cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
‘Communicative Lingerings’: Exploring Awareness of L2 Influence on L1 in American Expatriates after Re-entry

This study attempts to identify ways in which experiences of living abroad and working in an L2 environment have affected Americans’ communicative behaviour in the L1 upon repatriation. This study focuses on language behaviours occurring when participants interacted with people who did not share the L2 language or experience. These residual effects of learning the language and culture of the host country are called ‘Communicative Lingerings.’ Three general categories of lingerings are found and discussed: linguistic/paralinguistic lingerings, interactional lingerings and perceptual lingerings. Possible reasons for these occurrences, their connection to levels of acculturation and potential implications for L2 teaching and learning are also explored.
Re: Determinants of BRAF Mutations in Primary Melanomas

I read with interest the paper by Maldonado et al. ( 1 ) investigating the distribution of BRAF mutations across different melanoma types. One of the questions addressed by the authors was whether cutaneous melanomas with a BRAF mutation arose from preexisting melanocytic nevi. In an analysis of 46 lesions, they found melanomas with an associated nevus to have only a slightly higher prevalence of BRAF mutation (55%; n = 11) than did melanomas exhibiting no evidence of nevus (43%; n = 35); the difference was not statistically signifi cant. On the basis of these fi ndings, the authors concluded that not all melanomas with an associated nevus may arise from melanocytes with BRAF mutations. When one is assessing melanomas for histologic evidence of a preexisting nevus, thick tumors are not necessarily informative, given the possibility that evidence of a preexisting nevus may have been obliterated by the growing tumor ( 2 ) . The misclassifi cation of tumors with respect to evidence of a preexisting nevus would be expected to attenuate or obscure actual differences in tumor characteristics between melanomas that arise from a precursor nevus and melanomas that arise de novo. The level of misclassifi cation in the study of Maldonado et al. may be fairly high, given that the cutaneous melanomas included in their analysis were relatively thick (median thickness = 3.6 mm; range = 1 – 15 mm). It would be informative if the authors addressed this issue by restricting their analytic sample to thinner melanomas to minimize the effects of such misclassifi cation. In addition, it may be advisable to exclude acral lentiginous melanomas from the analysis, because the etiology of this tumor subtype appears to be quite different from that of other cutaneous melanomas ( 3 ) .
Outcome of adenotonsillectomy for severe obstructive sleep apnea in children

Summary Objective: To study changes in sleep behavior and quality of life in children after adenotonsillectomy for severe obstructive sleep apnea identified by a respiratory distress index ≥ 30. Methods: Children enrolled in the study underwent adenotonsillectomy and had both pre- and post-operative polysomnography. Caregivers also completed an OSA-18 quality of life survey prior to polysomnography and within 6 months of surgery. Paired Student’s t -tests were used to compare pre- and post-operative scores. Results: The study population included 29 children. The mean age was 7.1 years (range 1.4–17.0). The most common comorbidities were obesity, asthma and allergic disease. The mean pre-operative RDI was 63.9 and the mean post-operative RDI was 14.2 ( P P Conclusion: Children with severe OSA who undergo adenotonsillectomy show a significant improvement in RDI and in quality of life over a period of several months after surgery. However, OSA does not resolve in the majority of these children and post-operative PSG is recommended to identify those who may require additional therapy.
The Experiences of Childfree and Childless Couples in a Pronatalistic Society: Implications for Family Counselors

While childfree and childless couples appear similar in member composition, the issues that each classification of family faces are distinctly different. This article will present literature-based data on the demographics, unique strengths, and clinical needs of each family system, leading to implications for family counselors.
On minimax robustness: A general approach and applications

The minimax approach to the design of systems that are robust with respect to modeling uncertainties is studied using a game theoretic formulation in which the performance functional and the sets of modeling uncertainties and admissible design policies are arbitrary. The existence and characterization of minimax robust solutions that form saddle points are discussed through various methods that take into account several common features of the games encountered in applications. In particular, it is shown that if the performance functional and the uncertainty set are convex then a certain type of regularity condition on the functional is sufficient to ensure that the optimal strategy for a least favorable element of the uncertainty set is minimax robust. The efficacy of the methods proposed for a general game is tested in the problems of matched filtering, Wiener filtering, quadratic detection, and output energy filtering, in which uncertainties in their respective signal and noise models are assumed to exist. These problems are analyzed in a common Hilbert space framework and they serve to point out the advantages and limitations of the proposed techniques.
Smooth muscle cell outgrowth from human atherosclerotic plaque: Implications for the assessment of lesion biology

