cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overdominant maintenance of diversity in the sea star Pisaster ochraceus

When individuals have higher evolutionary fitness because of being heterozygous at a given gene region, it is known as overdominance. Although overdominant selection could represent an important mechanism for maintaining genetic variation within species, the prevalence of this mode of selection appears to be relatively low. Identification of cases of true single-locus heterozygote advantage are thus useful reference points in our overall understanding of how various forms of balancing selection influence and maintain genetic variation in natural populations. Here we report the apparent long-term maintenance of diversity via overdominant selection with homozygous lethality at an elongation factor locus in the sea star Pisaster ochraceus. Observing this pattern in a gene with such major effects on protein assembly indicates that overdominant selection could be a more prevalent factor in maintaining allelic diversity in the wild than previously recognized.
Extraanatomical Bypass of the Aortic Root: An Experimental Technique

Endocarditis involving a prosthetic aortic valve is associated with persistently positive blood cultures and aortic regurgitation. With rare exception, it is a fatal disease. An experimental technique was developed that would allow for removal of the infected aortic prosthesis with debridement and permanent closure of the aortic root. An extraanatomical outflow for the left ventricle was created using a valve-containing conduit between the apex of the left ventricle and the descending thoracic aorta (apicoaortic anastomosis). The procedure was performed on 5 mongrel dogs through a left thoracotomy without use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Four survived the procedure and required no cardiotonic support. One died as a result of a technical problem. Intraoperative pressure determination revealed a 0 to 15 mm Hg gradient across the apioaortic prosthesis and a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 0 to 4 mm Hg. Both postoperative angiocardiogram and postmortem examination confirmed patency of the aortocoronary bypass grafts and good function of the prosthesis.
Miniature low-loss CPW periodic structures for filter applications

Several novel periodic structures for coplanar waveguides are presented. The proposed structures exhibit low insertion loss in the passband, simple fabrication, and slow-wave characteristics. These structures are applied to realize miniature low-pass filters one-tenth the size of conventional filters, with spurious-free response and deep attenuation levels using only three cells.
Genetic analyses of cell death in maize (Zea mays, Poaceae) leaves reveal a distinct pathway operating in the camouflage1 mutant

Controlled cell death is vital for many physiological processes in plants, such as xylem development, the hypersensitive response (HR), and senescence; however, the pathways governing cell death are incompletely understood. Studies of mutants that display a cell-death phenotype have greatly contributed to our knowledge of how this process is regulated. The maize camouflage1 (cf1) mutant displays the novel phenotype of cell-specific death of bundle sheath (BS) cells in discrete yellow leaf tissues. To investigate the BS cell death in cf1 mutants, we characterized potential underlying factors. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is known to be involved in many cell-death events in plants, including the HR. However, in vivo staining found no accumulation of H(2)O(2) in cf1 mutant leaves. Additionally, genetic analyses determined that functional chloroplasts are required for cf1 BS cell death. These results demonstrate that cf1 BS cell death occurs via a distinct pathway from that seen in a functionally related maize mutant or in the HR, suggesting that cell death in maize leaves can be caused by multiple mechanisms.
A characteristic finite element method with local mesh refinements for the Lamm equation in analytical ultracentrifugation

The Lamm equation is a fundamental differential equation in analytical ultracentrifugation, for describing the transport of solutes in an ultracentrifuge cell. In this article, we present a characteristic finite element method with local mesh refinements for solving the Lamm equation. The numerical method is mass-conservative by design and allows relatively large time steps to be used. Numerical experiments indicate that the numerical solutions are oscillation-free in the region near the cell bottom, where mass build up and large concentration gradients occur. Positivity of solutions is also well kept. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
The full-length Tat protein is required for TAR-independent, posttranscriptional trans activation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 env gene expression.

Abstract Tat is a protein that dramatically increases the expression of all genes expressed from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat through interaction with a cis-acting target sequence referred to as TAR (for trans-acting responsive region). The tat gene is divided into two coding exons which, when translated, result in the synthesis of an 86-amino-acid protein. However, the 72-amino-acid segment encoded by the first coding exon of tat is sufficient to encode a fully active Tat protein in known assays. We examined expression of the env gene from an LTR that lacks TAR (designated dTAR-env). Surprisingly, only the full-length Tat peptide trans activated expression of the env gene from dTAR-env. Comparison of RNA and protein expression of the env gene in the presence of Tat indicated that the mechanism of trans activation is posttranscriptional rather than transcriptional. To test whether the TAR-independent Tat function is specific to the HIV-1 env gene, we analyzed expression of heterologous genes from the long terminal repeat lacking TAR. These heterologous genes were not trans activated by Tat in the absence of a TAR element, which suggests that the second-exon peptide of Tat has a sequence-specific role in TAR-independent trans activation of the HIV-1 env gene. Analysis of a mutant in the 5' end of the env gene was used to identify a cis-acting sequence required for Tat responsiveness.
Fueling education reform: historically black colleges are meeting a national science imperative.

