cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond electronic response of atoms to ultra-intense X-rays

An era of exploring the interactions of high-intensity, hard X-rays with matter has begun with the start-up of a hard-X-ray free-electron laser, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). Understanding how electrons in matter respond to ultra-intense X-ray radiation is essential for all applications. Here we reveal the nature of the electronic response in a free atom to unprecedented high-intensity, short-wavelength, high-fluence radiation (respectively 10(18) W cm(-2), 1.5-0.6 nm, approximately 10(5) X-ray photons per A(2)). At this fluence, the neon target inevitably changes during the course of a single femtosecond-duration X-ray pulse-by sequentially ejecting electrons-to produce fully-stripped neon through absorption of six photons. Rapid photoejection of inner-shell electrons produces 'hollow' atoms and an intensity-induced X-ray transparency. Such transparency, due to the presence of inner-shell vacancies, can be induced in all atomic, molecular and condensed matter systems at high intensity. Quantitative comparison with theory allows us to extract LCLS fluence and pulse duration. Our successful modelling of X-ray/atom interactions using a straightforward rate equation approach augurs favourably for extension to complex systems.
Was Russell's 1922 Error Theory a Mistake?

Recent Russell scholarship has made clear the importance of Russell’s contributions to ethical theory. But his provocative two-page 1922 paper, “Is There an Absolute Good?”, anticipating by two decades what has come to be called “error theory”, is still little known and not fully understood by students of Russell’s ethics. In that little paper, never published in Russell’s lifetime, he criticizes the “absolutist” view of G.E. Moore; and, with the help of his own 1905 theory of descriptions, he exposes what he takes to be the fallacy underlying Moore’s (and his own earlier) arguments regarding value judgments and puts forward a new analysis which preserves the “absolutist” meaning at the cost of rendering all value judgments false. This article attempts to: (1) make clear just what Russell was doing in his little paper and how to understand it in the evolution of his metaethical thinking, (2) defend his 1922 theory against some recent criticisms, and (3) suggest the most likely reasons why he so quickly abandoned his new theory.
On the number of C ∞ -words of each length

Abstract Let γ(n) be the number of C∞-words of length n. It is shown that the second difference γ″(n) is the number of words of length n in a well-behaved subset of the set of C∞-words. A formula for γ(n) for some n is derived, and is used to explain patterns noted by F. M. Dekking in the values of γ.
Toward a Structural Understanding of Coup Risk

Although coup risk plays an important role in theories of war, revolution, and democratization, scholars have not developed a rigorous conceptualization and valid measure of the concept. We develop a structural understanding of coup risk as distinct from proximate causes of coups as well as coup-proofing strategies that regimes implement to avert coups. Theoretical insights into factors that predispose regimes toward coup vulnerability provide the groundwork for an improved measure based on strength of civil society, legitimacy, and past coups. Cross-national statistical analyses are used to significantly improve on previous coupincidence models and highlight deficiencies of the common approach to measuring coup risk. The structural conceptualization of coup risk enhances understanding of broader civil-military dynamics, in particular the well-known distinction between motives and opportunities for launching coups. This distinction is shown to be insensitive to an important observational equivalence: that...
Provision of Emergency Contraceptive Pills at College and University Student Health Centers in Florida

Provision of emergency contraceptive (EC) pills at Florida university and college student health centers was examined. Practices related to dosages, pill brands, advance prescriptions, restrictions, written policy, printed materials, routine contraceptive counseling, and publicity were identified. Barriers for centers not providing EC pills and practices were also determined.
Seasonal migration promoting assortative mating in Littorina brevicula on a boulder shore in Japan

Littorina brevicula Philippi is one of the most common snails found in the upper intertidal zone of Japan. In Amakusa, some of the population of L. brevicula migrate to the lower zone in the winter, while the rest stay in the upper zone. Thus, during the winter, which is its reproductive season, the population of L. brevicula divides into two sub-populations. This leads to a hypothesis that the migration pattern in winter is genetically controlled and this behavioural dimorphism is maintained by reproductive isolation between the two sub-populations. In order to test this hypothesis, the following three points were investigated: (1) whether the same snails migrate in a similar way every winter, (2) whether there is a significant tidal level preference in snails, and (3) whether reproductive isolation occurs between the two sub-populations. The results showed (1) the migration behaviour of each snail was consistent over two successive winters, i.e. the same group of snails migrated downward every winter and the same group of snails stayed in the upper zone every winter, (2) transplanted snails moved toward the original zones where they were caught, suggesting that the snails actively selected their tidal zone in winter, and (3) most of the snails copulated within each sub-population. Therefore, reproductive isolation between the two sub-populations was considered to be established to some extent by the dimorphic migration behaviour. In conclusion, the migratory behaviour of L. brevicula is determined separately for each individual and might be genetically controlled, and the behavioural dimorphism may be maintained by partial reproductive isolation between the two sub-populations.
Autocatalytic Models for Turbulent Flows in Tubes

