cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presidential address: Balance

It is my privilege and honor to address you as the 52nd president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. I, like all my predecessors, agonized over what I could speak about that would be educational and meaningful. After reviewing the presentations of past presidents of this Society, my involvement in this Society, my experience as a hand surgeon for more than 20 years, and in particular my interest in the wrist and governmental affairs, I considered giving a presentation on the distal radioulnar joint or on health care reform. Both would have been challenging to me and relevant to many of you, but a cop-out because they would not have reflected my present passion and what I feel called to speak about today, ie, balance in our lives. As I reflected on my career in hand surgery, I realized that I have been preparing this discussion for the last 25 years. As many of you can attest, I have not always modeled, over the past 25 years, balance in my life, having been intently focused on my career as a hand surgeon. That is not to say that I have not loved my life as a hand surgeon or been successful. Believe me, if either of my children should choose to follow in my footsteps, I would be honored and would predict for them a very rewarding and satisfying career in medicine. I am convinced, however, that I would have been happier and more successful in medicine and in life had I been more balanced. It is about this type of life or road that I wish to speak to you today. It is important that I point out at the outset that little of the information or the ideas that I will share with you is new or, for that matter, original with me. For many, this talk will be a reminder to help keep priorities in line. For others, it will be an awakening. For myself, throughout my entire career I strove to keep my career in balance with family, physical and emotional health and stability, and my overall happiness. I did reasonably well. Although I have recognized for years that I have been intently focused on certain areas of life, it was only a few years ago that I realized that a major part of my life was basically totally undeveloped and unexplored, ie, my spiritual life. As I have explored and developed this part of me, it has given me great personal pleasure and happiness, has been wonderful for my family and friends, and has given me a greater appreciation for what I do as a hand surgeon, a deeper caring for those that I treat, and a greater understanding for the need to reach beyond myself to serve others.
Identification of fiber misalignment in continuous fiber composites

Misaligned fibers are invariably present in nominally unidirectional high-performance composites. Such misaligned fibers are known to affect key mechanical properties of the composite, such as the longitudinal compressive strength, longitudinal tensile modulus, fatigue endurance, shear strength, and delamination resistance (1). In this paper we present a method for the automated detection of large angle fiber misalignment (θ > 40°) in continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials. The method relies on the application of a series of geometrical criteria based upon measurements routinely obtained during optical scanning of polished sample cross-sections. As such, the technique is ideal for the automated identification of highly misaligned fibers in large-area (∼ cm 2 ) specimens that may contain several millions of individual fiber images. The criteria applied take into account the fact that prepared cross-sections of such materials contain many damaged fibers as a result of attrition during polishing. Data obtained from three pultruded unidirectional rods reinforced with continuous carbon filaments are used to illustrate the effectiveness of this method in identifying regions where large angle misalignment occurs.
Electrospun Poly(ester urethane) Urea Dressings Improve Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice

RESULTS: This study included 294 open and 165 FEVAR repairs. FEVAR patients were older (76 9 yrs. vs 71 9; p<0.01), had PVD (18% vs 7% 9; p1⁄40.03), and did not have rupture (0% vs 19%; p<0.01). FEVAR had shorter OR time (200 130min. vs 270 130; p<0.01) and length of stay (median 3 vs 8d; p<0.01). FEVAR configurations involved 0 (71%), 1 (8%), 2(2%), or 3(19%) visceral stents. Our risk prediction model had excellent fit to open and FEVAR patients (AUC1⁄40.87). There were 39%(n1⁄4177), 41%(187), and 20%(95) low, intermediate, and high risk patients
The market area problem with two plants

Abstract This paper considers a two-plant production and distribution problem where the production cost of each plant depend on the amount produced. Demand is price inelastic and uniformly distributed on the plane. Transport costs are directly proportional to the straight-line travel distance from each plant. The constant of proportionality may differ between plants. Two cases are considered: (i) the two plants are owned by a single supplier, and (ii) the two plants are operated by competing firms. The profit-maximizing solution, when convexity assumptions are imposed on the production cost functions, determines the amount produced in each plant and defines the marketing region for each plant. It is shown that the solution for the single supplier case is identical to the solution in the competitor case and that the solution for each case is unique.
Interventions to Enhance Communication among Patients, Providers, and Families

