cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nurse bee behaviour manipulates worker honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) reproductive development

The evolution of nonreproductive castes is a fundamental question in evolution biology. The honeybee Apis mellifera L. has a reproductive division of labour: the queen is the primary egg-layer in a colony and has more than 200 ovarian filaments (ovarioles), whereas a worker normally does not reproduce and has fewer than 20 ovarioles. The number of ovarioles influences worker foraging behaviour and the propensity to become an egg-layer in the absence of the queen, suggesting that reproductive regulatory networks evolved with foraging division of labour in honeybee workers. Cooperation between nurse bee feeding behaviour and larval developmental programming results in the differentiation of queens and workers along with variation in ovariole number, body mass and foraging behaviour. Here, we tested how nurse bees affect ovariole number and body mass in workers, and how larvae respond to food delivery during different larval life stages. Our findings demonstrate that nurses control larvae growth and ovariole number by temporally manipulating food delivery and that the response of larvae to food differs with larval life stage and genotype. Body mass of larvae was more sensitive to nutrition during the first to the fourth instar (L1–L4), whereas ovariole number was more sensitive during the fifth instar (L5). Overall, we were able to decouple the nurse feeding program and the larval development program in honeybees. We conclude that nurse feeding behaviour during L5 is critical for modulating ovariole number in workers.
Correlation between serum copper, ceruloplasmin activity and C-reactive protein

Abstract The correlation between serum copper, ceruloplasmin activity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adults was investigated, with the following results: (1) There was a very strong positive linear correlation between total copper content of serum and p -phenylenediamine (PPD) oxidase (ceruloplasmin) activity when measured by the techniques described herein. (2) Although hypercupremia and CRP generally occurred together, there were sufficient exceptions to indicate that these two serum components are not necessarily interdependent. (3) Further work is needed to establish what other factors are involved with the regulation of serum copper levels.
Electron spin resonance studies of trapped hole centers in irradiated alkali silicate glasses: A critical comment on current models for HC1 and HC2

Abstract Structural models for the HC 1 and HC 2 trapped-hole centers in irradiated alkali silicate glasses are critically reviewed in terms of spin Hamiltonian parameters previously determined by computer simulations of their ESR spectra. New data deriving from the temperature and microwave-power dependences of the spectra are shown to provide additional insights. Finally, the types of information which can be extracted from the measured ESR linewidths are discussed in some detail.
An auditory-domain based speech enhancement algorithm

Typically, speech enhancement algorithms minimize a suitable error criterion in the spectral or time domain. Although the error criterions have included perceptual properties such as masking thresholds, non-uniform frequency resolution and sensitivity of the auditory system, these are only done heuristically and the error criterion does not explicitly include an auditory model in their formulation. In this paper, we propose an auditory-domain based speech enhancement algorithm that minimizes the distortion between the auditory representation of the estimated and desired signal. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm performs effectively under different noise conditions and also results in a lower average loudness error.
Vascular complications of exposure for anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Objective The purpose of this study is to document the incidence of vascular complications during anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in 212 consecutive patients treated at the Scripps Clinic and determine what factors adversely affected outcome. Methods We reviewed the prospectively maintained database of all ALIF procedures performed at Scripps Clinic between August 2004 and June 2009. All procedures were performed by a spine surgeon in conjunction with a vascular surgeon who performed the exposure portion of the operation, and protected the vessels from injury during the instrumentation phase of the operation. Results Two hundred twelve ALIF operations were identified. The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years, and 120 (56.6%) were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.6 (range, 18.1 to 47.8). Twenty-two (10.4%) operations were performed at the L4-5 disc space, 149 (70.3%) at L5-S1, and 41 (19.3%) involved L4-L5 with L5-S1. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 143 milliliters. There was a significant direct correlation between increasing BMI and EBL (P = .018). Thirteen (6.1%) vascular injuries occurred of which five were major (38.5%). One major arterial injury (0.5%) occurred and required arterial thrombectomy and stent placement. Four of the major vascular injuries were venous in nature and required a multi-suture repair. The remaining eight injuries (61.5%) were venous, the majority of which required a suture repair. There were no mortalities. There was an increase risk of vascular injury when both L4-L5 and L5-S1 were exposed (P = .003) and with the male gender (P = .013). Calcification of the aorto-iliac system did not exert an effect on EBL or vascular injury. In four cases, the surgeon was unable to expose the appropriate disc levels. Conclusions Anterior exposure of the spine for ALIF can be performed safely with a team approach that includes a vascular surgeon. Preoperative evaluation by a vascular surgeon is advisable. Patients with increased BMI and bi-level exposures should be approached with caution.
The Microstructure of High—Critical Current Superconducting Films

The microstructure of superconducting films that have shown high-critical current densities has been studied. The films are shown to be epitaxial and contain twins and precipitates. The main difference between these films and low current carrying samples is the absence of grain boundaries. These boundaries are therefore identified as the cause of the lower critical current in ceramic samples.
Somatic mutation of immunoglobulin light-chain variable-region genes