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are playing a critical role today in helping America overcome a looming shortage of scientists and engineers who are vital to the nation's future economic growth and competitiveness. Despite meager funding and a lack of public recognition, these educational institutions are producing a large share of the nation's African American graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Study of constrained minimal supersymmetry.

Taking seriously the phenomenological indications for supersymmetry we have made a detailed study of unified minimal SUSY, including many effects at the few percent level in a consistent fashion. We report here a general analysis of what can be studied without choosing a particular gauge group at the unification scale. Firstly, we find that the encouraging SUSY unification results of recent years do survive the challenge of a more complete and accurate analysis. Taking into account effects at the 5-10% level leads to several improvements of previous results and allows us to sharpen our predictions for SUSY in the light of unification. We perform a thorough study of the parameter space and look for patterns to indicate SUSY predictions, so that they do not depend on arbitrary choices of some parameters or untested assumptions. Our results can be viewed as a fully constrained minimal SUSY standard model. The resulting model forms a well-defined basis for comparing the physics potential of different facilities. Very little of the acceptable parameter space has been excluded by CERN LEP or Fermilab so far, but a significant fraction can be covered when these accelerators are upgraded. A number of initial applications to the understanding of the values of ${m}_{h}$ and ${m}_{t}$the SUSY spectrum, detectability of SUSY at LEP II or Fermilab, $B(b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}s\ensuremath{\gamma})$, $\ensuremath{\Gamma}(Z\ensuremath{\rightarrow}b\overline{b})$, dark matter, etc., are included in a separate section that might be of more interest to some readers than the technical aspects of model building. We formulate an approach to extracting SUSY parameters from data when superpartners are detected. For small $tan\ensuremath{\beta}$ or large ${m}_{t}$ both ${m}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ and ${m}_{0}$ are entirely bounded from above at \AA{} 1 TeV without having to use a fine-tuning constraint.
Repeat Computed Tomography Simulation to Assess Lumpectomy Cavity Volume During Whole-Breast Irradiation

Purpose To determine whether the lumpectomy cavity (LPC) decreases in volume during whole-breast radiotherapy (RT) and what factors influence the decrease. Patients and Methods Forty-three women with 44 breast lesions were prospectively enrolled. Eligible patients underwent lumpectomy followed by a CT simulation (CT1) within 60 days of surgery. Patients were treated to the entire breast to a dose of 45–50.4 Gy. After 21–23 treatments, a second planning CT simulation (CT2) was done. The LPC was contoured on CT2, and the volumes (LCV) were compared between CT1 and CT2. Results The median LCV on CT1 and CT2 was 38.2 cm 3 and 21.7 cm 3 , respectively. The median percent change and volume decrease between CT1 and CT2 was −32.0% and 11.2 cm 3 , respectively ( n = 44). The LCV decreased in 38 of 44 patients (86%). There was a significant correlation between initial LCV and decrease in volume ( p = 0.001) and initial LCV and percent decrease in volume ( p Conclusions Patients who undergo lumpectomy almost always have a decrease in their LCV during whole-breast RT. There was a correlation between the initial LCV and decrease in volume on repeat CT simulation. Evaluating patients for this change can potentially lead to decreased doses of radiation to the remaining breast and other critical structures when delivering a small-field boost. Repeat CT simulation should be considered in patients with larger cavities or cavities near critical structures.
Comparison of Vehicle Exhaust Particle Size Distributions Measured by SMPS and EEPS During Steady-State Conditions

Fast-sizing spectrometers, such as the TSI Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS), have been widely used to measure transient particle size distributions of vehicle exhaust. Recently, size distributions measured during different test cycles have begun to be used for calculating suspended particulate mass; however, several recent evaluations have shown some deficiencies in this approach and discrepancies relative to the gravimetric reference method. The EEPS converts electrical charge carried by particles into size distributions based on mobility classification and a specific calibration, and TSI recently released a matrix optimized for vehicle emissions as described by Wang et al. (Submitteda). This study evaluates the performance of the new matrix (soot matrix) relative to the original matrix (default matrix) and reference size distributions measured by a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). Steady-state particle size distributions were generated from the following five sources to evaluate exhaust part...
Continuous enteral nutrition attenuates pulmonary edema in rats exposed to 100% oxygen.

Adult rats exposed to hyperoxia develop anorexia, weight loss, and a lung injury characterized by pulmonary edema and decreased lung liquid clearance. We hypothesized that maintenance of nutrition ...
Is Direct Instruction an Answer to the Right Question

Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006) make a general case for the effectiveness of a teaching method—direct instruction—without reference to any context of what it is that is being taught by whom and to whom. In so doing, they bypass what is arguably the most pressing concern facing educators—not how to teach students but what to teach them. An argument is made for the need to contemplate instructional methods within the broader context of instructional goals.
Child Characteristics and Parental Educational Expectations: Evidence for Transmission with Transaction.