Whether patient suffering is caused by physical symptoms, unwanted medical intervention, or spiritual crisis, the common pathway to relief is through a provider who is able to elicit these concerns and is equipped to help the patient and family address them. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge in communication at the end of life, organized according to a framework of information gathering, information giving, and relationship building; and then focuses on interventions to enhance communication among patients, providers, and families. Several observations emerge from the existing literature. Patients have highly individualized desires for information and we cannot predict patient preferences. Communication coding methodology has advanced significantly yet the current systems remain poorly understood and largely inaccessible. Physicians and other health care providers do not discuss sufficiently treatment options, quality of life or respond to emotional cues from patients, and there is plenty of room for improvement. On the positive side, we have also learned that physicians and other health care providers can be taught to communicate better through intensive communication courses, and that communication interventions can improve some patient outcomes. Finally, huge gaps remain in our current knowledge, particularly with regard to understanding the relationship between communication style and outcomes. These findings suggest several recommendations. We should create larger and more diverse datasets; improve upon the analysis of recorded communication data; increase our knowledge about patient preferences for information; establish a stronger link between specific communication behaviors and outcomes; and identify more efficient ways to teach providers communication skills.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder: current status and future directions

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most thoroughly studied nonpharmacologic approach to the treatment of social anxiety disorder, and its efficacy has been demonstrated in a large number of investigations. This article summarizes the data on the efficacy of CBT for the treatment of the symptoms of social anxiety disorder and impaired quality of life. The relative efficacy of various CBT approaches, both in the short-term and over extended follow-up periods, is reviewed. Factors associated with more or less positive response to CBT among patients with social anxiety disorder are examined. Special attention is given to the comparison of CBT with pharmacologic approaches to the treatment of social anxiety disorder and the potential utility of combining these approaches. Future directions in the application of combinations of CBT and pharmacotherapy to the treatment of social anxiety disorder are discussed.
Trials and tribulations of using an eye-tracking system

This paper's focus is on the challenges associated with collecting eye-tracking data. Despite operator training conducted by the manufacturer, one year of experience with eye-tracking and extensive calibration, the data collection success rate in the current investigation was very low; only six out of sixteen participants (37.5%) were successfully eye-tracked. We discuss possible explanations for this low success rate, and why we do not currently believe that eye-tracking is ready to be employed in usability laboratories.
The isolation and identification of phenolic acids in the horse.

Abstract 1. 1. Twenty-eight phenolic acids have been isolated from horse urine and seventeen have been tentatively identified. 2. 2. All the acids occurred in both racehorses and ponies and, with the exception of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, in a sample of donkey urine. 3. 3. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid was not found in the urine. 4. 4. Quantitatively racehorse urine appears to be weaker as regards phenolic acids than pony urine. 5. 5. The pattern of phenolic acid excretion in foals is different from that of the adult horse. 6. 6. The phenolic acids in horse urine are stable for periods up to 21 days at −20°C at which temperature pH does not appear to be important. 7. 7. At room temperature the urine decomposes if the pH is higher than three.
'It Opened My Eyes’: Using Student Journal Writing to Make Visible Race, Class, and Gender in Everyday Life

Journal writing is pedagogically appropriate for increasing reflexivity and conscious awareness of one’s environment. The journal assignment discussed in this article promotes recognition of the impact of race, gender, and social class on students’ everyday lives. In pre- and posttest surveys of students engaged in this assignment, students report statistically significant increases in awareness after journaling. These increases in awareness are found for students enrolled in introductory courses at two very different universities (one a private Catholic midsized university in the Midwest and the other a large state university in the Southeast). Students’ qualitative responses further substantiate the effectiveness of this assignment in meeting course objectives. To facilitate use of this assignment by others, we identify a set of best practices to help ensure high-quality journals and discuss challenges and benefits of this assignment, including getting to know one’s students.
An Assessment of Thermodynamic Data for the Liquid Phase in the Al-Rich Corner of the Al-Cu-Si System and Its Application to the Solidification of a 319 Alloy

A thermodynamic database for the liquid phase in the Al-rich corner of the Al-Cu-Si system has been developed by fitting all thermodynamic and phase diagram information that is currently available from the literature. A comparison between the calculated results and the experimental data is presented, and the calculated results reproduce all the liquidus and solidus boundaries to within experimental scatter. Also, the present assessment was used to predict the solidification behavior of an Al-3.5wt.% Cu-7wt.%Si, 319-type alloy. Subsequent experimental results validate these predictions.
Carleman estimates with two large parameters for second order operators and applications to elasticity with residual stress

We derive weak Carleman estimates with two large parameters for a general partial dierential operator of second order under pseudo-convexity conditions on the weight function. We use these estimates to derive most nat- ural Carleman type estimates for the (anisotropic) system of elasticity with residual stress and give applications to uniqueness and stability of the contin- uation and identication of the residual stress from boundary measurements. We give explicit sucient pseudo-convexity conditions. Proofs use dierential quadratic forms and Fourier analysis, combined with special (micro)localization arguments.
Inhibition of salt appetite in rats by central oxytocin

The following is the abstract of the article discussed in the subsequent letter: Fitts DA, SN Thornton, AA Ruhf, DK Zierath, AK Johnson, and RL Thunhorst. Effects of central oxytocin receptor blockade on water and saline intake, mean arterial pressure, and c-Fos expression in rats. Am J Physiol
On the production of low tongue tip /s/: A case report