Abstract A single germline immunoglobulin kappa-variable-region gene, V κ167 , is rearranged and expressed in two myelomas, MOPC167 and MOPC511. Only this single germline gene displays close homology to the expressed genes. Neither of the rearranged, functional genes, however, has a nucleotide sequence that is identical to the germline V κ167 gene. Both active genes display several single-base-pair mutations with respect to the germline sequence. The nucleotide sequence data predict the alteration of a restriction-enzyme-recognition site within the V κ167 gene between germline cells and cells producing the MOPC167 light-chain protein. Based on this restriction-site alteration, Southern blot analysis proves unambiguously that no gene present in the germline BALB/c mouse genome contains the exact V κ167 nucleotide sequence found in cells committed to MOPC167 antibody production. Instead, the alterations found in the expressed MOPC167 and MOPC511 V-region genes have apparently arisen by a process of somatic mutation during cellular differentiation. Since nucleotide alterations are found in framework and hypervariable portions of the variable region, the mechanism of somatic mutation is not limited to hypervariable sequences. In addition, Southern blot hybridization indicates that the observed mutations did not arise by recombinational events, but are single-base-pair substitutions. Based on the distribution of mutations that have been found in expressed immunoglobulin variable-region genes, a model that links the introduction of somatic mutations to DNA replication during the V-J joining event is proposed.
Binding of a Cyano- and Fluoro-containing Drug Bicalutamide to Cytochrome P450 46A1 UNUSUAL FEATURES AND SPECTRAL RESPONSE

Cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1) is the cholesterol 24-hydroxylase initiating the major pathways of cholesterol removal from the brain, and bicalutamide (BIC) is a drug of choice for the treatment of progressive androgen-dependent prostate cancer. We evaluated the interactions of BIC with CYP46A1 by x-ray crystallography and by conducting solution and mutagenesis studies. Because BIC is administered to patients as a racemic mixture of the S and R isomers, we studied all three, racemic BIC as well as the S and R isomers. Co-crystallization of CYP46A1 with racemic BIC led to structure determinations at 2.1 A resolution with the drug complexes exhibiting novel properties. Both BIC isomers bind to the CYP46A1 active site in very similar single orientation and adopt an energetically unfavorable folded conformation. This folded BIC conformation is correlated with drug-induced localized shifts of amino acid side chains in CYP46A1 and unusual interactions in the CYP46A1-BIC complex. One of these interactions involves a water molecule that is coordinated to the P450 heme iron and also hydrogen-bonded to the BIC nitrile. Due to polarization of the water in this environment, the heme elicits previously unreported types of P450 spectral responses. We also observed that access to the P450 active site was affected by differential recognition of S versus R isomers at the CYP46A1 surface arising from BIC conformational polymorphism. Background: Cytochrome P450 46A1 is important for normal brain function. Results: The x-ray structures of P450 46A1 were determined in complex with the R and S isomers of the anticancer drug bicalutamide. Conclusion: The cyano group of the folded bicalutamide conformer coordinates the heme iron via a water molecule. Significance: We demonstrate how conformational polymorphism affects drug entry and binding in the P450 active site.
A minimum principle for superharmonic functions subject to interface conditions

Abstract Let D be a bounded domain in R2 with smooth boundary. Let B1, …, Bm be non-intersecting smooth Jordan curves contained in D, and let D′ denote the complement of ∪i − 1m Bi respect to D. Suppose that u ϵ C 2 (D′) ∩ C( D ) and Δu ⩽ 0 in D′ (where Δ is the Laplacian), while across each “interface” Bi, i = 1,…, m, there is “continuity of flux” (as suggested by the theory of heat conduction). It is proved here that the presence of the interfaces does not alter the conclusions of the classical minimum principle (for Δu ⩽ 0 in D). The result is extended in several regards. Also it is applied to an elliptic free boundary problem and to the proof of uniqueness for steady-state heat conduction in a composite medium. Finally this minimum principle (which assumes “continuity of flux”) is compared with one due to Collatz and Werner which employs an alternative interface condition.
On linearizing parallel code

We consider the problem of generating sequential code for programs written in a language which contains a Multiple GOTO operator, predicates and statements. This problem arises when compiling a parallel intermediate form (such as the PDG [3,4]) to run on a sequential machine; in a source-to-source FORTRAN translator when vectorization of a loop has failed; and when compiling logic designs written in a parallel design language for simulation on a sequential machine. It is easy to generate sequential code for this sort of parallel program if one allows either duplication of code or the insertion of guard variables at merge points; in fact, it is in general impossible without this addition. However, for a large class of parallel programs (such as those originally arising from sequential programs, even after some optimizations have been applied) it is possible to generate sequential code without duplication or the addition of guard variables. In this paper we present an efficient algorithm which will generate sequential code from a parallel program without duplication or additional guard variables for a large class of parallel programs.
Mexico's Maquiladora expansion during the 1990s: an environmental assessment

