkenes, unsaturated fatty acids and diploptene to a depth of 10m implies that little diagenetic alteration of the lipids has occurred. The sub-zero bottom water temperatures and the anoxic environmental conditions of this basin have preserved the total organic matter in the sediments, at least down to a depth of 10m.
Frequency and specificity of antiheart antibodies in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy detected using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting

Abstract Objectives. This study was designed to investigate the organ and disease specificity of antiheart antibodies in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Background. Autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies, and autoimmune mechanisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods. An SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) procedure followed by Western blotting was used to screen serum samples for antiheart antibodies of two immunoglobulin classes, IgM and IgG, from 52 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 48 patients with ischemic heart disease as control subjects. Use of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Western blotting and protein sequencing enabled us to identify the protein bands against which antiheart antibodies were produced in both groups of patients. Results. Strong IgG antiheart antibodies against myocardial proteins, cross-reacting with skeletal muscle proteins, were detected in significantly more patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 24 [46%]) than with ischemic heart disease (n = 8 [17%]) (p = 0.001). Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy showed a significantly greater frequency and reactivity of IgG antiheart antibodies against six myocardial proteins (molecular weight 30, 35, 40, 60, 85 and 200 kD) than did patients with ischemic hrart disease. These were identified as myosin light chain 1, tropomyosin, actin, heat shock protein (HSP)-60, an unidentified protein and myosin heavy chain, respectively. Conclusions. We detected strong IgG antiheart antibodies in significantly more patients with dilated cardiomyopathy than with ischemic heart disease. The most immunogenic band was that corresponding to HSF-60. Antibodies against HSP-60 were found in 85% and 42% of patients with diluted cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease, respectively, confirming our hypothesis of an immune involvement in dilated cardiomyopathy.
Guest Editor's Introduction: Systemic Thinking in Working with Muslim Families: The Importance of Marriage and Family Therapy Perspective

Marriage and family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all members of a nuclear or extended family. Although several forms of marriage and family therapy are based on behavioral or ps...
Evaluation of YadC protein delivered by live attenuated Salmonella as a vaccine against plague.

Yersinia pestis YadB and YadC are two new outer membrane proteins related to its pathogenicity. Here, codon-optimized yadC, yadC810 (aa 32–551), or yadBC antigen genes delivered by live attenuated Salmonella strains are evaluated in mice for induction of protective immune responses against Y. pestis CO92 through subcutaneous or intranasal challenge. Our findings indicate that mice immunized with Salmonella synthesizing YadC, YadC810, or YadBC develop significant serum IgG responses to purified recombinant YadC protein. For subcutaneous challenge (approximately 230 LD50 of Y. pestis CO92), mice immunized with Salmonella synthesizing YadC or YadC810 are afforded 50% protection, but no protection by immunization with the Salmonella strain synthesizing YadBC. None of these antigens provided protection against intranasal challenge (approximately 31 LD50 of Y. pestis CO92). In addition, subcutaneous immunization with purified YadC810 protein emulsified with alum adjuvant does not elicit a protective response against Y. pestis administered by either challenge route.
Duration and magnitude of myofascial release in 3-dimensional bioengineered tendons: effects on wound healing.

CONTEXT Myofascial release (MFR) is one of the most commonly used manual manipulative treatments for patients with soft tissue injury. However, a paucity of basic science evidence has been published to support any particular mechanism that may contribute to reported clinical efficacies of MFR. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of duration and magnitude of MFR strain on wound healing in bioengineered tendons (BETs) in vitro. METHODS The BETs were cultured on a deformable matrix and then wounded with a steel cutting tip. Using vacuum pressure, they were then strained with a modeled MFR paradigm. The duration of MFR dose consisted of a slow-loading strain that stretched the BETs 6% beyond their resting length, held them for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes, and then slowly released them back to baseline. To assess the effects of MFR magnitude, the BETs were stretched to 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, or 12% beyond resting length, held for 90 seconds, and then released back to baseline. Repeated measures of BET width and the wound's area, shape, and major and minor axes were quantified using microscopy over a 48-hour period. RESULTS An 11% and 12% reduction in BET width were observed in groups with a 9% (0.961 mm; P<.01) and 12% (0.952 mm; P<.05) strain, respectively. Reduction of the minor axis of the wound was unrelated to changes in BET width. In the 3% strain group, a statistically significant decrease (-40%; P<.05) in wound size was observed at 24 hours compared with 48 hours in the nonstrain, 6% strain, and 9% strain groups. Longer duration of MFR resulted in rapid decreases in wound size, which were observed as early as 3 hours after strain. CONCLUSION Wound healing is highly dependent on the duration and magnitude of MFR strain, with a lower magnitude and longer duration leading to the most improvement. The rapid change in wound area observed 3 hours after strain suggests that this phenomenon is likely a result of the modification of the existing matrix protein architecture. These data suggest that MFR's effect on the extracellular matrix can potentially promote wound healing.
A structural approach to shape analysis using mirroring axes

A new structural decomposition of an object based on the concept of symmetry is explored. Most objects of interest are not symmetric, but nevertheless they can be decomposed into symmetrical subparts, where each symmetrical subpart can be folded along a mirroring axis. The mirroring axes, which are piecewise linear but not necessarily straight lines, provide a structural description of an object by splitting the object into symmetrical subparts. The new approach considers the interior of a shape (i.e., holes are allowed) and the shape under consideration can be built of any number of connected components. An algorithm for finding such a structural decomposition is given and the results are shown.
Microstructural analysis of lead-free solder alloys