X-ray motion pictures and electromyography were combined to record tongue movement and tongue muscle activity of a normal speaker during /s/ production. The /s/ was in /i/, /alpha/, and /u/ vowel environments and in two and three consonant clusters. Lead pellets attached to the tongue tip and dorsum were tracked by frame-by-frame analysis of the X-ray film. Recordings from the tongue muscles were graphed and compared with the movement data. Results demonstrate that this subject produces /s/ with the tongue tip down behind the lower incisors and the blade elevated toward the alveolar ridge. EMG data from the tongue shows that the tongue tip depression is not passive but is an active part of the motor strategy used by this subject to elevate the tongue body. These findings suggest that speech pathologists might well include the tip-down strategy of /s/ production in the therapeutic process as an alternative to the tip-up /s/.
ALPORT SYNDROME: ABNORMALITIES OF TYPE IV COLLAGEN GENES AND PROTEINS

Alport syndrome is an inherited disorder of basement membranes, arising from mutations in type IV collagen, the major collagenous constituent of these structures. While the clinical picture is domi...
Mortality among Turkey Embyros in Relation to Rate of Embryonic Development

Abstract IT IS well known that a marked variability exists in the rate of development of embryos of both chickens and turkeys. This is particularly evident when fertile eggs of either species are examined before a candling device during the first week of incubation. Hutt and Pilkey (1930) and Bernier, Taylor and Gunns (1951) found that these differences, in part at least, were associated with the length of time that an egg remains in the oviduct and the position of the egg in the clutch. These variations are apparent, not only after the egg has been incubated but are evident in the blastodiscs of broken out, newly-laid eggs. Hays and Nicolaides (1934) in discussing this problem suggested a genetic basis to account for some of the variability. Scott and Warren (1936) and McNally and Byerly (1936) found considerable variation among chicken embryos after the eggs had been incubated 39 and 48 …
Effects of Zinc Exposure on Earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris, in an Artificial Soil

Earthworms have the potential to act as trophic links for pollutants that accumulate in urban soils. However, many pollutants may act as micronutrients at low concentrations and toxins at higher concentration. When pollutants are also micronutrients, bioaccumulations may initially increase trophic transfer as pollutant concentration increase, but at higher levels toxic effects may limit population size and the potential for trophic transfer. We found support for this model among earthworms exposed to a range of soil Zn levels. Worms showed increasing bioaccumulation of Zn with increasing Zn soil concentrations, but at higher Zn levels worm growth rates decreased.
Neuroimmunomodulation: A new frontier of treating cardiovascular diseases

Several cardiovascular diseases are known to be strongly related to inflammation, including heart failure [1], atherosclerosis [2], and atrial fibrillation [3]. Accumulating evidence suggests that the vagus nerve plays a central role in the regulation of inflammation [4,5]. The mechanism by which the vagus nerve suppresses inflammation has been recently elucidated. A neural immunoreflex, composed of the afferent vagus nerves, central nervous system, and efferent vagus nerves, has been identified. Specifically, stimulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which is comprised of efferent vagus nerve signals, leads to acetylcholinedependent activation of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit (a7nAChR) on monocytes and macrophages, resulting in reduced production of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, but not the anti-inflammatory IL-10 [6,7]. Efferent action potentials generated in the brainstem are relayed through the vagus nerve to adrenergic neurons in the celiac ganglion, which travel to the splenic white pulp [4]. Norepinephrine released by celiac ganglion inter-neurons binds through adrenergic receptors on memory T cells with intrinsic ability to synthesize acetylcholine [8]. In contrast to classic parasympathetic signaling through muscarinic receptors, T-cellderived acetylcholine binds to α7nAChR on mononuclear cells and macrophages in the red pulp and marginal zone inhibiting cytokine production [7,9]. Activation of α7nAChR inhibits nuclear factor (NF)-κB translocation resulting in decreased transcription of cytokine genes [4,5].
Oral antibiotic prophylaxis of early infection in multiple myeloma: a URCC/ECOG randomized phase III study

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of clonal plasma cells, resulting in an increased production of ineffective immunoglobulins with suppression of non-involved immunoglobulins. Patients with MM are at increased risk of infectious complications, particularly streptococcal and staphylococcal infections. This study evaluated the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on the incidence of serious bacterial infections (SBIs) during the first 2 months of treatment in patients with newly diagnosed MM. Patients with MM receiving initial chemotherapy were randomized on a 1:1:1 basis to daily ciprofloxacin (C; 500 mg twice daily), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (T; DS twice daily) or observation (O) and evaluated for SBI (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ⩾grade 3) for the first 2 months of treatment. From July 1998 to January 2008, 212 MM patients were randomized to C (n=69), T (n=76) or O (n=67). The incidence of SBI was comparable among groups: C=12.5%, T=6.8% and O=15.9%; P=0.218. Further, any infection during the first 2 months was also comparable (20% vs 23% vs 22%, respectively, P=0.954). We demonstrate that prophylactic antibiotics did not decrease the incidence of SBI (⩾grade 3) within the first 2 months of treatment. We conclude that routine use of prophylactic antibiotics should not be mandated for patients receiving induction chemotherapy.
Replacement of Serum for In Vitro Cultivation of Tritrichomonas foetus