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the kinetics of smooth muscle cell outgrowth from in vitro explants of human atherosclerotic tissue is dependent on the nature of the atherosclerotic lesion in vivo. Background. The use of techniques for percutaneous in vivo extraction of atherosclerotic plaque has provided the opportunity to study human atheroma-derived smooth muscle cells in culture. However, because of cell selection and changes in phenotype, in vitro findings may not always reflect the biologic properties of the vessel wall, particularly if cells are in culture for prolonged periods. In contrast, studies with nonhuman cells have suggested that the rate at which cells grow out of tissue explants is closely related to the status of the cells in vivo. Methods. Atherosclerotic tissue from 41 lesions, including primary plaques (from peripheral arteries and venous bypass conduits) and restenotic lesions (from peripheral arteries and venous conduits) were divided into a total of 1,596 fragments and placed in culture on fibronectin-coated wells. Explant outgrowth was scored over the ensuing 1 month to determine the prevalence and time course of smooth muscle cell outgrowth and the total cellular accumulation. Results. Explant fragments from 40 (98%) of the 41 lesions yielded an outgrowth of smooth muscle cells, confirmed by immunocytochemistry. The mean proportion of adherent explant fragments yielding outgrowth, per lesion, was 69 ± 4% and was higher in restenotic tissue (81 ± 3%) than in primary tissue (56 ± 6%, p < 0.001). For primary lesions, initiation of outgrowth was half-maximal by 8.7 ± 0.4 days; for restenotic explants, initiation of outgrowth was considerably faster (half-maximal by 5.9 ± 0.6 days, p < 0.001). Similarly, accumulation of smooth muscle cells around an explant was significantly greater for restenotic lesions (2,791 ± 631 cells/explant) than for primary lesions (653 ± 144 cells/explant, p < 0.01). Labeling of first-passage cells with [3H]-thymidine indicated that cells from restenotic lesions had a 1.3-fold greater incorporation rate than did cells from primary lesions (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Smooth muscle cells may be reliably cultivated by explant outgrowth from a variety of human atherosclerotic plaque types obtained intraoperatively or percutaneously. The kinetics of outgrowth from restenotic tissue is distinctly different from that of outgrowth from primary tissue, suggesting a relation between the in vitro outgrowth behavior and the biology of the lesion in vivo. Assessment of smooth muscle cell outgrowth from human atherosclerotic plaque may thus represent a practical and reliable means to investigate the biologic behavior, including growth characteristics, of individual atherosclerotic lesions from human subjects. This technique may also offer a suitable assay system for evaluating therapies designed to inhibit lesion proliferation.
Improved splice site detection in Genie

We present an improved splice site predictor for the genefinding program Genie. Genie is based on a generalized Hidden Markov Model (GHMM) that describes the grammar of a legal parse of a multi-exon gene in a DNA sequence. In Genie, probabilities are estimated for gene features by using dynamic programming to combine information from multiple content and signal sensors, including sensors that integrate matches to homologous sequences from a database. One of the hardest problems in genefinding is to determine the complete gene structure correctly. The splice site sensors are the key signal sensors that address this problem. We replaced the existing splice site sensors in Genie with two novel neural networks based on dinucleotide frequencies. Using these novel sensors, Genie shows significant improvements in the sensitivity and specificity of gene structure identification. Experimental results in tests using a standard set of annotated genes showed that Genie identified 86% of coding nucleotides correctly with a specificity of 85%, versus 80% and 84% in the older system. In further splice site experiments, we also looked at correlations between splice site scores and intron and exon lengths, as well as at the effect of distance to the nearest splice site on false positive rates.
43 Testeria gen. nov. (dinophyceae) from manatee cay belize, Central America

A new marine dinoflagellate genus, Testeria gen. nov., is reported from coral reef-mangrove pond. A new generic name is proposed for two species: Testeria novellus sp. nov. and a new combination fot Testeria steidingerae (Balech) comb. nov. These two species differ in thecal plate morphology from Protoperidinium species based on the following characteristics. Plates of Testeria novellus and T. steidingerae exhibit: 1) a wide, symmetric, ortho apical plate 1' disconnected from a slender apical horn and in direct contact with the cingulum. 2) apical pore complex absent. 3) anterior intercalary plate (2a) hexa situated dorsally. The thecal plate formula is as follows: 4′, 3a, 7′′, 4c)3+t), 5′′′, 6s, 2′′′′. Cells are colorless or pale pink, chloroplasts absent. The similarities and differences of Testeria and Protoperidinium are discussed with respect to their taxonomical history, species associations and ecology.
High mobility GaAs-AlxGa1-xAs single period modulation-doped heterojunctions

Single period modulation-doped structures composed of an AlxGa1-xAs layer, part of which is doped with Si, on top of an undoped GaAs layer have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The films were characterised using Hall effect measurements carried out at temperatures between 10 and 300 K. With 50-75 A thick undoped (Al, Ga)As layers near the interface, mobilities in excess of 115000 cm2/Vs at 10 K and 7450 cm2/Vs at 300 K have been achieved for an average doping concentration of -5×1016 cm-3. These are some of the highest mobilities as yet obtained from modulation-doped structures, and represent an increase in mobility over equivalently doped GaAs by about a factor of 20 at 10 K and by a factor of 2 at 300 K.
Pentylenetetrazol augmentation of developing kindled amygdaloid seizures