Parents' expectations for their children's ultimate educational attainment have been hypothesized to play an instrumental role in socializing academically relevant child behaviors, beliefs, and abilities. In addition to social transmission of educationally relevant values from parents to children, parental expectations and child characteristics may transact bidirectionally. We explore this hypothesis using both longitudinal and genetically informative twin data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth and Kindergarten cohorts. Our behavior genetic results indicate that parental expectations partly reflect child genetic variation, even as early as 4 years of age. Two classes of child characteristics were hypothesized to contribute to these child-to-parent effects: behavioral tendencies (approaches toward learning and problem behaviors) and achievement (math and reading). Using behavior genetic models, we find within-twin-pair associations between these child characteristics and parental expectations. Using longitudinal cross-lagged models, we find that initial variation in child characteristics predicts future educational expectations above and beyond previous educational expectations. These results are consistent with transactional frameworks in which parent-to-child and child-to-parent effects co-occur.
Case Study: On-Farm Evaluation of Liquid Dairy Manure Application Methods to Reduce Ammonia Losses

The volatilization of NH 3 from landapplied manure is not only a loss of valuable N, but also an air quality concern because NH 3 plays a role in the formation of airborne particulate matter, which can be a health hazard. The relative differences in potential NH 3 losses
Production planning for operating room videography

Successful video coverage of the surgical event involves careful planning in the preproduction stages. Prior knowledge of the intended audience enables the video producer to employ the tools and techniques that obtain the most appropriate visual perspective of the operative anatomy. Additionally, familiarity with the salient steps of the operation allows the production team to anticipate the moves of the surgical staff, so that important events are not missed. The video crew must also evaluate the operating room environment and the traffic patterns of the surgical team, so that there is no compromise to the quality of patient care.
Electrical Conductivity of MgAl2O4 and Y3A15O12

The electrical conductivities of single crystal and polycrystalline MgAl2O4 and Y3Al5O12 were measured to 1260 K using a three-contact, guard-ring technique. The electrical conduction mechanisms change with temperature, with anomalous oxygen pressure and time-dependent inflections in log σ versus T−1 curves between 900 to 1000 K. The conduction processes of Y3Al5O12 and MgAl2O4 appear to be similar and possibly related to A13+ ion diffusion.
Alarm logger for TVA's power system control center

This paper covers basic design requirements and operating experience of the Tennessee Valley Authority's alarm logger for the communication system wire chief. Operating in the new Power System Control Center, this computerized alarm logger interfaces directly with existing remote microwave fault alarm systems, as well as local contact inputs.
Notocladonia, a New Genus in the Cladoniaceae

The Australasian lichen species Ramalea cochleata Mull. Arg. is placed into the new genus Notocladonia S. Hammer as Notocladonia cochleata (Mull. Arg.) S. Hammer. It is joined by a previously undescribed species from Australasia, N. undulata S. Hammer, a closed-axil, squamulose species with undulating apothecial tissue. Both species contain divaricatic and usnic acids. The Australasian species of Notocladonia are distinguished from species in the neotropical genus Ramalea Nyl. s. str. on the basis of their gross morphology, which is characterized by apically-borne apothecial tissue. In contrast, the species of Ramalea bear vegetative podetial tissue that grows above the apothecium. The lectotype for Ramalea tribulosa Nyl., the type species of the genus, is designated here.
Functional Analysis of Cellulose and Xyloglucan in the Walls of Stomatal Guard Cells of Arabidopsis

Stomatal guard cells are pairs of specialized epidermal cells that control water and CO2 exchange between the plant and the environment. To fulfill the functions of stomatal opening and closure that are driven by changes in turgor pressure, guard cell walls must be both strong and flexible, but how the structure and dynamics of guard cell walls enable stomatal function remains poorly understood. To address this question, we applied cell biological and genetic analyses to investigate guard cell walls and their relationship to stomatal function in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Using live-cell spinning disk confocal microscopy, we measured the motility of cellulose synthase (CESA)-containing complexes labeled by green fluorescent protein (GFP)-CESA3 and observed a reduced proportion of GFP-CESA3 particles colocalizing with microtubules upon stomatal closure. Imaging cellulose organization in guard cells revealed a relatively uniform distribution of cellulose in the open state and a more fibrillar pattern in the closed state, indicating that cellulose microfibrils undergo dynamic reorganization during stomatal movements. In cesa3je5 mutants defective in cellulose synthesis and xxt1 xxt2 mutants lacking the hemicellulose xyloglucan, stomatal apertures, changes in guard cell length, and cellulose reorganization were aberrant during fusicoccin-induced stomatal opening or abscisic acid-induced stomatal closure, indicating that sufficient cellulose and xyloglucan are required for normal guard cell dynamics. Together, these results provide new insights into how guard cell walls allow stomata to function as responsive mediators of gas exchange at the plant surface.
Comparative Racialization: Culture and National Origin in the Latino/A Communities