It is shown that the experimentally observed velocity profiles and drag coefficients may be explained on the basis of autocatalytic models which lead to reaction-diffusion equations for the exchange quantity. The first (zero) solution of these equations corresponds to the laminar flow and the second one (different from zero) corresponds to the turbulent flow. Autokatalytische Modelle Turbulenter Stromungen in Rohren Es wird gezeigt, das die experimentell beobachteten Geschwindigkeitsprofile und Widerstandsbeiwerte auf der Basis autokatalytischer Modelle erklart werden konnen, die zu Reaktions-Diffusions-Gleichungen fur die Austauschgrose fuhren. Die erste (Null-)Losung dieser Gleichungen entspricht der laminaren Stromung und die zweite (von Null verschiedene) Losung entspricht der turbulenten Stromung.
Diagnostic evaluation of ozone production and horizontal transport in a regional photochemical air quality modeling system

Abstract A diagnostic model evaluation effort has been performed to focus on photochemical ozone formation and the horizontal transport process since they strongly impact the temporal evolution and spatial distribution of ozone (O3) within the lower troposphere. Results from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system are evaluated against surface and upper air measurements from field studies during summer 2002 when several high O3 episodes occurred in the eastern United States. Modeled O3 and winds are compared to research aircraft measurements and wind profiler data, respectively, to investigate whether model underestimates of daily maximum 8-h ozone concentrations during high O3 episodes might be attributable to discrepancies in either or both of these modeled processes. Comparisons of 10 AM surface O3 concentrations, which are representative of O3 levels in the residual layer aloft, revealed that model underestimation was greater at higher observed ozone levels. Mid-morning vertical ozone profiles corroborated this surface-level finding, as modeled concentrations tended to be lower than observed O3 aloft. Net ozone production efficiency (OPE) results suggested photochemical ozone formation was comparable between the model and observations with composite OPE values of 6.7 and 7.6, respectively, within the afternoon planetary boundary layer. Evaluation of wind profiles revealed modeled wind speeds with the base four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) approach underestimated observed speeds by more than 2 m s−1 and direction was biased by about 20° in the nocturnal residual layer aloft as coarse resolution analysis fields involved in FDDA were found to inhibit modeled winds. These differences could produce large spatial displacements in modeled and observed ozone patterns within the region. Although sensitivity simulation results with the WRF meteorological model with FDDA using all available upper air profile observations displayed improvements in capturing wind fields aloft, CMAQ maximum 8-h O3 results using the improved wind fields also underestimated observations.
Disposing of medicines safely.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Determinants of Increased Opioid-Related Mortality in the United States and Canada, 1990-2013: A Systematic Review" by N. B. King, V. Fraser, C. Boikos et al., which appeared in a previous issue.
Influences on Formal and Informal Supervisor Intervention with Troubled Workers

ABSTRACT The role supervisors play in linking workers with mental health, substance abuse, and other personal problems to formal and informal helping resources has not been thoroughly examined. This cross-sectional case study combining multiple methods of data collection from the perspective of supervisors and workers sheds light on the occupational, organizational, and personal factors related to supervisor intervention with troubled workers. Supervisors' personal experiences in getting help for their own problems significantly influenced their intervention behavior with troubled workers. Supervisor intervention was also explained by supervisors' positive attitudes about help giving and seeking, being trained to identify and help workers, and being aware of workers' problems. Overall, the results indicate that supervisor intervention with troubled workers is more apt to be informal (talking with workers, listening, and being supportive) than formal (referring workers to helping resources within the compa...
“Hobbes Is of the Opposite Opinion” Kant and Hobbes on the Three Authorities in the State

Like Hobbes and unlike Locke, Kant denied the possibility of a right to rebellion. But unlike Hobbes, Kant did not argue for a unitary head of state in whom legislative, judicial, and executive powers are inseparable, and thus did not believe that the executive power in a state to whom must be conceded a monopoly of coercion also defines all rights in the state. Instead, Kant insisted upon the necessary division of authority in a state into a separate legislature, executive, and judiciary, and thus, while rejecting the idea that a people could ever rightfully overthrow their entire constitution or government, he could and did hold that a people represented by a parliament have genuine rights against the executive power within their state even though that executive power properly has a monopoly on the coercive enforcement of the parliament's laws.
The interaction of H 2 S and S 2 with Cs and Cs/ZnO surfaces: photoemission and molecular-orbital studies