Abstract The effects of daily administration of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on the rate of the development of kindled amygdaloid seizures (KAS) were tested in the rat. Rats were pretreated for 6 days with 25 mg/kg PTZ or normal saline 15 min. prior to each daily amygdaloid stimulation. The PTZ group exhibited fully developed KAS, including a maximal behavioral ranking (BR) and an afterdischarge duration (AD) of over 90 sec, in 3.8 ± 0.3 stimulations compared to 8.0 ± 0.6 stimulations (ave. ± SEM) for the saline controls. Within 10 min after dosing, PTZ consistently induced intermittent spiking of 5 sec or less in the EEG and behaviorally induced head nodding and sniffing. However, chemical kindling due to the 6 repetitive doses of PTZ was not observed. When the PTZ pretreatment was stopped on the 7th day, the BR and AD of the PTZ pretreatment group decreased from 187% and 161% of control values, respectively, to 118% and 100% of control. It appears that PTZ augments both the AD and BR of the developing KAS but does not accelerate the actual rate of the development of the KAS.
The Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Regulates Epidermal Cell Migration in Caenorhabditis elegans

Polarized migration and spreading of epithelial sheets is important during many processes in vivo, including embryogenesis and wound healing. However, the signaling pathways that regulate epithelial migrations are poorly understood. To identify molecular components that regulate the spreading of epithelial sheets, we performed a screen for mutations that perturb epidermal cell migration during embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. We identified one mutant (jc5) as a weak mutation in itr-1, which encodes the single inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (ITR) in C. elegans. During the migration of the embryonic epidermis, jc5 embryos display defects including misdirected migration or premature cessation of migration. Cells that halt their migration have disorganized F-actin and display reduced filopodial protrusive activity at their leading edge. Furthermore, some filopodia formed by epidermal cells in itr-1(jc5) embryos exhibit abnormally long lifetimes. Pharmacological studies with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate antagonist xestospongin C phenocopy these defects, confirming that ITR function is important for proper epidermal migration. Our results provide the first molecular evidence that movements of embryonic epithelial cell sheets can be controlled by ITRs and suggest that such regulation may be a widespread mechanism for coordinating epithelial cell movements during embryogenesis.
Prototyping Energy Harvesting Active Networked Tags (EnHANTs) with MICA2 Motes

With the convergence of ultra-low-power communications and energy-harvesting technologies, networking self-sustainable ubiquitous devices is becoming feasible. Hence, we have been recently developing new devices, referred to as Energy Harvesting Active Networked Tags (EnHANTs). These small, flexible, and energetically self-reliant tags can be seen as a new class of devices in the domain between RFIDs and sensor networks. EnHANTs are made possible by advances in ultra-lowpower ultra-wideband (UWB) communications and in organic semiconductor-based energy harvesting materials. They will enable novel tracking applications, such as continuous monitoring of objects and locating misplaced items. In this demo, we present phase I EnHANT prototypes. These prototypes are much larger than the envisioned EnHANTs and do not include custom-made UWB and organic electronic components. Yet, they serve as platforms for preliminary experiments and allow demonstrating energy harvesting-adaptive EnHANT communications. Each prototype is based on a MICA2 mote and includes a custom-designed sensor board with a light sensor and a solar cell, which are used to determine the light energy received from the environment. We have also designed a monitoring system which is used in the demo to show how the EnHANT prototypes adjust their communications patterns based on their energy harvesting parameters.
The Continuous Prisoner's Dilemma: I. Linear Reactive Strategies

We present a general model for the Prisoner's Dilemma in which variable degrees of cooperation are possible, and payoffs are scaled accordingly. We describe a continuous strategy space, and divide this space into strategy families. We derive the payoff function for these families analytically, and study the evolutionary outcome when a wide range of strategies play against each other. Our results show that the initial degree of cooperation offered by a strategy is a decisive factor for evolutionary robustness: the most successful strategies in our model offer full cooperation as an initial move, but thereafter cooperate fully only if their opponent does the same. These strategies gradually raise the stakes when playing a strategy which is initially reticent to cooperate, but differ from the strategies predicted by other continuous models in that they are not only generous, but are also consistently optimistic and uncompromising.
A general model for ontogenetic growth

Several equations have been proposed to describe ontogenetic growth trajectories for organisms justified primarily on the goodness of fit rather than on any biological mechanism. Here, we derive a general quantitative model based on fundamental principles for the allocation of metabolic energy between maintenance of existing tissue and the production of new biomass. We thus predict the parameters governing growth curves from basic cellular properties and derive a single parameterless universal curve that describes the growth of many diverse species. The model provides the basis for deriving allometric relationships for growth rates and the timing of life history events.
Clouds-radiation interactions in a general circulation model - Impact upon the planetary radiation balance