Abstract Empirical studies searching for standard environmental quality impacts of economic growth and international trade have overlooked the connection between production sharing manufacture exports and the rise of industrial hazardous waste emissions. This investigation connects the Mexican Northern Border Maquiladora export expansion with rising Maquiladora emissions and Mexico–U.S. transfers of hazardous waste during the 1990s. Two mechanisms, a sector scale and sector product composition effect, are derived from a one-industry model, which isolates the Maquiladora component of manufactures from the rest of the Mexican economy. Scale refers to the change in emissions and bilateral transfers of waste given an increase in the economic activity of a particular Maquiladora sector. Product composition refers to sector differences in output and emissions due to (a) differences in relative skilled/less-skilled wages across Maquiladora sectors and (b) Maquiladora sector differences in the demand for imported intermediate inputs. An empirical test reveals there is weak presence of the scale effect and a rather strong presence of the product composition effect explained by an increasing demand for imported intermediate inputs. A Maquiladora sector-type variable has no imp act on emissions and bilateral transfers of waste. A positive impact on emissions and bilateral transfers of waste, due to an increase in the demand for imported intermediates, is noticeable following the Mexican Peso crisis: 1995–1999.
EASTERN COOPERATIVE ONCOLOGY GROUP PERFORMANCE STATUS PREDICTS BONE METASTASIS IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: IMPLICATION FOR PREOPERATIVE BONE SCANS

ABSTRACT Purpose: We identified a subset of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have a high likelihood of presenting with bone metastasis and would most benefit from a preoperative bone scan. Materials and Methods: A database of 1,357 patients undergoing nephrectomy and/or immunotherapy for RCC at our institution was queried. Patients presenting with metastasis to the bones were identified and stratified according to T stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, musculoskeletal symptoms and alkaline phosphatase. Results: Of the patients 37% presented with metastasis. Bone metastasis was identified in 14% of patients. The incidence of bone metastasis was 5.4%, 13.8%, 15.4% and 28.2% in patients with T1 to T4 lesions, and 1.4%, 19% and 41% in those with an ECOG score of 0 to 2 and greater, respectively. T stage and ECOG score were then integrated. Bone metastasis was confirmed in 0.046%, 3.8%, 1.4% and 0% of patients with T1 to T4/ECOG 0 disease, and in 13.4%, 20%, 21.5% and 31% of those with T1 to T4/ECOG greater than 0 disease, respectively (p Conclusions: Performance status is an important predictor of bone metastasis in patients presenting with presumed RCC lesions. Bone scan should be performed in patients with an ECOG score of greater than 0 regardless of T stage but is unnecessary in those presenting with an ECOG score of 0, particularly when lacking symptoms and extraosseous metastasis.
Statistical Accuracy of Spreadsheet Software

As the use of spreadsheet packages for statistical analysis increases, so does the need for assessing the reliability of these packages. This study compares the accuracy of six spreadsheet packages: Excel, Google Docs, Gnumeric, Numbers, OpenOffice Calc, and Quattro Pro. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) compiled sets of data specifically to test for computational accuracy. Certified statistically accurate computations for standard statistical procedures accompany these datasets. This study analyzes the accuracy of summary statistics such as the mean, standard deviation, and autocorrelation as well as the F statistics for a one-way ANOVA, and the coefficients and R2statistics in regression analysis using the Statistical Reference Datasets (StRD) provided by NIST. Wilkinson’s Tests are also examined to document a package’s ability to perform rounding, univariate statistics, scatterplots, and regression/correlation with particularly challenging data. The final analysis reports the ac...
Franchising: A Growth Strategy for the 1990s

The strategy of franchising has become an increasingly important growth option for firms operating in today’s highly competitive marketplace. This paper describes the present status of franchising and provides managers with practical, strategic guidance on its use. Three general forms of franchising have emerged which can be employed by the franchisor depending upon company objectives. It is also shown in this paper that a portfolio matrix model can act as a useful tool to aid decision‐makers in selecting and employing franchising strategies both domestically and in world markets.
Formation of amylase in disks of bean hypocotyl.