Ths essay is part of a symposium of papers published to memorialize the fifth annual Critical Latina/o (LatCrit) Theory conference in 2000. Within the contours of critical Latina/o (LatCrit) Theory, "comparative racialization" analyzes how society constructs, or racializes, or "others," various Latin American national origin groups in different ways. Such comparisons in no way seek to demonstrate that one group is "more" disadvantaged than another, but rather strive for a deeper understanding of racial formation and the roots of racial subordination. In so doing, we must recognize the vast differences between various Latina/o communities. This essay investigates the comparative racialization of Latina/o national origin groups. Scholarship on the growing popularity of certain aspects of "Latin" culture among Anglos. A rich cultural analysis teaches much about the Latina/os able to achieve mainstream popularity, the hierarchy among Latina/o national origin groups, and the stereotypes that they reinforce. Multiculturalism teaches tolerance of racial and cultural diversity. The relationship between race and culture has been the subject of increasing legal, including LatCrit, analysis. Contrary to popular belief, culture is not some monolithic, fixed, and static essence. Any culture is constantly changing, affected by interaction with other cultures, especially in an era of globalization. We must acknowledge, for example, that Anglo American culture in this country has been indelibly influenced by Mexican culture while Mexican culture has been forever transformed by its interaction with Anglo culture. Indeed, with technological innovation over the last century, "American culture" has influenced the world. To add to the complexity, culture in any society also is the subject of continuing internal dissent and debate over its contours. This line of analysis, of course, represents a gross over-simplification. In fact, no single "Mexican", "Latin," or "American" culture exists. Consistent with Critical Latina/o Theory's commitment to anti-essentialism, care must be taken not to homogenize cultures from Latin American nations, which vary dramatically. The essay also discussed the tragic case of Elian Gonzalez, in which a young Cuban boy who journeyed by raft to the United States, lost his mother on the way, and became the center of a controversy over whether the United States should return to his father in Cuba. This case also suggests that immigration law creates distinctions between Latina/o national origin groups - effectively racializing them differently - and reinforces their differential treatment. The fluidity of racial constructions can be seen in the differentiation of immigrants of Mexican and Cuban ancestry over time, and the evolving legal responses to each group.
Methane or methanol-oxidation dependent synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) by obligate type II methanotrophs

Abstract Obligate methanotrophs capable of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics, under nutrient-limited conditions are currently limited to synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB). Diversifying monomers would greatly expand the range of applications. Here we report the first pure culture evidence of methanotrophic synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). When grown with methane as sole substrate, the Type II obligate methanotroph Methylocystis parvus OBBP produces P3HB, but not PHBV, under nutrient-limiting conditions. We observed synthesis of PHBV when strain OBBP was incubated with C 1 substrates (methane, methanol, or formate) and propionate or valerate. PHBV production was confirmed by gas chromatography, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance with [1- 13 C]valerate. In the absence of C 1 -substrate oxidation, neither P3HB nor PHBV was synthesized. The mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate depended upon the amount of propionate or valerate consumed, and ranged from 0 to 40 mol%. Valerate addition resulted in a higher mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate and higher wt% PHA than propionate addition. To assess the generality of this capability among Type II obligate methanotrophs, we added methane and valerate to Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, with similar results. We hypothesize that oxidation of C 1 substrates generates the energy required for activation of co-substrates and incorporation of 3-hydroxyvalerate.
A Transdisciplinary Approach for Teaching Implementation Research and Practice in Public Health

The trans-disciplinary approach for teaching implementation research and practice (IR&P) in public health seeks to present related concepts on IR&P from multiple perspectives without paying an exclusive service to a specific home discipline. It is a response to the demand for a pedagogical approach to teaching that promotes a unity of knowledge around a subject that extends beyond the disciplinary boundaries within public health. Based on the experience of establishing a flagship course in IR&P at a graduate school of public health, we draw from existing theories and offer practical steps for developing and delivering content for IR&P from a trans-disciplinary perspective. The potential of this teaching approach is its ability to demonstrate the pervasiveness and easy transfer of relevant concepts in IR&P across multiple disciplines and settings. This teaching approach has relevance for influencing the overall technique to graduate level instruction in the health professions where multiple disciplines intersect.
Measuring Food Consumption and Production According to Resource Intensity: The Methodology Behind the Cereal Equivalent Approach