SUMMARY. The combination Tween 80 and cholesterol replaced blood serum as a requirement for the cultivation of Tritrichomonas foetus. Choline + potassium glycerophosphate enhanced growth in the presence of Tween 80 + cholesterol. A method for ensuring adequate cholesterol suspension-an essential factor for consistent growth-is described.
Inelastic photon scattering by 115In

Abstract The photoexcitation cross section of 115mIn has been measured in the photon energy range of 5–11 MeV. The reaction was induced by γ-rays produced from the neutron capture reaction in a tangential beam port in the University of Virginia reactor. A computer code was written to iteratively solve for the best fit cross section to the experimentally obtained yield data. The unfolded cross section compares favorably with the most reliable results of previous studies. [Nuclear reactions: 115In(γ,γ′), E = 5−11 MeV: Measured σ(E).]
Enantiomer separations by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis using octakis(2,3-diacetyl-6-sulfato)-γ-cyclodextrin

The newest member of the single-isomer isomer sulfated cyclodextrin family, octakis(2,3-diacetyl-6-sulfato)-γ-cyclodextrin (ODAS-γ-CD) was used for the first time as a resolving agent for the nonaqueous capillary electrophoretic separation of the enantiomers of 26 weak base pharmaceuticals in an acidic methanol background electrolyte. The solubility limit of ODAS-γ-CD at room temperature proved to be 55 mM in this background electrolyte, which afforded good, fast enantiomer separations for most of the basic drugs tested. For all the bases studied, the effective mobilities and separation selectivities were found to follow the predictions of the charged resolving agent migration model of electrophoretic enantiomer separations. The effective mobilities of the weakly binding weak bases remained cationic throughout the entire 0 to 45 mM ODAS-γ-CD concentration range; separation selectivities increased as the ODAS-γ-CD concentration was increased. The effective mobilities of the moderately binding weak bases became anionic in the 2.5 to 45 mM ODAS-γ-CD concentration range; separation selectivities first increased as the effective mobilities approached zero, then decreased again as the ODAS-γ-CD concentration was increased further. The effective mobilities of the strongly binding weak bases became anionic in the 0 to 2.5 mM ODAS-γ-CD concentration range; separation selectivities decreased as the ODAS-γ-CD concentration was increased above 2.5 mM.
Selection for polygamy and the sterile-insect technique.

In a study of the advantages of separately releasing both sexes of the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), into different areas as a means of making the sterile-insect method more effective (Whitten and Taylor 1970), it was suggested that the release of polygamous rather than monogamous females would further extend effectiveness. It was concluded that, for those species where the sexes can be machine sexed, e.g., L. cuprina and certain mosquito species, attempts should be made to select for polygamous behavior, Some response to selection is being made with L. cuprina (Whitten and Taylor 1970), but attempts with Aedes aegypti (L.) have proved unsuccessful (Craig, personal communication). The object of the present report is to study, in more detail, the claim that polygamous females are more effective than monogamous females in diverting limited sperm reserves, thereby causing an increase in the number of uninseminated females in the natural population.
Unveiling the Continuum of Intended and Unintended Consequences: Exploring Social Media's Impact on the Connections Made by Individuals who Self-Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Queer (LGBQ)

Social media has become synonymous with every day communication in our technologically advanced society. Individuals use it to share information, make plans with friends and keep up with folks geographically dispersed from them. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) individuals often use social media to find other individuals with whom they can share about their sexual orientation. In this study, we use qualitative methods to explore the impact of social media on the connections made by individuals who self-identify as LGBQ.
Gardnerella vaginalis: genitourinary pathogen in men

Il s'agit d'une maladie sexuellement transmissible qui chez l'homme peut provoquer une balonite, une uretrite, une cystite, une bacteriospermie ou une bacteriurie asymptomatique, une septicemie
Mass transfer in AC electrolysis. Part III: Study of triangular and square‐wave current on rotating electrodes

Etude theorique et experimentale du transfert de masse vers une electrode hemispherique tournante dans le cas ou un courant continu est superpose a un courant alternatif a vagues carrees ou triangulaires symetriques, au cours de l'electrolyse
Differences in the structure of A and B forms of human monoamine oxidase.