Amylase activity has been studied in disks of hypocotyl of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Although some activity is present in untreated hypocotyls, it is greatly increased when disks are incubated 4 days in water containing kinetin (5 mg/liter). Gibberellic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid do not increase this activity appreciably. The increased activity can be shown by subsequently incubating the disks on starch agar plates and testing these with iodine-potassium iodide solution, or by using the original incubation medium and extracts of the disks in reactions with soluble starch. A variety of tests favor the assumption that the enzyme is α-amylase and that it is synthesized during the incubation period.
Generalized model learning for Reinforcement Learning on a humanoid robot

Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms have long been promising methods for enabling an autonomous robot to improve its behavior on sequential decision-making tasks. The obvious enticement is that the robot should be able to improve its own behavior without the need for detailed step-by-step programming. However, for RL to reach its full potential, the algorithms must be sample efficient: they must learn competent behavior from very few real-world trials. From this perspective, model-based methods, which use experiential data more efficiently than model-free approaches, are appealing. But they often require exhaustive exploration to learn an accurate model of the domain. In this paper, we present an algorithm, Reinforcement Learning with Decision Trees (RL-DT), that uses decision trees to learn the model by generalizing the relative effect of actions across states. The agent explores the environment until it believes it has a reasonable policy. The combination of the learning approach with the targeted exploration policy enables fast learning of the model. We compare RL-DT against standard model-free and model-based learning methods, and demonstrate its effectiveness on an Aldebaran Nao humanoid robot scoring goals in a penalty kick scenario.
Acceptable system response times for TV and DVR

An experiment was conducted to identify system response time criteria for commonly-used TV functions based on acceptability judgments of TV viewers. Sixteen participants used four different response time profiles on the same digital TV system and rated the acceptability of the response times of eighteen commonly-used TV functions. Results showed significant differences in the acceptability ratings of different response times for different TV functions. This data may be used to estimate how TV viewers would rate various system response times for specific TV functions.
Specific neurotrophic factors support the survival of cortical projection neurons at distinct stages of development.

Repair of specific neuronal circuitry in the neocortex may be possible via neural precursor transplantation or manipulation of endogenous precursors in situ . These approaches will almost certainly require a detailed understanding of the mechanisms that control survival and differentiation of specific neuronal lineages. Such analysis has been hampered by the overwhelming diversity of neuronal types intermixed in neocortex and the inability to isolate individual lineages. To elucidate stage-specific controls over the survival of individual lineages of cortical neurons, we purified immature callosal projection neurons (CPN) at distinct stages of development from embryonic and postnatal mouse cortex by retrograde fluorescence labeling, followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Purified CPN survive well in culture, acquire stage-specific projection neuron morphologies, and express appropriate neurotransmitters and growth factor receptors. Purified CPN are dependent on exogenous trophic support for survival in a stage-specific manner. Survival of postnatal day 2 (P2) to P3 and P6–P7 CPN is promoted by overlapping but distinct sets of neurotrophic factors, whereas embryonic day 19 CPN show less specificity of dependence on peptide factors. These studies demonstrate for the first time the stage-specific control by peptide growth factors over the survival of a specific cortical neuronal lineage. Such information may be critical for the future goal of directed differentiation of transplanted or endogenous precursors toward cellular repair of complex cortical circuitry.
Silent gastro-oesophageal reflux and microaspiration in IPF: mounting evidence for anti-reflux therapy?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a distinct clinical entity that generally affects people who are over 60 yrs of age, and median survival ranges from 3 to 5 yrs after the diagnosis is ascertained. The natural course of IPF is well known: the majority of patients with IPF display steady decline in lung function, some patients remain stable for prolonged periods of time, a subgroup of patients rapidly decline, and a subset of patients manifest acute exacerbations of IPF preceding death [1]. While several key cellular and molecular events that are thought to follow “injury” have been identified in the pathogenesis of IPF [2], the ultimate cause of IPF and the triggering factor(s) that injure the lung remain elusive, and none of the currently available pharmacological agents have demonstrated improved outcomes and survival in patients with IPF. The incidence and prevalence of IPF is highly linked to advanced age with an estimated incidence and prevalence of 71 and 271 per 100,000 per year for males and 67 and 266 per 100,000 per year for females aged 75 yrs or greater versus an overall incidence and prevalence of 16.3 and 42.7 per 100,000 per year using broad diagnostic criteria [3]. Interestingly, many observations suggest that the aged lung is more susceptible to injury and fibrosis induced by a variety of stimuli, and this susceptibility may be linked to age-associated changes in gene expression or genetic polymorphisms such as age-associated telomerase dysfunction [4–7]. Advanced age is also accompanied by a decline in oesophageal and gastric motility, diminished upper oesophageal sphincter pressure, and an increase in oesophageal acid exposure [8]. Hiatal hernias appear with advancing age and have been detected in up to 60% of individuals older than 60 yrs [ …
Body-size evolution: How to evolve a mammoth moth

Separate recent studies have revealed the physiological changes underlying the evolution of body size in an insect and advanced our understanding of the genetics of insect growth. These studies highlight the gulf between physiological and genetic studies of growth control and the exciting opportunities for unification of these fields.
Incorporating Feminist Theory into Social Work Practice: Group Work Examples

ABSTRACT Feminist theories explain the structure and dynamics of women's experiences within sociopolitical and interpersonal sexual hierarchies. To enhance flexibility and responsiveness in applying the theories, social workers should be conversant in various branches of feminism. This paper reviews five branches of feminist theory and applies each one to social work practice, using group work examples. The practice examples are drawn from the author's study of women's groups in which facilitators described the goals and processes used to practice feminism or womanism in their groups.
Empirical Values and the Culture of Family Therapy.