The production of food is one of humanity’s fundamental and most critical endeavors, yet our understanding of its impact on limited global resources is not well developed. Food production supplies a basic human need, provides important employment for millions of the world’s poor, and generates significant export income for some countries, while using up valuable foreign exchange reserves for others. On the demand side, as population grows, demand for food grows commensurately. Even more importantly, as incomes grow, the per capita demand for food grows, and studies have shown that diet changes related to rising incomes result in a five-fold increase in food consumption per capita when measured in terms of resource use, or cereal equivalents. Following the publication of those studies, the authors received requests to clarify the calculation of specific cereal equivalent values. The purpose of this paper is to respond to these requests by detailing the methodology employed in the previous studies in order to allow other researchers to use this technique in their own work. We specify the required datasets, the individual calculations by food category, the adjustments necessary to measure country self-sufficiency in food, and the impact of GDP per capita on disaggregated food consumption measured in this way.
Novel insights into the early histopathogenesis of immunodeficiency-associated Burkitt lymphoma: a case report of Burkitt microlymphoma arising within HIV lymphadenitis.

Aims To report a case detailing the early histopathogenesis of Burkitt lymphoma (BL), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive, in the clinical setting of HIV infection. Methods and results We describe a 57 year-old woman with newly diagnosed HIV infection who presented with unilateral localized axillary lymphadenopathy. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometric analyses were performed and showed EBV-positive nests of Burkitt cells, including rare nests also positive for cytomegalovirus, exclusively located within hyperplastic monocytoid B-cell areas of HIV lymphadenitis. Due to positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings of persistent localized lymphadenopathy with markedly increased fludeoxyglucose avidity a core needle biopsy was performed. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and flow cytometric analyses confirmed BL. Conclusions Early histopathogenesis of HIV-associated BL occurred as nests of EBV-positive Burkitt cells within prominent monocytoid B-cell areas in our case. The results equip the pathologist to identify a very subtle Burkitt microlymphoma which would allow for prompt and appropriate chemotherapeutic intervention and may promote research into the possible relationship between monocytoid B cells and BL.
Rapid chemical reaction workup based on a rigid solvent extraction.

The conventional chemical reaction workup based on liquid–liquid extraction is a time- and labor-consuming practice. We have developed a substantially faster technique for the routine workup that relies on a porous organic polymer (Porelite) supported solvent phase to extract organic products from an aqueous reaction mixture. We call this process rigid solvent extraction. Using this technique, the tedious liquid–liquid extraction can be replaced by a simple filtration, making parallel operation and automation feasible.
Studies on Life Cycle of Physarum Gyrosum and Other Myxomycetes

Spore germination in Physarum gyrosum was by Gilbert's split method although the addition of cellulase changed germination to the pore method. Although the swarm cell and the myxameba were reversib...
1683 Parent Priorities and Preferences at the Outpatient Visit

Background and Aims The outpatient care model for children is well established. This study evaluated parent perceptions and understanding of this service in a District General Hospital. Methods Parents attending a paediatric outpatient clinic were surveyed to discern their health priorities for their child, their understanding of the functioning of the outpatient clinic, the cost accrued by the visit and their views on alternate care delivering systems. Results Two hundred and forty three surveys were completed by parents. Forty five (18.8%) had children less than 1 year, 91 (38.1%) were between 1 and 5 years, 50 (20.9) were aged 6 to 10 and the remainder were 11 or older. For 202 (84.2%) it was a return visit. Their priorities were. obtaining a diagnosis. achieving health gain for their child. being reassured. being seen by a consultant. being treated with courtesy. having tests performed. Ninety three (44.5%) were aware of how the clinic operated and 112 (49.1%) wished to be seen by a consultant only. To attend the clinic 84 (37.2%) took time off work, 50 (22.6%) required child minding services, 44 (27%) experienced excessive waiting and 198 (88%) accrued parking costs. One hundred and forty three (71.8%) are open to alternate care options other than the traditional outpatient visit with 141 (68.1%) accepting specialist nurse assessment, 122 (55.5%) postal assessment, and 56 (25.2%) telephone assessment by a doctor. Conclusion The model of outpatient care has changed little in the past decades. While parents understand the process there is active interest in pursuing more family friendly models.
COMPATIBILITY AND VARIABILITY IN MERULIUS AMERICANUS

(1955). Compatibility and Variability in Merulius Americanus. Mycologia: Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 317-328.
CONSEQUENCES OF IN VITRO AND EX VITRO ROOT INITIATION FOR MINIATURE ROSE PRODUCTION

Microshoots of Rosa chinensis var. minima (cvs Debut, Ginny, Red Ace and Tipper) were rooted using standardized in vitro and ex vitro root initiation techniques, then comparatively examined with regard to anatomical and morphological root character and effect of root initiation treatment on later plant development. After 18 days of in vitro or ex vitro rooting treatment, comparable rooting ranging from 95-100% was obtained for three of the four cultivars. Ex vitro rooting promoted longer roots and a tendency for both higher root number and area. Ex vitro roots were flexible, white, and produced branch roots while in vitro roots were brittle, darkened and did not branch. Cross sectional data revealed that ex vitro roots were thinner, possessed root hairs, and tended to have greater vascular area to root area with advanced development of the vascular tissue than in vitro- produced roots. Ex vitro-rooted plants of all cultivars except ‘Ginny’ had greater root growth (area and dry mass) and shoot growth (heig...
Recruitment issues, health habits, and the decision to participate in a health promotion program.