Abstract the surface chemistry of H2S and S2 on metallic Cs and Cs ZnO surfaces has been investigated using high-resolution synchrotron based photoemission and ab initio self-consistent-field calculations. Metallic Cs is very reactive toward H2S and S2 at temperatures between 100 and 300 K. Pure cesium decomposes H2S to form Cs2S compounds. After dosing S2 to Cs, one obtains Cs2S and Cs2S2m (m ≥1 ) compounds. The formation of cesium sulfides induces an increase in the intensity of the Cs 3d levels and large negative shifts (0.8–1.3 eV) in their peak positions. Cesium atoms supported on ZnO are in an ionic state (Csδ+), but they are still able to interact with H2S and S2 more strongly than Zn and O sites of the oxide support. A correlation is found between the electron density on the Cs adatoms and their reactivity: Cs atoms supported on Zn sites of the oxide bond S-containing species (H2S, HS, S2, S) are stronger than Cs atoms supported on O sites. H2S dissociates into HS and atomic S upon adsorption on Cs ZnO surfaces at 300 K. The HS species decompose at temperatures below 450 K leaving S atoms that are bonded to Cs and Zn. The adsorption of S2 on Cs ZnO surfaces at 300 K leads to the formation of Cs2S and Cs2S2m (m ≥ 1) compounds. Cs↔S interactions increase the thermal stability of cesium on the ZnO surface. The poisoning of Cs/Cu/ZnO catalysts is discussed in light of these results and those previously reported for the S2/Cu/ZnO system.
Adaptive monitoring to enhance water sensor capabilities for chemical and biological contaminant detection in drinking water systems

Optoelectronic and other conventional water quality sensors offer a potential for real-time online detection of chemical and biological contaminants in a drinking water supply and distribution system. The nature of the application requires sensors of detection capabilities at low contaminant concentrations, for continuous data acquisition and management, and with reduced background noise and low false detection rates for a wide spectrum of contaminants. To meet these application requirements, feasibilities of software-based methods were examined and a novel technique was developed using adaptive monitoring and contaminant detection methodologies. This new monitoring and early detection framework relies on the local adaptive and network adaptive sensors in order to reduce background noise interference and enhance contaminant peak identifications. After "noise" reduction, the sensor measurements can be assembled and analyzed for temporal, spatial and inter-parameter relationships. Further detection reliability improvement is accomplished through signal interpretation in term of chemical signatures and in consideration of contaminant fate and transport in pipe flows. Based on this integrated adaptive approach, a data statistical compression technique can be used to process and reduce the sensor onboard data for background variations, which frequently represent a bulk of inflowing data stream. The adaptive principles and methodology were examined using a pilot-scale distribution simulator at the U.S. EPA Test & Evaluation facility. Preliminary results indicate the research and development activities on adaptive monitoring may lead to the emergence of a practical drinking water online detection system.
Beliefs About Thought Probability: Evidence for Persistent Errors in Mindreading and Links to Executive Control

Four- to 10-year-olds' and adults' (N = 263) ability to inhibit privileged knowledge and simulate a naive perspective were examined. Participants viewed pictures that were then occluded aside from a small ambiguous part. They offered suggestions for how a naive person might interpret the hidden pictures, as well as rated the probability that a naive person would think of several different pictures (with one picture being the actual item). Results indicated a significant increase between ages 4 and 7 years in attributing novel interpretations; however, all age groups overestimated the probability that a naive person could guess the actual pictures. Individual differences in working memory and inhibitory control predicted participants' thought suggestions as well as aspects of their probability judgments.
Chamberlin’s strategy of multiple working hypotheses and a relative frequency theory of market demand

Abstract The neoclassical theory of demand based on fixed indifference map hypotheses has not yet become significantly assertible in the sense of modern logic. That is because of the great difficulty encountered in empirical confirmation of its presuppositions and antecedent hypotheses, which is essential to its significant assertibility. Full confirmation of antecedent conditions is impossible with market equilibrium data alone. That puts a considerable premium on approaching any investigation in econometric demand analysis with several mutually testable hypotheses that are already well-explored and thought through. Preparation is necessary to recognize when otherwise interesting mutually testable economic hypotheses cannot be tested because the nature of the data required has not yet been adequately discerned. …it becomes clear that hypotheses always remain hypotheses, that is, suppositions to the complete certainty of which we can never attain. [ Kant, Immanuel, 1988. Logic. Dover Publications, Inc., New York, NY, Translation of Kant's Logik: Ein Handbuch zu Vorlesungen (1800), by Robert S. Hartman and Wolfgang Schwarz ]. The effort is to bring up into view every rational explanation of new phenomena, and to develop every tenable hypothesis respecting their cause and history. [Chamberlin, T.C., 1890. The method of multiple working hypotheses. Science (Old series) 15. Reprinted in 1965 in Science 148, 754–759].
Selecting a Form of Power Protection

In operating any computer system, whether a small personal computer or a large main‐frame system, power protection should be considered with respect to protecting computer data and possibly the hardware. But how much protection is needed? This article addresses basic issues computer users should consider before selecting power protection. Although some of the information applies chiefly to mainframe computers, the basic concepts (backing up data and line filters) apply to all systems.
Speech aeromechanics and the dysarthrias: implications for children with traumatic brain injury.