The research-clinical practice connection is weak in family therapy. Some have argued, in an inordinate ideological and political tone, that traditional research methods are inappropriate for family therapy. This position mischaracterizes modern day clinical researchers and research. In presenting 10 key dimensions of the research-clinical practice issue in family therapy, this paper addresses some of these misrepresentations. If research and practice are to interact more productively, a major commitment, the scope and implications of which have not yet been realized, will need to be made. Actualizing the research-practice link is a training problem and a fundamental professional issue. Progress in this realm would change the particulars of clinical practice as we know it. These processes will involve nothing less than remaking the culture of family therapy.
The Functions of Gender Role Traditionality, Ambivalent Sexism, Injury, and Frequency of Assault on Domestic Violence Perception A Study Between Japanese and American College Students

This study examined the mediating influence of gender-role traditionality (GRT), ambivalent sexism, and victim injury and frequency of assault on domestic violence (DV) perception differences between Japanese and American college students. As predicted, Japanese tended to minimize, blame, and excuse DV more than did Americans, and these national differences were mediated by GRT. Participants viewed the DV incident more seriously when the victim presented injury or when the incident had occurred frequently. Those high in benevolent and hostile sexism were more likely to minimize DV, whereas those high only in benevolent sexism were more likely to blame the victim.
The Use of Comprehensive Review Courses for the Preparation of Dietitians by Coordinated Programs

Abstract A survey of Coordinated Program (CP) Directors was conducted in the Fall of 1994 to determine the use of comprehensive review courses in the preparation of future dietitians. Surveys were sent to all 51 CP Directors listed in the 1994–1995 Directory of Dietetics Programs. Thirty-two Program Directors (62.75%) responded. Knowledge requirements were comprehensively reviewed by 34% of the responding programs by tests or workshops; performance requirements were comprehensively reviewed by 28%. The majority of the CPs offering comprehensive review courses or workshops did so in the final semester of the program. Most required the course for graduation (73%) and a majority offered the course for a grade other than pass/fail (82%). The instructional methods for providing the comprehensive review were self-directed study by students, team-taught by a broad spectrum of faculty and group directed study by students. Passing the review course was a requirement for graduation in 80% of CPs and a requirement for verification in 70% of CPs. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of the Program Directors offering a comprehensive review course or workshop stated their graduates' scores on the Registration Examination for Dietitians have improved since implementing such a course or workshop. There is a demonstrated benefit in the use of comprehensive curriculum review courses by students in and graduates of Coordinated Programs.
Relaxation of Orthodontic Elastomeric Chains and Modules In Vitro and In Vivo

Relaxation patterns for two orthodontic polyurethane-based elastics have been quantified in dry air and water bath environments and in vivo. Water bath simulation of in vivo behavior is apparently valid for up to a week following initial activation, but it becomes somewhat erroneous thereafter.
Arctic sea ice thickness and volume declining

The record low extent of Arctic sea ice area in September 2012 made headlines. Studies using models have suggested that sea volume has also been declining. A new study by Laxon et al. confirms this with observational data. The authors used satellite radar observations from the European Space Agency CryoSat-2 mission to estimate Arctic sea ice thickness and volume for the falls and winters of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012. By comparing these new data with earlier estimates from NASA's ICESat satellite, they found that the average ice volume declined by 4291 cubic kilometers in fall and 1479 cubic kilometers in winter between the period from 2003 to 2008 and the 2010–2012 period. The average volume of ice loss over both the fall and winter periods was found to be about 500 cubic kilometers per year, equivalent to a 0.075 meter per year decrease in thickness. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1002/grl.50193, 2013)
A bid evaluation system for Internet contract negotiation

Competitive advantages in a fast-changing electronic procurement market are enabling buyers to explore many opportunities to purchase the best commodities, not only at the most favorable prices, but also to satisfy business objectives and organizational strategies. Some seasonal commodities and future contracts have to deal with uncontrollable factors such as the elasticity of the price and the constant variation of the demand. These trends present some new challenges in bid evaluations and business decisions. We have developed a system, which uses a hierarchical decision-criteria framework to handle complex constraint hierarchy with n-ary variables. In addition, the system provides the mechanism to analyze and forecast certain events based on the seasonal and historical data.
Activity of Daptomycin with or without 25 Percent Ethanol Compared to Combinations of Minocycline, EDTA, and 25 Percent Ethanol against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Embedded in Biofilm