To understand the external validity of experimental studies, it is important to estimate the extent to which the participants are representative of the general population. This paper describes recruitment methods and considers the representativeness of participants in the San Diego Family Health Project. The study was designed to experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of a family-based behavior change intervention in Anglo and Mexican-American families. Initial contact with the families was made through a household health survey that was sent home with all fifth- and sixth-grade children in 12 participating elementary schools. The survey asked about a variety of demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and physical activity habits. Parents were also asked if they were interested in participating in the project. Respondents were classified by level of participation into one of three groups: not interested, expressed initial interest but did not attend the recruitment meeting, and volunteered to participate. Level of participation was the independent variable in the analyses. In separate analyses for Anglo and Mexican-American responders, our data suggested many similarities and a few differences among participant groups. The differences that were observed suggest that participants may already have healthier diets than nonparticipants, although only one of four dietary variables differed by participation status in each ethnic group. The external validity of these data and general recruitment issues are discussed
Staphylococcal Hypersensitivity Keratitis Following Femtosecond LASIK

Keratitis after refractive surgery is relatively uncommon but a potentially sight-threatening complication. Its incidence may vary widely from 0 to 1.5 % [1]. Surveys reveal the incidence of keratitis as 2.5 times more common with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) than with a keratome, six times more common with PRK than with the femtosecond laser, and 2.4 times more common with a keratome than with the femtosecond laser [2]. Literature show noninfectious keratitis occurs more frequently than infectious keratitis [3]. It is important to identify infection early as the line of management differs significantly between these two clinical entities.
By the numbers: an introduction to numeric databases

Definition des banques de donnees factuelles; caracteristiques des donnees et modalites des recherches d'information, avec des exemples d'interrogation de l'indice americain des prix a la consommation
L’intérêt de la segmentation en 2D et la reconstruction en 3D d’un processus tumoral de la hanche

Objectif Le developpement de la recherche transactionnelle au niveau du laboratoire d’anatomie avec le service de traumato-orthopedie par l’interpretation anatomo-radiologique basee sur la segmentation en 2D et la reconstruction en 3D de l’imagerie medicale (TDM-IRM) realise un element fondamental dans la demarche diagnostique et meme therapeutique. Materiel et methodes Les coupes tomodensitometriques de la hanche d’un patient suivie et traitee pour un processus tumoral, l’etude morpho-anatomique des structures de la hanche et ses rapports anatomiques est effectuee et comparee sur les 2 methodes de modelisation 3D volumetrique en utilisant les logiciels OSIRIX et 3D DOCTOR. Resultats La dissection numerique des rapports anatomiques de la hanche, de la superficie a la profondeur, permet de visualiser le processus tumoral au niveau des parties molles. Conclusion La modelisation tridimensionnelle en mode volumetrique de la hanche permet d’identifier les differents rapports anatomiques normal et pathologique, et permet de mieux localiser la tumeur en tridimensionnel pour un meilleur traitement chirurgical.
Reducing peripherally inserted central catheters in the neonatal intensive care unit

Our objective was to safely reduce the number of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) inserted in infants with umbilical venous catheter using quality improvement methods. In a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, a questionnaire designed to prompt critical thinking around the decision to place a PICC, along with an updated standardized feeding guideline was introduced. PICC insertion in 86 infants with umbilical venous catheter (pre intervention) with birth weight 1000–1500 g were compared with 115 infants (post intervention) using Fisher’s exact test. PICC lines inserted after the intervention decreased by 37.5% (67/86; 77.9% vs 56/115; 48.7%; P<0.001). The proportion of central line-associated blood stream infection were 2.49 vs 2.82/1000 umbilical venous catheter days; P=0.91 in the two epochs, respectively. Quality improvement methodology was successful in significantly reducing the number of PICCs inserted without an increase in central line-associated blood stream infection.
Adoption of Accounting Information System Practices by Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka (with Special Reference to Polonnaruwa District)