Background In addition to cognitive, linguistic, neurobehavioral, and physical challenges, children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury can have a dysarthria that compromises intelligibility and speaking effort. Objective The focus of this article is on an aeromechanical approach to understanding, evaluating, and treating the moderate-severe dysarthrias in these children.
Is a currency board an answer to Asia’s currency crisis?

Contrasts the stability of Hong Kong’s currency with the fall of other Asian currencies during the 1997‐1998 crisis and asks whether a Hong Kong‐style currency board could help other Asian countries. Discusses the underlying causes of the crisis and compares it with the currency crises of the European Monetary System (1992‐1993) and Mexico (1994‐1995). Considers the advantages and disadvantages of a currency board but concludes that most Asian countries have insufficient foreign reserves, wage/price flexibility or prosperity to benefit from having one.
Towards deriving differences in how Wh Movement and QR are pronounced

Abstract In English, Wh Movement oftentimes has the effect of letting the phrase moved be spoken in a higher position than where it originates. That position seems to get mapped onto a portion of the resulting string that is to the left of the original position. Quantifier Raising in English, by contrast, tends to require the phrase that is moved to be spoken in the position it is moved from. And when there is material that is spoken in the higher position, that material gets mapped onto a portion of the resulting string that is to the right of the lower position. I attempt to explain these differences. The explanation comes from taking the movement operation to be remerge (giving rise to multidominant phrase markers) and letting determiners spread across distant syntactic positions but get mapped onto one word.
Strategic alliance and technology transfer: an extended paradigm

An attempt is made to develop a theoretical framework which explores the types of technology transfer most applicable to given forms of strategic alliances. The primary purpose of this study is to make the connection between technology transfer and strategic alliances. It is proposed that by highlighting the similarities and differences in both processes simultaneously, one can create a clearer distinction for, and advance the understanding of, both. When the multiple perspectives of strategic alliances (SAs) and technology transfer are contrasted simultaneously, a framework develops which can be used to explain specific weaknesses in each phenomenon and to identify areas for future exploration. >
U.S. AMSR-E Products Overview

The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) continues to operate nominally on NASA's Aqua satellite. This paper provides a sampling of products from AMSR-E that are of use for a variety of global hydrologic investigations.
MANAGEMENT OF ELDER ABUSE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Emergency physicians are in an ideal position to diagnose and intervene in suspected cases of elder abuse. This article reviews domestic violence against the elderly, highlighting the risk factors for elder abuse, its prevalence, and related medicolegal issues. A special section on mistreatment of the elderly in long-term care facilities is included. In addition to the management of elderly abuse in the emergency department, possible future directions for improved detection of elder abuse or neglect are reviewed.
Microbial Communities and Fecal Indicator Bacteria Associated with Cladophora Mats on Beach Sites along Lake Michigan Shores

A high biomasses of Cladophora, a filamentous green alga, is found mainly during the summer along the shores of Lake Michigan. In this study, the abundance and persistence of the fecal indicator bacterium Escherichia coli and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) on Cladophora mats collected at Lake Michigan beaches were evaluated using both culture-based and molecular analyses. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene cloning and sequencing were used to examine the bacterial community composition. Overall, E. coli was detected in all 63 samples obtained from 11 sites, and the average levels at most beaches ranged from 2,700 CFU/100 g (wet weight) of Cladophora to 7,500 CFU/100 g of Cladophora. However, three beaches were found to have site average E. coli densities of 12,800, 21,130, and 27,950 CFU/100 g of Cladophora. The E. coli levels in the lake water collected at the same time from these three sites were less than the recommended U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limit, 235 CFU/100 ml. E. coli also persisted on Cladophora mats in microcosms at room temperature for more than 7 days, and in some experiments it persisted for as long as 28 days. The SRB densities on Cladophora mats were relatively high, ranging from 4.4 × 106 cells/g (6.64 log CFU/g) to 5.73 × 106 cells/g (6.76 log CFU/g) and accounting for between 20% and 27% of the total bacterial counts. Partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene clones revealed a phylogenetically diverse community, in which the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides cluster and the low-G+C-content gram-positive bacteria were the dominant organisms, accounting for 40% and 12.8%, respectively, of the total clone library. These results further reveal the potential public health and ecological significance of Cladophora mats that are commonly found along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, especially with regard to the potential to harbor microorganisms associated with fecal pollution and odor-causing bacteria.
Effects of Methylphenidate on Academic Achievement from First to Second Grade