: [3H]Pargyline-labeled polypeptides associated with the A and B types of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in human tissues were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). [3H]Pargyline was bound to MAO A in a crude mitochondrial fraction from the placental trophoblast of a male newborn and to MAO B in blood platelets from the umbilical vein of the same newborn. [3H]Pargyline was also bound to MAO A and B in a crude mitochondrial fraction from cultured skin fibroblasts of a male adult and to MAO B in blood platelets from the same individual. Specific labeling of proteins associated with type A or type B activity in fibroblast cells was achieved by preincubation with selective B or A inhibitors, respectively. For all tissues, SDS-PAGE of [3H]pargyline-bound samples revealed a labeled protein band of apparent molecular weight 63,000 for MAO A and 60,000 for MAO B. When SDS-solubilized, [3H]pargyline-labeled MAO A and B proteins from the same male newborn were subjected to limited proteolysis and one-dimensional peptide mapping in SDS gels, different patterns of [3H]pargyline-labeled peptides were obtained. These findings indicate that distinct enzyme molecules are associated with the A and B types of human MAO activity.
HIGH Tc SUPERCONDUCTIVITY: SYMMETRIES AND REFLECTIONS

This is a talk given at the Symposium "Symmetries and Reflections", dedicated to Prof. C. N. Yang's retirement. In this talk, I shall reflect on my personal interaction with Prof. Yang since my graduate career at SUNY Stony Brook, and his profound impact on my understanding of theoretical physics. I shall also review the SO(5) theory of high Tc superconductivity and show how my collaboration with Prof. Yang in 1990 lead to the foundation of this idea.
Stretched exponential relaxation behavior of off-lattice polymer chains

Abstract The effects of both chain connectivity and excluded volume on the dynamical chains have been simulated. An off-lattice 63- and 99-bead Monte Carlo simulation model was used which permits a wide range of angular geometries and rotational angles. The relaxation behavior of the end-to-end vector was fitted about equally well by simple exponentials a exp(− t/τ1) and stretched exponentials exp (− (t/τ ∗ ) 1−n ) for all the intramolecular effects simulated. Chain connectivity and excluded volume significantly increase τ ∗ , while the exponent 1 − n seems rather insentive to the presence or absence of these intramolecular interactions.
The Expanding Spectrum of Surfactant Associated Disease

Mutations in critical molecules in the surfactant metabolic pathway result in acute and chronic pulmonary disease that most often presents at birth or in early infancy. In the acute neonatal presentation, term newborns develop severe respiratory failure shortly after birth that is unresponsive to intensive care interventions. This acute form is typical for infants with loss of function mutations in the genes encoding surfactant protein-B (SFTPB) or member A3 of the ATP Binding Cassette family of proteins (ABCA3), but has also been seen in a small number of infants with mutations in gene encoding surfactant protein-C (SFTPC) or the thyroid transcription factor (NKX2.1). Typically, infants with this acute presentation succumb to intractable respiratory failure or are considered for lung transplantation. A more chronic clinical presentation and variable course of disease has been seen in children with mutations in SFTPC, ABCA3 and NKX2.1, in which children present in the first several months of life with gradual onset of respiratory insufficiency, failure to gain weight, and interstitial lung disease on chest radiographs. The variability in severity and course of the disease is not gene or mutation specific and precludes definitive prediction of outcome.
Forskolin Activates Adenylate Cyclase Activity and Inhibits Mitosis in In Vitro in Pig Epidermis

The novel adenylate cyclase activator forskolin caused rapid and high intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP in a floating skin (epidermal) slice system. Increased cAMP levels were also detected in the media. Addition of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor to forskolin-containing medium caused only a slight increase in the intracellular cAMP level and forskolin itself did not inhibit phosphodiesterase activity. K a of forskolin for epidermal adenylate cyclase was about 2–3 × 10 -5 M. This forskolin activation was rapidly reversed after washing. The forskolin stimulation ( K a 5 × 10 -5 M) was also found when tested with an epidermal membrane preparation which contained the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase but lacked either the GTP or receptor stimulation. With the epidermal slice system, the combination of forskolin and epinephrine (or histamine) stimulated adenylate cyclase synergistically. The data suggest that forskolin activates not only the catalytic unit but also the nucleotide regulatory protein or the receptor-regulatory protein complex of the adenylate cyclase system. The cAMP accumulation caused by forskolin produced a dose-dependent mitotic inhibition of epidermal cells in an in vitro outgrowth system. This inhibitory effect was reversible 48 h after washing out the forskolin.
The interaction of tetraiodofluorescein with creatine kinase.