Simultaneously conducted observations of the earth radiation budget and the cloud amount estimates, taken during the June 1979 - May 1980 Nimbus 7 mission were used to show interactions between the cloud amount and raidation and to verify a long-term climate simulation obtained with the latest version of the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM). The parameterization of the radiative, dynamic, and thermodynamic processes produced the mean radiation and cloud quantities that were in reasonable agreement with satellite observations, but at the expense of simulating their short-term fluctuations. The results support the assumption that the inclusion of the cloud liquid water (ice) variable would be the best mean to reduce the blinking of clouds in NCAR CCM.
Inconsistency Theories: The Significance of Semantic Ascent

Among inconsistency theories I distinguish a simple variety that finds an expression to be meaningless when inconsistent, and a complex variety that takes inconsistent expressions to be meaningful. I discuss the associated accounts of concepts and argue that the complex inconsistency theory is incompatible with truth conditional semantics while the simple theory can be applied only to expressions that are mentioned but not used in the theory. I then go on to discuss my own form of simple, metalinguistic theory as applied to the semantic paradoxes and I respond to some objections.
Hormone receptor regulation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and type 2 long terminal repeats

Both host cell and viral transcription factors regulate the long terminal repeat (LTR) of human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) activity and viral replication. Using transient transfection, ligand-activated thyroid hormone and 9-cis-retinoic acid receptors (T3R and RXR) were found to stimulate HIV-1 and HIV-2 LTR activities. They also stimulated HIV-1 viral production. Drosophila SL2 cells that lack Sp1 and T3R were used to study HIV-1 and HIV-2 LTR activities. Both activities were stimulated by cotransfection of SP1 (120- and 180-fold, respectively); HIV LTR activities were also stimulated ∼ 5-fold by ligand-activated T3R, ∼ 10-fold by ligand-activated RXR and 20- to 30-fold by both receptors and their cognate ligands. T3R·RXR heterodimers bound to NF-κB and Sp1 response elements in both HIV LTRs having highest affinity for the HIV-1 NF-κB region. When U937 monocytic cells were cotransfected with HIV-1 viral DNA and T3R, RXR and retinoic acid receptor (RAR) expression plasmids, hormonal treatment increased viral replication up to 5-fold. Hormonal signals thus have the potential to regulate HIV transcription and viral production.
Expression and Action of Kit Ligand/Stem Cell Factor in Normal Human and Bovine Ovarian Surface Epithelium and Ovarian Cancer

Greater than 95% of ovarian cancers originate from the epithelial cells on the surface of the ovary termed ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). A normal aspect of OSE function is repeated proliferation after ovulation, and this is postulated to be involved in part in the onset of ovarian cancer. The hypothesis tested is that locally produced growth factors have an important role in controlling OSE proliferation. The current study investigates the potential role of the growth factor kit ligand (KL)/stem cell growth factor and its receptor c-kit in normal OSE biology and ovarian cancer. Human tumors from borderline, stage I, and stage III cases of ovarian cancer were found to express KL and c-kit protein in the epithelial cell component by ICC analysis. The stromal cell component of human ovarian tumors contained little immunostaining. Bovine ovarian physiology and endocrinology are similar to the human such that cow ovaries were used as a model system to investigate normal OSE functions. KL and c-kit proteins were detected in the OSE from both normal human and bovine ovaries. Adjacent ovarian stromal tissue contained less intense but positive KL and c-kit immunostaining. To extend the ICC results, RNA was collected from normal bovine OSE and ovarian stromal cells to examine KL gene expression. KL transcripts were detected in cultured OSE and stromal cells by Northern blot analysis. KL gene expression was found to be high in freshly isolated OSE but low in freshly isolated stroma using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction procedure. Levels of KL gene expression in cultured OSE and stroma increased to high levels. Observations indicate that normal OSE expresses high levels of KL in vivo and in vitro. The actions of KL on the growth of both normal OSE cells and ovarian cancer cells was investigated. KL was found to stimulate the growth of normal OSE cells in a similar manner to epidermal growth factor. Observations demonstrate the production and action of KL by normal OSE cells and ovarian cancer cells. Coexpression of KL and c-kit by normal OSE suggests that KL can act as an autocrine factor for OSE. The local production and action of KL on OSE provides insight into normal OSE biology, and a factor that may be involved in the onset and progression of ovarian cancer.
ESTIMATING THE DEMAND FOR ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILES USING FULLY DISAGGREGATED PROBABILISTIC CHOICE ANALYSIS

Abstract This study uses probabilistic choice models to predict potential demand for electric cars. Survey data are employed to estimate separate utility functions for each of 51 subjects. This provides a sample distribution of consumer preferences for vehicle attributes including price, operating cost and range. The results indicate great diversity in individual trade-offs among attributes, with range and top speed generally being highly valued. The sample of utility functions is then used to predict potential market shares for various kinds of electric vehicles as second cars. Demand is quite limited, except when (a) electric cars are considerably more advanced than anything likely to be available in the near future, and (b) consumers fear massive gasoline shortages. The latter effect derives from an observed “bias” in favor of electric autos, which is plausibly interpreted as a hedge against disruptions in the gasoline market.
Partitioning of Solute to the Primary α-Mg Phase in Creep-Resistant Mg-Al-Ca–Based Cast Alloys