The objectives of the current study were to identify the long‐term effects of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) on cognitive ability and academic achievement. A retrospective/longitudinal design was utilised in the study with dependent measures being scores from the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). The study included 17 experimental subjects who were identified with ADHD and placed on Methylphenidate between first and second grade. For each experimental child, a control child without ADHD was matched based on gender, Verbal IQ score, and family structure. Results of the study revealed that the Methylphenidate group's achievement was lower both before and after medication even after being matched on verbal abilities. The results also indicated that after receiving medication the Methylphenidate group's rate of learning was similar to the Control groups on Reading, Word Analysis, Listening, Vocabulary, and overall achievement. Finally, a positive relationship between dosage level and Listening subtest scores was ...
Accelerated rescaling of single Monte Carlo simulation runs with the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

Abstract: To interpret fiber-based and camera-based measurements of remitted light from biological tissues, researchers typically use analytical models, such as the diffusion approximation to light transport theory, or stochastic models, such as Monte Carlo modeling. To achieve rapid (ideally real-time) measurement of tissue optical properties, especially in clinical situations, there is a critical need to accelerate Monte Carlo simulation runs. In this manuscript, we report on our approach using the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to accelerate rescaling of single Monte Carlo runs to calculate rapidly diffuse reflectance values for different sets of tissue optical properties. We selected MATLAB to enable non-specialists in C and CUDA-based programming to use the generated open-source code. We developed a software package with four abstraction layers. To calculate a set of diffuse reflectance values from a simulated tissue with homogeneous optical properties, our rescaling GPU-based approach achieves a reduction in computation time of several orders of magnitude as compared to other GPU-based approaches. Specifically, our GPU-based approach generated a diffuse reflectance value in 0.08ms. The transfer time from CPU to GPU memory currently is a limiting factor with GPU-based calculations. However, for calculation of multiple diffuse reflectance values, our GPU-based approach still can lead to processing that is ~3400 times faster than other GPU-based approaches.
Favorable clinical outcomes of three-dimensional computer-optimized high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy in the management of localized prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose To report PSA relapse-free survival and toxicity outcomes of prostate cancer patients who have undergone three-dimensional computer-optimized high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy with external beam radiotherapy as definitive treatment. Methods and materials One hundred five patients consecutively treated between 1998 and 2004 are reported. All patients were treated with HDR boost with lr 192 (5.5–7.0 Gy), based upon postimplant CT three-dimensional treatment planning using an in-house treatment plan optimization algorithm. Three-dimensional conformal external beam radiotherapy (45–50.4 Gy) was also administered 3 weeks after the HDR procedure. Toxicity was measured using National Cancer Institutes Common Toxicity Criteria and International Prostate Symptom Score indices. Results With a median followup of 44 months (8–79 months), the 5-year PSA relapse-free survival outcomes for low, intermediate and high-risk patients were 100%, 98%, and 92%, respectively, Median urinary toxicity, and 93% of patients denied rectal problems at the time of last followup. Erectile dysfunction was noted in 47% patients at the time of last followup, but overall 80% were able to achieve vaginal penetration when those who responded to sildenafil were included. Conclusion Computer-optimized three-dimensional HDR prostate brachytherapy provides excellent disease control for even high risk localized prostate cancer. Significant toxicity has been minimal.
Expectations and outcomes: decision-making in the primate brain.

Success in a constantly changing environment requires that decision-making strategies be updated as reward contingencies change. How this is accomplished by the nervous system has, until recently, remained a profound mystery. New studies coupling economic theory with neurophysiological techniques have revealed the explicit representation of behavioral value. Specifically, when fluid reinforcement is paired with visually-guided eye movements, neurons in parietal cortex, prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and superior colliculus—all nodes in a network linking visual stimulation with the generation of oculomotor behavior—encode the expected value of targets lying within their response fields. Other brain areas have been implicated in the processing of reward-related information in the abstract: midbrain dopaminergic neurons, for instance, signal an error in reward prediction. Still other brain areas link information about reward to the selection and performance of specific actions in order for behavior to adapt to changing environmental exigencies. Neurons in posterior cingulate cortex have been shown to carry signals related to both reward outcomes and oculomotor behavior, suggesting that they participate in updating estimates of orienting value.
An integrative approach to transient power system analysis with standard and ANN-based dynamic models