Central venous catheters commonly develop central line-associated bloodstream infections. In vitro antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) was simulated on 10 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates imbedded in biofilm-coated silicon disks. Five days of 4-h daily exposures to daptomycin (2.5 mg/ml) in 25% ethanol or minocycline (3 mg/ml) plus 25% ethanol and 30 mg/ml EDTA resulted in significantly greater elimination of MRSA colonization than treatment with minocycline alone.
Excitation Intensity Dependence of Light-Induced Electron Spin Resonance in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Films

Light-induced electron spin resonance in a-Si:H films was measured using second harmonic detection over a wide range of excitation intensities. Second harmonic detection results in an undifferentiated absorption lineshape that saturates much less easily with increasing microwave power. The ratio of the spin densities of the broad line to the narrow line is approximately 3 at a generation rate of 1019 cm-3s-1, and this ratio increases only slightly with decreasing excitation intensity. The kinetics of the LESR after the light is turned on or off show dispersive behavior. The dispersive response of the LESR is related to the dispersive transport of carriers at low temperature. A model that assumes a bimolecular recombination fits the experimental results reasonably well.
Localization of individual lightning discharges via directional and temporal triangulation of sferic measurements at two distant sites

[1] Lightning discharges generate electromagnetic pulses, known as sferics, that propagate through the waveguide formed by the Earth and the ionosphere. The energy in the VLF band can propagate over great distances (∼10,000 km) with low loss (3 dB/Mm) and can therefore be detected far from the source lightning location. Using sferic measurements from VLF receivers at Palmer Station, Antarctica, and Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, the locations of lightning discharges from regions such as South America, North America, and Africa are triangulated. Both sferic arrival azimuth at the two receivers and the time of arrival difference between the receivers are used to find the best estimate of the lightning discharge location. Owing to the extremely wide separation of the two receivers, ambiguities sometimes result in pairing sferics detected at one site to their matching sferics detected at the other site. In these cases a best-best estimate scheme is used. Simulation results indicate that for the two receivers considered here the most accurate location performance is in South America with an expected median location error of ∼75 km. The system has the worst performance due north of the Vieques Island site, with an expected median location error of ∼2000 km. Triangulation results for South America are shown for the period 7–10 September 2001. Results for 8 September 2001 are compared to cloud-to-ground lightning flashes detected by the National Lightning Detection Network. For this day, 49% of flashes were detected with a median error of about 200 km. Results are also compared to lightning discharges detected by the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. For a particular TRMM pass over South America, 20% of flashes detected by LIS were correctly located using the described technique, with a median error of 187 km. The event rate for a localized South American storm is also monitored and documented for the same 4-day period.
Association of a Mixed Anxiety-Depression Syndrome and Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder During Adolescence

The relations between an empirically derived syndrome of Anxiety-Depression and an analogue measure of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are examined in a longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Analyses of parents' reports and adolescents' self-reports indicate that there is moderate correspondence between scores on the Anxious-Depressed syndrome and symptoms of the MDD Analogue. Furthermore, scores on the syndrome predicted MDD Analogue symptoms 3 years later with sensitivities ranging from .69 to .71 and specificities from .69 to .93. Meeting criteria for either the Anxious-Depressed syndrome or the MDD Analogue was associated with low social or academic competence and high scores on other syndromes of psychopathology. Implications for integration of empirical/dimensional and categorical/diagnostic approaches are highlighted.
Retinoic acid inhibits Th17 polarization and enhances FoxP3 expression through a Stat-3/Stat-5 independent signaling pathway

CD4+ helper T (Th) cells play a crucial role in the delicate balance between host defense and autoimmune disease. Two important populations of helper T cells are the proinflammatory, interleukin-17 (IL-17)–producing (Th17) cells and the anti-inflammatory forkhead box P3–positive (FoxP3+) T regulatory (Treg) cells. Here we show that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and other agonists of the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) inhibit the formation of Th17 cells and promote FoxP3 expression. Conversely, inhibition of retinoic acid signaling constrains transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) induction of FoxP3. The effect of ATRA is mediated independently of IL-2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5) and Stat3, representing a novel mechanism for the induction of FoxP3 in CD4 T cells. As previous studies have shown that vitamin A derivatives are protective in animal models of autoimmune disease, the current data suggest a previously unrecognized role for RARα in the regulation of CD4+ T-cell differentiation and provide a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects of retinoic acid.
Student Projects Embracing New Computer Technologies: Opportunities for Student Scholarship on the World Wide Web

In this article, we demonstrate how faculty can integrate World Wide Web projects into course assignments, We explore: (a) implementation of electronic term papers (ETP), (b) pedagogical objectives of the assignment, (c) educational benefits of the ETP, (d) an exemplar ETP, (e) grading of ETPs, (f) resource and copyright issues, and (g) student evaluations of the approach. Our goal is to demonstrate how students and faculty can join together to use new technologies in a collaborative fashion that results in student self-discovery and self-construction of knowledge.
Beyond Modeling: All-Atom Olfactory Receptor Model Simulations