Among the many issues related to the performance of lead-free solder alloys, the dependence of their mechanical properties on the microstructure and the stability of the microstructure stability are some of the most important issues. A comprehensive understanding of the process-microstructure-property relationships is essential. Toward that goal, a microtextural analysis is performed using orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) for alloy Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu (wt pct) processed at four different temperatures. Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu is one of the most promising lead-free solder alloys that has shown superior mechanical properties to other candidate lead-free solder alloys. However, a comprehensive understanding of their microstructure and the dependence of microstructure on processing conditions are still lacking. In the present work, a detailed microstructure characterization with respect to phase compositions, grain size and size distributions, texture, and orientation relationships between various phases are performed. The measured microstructural features are correlated with the soldering temperatures.
Effect of atmospheric pressure cold plasma (APCP) on the inactivation of Escherichia coli in fresh produce

Foodborne outbreaks in the United States are often associated with fresh produce. Emerging pathogens are becoming more resistant to conventional disinfection methods, and thus consumers are looking for food that is free of chemicals. Atmospheric pressure cold plasma (APCP) appears to be an alternative for microbial inactivation without changes in the product. The aim of this work was to study the use of APCP in the inactivation of a surrogate microorganism of the pathogenic strain Escherichia coli inoculated on lettuce, carrots and tomatoes at 105 and 107 cfu/g. Vegetables were exposed to APCP discharges from a needle array from 3.95 kV up to 12.83 kV (60 Hz) in argon, from 30 s to 10 min. After processing, microbiological quality and Hunter's color parameters (L*, a*, b*) were assessed. Electron microscopy was also used to study the effect of APCP in the cellular structure. Results showed that the inoculation level had an effect on the degree of inactivation; it was easier to inactivate the bacteria at lower counts. Also, the highest voltage and longest treatment time were more effective in microbial inactivation (1.6 log). Tomatoes, followed by lettuce, were easier to disinfect than carrots, maybe because of the surface structure. Color parameters did not show significant changes after processing. However, cell structure showed a high degree of electroporation, loss and disruption of membrane and deformation after treatment. Although APCP showed limited results for disinfection of produce with the tested conditions, plasma represents a potential technology for disinfection of fruits and vegetables without important changes in physical characteristics, and more research should be done to explore other options such as the use of other gases and more complex produce surfaces.
A high-performance MPI implementation on a shared-memory vector supercomputer

In this article we recount the sequence of steps by which MPICH, a high-performance, portable implementation of the Message-Passing Interface (MPI) standard, was ported to the NEC SX-4, a high-performance parallel supercomputer. Each step in the sequence raised issues that are important for shared-memory programming in general and shed light on both MPICH and the SX-4. The result is a low-latency, very high bandwidth implementation of MPI for the NEC SX-4. In the process, MPICH was also improved in several general ways.
What is the fitness outcome of crossing unrelated fish populations? A meta-analysis and an evaluation of future research directions

Outbreeding has been shown to decrease fitness in a variety of species, including several species of fish. An understanding of the general outcomes following outbreeding is required in order to understand the consequences of conservation-related actions and hybridization in aquaculture. A meta-analysis was conducted on outbreeding studies in fishes using 670 comparisons between parent populations and their hybrid progeny. Five hundred and seventy-six comparisons involved first generation hybrids (F1), and a much smaller number (94) involved second generation hybrids (F2). The overall response to outbreeding in the F1 and F2 generations was positive and significant (F1: d + * = 0.425 ± 0.121; F2: d + * = 0.548 ± 0.295, where d + * is the effect size of studies within generations); however, responses differed when studies were separated into groups describing the experimental environment, taxon, or trait. Findings may be biased by a few studies of large effect. Genetic distance explained little of the variance in effect sizes across studies. Results of the meta-analysis suggest that there is no reliable predictor for the effects of outbreeding in fishes, although inconsistencies in experimental design were noted across studies. Future research should include comparisons in both parental environments in order to detect the underlying mechanisms of outbreeding depression, and should focus on measurement of equivalent sets of fitness-related traits. Experimental design should permit estimation of genetic distances based on quantitative traits, which may in turn be meaningful predictors of the outcomes of outbreeding depression. Concerted and consistent research in this area will provide information of relevance to conservation, aquaculture and evolutionary studies.
Causal reasoning in dysfunctional leader‐member interactions

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual model predicting the influence of biased causal explanations for subordinate behaviors and outcomes on a leader's functionality and the quality of leader‐member relationships.Design/methodology/approach – Attribution theory is used to analyze the effect of leader perceptions and emotions on the functionality of leader‐member relationships. It is predicted that the negative emotions and expectancies stemming from biased leader attributions will promote dysfunctional leader behaviors. These dysfunctional behaviors, in turn, are believed to reduce the quality of leader‐member relationships.Research limitations/implications – Although much of the proposed model is based on empirical evidence, it is acknowledged that some key relationships have not been tested directly in past research. It is suggested that future research can seek to validate these aspects of the model. It is also suggested that future research explore the role of subordinate, a...
Stuttering prevention II: Progression

Abstract Is there a phase of normal childhood disfluency and does stuttering grow out of that? Our review of the research suggests that neither assumption has empirical (or logical) support. If one could defend the belief that stuttering emerges from normal disfluencies—motivated by misplaced parental concern—then one could sensibly engage “prevention” strategies to eliminate this transition. Does stuttering tend to become chronic or more severe over time? Again, the evidence suggests that this is not the expected developmental progression of stuttering. It would appear that these “Iowa School” (diagnosogenic and continuity hypotheses) beliefs on how stuttering “grows” have been disproved, although they continue to be represented favorably and often in the recent literature. Our conclusion is that it is at least unnecessarily complicated, and perhaps not valid, to propose that primary and secondary prevention strategies are applicable to childhood stuttering. Rather, it may be preferable to present only treatment objectives to clients and their parents.