Technology is having a rapid change in the world. Most of the multinational companies are engaging their systems with the sufficient experience and consulting in their business. But Small and Medium Enterprises are not sufficiently in condition to have the consulting facilities in their business. Recently entrepreneurs also adapt to use the accounting information systems to their business activities. While considering on the accounting information system there are number of selection of many AIS software packages in the world. As an Entrepreneur they have to select the correct and efficient Accounting Software package which is more suitable for their business.The purpose of this study is to identify the AIS software used by the entrepreneurs and evaluate the level of satisfactory implementation of the AIS software packages in the small business. The background of the choice of system selection will indicate the company size, selection of AIS, cost of the system, number of systems and the facilitated features of the systems, knowledge of the system users and the company outflow. Satisfaction of the entrepreneurs on their system is the dependent variable.The study mainly focuses on the accounting information system practices adapted by entrepreneurs’ life in Sri Lanka with special reference to Plonnaruwa District of North Central Province in Sri Lanka. For the purpose of finding data, it was collected by issuing a questionnaire to a selected sample from entrepreneurs of those who are registered in SMEs in Chamber of Commerce in 2012 from Polonnaruwa District of North Central Province in Sri Lanka.Based on the results generated in the data collection it explains that the knowledge of the system users and the cost of the implementation of the system is a common problem to the entrepreneurs. Some of them are having some doubt in selecting the appropriate accounting system to their business. Dependent variable of Satisfaction of the entrepreneurs on their system has been developed through the selection of the system and the knowledge of the system users.
Antibodies as epidemiological markers of genetically modified crop exposure: detection of Cry1Ab-specific IgG

There has been an increasing concern with the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops. An important modification of GM crops is the expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein, Cry1Ab. Animal exposure to Cry1Ab indicates that the protein is safe, but that it is immunogenic. Whether Cry1Ab is a human immunogen and whether antibody response to this protein can serve as a marker of high exposure to GM crops is unknown. Here we develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the presence of Cry1Ab-specific IgG in ~100 individuals living in each of three countries that have varied exposure to GM crops (Papua New Guinea (PNG), low exposure; Kenya, moderate exposure; and the USA, high exposure). Cry1Ab-specific IgG antibodies were detected in individuals living in each region (8%, the USA; 3%, PNG; and 2%, Kenya). Thus, individuals develop anti-Cry1Ab antibodies at a frequency that roughly correlates with the exposure to GM crops expressing this protein.
Architecture and the Origins of Preclassic Maya Politics

Architecture and the Origins of Preclassic Maya Politics highlights the dramatic changes in the relationship of ancient Maya peoples to the landscape and to each other in the Preclassical period (ca. 2000 BC–250 AD). Offering a comprehensive history of Preclassic Maya society, James Doyle focuses on recent discoveries of early writing, mural painting, stone monuments, and evidence of divine kingship that have reshaped our understanding of cultural developments in the first millennium BC. He also addresses one of the crucial concerns of contemporary archaeology: the emergence of political authorities and their subjects in early complex polities. Doyle shows how architectural trends in the Maya Lowlands in the Preclassic period exhibit the widespread cross-cultural link between monumental architecture of imposing intent, human collaboration, and urbanism.
Whither Workload? Mapping a Path for Its Future Development

I present a number of looming barriers to a smooth path of progress for cognitive workload assessment. The first of these is the AID’s of workload (i.e., association, indifference, and dissociation) between its various reflections (i.e., subjective, physiological, and performance measures). The second is the manner in which the time-varying change in imposed task demand links to the workload response, and what specific characteristics of the former drive the latter. The third is the persistent but largely unaddressed issue of the meaningfulness of the work undertaken. Thus, does interesting and involving work result in lower workload and vice-versa? If these foregoing and predominantly methodological concerns can be overcome, then the utility of the workload construct can continue to grow. If they cannot be resolved then workload assessment threatens to be ineffective in a world which desperately requires a valid and reliable way to index cognitive achievement.
Detrimental interactions of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure and bumblebee immunity

Pesticides are well known to have a number of ecological effects. However, it is only now becoming understood that sublethal exposures may have effects on nontarget insects of conservation concern through interactions with immunity, thus increasing detrimental impacts in the presence of pathogens. Pesticides and pathogens are suggested to have played a role in recent declines of several wild bee pollinators. Compromised immunity from exposure to widely used neonicotinoids has been demonstrated in honeybees, but further research on interactions between neonicotinoids and immunity in other important bees is lacking. In this study, adult workers of the bumblebee Bombus impatiens received 6-day pulses of either low (0.7 ppb) or high (7 ppb) field realistic doses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid prior to assaying immunity and survival following a nonpathogenic immune challenge. High-dose imidacloprid exposure reduces constitutive levels of phenoloxidase, an enzyme involved in melanization. Hemolymph antimicrobial activity initially increases in all groups following an immune challenge, but while heightened activity is maintained in unexposed and low imidacloprid dose groups, it is not maintained in the high exposure dose bees, even though exposure had ceased 6 days prior. Additionally, imidacloprid exposure followed by an immune challenge significantly decreased survival probability relative to control bees and those only immune challenged or imidacloprid exposed. A temporal lag for immune modulation and combinatorial effects on survival suggest that resource-based trade-offs may, in part, contribute to the detrimental interactions. These interactions could have health consequences for pollinators facing multiple stresses of sublethal neonicotinoid exposure and pathogens.
Using Digital Texts in Interactive Reading Activities for Children with Language Delays and Disorders: A Review of the Research Literature and Pilot Study.