The dye 2′,4′,5′,7′-tetraiodofluorescein is a potent inhibitor of creatine kinase (ATP:creatine N-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.3.2) with an apparent competitive inhibition constant with respect to MgATP2− of 2.6 · 10−5M. The association of the dye with the enzyme elicited a red shift in the dye's spectrum, indicative of a binding site less polar than water. The dye binds to the enzyme with an equilibrium constant of dissociation of 1.7 · 10−5M. MgATP or MgADP competes for the dye-binding site. Creatine binds to creatine kinase-tetraiodofluorescein complex to form a ternary complex and further causes a blue-shift in the spectrum of the bound dye. The binding of the dye to fully active creatine kinase causes conformational change that was monitored by enzyme-bound 2-mercuri4-nitrophenol, a conformation-dependent “reporter group”.
A METHOD FOR SCALING VEGETATION DYNAMICS: THE ECOSYSTEM DEMOGRAPHY MODEL (ED)

The problem of scale has been a critical impediment to incorporating im- portant fine-scale processes into global ecosystem models. Our knowledge of fine-scale physiological and ecological processes comes from a variety of measurements, ranging from forest plot inventories to remote sensing, made at spatial resolutions considerably smaller than the large scale at which global ecosystem models are defined. In this paper, we describe a new individual-based, terrestrial biosphere model, which we label the eco- system demography model (ED). We then introduce a general method for scaling stochastic individual-based models of ecosystem dynamics (gap models) such as ED to large scales. The method accounts for the fine-scale spatial heterogeneity within an ecosystem caused by stochastic disturbance events, operating at scales down to individual canopy-tree-sized gaps. By conditioning appropriately on the occurrence of these events, we derive a size- and age-structured (SAS) approximation for the first moment of the stochastic ecosystem model. With this approximation, it is possible to make predictions about the large scales of interest from a description of the fine-scale physiological and population-dynamic pro- cesses without simulating the fate of every plant individually. We use the SAS approxi- mation to implement our individual-based biosphere model over South America from 15 8 Nt o1 5 8S, showing that the SAS equations are accurate across a range of environmental conditions and resulting ecosystem types. We then compare the predictions of the biosphere model to regional data and to intensive data at specific sites. Analysis of the model at these sites illustrates the importance of fine-scale heterogeneity in governing large-scale eco- system function, showing how population and community-level processes influence eco- system composition and structure, patterns of aboveground carbon accumulation, and net ecosystem production.
Chaotic behavior of a Raman ring laser

The dynamical behavior of a Raman ring laser is examined under conditions of pump depletion. In the plane-wave and adiabatic limits, a mapping is obtained for two complex field amplitudes. Chaos is observed when injected pump and Stokes frequencies are detuned from a Raman resonance. Hyperchaos, characterized by two positive Liapunov exponents, is found when in addition the two injected fields are of comparable magnitudes.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Petrov-Galerkin spectral element technique for heterogeneous porous media flow☆

Abstract A novel spectral element technique is examined in which the test functions are different from the approximating elements. Examples are given for a simple 1-D Helmholtz equation, Burger's Equation with a small viscosity, and for Darcy's Equation with a discontinuous hydraulic conductivity.
Parental perception of child weight: a concept analysis

Aim This article is a report of an analysis of the concept of parental perception of child weight. Background Perception is commonly studied, but lacks a strong conceptual definition. Concept analysis is important in providing a conceptual definition of parental perception of child weight. Design Rodgers's evolutionary view of concept analysis guided this enquiry. Data sources A search of multiple nursing and social sciences databases was undertaken, including CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct, ProQuest, PsychINFO, Medline and SocINDEX. Review methods Data from 2000–2012 related to the concept of interest were reviewed. Fifty-eight articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Key attributes, antecedent occurrences and consequences of the concept's use were identified. Thematic analysis revealed common themes related to the concept attributes, antecedents and consequences. Results Five attributes were identified including: parental recognition of body size, physical appearance, functional abilities, psychosocial effects and health effects related to body weight. Antecedents of this concept are parental beliefs and values about body weight, fatalism, societal normalization of overweight, parental weight status and parental mental health status. The consequences of this concept are parental concern, increased knowledge about obesity-related health risks, motivation to make changes and family lifestyle changes. The ultimate goal is a healthy weight for the child. Conclusions A middle-range explanatory theory of parental perception of child weight was proposed. Parents who recognize child weight issues may be motivated to initiate lifestyle changes, resulting in a healthy weight for the child.
Blood flow and uptake of glucose and amino acids in ischemic muscle

In order to examine muscle ischemia, muscle blood flow in the rat hindlimb was decreased by vessel ligation. Amino acid uptake, studied with [14C]alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, was decreased in ischemic Type I (soleus) muscle. Glucose uptake, studied with [14C]deoxyglucose, was increased in Type I muscle. These changes were temporally associated with histologic changes of ischemia in soleus muscle. Denervation, atrophy, and hypertrophy also produced uptake changes with these techniques, and although more prominent in soleus, the changes were also seen in Type II muscle.
Yohimbine as an autonomic test drug.