The partitioning of elements during solidification of ternary and quaternary Mg-Al-Ca alloys has been measured by an electron microprobe segregation mapping technique. Differences in the degree of partitioning of Al and Ca to the α-Mg phase in as-solidified MRI230D, AX44, AXJ530, and MRI153M alloys was observed. MRI230D has a higher level of Al and Ca in the primary α-Mg phase, while only a higher level of Al is observed in MRI153M, compared with AX44 and AXJ530. While the increased levels of Al in the MRI alloys may be due in part to higher bulk Al concentrations, the higher level of Ca in the primary phase of MRI230D is attributable to the presence of Sn in this alloy. The differences in the partitioning of Al and Ca to the primary α-Mg phase during solidification influence both solid solution and precipitation strengthening, which can explain observed differences in creep behavior.
A new convergence theorem for the Jarratt method in Banach space

Abstract In this study, we approximate a locally unique solution of a nonlinear equation in Banach space using the Jarratt method. Sufficient convergence conditions for this method have already been given by several authors, when the equation is defined on the real line, or complex plane [1–3], or in Banach space [1,4–7]. If a certain Newton-Kantorovich type hypothesis is satisfied, then the Jarratt method converges to a solution of the equation with order four. The verification of some of the earlier hypotheses is too difficult or too expensive. Here, using Lipschitz conditions on the second Frechet-derivative of the operator involved, we provide a convergence theorem for the Jarratt method which uses conditions that are very easy to check (see the Example and Remark 4). Finally, a numerical example is provided to show that our results apply to solve a nonlinear equation, where others fail.
SU-FF-T-332: 3D MRI-Based Tumor Delineation of Ocular Melanoma and Its Comparison with Conventional Techniques

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the delineation of the tumor volume for ocular melanoma on high‐resolution 3D T2‐weighted fast spin echoMRIimages with conventional techniques of A‐ and B‐scan ultrasound, transcleral‐illumination and placement of tantalum markers around tumor base. Method and Materials: High‐resolution 3D T2‐weighted fast spin echo (3D FSE) MRI scans were obtained for 50 consecutive ocular melanoma patients using a 1.5 T MRI in a standard head coil. These patients were subsequently treated with proton beam therapy at the UC Davis Cyclotron. The tumor was delineated by placement of tantalum rings around the tumor periphery during surgery. The patients were planned using EYEPLAN software and the tumor volumes were obtained. For analysis, the tumors were divided on tumor height and basal diameter. In order to assess the impact of high‐resolution 3D T2 FSE MRI, the tumor volumes were outlined on the MRI scans by two independent observers and the tumor volumes calculated for each patient. Results: 12% of 50 patients with tumor heights ⩽3 mm were not visible on 3D MRIimages. A small intra‐observer variation with a mean of (−0.5 ±4)% was seen in tumor volumes delineated by 3D T2 FSE MR images. The mean variation of tumor volume measurements between MRI scan to EYEPLAN was (0.1 ± 2.5)%. The tumor shapes obtained from 3D MRIimages were comparable to the tumor shapes obtained using EYEPLAN software.Conclusion: The demonstration of intraocular tumor volumes with the high‐resolution 3D FSE MRI is excellent and provides additional information on tumor shape. We found a high degree of accuracy for tumor volumes with direct MRI volumetric measurements in uveal melanoma patients. The MRI scan provided shape information on the tumor, which was comparable with the shape data obtained from EYEPLAN software.
Globalization Is Made in the United States

Hegemony: The New Shape of Global Power. By John Agnew. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2005. 296 pp., $64.50 cloth (ISBN: 1-59213-152-2), $21.95 paper (ISBN: 1-59213-153-0). In Hegemony: The New Shape of Global Power , which is a contribution to the literatures on both globalization and US foreign policy, John Agnew offers some cogent arguments about the rise of US hegemony and its effects on other countries. He convincingly critiques international relations theorists who characterize the United States as an empire. He rejects realist readings of US foreign policy and world politics that define power only in relation to territorial statehood. According to Agnew, it is US society as much as the US government that shapes US hegemony and its effects on globalization. Agnew outlines his main arguments in Chapters 1–3. He is adamant that the US relationship with the rest of the world is best described as “hegemony” and not “empire.” To use the term “empire”—as Andrew Bacevich (2003), Niall Ferguson (2004), and Chalmers Johnson (2003) do—is to suggest that US power is territorialized, centralized, and mostly coercive. Instead, according to Agnew, US “hegemony” is a form of social domination and persuasion that is increasingly not state sponsored or state dominated. It is rooted in soft power: the ability to reproduce US cultural norms and consumption practices throughout the world, which is an essential feature of globalization. In short, the United States has spread a paradigm of social order—the “marketplace society”—that is profoundly rooted in the US historical experience, and even such previous holdouts as India …
Sex Segregation and Salary Structure in Academia