The paper addresses practical aspects of integration of classical and artificial neural network (ANN)-based dynamic equivalents for transient analysis of large-scale interconnected power systems. Following standard model reduction procedures in power systems, we divide the system in two parts - one retained in detail, and the remainder that is to be replaced with a simpler ("equivalent") model. Our equivalent is based on two ANNs, and is derived from measurements at boundary points. In this paper we focus on a complete two-way interaction between the retained portion of the system that is modeled with explicit differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) and the ANN-based equivalent. The key issue here is the consistency between dynamic variables produced by the two different mechanisms at boundary points, and a two-way communication between the corresponding software modules. The overall model is denoted as hybrid, and the paper proposes a fast two-way iterative interaction algorithm. We demonstrate the feasibility of implementing our approach in standard industrial software by integrating our ANN-based equivalent with the Matlab power system toolbox. We illustrate capabilities of our approach to transient analysis on a benchmark multi-machine example, derived from the New England/New York power system.
Bat Species Presence in Southwestern Montana

Published information on bat species presence in many parts of Montana is limited. Our study was initiated to gather data on the distribution of bat species found in the southwestern part of the state. We captured 106 individuals of eight bat species in mist-nets at 15 water sources in southwestern Montana during July through August 2003-2006. The western long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) was the most frequently captured species and detected at over half the sites surveyed. Other common species captured across numerous sites included little brown myotis (M. lucifugus), hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus), and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). These species are apparently broadly distributed throughout southwestern Montana, occurring in a variety of habitat types. Our study provides some much needed baseline data on bat distribution in southwestern Montana.
Differences in calmodulin and calmodulin-binding proteins in phasic and tonic smooth muscles

To determine whether densities of calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-binding proteins are related to phasic and tonic behavior of smooth muscles, we quantified these proteins in the opossum esophageal body (...
Regional population viability of grassland songbirds: Effects of agricultural management

Although population declines of grassland songbirds in North America and Europe are well-documented, the effect of local processes on regional population persistence is unclear. To assess population viability of grassland songbirds at a regional scale (150,000 ha), we quantified Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis and Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus annual productivity, adult apparent survival, habitat selection, and density in the four most (regionally) common grassland treatments. We applied these data to a female-based, stochastic, pre-breeding population model to examine whether current grassland management practices can sustain viable populations of breeding songbirds. Additionally, we evaluated six conservation strategies to determine which would most effectively increase population trends. Given baseline conditions, over 10 years, simulations showed a slightly declining or stable Savannah Sparrow population (mean bootstrap k = 0.99; 95% CI = 1.00‐0.989) and severely declining Bobolink population (mean bootstrap k = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.753‐0.747). Savannah Sparrow populations were sensitive to increases in all demographic parameters, particularly adult survival. However for Bobolinks, increasing adult apparent survival, juvenile apparent survival, or preference by changing habitat selection cues for late-hayed fields (highest quality) only slightly decreased the rate of decline. For both species, increasing the amount of high-quality habitat (late- and middle-hayed) marginally slowed population declines; increasing the amount of low-quality habitat (early-hayed and grazed) marginally increased population declines. Both species were most sensitive to low productivity and survival on early-hayed fields, despite the fact that this habitat comprised only 18% of the landscape. Management plans for all agricultural regions should increase quality on both low- and high-quality fields by balancing habitat needs, nesting phenology, and species’ response to management.
Understanding the cell cycle in the pathophysiology of chordomas: a molecular look.

Chordomas are rare, slow-growing infiltrative tumors that are typically located in the skull base or sacral spine, although they can be found anywhere within the axial skeleton. Classically, these tumors show characteristic physaliferous cells filled with vacuolated cytoplasm of mucoid matrix. The 3 histologic types of chordomas are the conventional, chondroid, and dedifferentiated types, with the last 2 having the worst prognosis given an increase risk of sarcomatous degeneration. They are classically immunoreactive to S-100 and a number of cytokeratins (6, 15, 17, 19, 20). Although most chordomas are sporadic, there are cases of familial chordomas (6, 12, 13). Current treatment has changed over the last few decades, but remains focused on surgical excision followed by conventional or proton-beam radiotherapy. Recurrences are common and are seen in up to 68% of cases, and are managed with repeat surgery or radiotherapy. The 5- and 10-year survival rates for patients with chordomas are in the range of 68% and 40%, respectively (10, 14). Recent clinical research has demonstrated the effectiveness and increased overall survival in patients with chordomas via en bloc or wide margin vertebrectomies without violation of the tumor capsule, followed by radiotherapy (8, 9). Despite the groundbreaking innovation in clinical treatment and management of patients with chordomas, the molecular understanding remains far behind. Chordomas are cytogenetically quite diverse tumors. Molecular cytogenetic studies have demonstrated that a variety of chromosomal markers exist in primary and recurrent chordomas, as well as frequent quantitative changes in the tumor cell genome. For example, case studies have reported that the most common abnormality is a monosomy of chromosome 1 and gain of chromosome 7 (2, 11, 22, 23). Also, other studies have shown chromosome 1p and 3p anomalies to be associated early on in chordoma genesis. Likewise, 1q anomalies have been correlated with recurrence in
Timing-power optimization for mixed-radix ling adders by integer linear programming