Participation in interactive reading activities can help children with language delays and disorders build important early language and literacy skills. Digital texts (i.e., books presented on tablets and computers) provide new opportunities for learning and supporting communication. Recently, researchers have investigated the use of digital texts that include visual scene displays (VSDs). In this approach, pictures on a tablet are programmed with “hotspots”; when the picture is touched, a word is spoken aloud. In addition, transition to literacy (T2L) features, including dynamic presentation of the text when a hotspot is activated, can be implemented with VSDs. This article provides a review of interactive reading interventions with children with language delays and disorders, and a discussion of the impact of using digital texts. We also describe the results of a pilot study intervention using digital texts including VSDs and T2L features with children with language delays in an inclusive preschool setting.
Hyperkinetic transient ischemic attacks preceding deep ganglionic infarction in a patient with a treated parasellar chondrosarcoma.

A 44-year-old right-handed female with a past medical history of parasellar chondrosarcoma status post-surgical debulking and proton beam therapy (70 Gy) three years prior to presentation experienced several hours of brief, repetitive episodes of transient hemiballism and dystonia; this was followed by abrupt onset of fixed hemiparesis and dysarthria weeks later, ipsilateral to her prior hyperkinetic movements. She was found to have total occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery with focal stenosis of the proximal right A-1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery adjacent to the remnants of the chondrosarcoma. These focal areas of narrowing were attributed to accelerated atherosclerotic disease, an adverse effect of the radiotherapy used to treat her chondrosarcoma. As treatments improve and mean survival increases for intracranial malignancy, radiation-induced atherosclerotic disease with protean manifestations such as those presented in this case may be encountered more frequently.
A Water Dimer Shift Activates a Proton Pumping Pathway in the PR → F Transition of ba3 Cytochrome c Oxidase.

Broken-symmetry density functional calculations have been performed on the [Fea34+,CuB2+] state of the dinuclear center (DNC) for the PR → F part of the catalytic cycle of ba3 cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) from Thermus thermophilus (Tt), using the OLYP-D3-BJ functional. The calculations show that the movement of the H2O molecules in the DNC affects the pKa values of the residue side chains of Tyr237 and His376+, which are crucial for proton transfer/pumping in ba3 CcO from Tt. The calculated lowest energy structure of the DNC in the [Fea34+,CuB2+] state (state F) is of the form Fea34+═O2–···CuB2+, in which the H2O ligand that resulted from protonation of the OH– ligand in the PR state is dissociated from the CuB2+ site. The calculated Fea34+═O2– distance in F (1.68 A) is 0.03 A longer than that in PR (1.65 A), which can explain the different Fea34+═O2– stretching modes in P (804 cm–1) and F (785 cm–1) identified by resonance Raman experiments. In this F state, the CuB2+···O2– (ferryl–oxygen) distance is only...
Ontogeny of Monoamine Neurotransmitters

Abstract Monoamines are neurotransmitters that play important neurotrophic and morphogenetic roles in the maturation of the central nervous system (CNS). These neurotransmitters perform integration between separately matured neurons consistent with brain maturation during ontogenic development. The development of the monoaminergic system in the human brain starts during the third trimester of pregnancy and continues for the first 3 weeks of postnatal life. Thus, the formation of the CNS and associated maturation and development of brain structures and higher mental activities are based on close interaction between the monoaminergic system and their neurotransmitters. Research suggests that any insult occurring during active differentiation of aminergic neurons could have a damaging impact that eventually leads to change in physical and neurological status. In this chapter, we will review the development of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system in the CNS and how developmental exposure to different potentially neurotoxic agents may alter the maturation of the CNS.
Fast and Accurate Reordering with ITG Transition RNN

Attention-based sequence-to-sequence neural network models learn to jointly align and translate. The quadratic-time attention mechanism is powerful as it is capable of handling arbitrary long-distance reordering, but computationally expensive. In this paper, towards making neural translation both accurate and efficient, we follow the traditional pre-reordering approach to decouple reordering from translation. We add a reordering RNN that shares the input encoder with the decoder. The RNNs are trained jointly with a multi-task loss function and applied sequentially at inference time. The task of the reordering model is to predict the permutation of the input words following the target language word order. After reordering, the attention in the decoder becomes more peaked and monotonic. For reordering, we adopt the Inversion Transduction Grammars (ITG) and propose a transition system to parse input to trees for reordering. We harness the ITG transition system with RNN. With the modeling power of RNN, we achieve superior reordering accuracy without any feature engineering. In experiments, we apply the model to the task of text normalization. Compared to a strong baseline of attention-based RNN, our ITG RNN re-ordering model can reach the same reordering accuracy with only 1/10 of the training data and is 2.5x faster in decoding.