This article reports a study of aggregate unit salary levels, within a major research university. We analyze these salary levels, as they are influenced by unit sex composition, and modified by unit attainment levels—where unit refers to the departments, colleges and schools, and other academic divisions of the university. We investigate three central issues of sex and salary, previously overlooked in salary studies of academic employees: Do high proportions of women depress men's unit salary levels ("competition" hypothesis)? Are women's salary levels higher in male-dominated, and lower in female-dominated, units ("concentration" hypothesis)? Are men salary-compensated for working with women ("compensation" hypothesis)? The findings support none of these hypotheses. Rather, the relationship between unit sex composition and salary rests upon the connection between units' composition and attainment levels.
Acoustic imaging: the reconstruction of underwater objects

While many sensors now produce a plethora of data, some still produce an insufficient number of samples. This is true for the marine scientific community, because the theory of wave propagation in water dictates the use of acoustic frequencies for underwater imaging. In this paper we discuss reconstruction of 3D scenes using data from an acoustic imaging sonar. Two methods for visualizing objects in an acoustic snapshot of the ocean are discussed: mathematical morphology and a synthesis of 3D digital imaging with volume rendering.
REPRODUCTION ON THE EDGE: LARGE-SCALE PATTERNS OF INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE IN A MARINE INVERTEBRATE

Reproductive output is a central attribute of life history, providing a measure of individual and population performance. The fields of ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology take disparate approaches in addressing spatial variation in reproduction, and thus we lack clear predictions for how reproductive output should vary geographically. We empirically investigate these contrasting theoretical approaches by determining geographic patterns in reproductive output for intertidal populations of the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, at 15 sites spanning a large geographic distance (9° span of latitude) from central California, USA, to Baja California, Mexico. Contrary to predictions from biogeography, some of the highest values of reproductive output are at sites near the species' southern range boundary. Additionally, sea urchins do not exhibit a latitudinal gradient in reproduction, but rather show considerable mesoscale variation in reproductive output. Spatial analyses reveal that this variation is correlated with coastal topographic features that are known to influence the pattern of nearshore nutrient flux and circulation. We hypothesize that urchins' reproductive output may be driven by the spatial distribution of their food supply, drift macroalgae, the abundance of which is influenced by both nutrient supply and alongshore transport processes that are coupled to topographic features. Large-scale studies such as this provide valuable insight into the causes of species' range limits, population connectivity, habitat reserve design, and forecasting the effects of climate change on species' distributions.
The biology, medical management, and podiatric implications of menopause.

Approximately 36 million women in the United States are in the postmenopausal phase of life, creating unique challenges for the provision of compassionate, comprehensive podiatric medical treatment. Long-term estrogen deprivation arising from menopause in association with age-related factors disproportionately increases the risk of ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis, and concomitant podiatric complications. This article discusses the physiologic basis of menopause, hormone replacement therapy and its effects on osteoporosis, and other podiatric implications of menopause. Podiatric physicians caring for larger numbers of peri- and postmenopausal women must formulate a comprehensive management plan for treating fractures that arise from a combination of estrogen-deprivation osteoporosis and abnormal foot biomechanics. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(8): 437-443, 2002)
Structural health monitoring with a distributed mass damper system

Recent developments of a distributed mass damper (DMD) system integrate structural and environmental control systems to improve building safety and energy efficiency. Such a system can also enhance Structural health monitoring (SHM) by using its multiple active mass dampers to excite the structure and analyze the resulting responses. SHM reliability depends on accurate estimations of structural characteristics from structural response measurements. However, some structural characteristics, such as structural modes, may not be well represented or identifiable depending on how structures are excited, thereby compromising the effectiveness of SHM. Utilizing combinations of the DMD's multiple active dampers to target structural modes of interest, the authors showed that damage detection in structures was significantly improved. In this paper, algorithms are derived for modal parameter estimations using the DMD system to excite the structure. Stiffness estimations and damage detections are then computed from the estimated model parameters. Harmonic excitations are used with the DMD system to target specific structural modes/frequencies and to amplify structural responses. Different configurations of excitations are then compared on the basis of the accuracy of stiffness estimations. A 20-story model structure is simulated with four damage patterns to demonstrate accurate damage detection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computing as model-based empirical science

Is computer science a science? This question has been asked since the inception of the field in the 1940s. Computer Science is certainly a science in the sense of a mature body of knowledge, including systematic method and practice. Many in the field have argued that the body of knowledge argument is sufficient. To provide a more substantive argument in favor of a science interpretation, other researchers have suggested that computer science is an artificial, experimental science not unlike economics. To build from, and complement prior views, we claim that computing is an empirical science, similar to that of physics or biology. Demonstrating this claim requires broadening the foundations of computing to include analog systems, and employing modeling and simulation as a fundamental approach toward observing computing in natural and artificial contexts. An example model of mixed discrete-event/continuous information is presented in support of this claim.
New Approaches for Evaluating Lidar-Derived Shoreline

This study presents and compares two new methods of assessing the uncertainty of lidar-derived National Shoreline mapped by NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey: an empirical (ground-based) approach and a stochastic (Monte Carlo) approach.
Predicting Eurasian watermilfoil invasions in Minnesota