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are a type of GTP-binding protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). These receptors are responsible for mediating the sense of smell through their interaction with odor ligands. OR-odorant interactions marks the first step in the process that leads to olfaction. Computational studies on model OR structures can validate experimental functional studies as well as generate focused and novel hypotheses for further bench investigation by providing a view of these interactions at the molecular level. Here we have shown the specific advantages of simulating the dynamic environment that is associated with OR-odorant interactions. We present a rigorous methodology that ranges from the creation of a computationally-derived model of an olfactory receptor to simulating the interactions between an OR and an odorant molecule. Given the ubiquitous occurrence of GPCRs in the membranes of cells, we anticipate that our OR-developed methodology will serve as a model for the computational structural biology of all GPCRs.
Evidence of Establishment of Bagous hydrillae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a Biological Control Agent of Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitales: Hydrocharitaceae) in North America?

ABSTRACT The semi-aquatic weevil Bagous hydrillae was released during 1991–1996 at 19 sites in 4 states in attempts to control the aquatic weed hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata. Fourteen of the sites were in Florida, 2 each in Texas and Georgia and one site in Alabama. Over 320,000 adult weevils were included in these releases. Despite the fact that a few adults were recovered as late as 4.5 yr post-release, presence of permanent, self-perpetuating populations was never confirmed. Then, during 2009 adult B. hydrillae were collected in southern Louisiana, at least 580 km from the nearest release site and 13 yr after attempts to establish this insect had terminated. This suggests that earlier recoveries were indicative of successful establishment and that this weevil species has persisted and dispersed widely in the southeastern USA. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that B. hydrillae has had a suppressive effect on hydrilla.
Daubert v. Markman: Fact Experts on Issues that are Wholly Devoid of Any Factual Component

In disqualifying a fact expert in a Markman hearing, the proper vehicle should be a Rule 401 motion on relevance, instead of a complicated Daubert motion.
Fatal Exserohilum Rostratum Meningitis and CNS Vasculitis after Cervical Spine Epidural Methylprednisolone Injection (S16.001)

OBJECTIVE: We report a fatal case of iatrogenic Exserohilum rostratum meningitis after epidural steroid injection. BACKGROUND: In 2002, five reported cases—one fatal—of fungal meningitis complicating epidural steroid injection resulted from contamination with Exophiala at a compounding pharmacy. Although fulminant fungal meningitis is uncommon in immune competent patients, early recognition and treatment can be life saving. DESIGN/METHODS: Case Report. RESULTS: A 51-year-old right-handed woman presented with occipital headaches one week after epidural steroid injection for neck pain. Unenhanced head CT was normal, and she was discharged. The following day she returned with diplopia, vertigo, nausea, and ataxia followed by step-wise cranial neuropathies, hemiplegia, and respiratory compromise requiring intubation and eventual hospital transfer. CSF showed 850 WBCs (80% neutrophils), glucose of 38 mg/dL, and total protein of 152 mg/dL. MRI revealed leptomeningeal enhancement and restricted diffusion in pons, midbrain and cerebellum. Despite broad-spectrum antimicrobials, including the late addition of an antifungal agent, the patient continued to deteriorate clinically, and death by neurological criteria was pronounced nine days after initial presentation. Cultures of both pre-mortem CSF and CSF obtained at autopsy grew Exserohilum rostratum. Autopsy revealed angioinvasive, septate fungal hyphae inducing vasculitis and hemorrhagic infarction in brain and spinal cord. Exserohilum in this patient was traced to contaminated methylprednisolone solution used in the epidural injection. CONCLUSIONS: Here we describe findings in an index case of fungal meningitis linked to a cervical epidural injection of contaminated methylprednisolone. Recognition of her symptoms as a potential complication of the procedure contributed to investigation and identification of the source of contamination, resulting in widespread product recall and close monitoring of those exposed. Broader awareness and early initiation of antifungal therapy may decrease associated morbidity and mortality, and new cases should prompt immediate investigation into potential sources of contamination to prevent further spread of disease. Disclosure: Dr. Lyons has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gireesh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Trivedi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Smith has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cettomai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Karram has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tochen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zhang has nothing to disclose. Dr. McCall has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carroll has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ratchford has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience as a speaker. Dr. Ratchford has received research support from Biogen-Idec and Novartis. Dr. Ostrow has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stevens has nothing to disclose.
The Evolution of Research Paradigms in Pastoral/Spiritual Care, Counseling, and Education:

This partially autobiographical article is presented as a chapter in the narrative of the evolution of research methodology in the social sciences and the impact that evolution has had on pastoral/spiritual care research as the author has experienced and observed it during the latter part of the 20th century and the early years of the 21st century.
Organizational Change: Themes and Issues (Book Review)