YOHIMBINE in fairly high doses (2–7 mgm./kgm.) exerts adrenolytic effects and is sympatholytic for salivary reactions in animals1–5. Higher doses (28 mgm./kgm.) produce sympatholysis of nictitating membrane retraction, while even more is required for sympatholysis of mydriatic action2,3.
Submicron fly-ash formation in coal-fired boilers

The submicron fraction of coal fly-ash, though comprising a minor fraction of the total mass, has become increasingly recognized as a health hazard and a possible link in irreversible boiler fouling. An outgrowth of continuing research on submicron particle behavior, this document describes efforts to predict the composition and morphology of condensation ash. A model based on a process of metal oxide vaporization from a burning char particle, diffusion and recondensation has been constructed and employed. A submicron particle concentration equaling five percent by weight of the fly-ash from a cyclone-fired boiler is predicted. Because of lower combustion temperatures in pulverized-fuel-fired boilers, less than one tenth of one percent of the total fly-ash is attributed to vapor transport. Enrichment of silicon and iron is predicted in the submicron fraction. This is verified experimentally for silicon but not for iron. Experimental examination reveals aggregates containing primary particles, of about 60 nm in diameter. Particles of this size are evidence that the submicron ash precipitates in the combustion zone of the boiler to grow by coagulation for several seconds before quenching.
The application of semiconductor optical radiators to space communication

Characteristics and potentialities of incoherent and lasing optical semiconductor radiators for space communication
Optimal trajectories and guidance trajectories for aircraft flight through windshears

The research on the optimization and guidance of flight trajectories in the presence of windshear performed by the Aero-Astronautics Group of Rice University is summarized. This research refers to windshear recovery systems and covers three areas of investigation: take-off, abort landing, and penetration landing. Determination of optimal trajectories and development of near-optimal guidance schemes are outlined. >
Intellectual property reforms and international trade

The intellectual property reforms relating to international trade contained in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 are examined. These include improving process patent protection; obtaining exclusion orders from the International Trade Commission under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which has been made easier for intellectual property owners; broadening the power of the United States Trade Representative; and providing a more prominent role for intellectual property rights in US trade negotiations. >
Public Integrity in Casino Gambling: The Swiss Social Concept

Public officials who endorse casino gambling as a means of obtaining funds for public uses must also be concerned with the integrity of casino enterprises. Most governments monitor the honesty of the games played, but few show concern about their addictive nature. Switzerland does. This article examines how modern casinos came to Switzerland and how it has established a "Social Concept" to ensure that casinos do not exploit troubled gamblers.
The Crystal Structure and Ionic Conductivity of the Ilmenite Polymorph of NaSbO3

Single crystals of NaSbO[sub 3] with the ilmenite structure have been grown. The crystal structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction measurement. The ilmenite phase of NaSbO[sub 3] crystallizes in the trigonal system with hexagonal symmetry, space group R[bar 3] (No. 148), and Z = 6. The hexagonal unit cell parameters are a = 5.2901(3) [angstrom], c = 15.926(2)[angstrom], and V = 385.98(4) [angstrom][sup 3]. The structure of ilmenite NaSbO[sub 3] is built up from layers of edge-sharing SbO[sub 6] octahedra with sodium ions located between the layers in octahedral sites. The ionic conductivity of the ilmenite analog of NaSbO[sub 3] was investigated by ac complex impedance measurements and the results are discussed in terms of the structural dimensionality, the Na[sup +]-oxygen bond strength, the sodium occupancy, and the bottleneck size.
Viruses in the treatment of brain tumors

The grave outlook for malignant glioma patients in spite of improvements to current modalities has ushered in new approaches to therapy. Viruses have emerged on the scene and gained attention for their ability to play essentially two roles: first, as vectors for therapeutic gene delivery and second, as engineered infectious agents capable of selectively lysing tumor cells. To date, clinical brain tumor trials using viruses for gene delivery have employed retroviral or adenoviral vectors to introduce ganciclovir susceptibility to tumors in the form of the HSV1-TK gene. Clinical oncolytic studies, on the other hand, have evaluated a conditionally replicating HSV as an antineoplastic agent. Despite some promise afforded by these trials, further studies are warranted; the investigation of additional viruses to play these roles is inevitable and is now precedented.
Biochemical studies on WbcA, a sugar epimerase from Yersinia enterocolitica

Yersinia enterocolitica is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes yersiniosis, a zoonotic disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract of humans, cattle, and pigs, among others. The lipopolysaccharide of Y. enterocolitica O:8 contains an unusual sugar, 6-deoxy-d-gulose, which requires four enzymes for its biosynthesis. Here, we describe a combined structural and functional investigation of WbcA, which catalyzes the third step in the pathway, namely an epimerization about the C-3' carbon of a CDP-linked sugar. The structure of WbcA was determined to 1.75-A resolution, and the model was refined to an overall R-factor of 19.5%. The fold of WbcA places it into the well-defined cupin superfamily of sugar epimerases. Typically, these enzymes contain both a conserved histidine and a tyrosine residue that play key roles in catalysis. On the basis of amino acid sequence alignments, it was anticipated that the "conserved" tyrosine had been replaced with a cysteine residue in WbcA (Cys 133), and indeed this was the case. However, what was not anticipated was the fact that another tyrosine residue (Tyr 50) situated on a neighboring β-strand moved into the active site. Site-directed mutant proteins were subsequently constructed and their kinetic properties analyzed to address the roles of Cys 133 and Tyr 50 in WbcA catalysis. This study emphasizes the continuing need to experimentally verify assumptions that are based solely on bioinformatics approaches.
Behaviour and Motor Output of Stick Insects Walking on a Slippery Surface: I. Forward Walking