Abstract Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive aquatic macrophyte that can be difficult to control once established in a lake. Identifying characteristics of lakes susceptible to Eurasian watermilfoil establishment can aid management by allowing managers to focus their education and monitoring efforts on susceptible lakes. Using linear discriminant function analysis and logistic regression to analyze known occurrences of Eurasian watermilfoil, we developed models to predict susceptible lakes in Minnesota. The most reliable predictors of Eurasian watermilfoil invasion were distance to the nearest invaded lake and duration of that invasion, indicating that transport (exposure) is an important variable. However, exposure is not a guarantee of establishment: lake size, alkalinity, Secchi depth, and lake depth were also significant predictors of invasion. Specifically, large deep lakes with moderate to high alkalinity and moderate Secchi depth were more likely to be invaded. Models predicted an additional 2,100...
Predictors of smoking cessation after percutaneous coronary revascularization.

Objective To identify factors predictive of smoking cessation after successful percutaneous coronary revascularization. Material and Methods We undertook a case-control study of the smoking status of ail patients at Mayo Clinic Rochester from September 1979 through December 1995 who were smokers at the time of an index percutaneous coronary revascularization procedure in the non-peri infarction setting (no myocardial infarction within 24 hours). Maximal duration of prospective follow-up was 16 years. Patients were classified into those who permanently quit smoking immediately after the procedure (N = 435; mean follow-up, 5.1 ± 3.7 years) or (hose who continued to smoke at some time during follow-up (N = 734; mean follow-up, 5.3 ± 3.7 years). Logistics regression models were formulated to determine independent predictors of smoking cessation. Results Predictors of continued smoking were greater prior cigarette consumption (odds ratio |OR] −1.009 for each pack-year; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.004 to 1.014) and having one or more risk factors for coronary artery disease other than cigarette smoking (OR = 1.49; 95% CI= 1.15 to 1.93). Older age (OR = 0.98 for each additional year; 95% CI=0.97 to 0.99) and unstable angina at time of initial assessment (OR = 0.69; 95% CI=0.52 to 0.91) were associated with less likelihood of continued smoking. Conclusion Younger patients with a worse risk profile and greater prior cigarette consumption were more likely than other patients to continue smoking after percutaneous coronary revascularization in the non-peri-infarction setting. Patients who had unstable angina were more likely to quit smoking than those who had stable angina. Despite the proven benefits of smoking cessation after percutaneous coronary revascularization, a substantial proportion of smokers (63%) continue to smoke; thus, smoking-cessation counseling should be addressed in this population.
Improvement of temporal signal-to-noise ratio of GRAPPA accelerated echo planar imaging using a FLASH based calibration scan.

Purpose To demonstrate that the temporal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) accelerated echo planar imaging (EPI) can be enhanced and made more spatially uniform by using a fast low angle shot (FLASH) based calibration scan. Methods EPI of a phantom and human brains were acquired at 3 Tesla without and with GRAPPA acceleration factor of 2. The GRAPPA accelerated data were reconstructed using calibration scans acquired with EPI and FLASH acquisition schemes. The increase in temporal signal fluctuation due to GRAPPA reconstruction was quantified and compared. Simulated g-factor maps were also created for different calibration scans. Results GRAPPA accelerated phantom data exhibited areas with high g values when using the EPI based calibration for reconstruction. The g-factor maps were uniform when using the FLASH calibration scan. g was greater than 1.1 in 74% of pixels in 64 × 64 data reconstructed with the EPI calibration compared with only 15% when using the FLASH calibration scan. Human data also showed abnormally high g regions when using the EPI calibration but not when using the FLASH calibration scan. Use of the FLASH calibration scan increased the whole brain temporal SNR by ∼12% without affecting the image quality. Experimental observations were confirmed by simulations. Conclusion A calibration scan based on a FLASH acquisition scheme can be used to improve the temporal SNR of GRAPPA accelerated EPI time series. Magn Reson Med, 2015. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Race, gender, and the exotic in Ann-Marie MacDonald’s Fall on Your Knees

Focusing on Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald’s critically acclaimed Fall on Your Knees (1996), this essay argues that the figure of the Arab in the novel represents an ethnic otherness whose str...
Visualization of human brain structure-function relationships

A procedure is described for combining and visualizing complementary structural and functional information from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). MR and PET images of the human brain were obtained and correlated to form three-dimensional volumes of image data. Using a volumetric imaging technique, a procedure was developed to texture-map brain glucose metabolism onto brain anatomy. Sequences of three-dimensional views were produced and displayed dynamically to indicate the three-dimensional relationship between brain structure and brain function. >
ADAPTATION OF MALLORY'S TRICHROME STAIN TO EMBRYONIC AND FETAL MATERIAL