This paper optimizes timing and power consumption of mixed-radix Ling adders with the physical area constraints using an integer linear programming formulation. Each cell in the prefix network is flexible to have different radix and size, and Ling carries are incorporated. Optimal solutions are obtained by solving the proposed formulation. The experiments show that the produced optimal structures have a large power saving compared with traditional designs. The ASIC implementation results are superior to those produced by Synopsys Module Compiler.
The influence of the work environment on cardiovascular health: A historical, conceptual, and methodological perspective.

The framework of psychosocial epidemiology is used to examine research developments that characterize the accumulation of knowledge regarding the role of the work environment in cardiovascular health and disease. The discussion of current programs of research focuses on the work of T. Theorell and R. Karasek (1996) and J. Siegrist (1996) as exemplars of European and American studies that have contributed the most to the understanding of occupational cardiovascular health. It is argued that researchers need to maintain and nurture relatively broad conceptual models of etiology because cardiovascular disease involves multiple biomedical risk factors and because specific aspects of the work environment are embedded in a large, complex matrix of other psychosocial influences. At the same time, investigators need to push ahead with focused research strategies to clarify the precise nature of the work environmental risk factors that emerge in the broad, somewhat imprecise epidemiologic study designs.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF ENHANCED IRON-MEDIATED PRODUCTION OF HYDROXYL RADICAL BY GLUTATHIONE, CYSTEINE, ASCORBIC ACID, AND SELECTED CATECHOLS

Abstract A sensitive electrochemical detection system was employed together with a specific salicylate hydroxylation assay to comparatively assess the effects of various substances on the iron-mediated generation of the hydroxyl radical (·OH). Hydroxyl radical production was found to be enhanced significantly by reduced glutathione, cysteine, ascorbic acid, and selected catechols, but not by mannitol, melatonin or tyramine. The data showed that over the range of concentrations examined, the augmented effects were linearly proportional to the amount of added reductant for a given amount of iron in the system. The pro-oxidant activity of thiols and ascorbate reduced and recycled iron providing both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and catalytic ferrous ions for augmented ·OH production by the Fenton reaction. The enhanced production of ·OH by catechols resulted from their oxidation either by molecular oxygen or ferric ions, with the accompanying formation of semiquinones, superoxide anion and H2O2. These data caution against therapeutic applications of thiols and ascorbate for ameliorating oxy-radical-induced tissue damage in environments where free redox-active metal ions may be present to function both as foci for site-specific peroxidative activity, and as catalysts to promote the pro-oxidant properties of certain endogenous reductants, thereby elevating rather than diminishing ·OH levels.
Effects of Dynamic Testing on the Classification of Learning Disabilities: The Predictive and Discriminant Validity of the Swanson-Cognitive Processing Test (S-CPT):

This study assessed the criterion-related and discriminant validity of the Swanson-Cognitive Processing Test (S-CPT). The S-CPT is an individually administered standardized battery of information processing tasks that assess performance under initial (static) and dynamic testing (testing-the-limits) conditions. In Experiment 1, children's (N = 61) performance on the S-CPT under initial and dynamic testing conditions was compared to the WISC-R in predicting performance on Reading and Mathematics subtests of the WRAT-R. Gain scores established during dynamic testing conditions were the best predictors of reading and mathematics performance (14% and 26% of the variance, respectively). In Experiment 2, 156 children with reading deficits and 35 skilled readers were compared on the S-CPT under static and dynamic testing conditions. As expected, skilled readers performed better than learning-disabled readers across all subtests, but the results were qualified when subgroups were analyzed. The cluster analysis in...
Experimental Murine Schistosomiasis in the Absence of B7 Costimulatory Molecules: Reversal of Elicited T Cell Cytokine Profile and Partial Inhibition of Egg Granuloma Formation