The walking coordination and motor output of intact adult stick insects was examined when they were supported above an oiled glass surface. The viscosity of the silicone oil was adjusted so that the animal walked with either tripod or slow-walk coordination. In the absence of mechanical coupling through the substrate, the legs typically moved at different speeds in retraction. If these differences were not too large the walks were well-coordinated in the transitions from stance to swing phase. Motor output was variable and sometimes showed periods of very weak activity in depressors and retractors. Under these conditions an individual leg moved much more slowly than its neighbours, producing 2:1 coordination patterns.
Identification of possible sources of particulate matter in the personal cloud using SEM/EDX

Abstract The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) conducted the Baltimore Particulate Matter (PM) Epidemiology-Exposure Study of the Elderly during the summer of 1998. The study design included PM2.5 samples obtained from elderly (65+ years of age) retirement facility residents using personal exposure sampling devices. These sampling devices were also used to obtain PM2.5 samples at fixed locations within the personal monitoring subjects’ apartments. Selected personal and apartment samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy with individual-particle X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX), providing a qualitative assessment of the chemical and physical characteristics of geological and trace element particles collected within these micro-environments at the retirement facility. This information was used to identify possible indoor source particles. The manual surveys of the personal samples revealed that some particles larger than 2.5 μm reached the filter surface. Using SEM/EDX, several particle types with possible indoor origins were identified. The Al-Zr-Cl particle is likely to have originated from a personal antiperspirant product. Particles with a talc or alumino-silicate composition point to cosmetics as a possible source. Large cadmium-containing particles were also found, which may indicate the use of art pigments or ceramic glazes, or emissions from television screen phosphors. A greater variety of particles was observed in a personal sample compared with its corresponding fixed-location apartment sample.
Pilot non-conformance to alerting system commands

Instances of pilot non-conformance to alerting system commands have been identified in previous studies. Pilot non-conformance changes the final behavior of the system, and therefore may reduce actual performance from that anticipated. Two simulator studies have examined pilot non-conformance, using the task of collision avoidance during closely spaced parallel approaches as a case study. The first study discovered subjects' decisions to alert, and their selected avoidance manoeuvre, differed from those typically commanded by collision avoidance systems. The second study found consonance between the display and the alerting system improved subject agreement with automatic alerts. Based on these results, a general discussion of the factors involved in pilot conformance is given, and design guidelines for alerting systems are suggested.
A formulation for fully resolved simulation (FRS) of particle-turbulence interactions in two-phase flows

A numerical formulation for fully resolved simulations of freely moving rigid particles in turbulent ows is presented. This work builds upon the ctitious-domain based approach for fast computation of uid-rigid par- ticle motion by Sharma & Patankar ((1) Ref. J. Compt. Phy., (205), 2005). The approach avoids explicit calculation of distributed Lagrange multipliers to impose rigid body motion and reduces the computational overhead due to the particle-phase. Implementation of the numerical algorithm in co-located, nite-volume-base d, energy conserving fractional-step schemes on structured, Cartesian grids is presented. The numerical approach is rst validated for ow over a xed sphere at various Reynolds numbers and ow generated by a freely falling sphere under gravity. Grid and time-step convergence studies are per- formed to evaluate the accuracy of the approach. Finally, simulation of 125 cubical particles in a decaying isotropic turbulent ow is performed to study the feasibility of simulations of turbulent ows in the presence of freely moving, arbitrary-shaped rigid particles.
Influence of source motion, wind, and temperature profiles on the effective impedance of an absorptive surface

This paper presents a theoretical study of the sound field due to a moving source placed above an absorptive surface in a stratified medium in the presence of wind and sound speed profiles. The current analysis starts with the general equations for an isentropic inviscid flow field. A monopole source is assumed to be traveling parallel to the absorptive surface at a constant speed. The standard Lorentz transform can be applied and the Fourier decomposition can be used to express the sound field in an integral form that is amenable to further mathematical treatments. Either the fast field computation or the method of steepest descent can be used to evaluate the integral. A two-dimensional formulation was considered initially, but it can subsequently be extended to three-dimensional flow fields. The effect of source motion, wind, and temperature profiles on the acoustic properties of the absorptive surfaces have been explored.