Based upon results of an investigation of the role of phosphotungstic acid in connective tissue staining, the Mallory trichrome stain was adapted to sequential application of all three dyes, thus making it usable on embryonic and fetal material. Ten to twelve day postconception mouse fetuses were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded. Staining was as follows: (1) 1% aqueous acid fuchsin for 5 min followed by not more than 30 sec in running tap water; (2) 2% aqueous phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) for 10 min followed by a 2 min running tap water wash; (3) staining in 0.5% aniline blue in 8% acetic acid for 10 min, followed consecutively by 30 sec in running tap water, 2% aqueous PMA for 2 min, and 30 sec in running tap water; (4) 2% orange G in 8% acetic acid for 5 min, and rinsing for 30 sec in running tap water. Dehydration in ethanol, t-butanol, acetone, or by blotting followed by 1:3 terpineol-xylene, clearing in xylene and mounting, completed the procedure. The 30 sec tap water rinses can optionally be repl...
LARVAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CERTAIN ELM BARK INFESTING COLEOPTERA

There commonly occur in the bark of decadent elms certain species of coleopterous larvae which are often difficult to distinguish unless they can be positively associated with their maternal egg gallery. In handling large numbers of these larvae for precise experimental purposes and in field work, satisfactory criteria for exact identification consisting of definite external morphological characters, capable of rapid use, are necessary.
THE GEOGRAPHIC RANGE OF IXODES SORICIS Gregson.

Ixodes soricis Gregson is known from the type series of adult females, nymphs, and larvae collected by Gregson from long-tailed shrews ( Sorex vagrans and S. setosus ) in southwestern British Columbia, and from one female collected by Robert Holdenried from Sorex trowbridgii in Marin County, California (Cooley and Kohls, Nat. Inst. Health Bull. No. 184, 1945).
Enrichment of Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells for BMPR1A Facilitates Enhanced Adipogenesis.

Background: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects has traditionally relied on the use of grafts and flaps, which may be associated with variable resorption and/or significant donor site morbidity. Cell-based strategies employing adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs), found within the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue, may offer an alternative strategy for soft tissue reconstruction. In this study, we investigated the potential of a bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1A (BMPR1A)(+) subpopulation of ASCs to enhance de novo adipogenesis. Methods: Human lipoaspirate was enzymatically digested to isolate SVF and magnetic-activated cell separation was utilized to obtain BMPR1A(+) and BMPR1A(−) cells. These cells, along with unenriched cells, were expanded in culture and evaluated for adipogenic gene expression and in vitro adipocyte formation. Cells from each group were also labeled with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) lentivirus and transplanted into the inguinal fat pads, an adipogenic ...
Seeking Safety in Hard Times: Dividends and Insecurity

This paper examines the existence of pro-dividend fads and, if such fads exist, their effect on stock valuations. Building upon the notion that investors are more likely to invest in assets they perceive to be safe (e.g., dividend paying stocks) especially when they feel financially insecure, we find that investors value dividend paying stocks more highly than non-dividend paying stocks when investors’ perceptions of their financial well-being are low. Furthermore, in times when investors perceive their well-being to be low, capital markets react more favorably to dividend initiations and increases than in times when well-being is perceived to be high. Our results cannot be explained by alterations in investment opportunities, free cash flow, firm risk, signaling, taxes, or time-varying risk-aversion. Collectively, these findings point to the presence of time-varying pro-dividend fads that influence stock prices.
Kynurenine Signaling Increases DNA Polymerase Kappa Expression and Promotes Genomic Instability in Glioblastoma Cells.

Overexpression of the translesion synthesis polymerase hpol κ in glioblastomas has been linked to poor patient prognosis; however, the mechanism promoting higher expression in these tumors remains unknown. We determined that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway in glioblastoma cells leads to increased hpol κ mRNA and protein levels. We blocked nuclear translocation and DNA binding by AhR in glioblastoma cells using a small-molecule and observed decreased hpol κ expression. Pharmacological inhibition of tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), the enzyme largely responsible for activating AhR in glioblastoma, led to a decrease in the endogenous AhR agonist kynurenine and a corresponding decrease in hpol κ protein levels. Importantly, we discovered that inhibiting TDO activity, AhR signaling, or suppressing hpol κ expression with RNA interference led to decreased chromosomal damage in glioblastoma cells. Epistasis assays further supported the idea that TDO activity, activation of AhR signaling...
Removal of Soluble Secondary-Effluent Organics

Data are presented on the removal of soluble organic nitrogen (SON) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) by chemical coagulation, activated-carbon adsorption, ion exchange, lime precipitation, chemical oxidation, biological oxidation and various combinations of these processes. This information will enable decision makers to assess the economic impact and technological feasibility of setting limitations on the discharge of organic nitrogen, and will be of use to engineers in designing treatment systems for removal of SON should limitations be imposed. A hypothetical scheme is proposed which operationally fractionates SON and SCOD in a manner defined by the experimental results of the study and by the nature of the processes involved. The scheme divides SON and SCOD into a number of fractions and indicates which are mutually exclusive and which overlap. Such a scheme is helpful in understanding and predicting the behavior of organic contaminants with respect to various treatment processes and fractionates organics.