Book Review: Grieves, J. (2010). Organizational change: Themes and issues. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Team-It: location-based mobile games for multi-agent coordination and negotiation (demonstration)

The multi-agent systems community has made great strides investigating issues such as coordination and negotiation. When addressing human or human-agent behavior, very few approaches have addressed a feature that people are embodied in the real-world and act in geospatial environments. In the past, it has been difficult to perform experiments and collect data for such domains. However, with the spread of mobile technology that can run sophisticated applications and return location-based data, we are now in a position to investigate such questions.
Ironic Institutions: Counterculture Fictions and the American Express Company

This essay argues that literary redescriptions of international American Express offices by queer writers like Gregory Corso, William S. Burroughs, and James Baldwin allowed the 1960s literary counterculture to establish a relationship to American corporate culture grounded in irony: the knowledge that the vocabulary used to describe the social world is not fixed, but contingent and fluid. By ironizing the American Express—that is, by describing it only to destabilize one’s own description—novels like Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room (1956) and Corso’s The American Express (1960) consciously resignified the institutional brand and circulated this literary resignification in tandem with the company’s promotional materials. I show how ironic style underwrote the counterculture’s surprising attraction to corporate life and the corporation’s equally surprising embrace of queer intimacies
Effects of salt, polyethylene glycol, and locked nucleic acids on the thermodynamic stabilities of consecutive terminal adenosine mismatches in RNA duplexes.

Consecutive terminal mismatches add thermodynamic stability to RNA duplexes and occur frequently in microRNA-mRNA interactions. Accurate thermodynamic stabilities of consecutive terminal mismatches contribute to the development of specific, high-affinity siRNA therapeutics. Consecutive terminal adenosine mismatches (TAMS) are studied at different salt concentrations, with polyethylene glycol cosolutes, and with locked nucleic acid (LNA) substitutions. These measurements provide benchmarks for the application of thermodynamic predictions to different physiological or therapeutic conditions. The salt dependence for RNA duplex stability is similar for TAMS, internal loops, and Watson–Crick duplexes. A unified model for predicting the free energy of an RNA duplex with or without loops and mismatches at lower sodium concentrations is presented. The destabilizing effects of PEG 200 are larger for TAMS than internal loops or Watson–Crick duplexes, which may result from different base stacking conformations, dyna...
Frustrated Lewis Pair Nanoribbons

This work proposes that zigzag graphene and graphane nanoribbons with alternating Lewis-acid and Lewis-base edge substituents can act as “frustrated Lewis pairs” (FLPs), with potential applications...
The impact of post-exercise hydration with deep-ocean mineral water on rehydration and exercise performance

Dehydration caused by prolonged exercise impairs thermoregulation, endurance and exercise performance. Evidence from animal and human studies validates the potential of desalinated deep-ocean mineral water to positively impact physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here, we hypothesize that deep-ocean mineral water drawn from a depth of 915 m off the Kona, HI coast enhances recovery of hydration and exercise performance following a dehydrating exercise protocol compared to mountain spring water and a carbohydrate-based sports drink. Subjects (n = 8) were exposed to an exercise-dehydration protocol (stationary biking) under warm conditions (30 °C) to achieve a body mass loss of 3 % (93.4 ± 21.7 total exercise time). During the post-exercise recovery period, subjects received deep-ocean mineral water (Kona), mountain spring water (Spring) or a carbohydrate-based sports drink (Sports) at a volume (in L) equivalent to body mass loss (in Kg). Salivary samples were collected at regular intervals during exercise and post-exercise rehydration. Additionally, each participant performed peak torque knee extension as a measure of lower body muscle performance. Subjects who received Kona during the rehydrating period showed a significantly more rapid return to pre-exercise (baseline) hydration state, measured as the rate of decline in peak to baseline salivary osmolality, compared to Sports and Spring groups. In addition, subjects demonstrated significantly improved recovery of lower body muscle performance following rehydration with Kona versus Sports or Spring groups. Deep-ocean mineral water shows promise as an optimal rehydrating source over spring water and/or sports drink.
Primary microsurgery for postinflammatory tubal infertility

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a common cause of tubal infertility. The pregnancy outcomes in 161 patients who underwent primary microsurgical tuboplasty for postinflammatory tubal disease at the Mayo Clinic from 1977 through 1981 were evaluated. The outcome (3-year rate) was evaluated for each category of microsurgical procedures. The proximal anastomosis group had a conception rate of 71% (50% live births, 30% spontaneous abortions, 6% ectopic pregnancies). The terminal salpingoneostomy group, which accounted for the largest number of procedures, had a conception rate of 47% (32% live births, 12% spontaneous abortions, 11% ectopic pregnancies). Even after microsurgical tubal reconstruction, most women do not achieve a live birth. Pregnancy outcome is probably related to several factors reflecting the severity of pre-existing intrinsic damage. Prognostic factors that may better predict pregnancy outcome are discussed.