The granulomatous inflammation in infection with the helminth Schistosoma mansoni represents a cellular hypersensitivity reaction mediated by, and dependent upon, MHC class II-restricted CD4+ Th cells sensitized to parasite egg Ags. The current work examines the role and significance of the B7:CD28/CTLA-4 pathway in providing the costimulation necessary for the activation of these pathogenic T cells. In vitro T cell responses in B7-1−/− mice, 7–8 wk postinfection, were no different from wild-type controls, but the absence of B7-2 molecules resulted in a decrease in egg Ag-induced proliferation with increased IFN-γ production. Both B7-1−/− and B7-2−/− mice exhibited intact granuloma formation. In contrast, CD4+ Th cells from B7-1/2 double-deficient mice displayed a dramatic loss of proliferative capacity upon stimulation with egg Ag. Most strikingly, these T cells secreted only IFN-γ, but not IL-4 and IL-10, a pattern entirely opposite to that displayed by wild-type controls. Despite these major differences in T cell reactivity, B7-1/2−/− mice had only a limited reduction of granuloma size and fibrosis, without appreciable difference in cellular composition. These results show that substantial granuloma formation can occur under conditions of limited T cell expansion and restricted Th1-type cytokine production. They also support the notion that the combined effect of B7 signaling is not as critical for Th1 cell activation as it is for the development of the Th2 dominant environment characteristic of the evolving schistosome infection in H-2b mice.
Carbohydrate-induced hypertriacylglycerolemia: historical perspective and review of biological mechanisms

Current trends in health promotion emphasize the importance of reducing dietary fat intake. However, as dietary fat is reduced, the dietary carbohydrate content typically rises and the desired reduction in plasma cholesterol concentrations is frequently accompanied by an elevation of plasma triacylglycerol. We review the phenomenon of carbohydrate-induced hypertriacylglycerolemia, the health effects of which are among the most controversial and important issues in public health nutrition today. We first focus on how seminal observations made in the late 1950s and early 1960s became the basis for subsequent important research questions and areas of scientific study. The second focus of this paper is on the current knowledge of biological mechanisms that contribute to carbohydrate-induced hypertriacylglycerolemia. The clinical rationale behind mechanistic studies is this: if carbohydrate-induced hypertriacylglycerolemia shares a metabolic basis with endogenous hypertriacylglycerolemia (that observed in subjects consuming high-fat diets), then a similar atherogenic risk may be more likely than if the underlying metabolic mechanisms differ. The third focus of the paper is on both the positive metabolic changes that occur when high-carbohydrate diets are consumed and the potentially negative health effects of such diets. The review concludes with a of some important research questions that remain to be addressed. These issues include the level of dietary carbohydrate that induces carbohydrate-induced hypertriacylglycerolemia, whether the phenomenon is transient or can be avoided, whether de novo lipogenesis contributes to the phenomenon, and what magnitude of triacylglycerol elevation represents an increase in disease risk.
Altered metabolic requirements in cancer cell migration and metastasis

Background Metastasis poses a great challenge in clinical management of many cancers. Metabolic demands of cancer cell proliferation – i.e. elevated aerobic glycolysis for biomass generation – have been well characterized, but the contribution of altered metabolism to metastasis remains to be elucidated. While elevated aerobic glycolysis, a phenomenon termed Warburg effect, is a hallmark of proliferative tumor cells, emerging evidence suggests that metastatic cancer cells have an opposite phenotype.
Optically Amplified Wireless Infrared MISO Systems

The use of an optical preamplifier in a two laser system for atmospheric line-of-sight optical communication is investigated. Using orthogonal repetition coding is shown to provide diversity. Two different intensity modulation methods, on-off keying (OOK) and binary pulse position modulation (PPM) are analyzed for systems corrupted by background radiation and amplified spontaneous emission noise. Using an optical preamplifier in a MISO channel results in better performance than using an electrical amplifier.
Weathering Profiles in Phosphorus-Rich Rocks at Gusev Crater, Mars, Suggest Dissolution of Phosphate Minerals into Potentially Habitable Near-Neutral Waters

Abstract Abundant evidence indicates that significant surface and near-surface liquid water has existed on Mars in the past. Evaluating the potential for habitable environments on Mars requires an understanding of the chemical and physical conditions that prevailed in such aqueous environments. Among the geological features that may hold evidence of past environmental conditions on Mars are weathering profiles, such as those in the phosphorus-rich Wishstone-class rocks in Gusev Crater. The weathering profiles in these rocks indicate that a Ca-phosphate mineral has been lost during past aqueous interactions. The high phosphorus content of these rocks and potential release of phosphorus during aqueous interactions also make them of astrobiological interest, as phosphorus is among the elements required for all known life. In this work, we used Mars mission data, laboratory-derived kinetic and thermodynamic data, and data from terrestrial analogues, including phosphorus-rich basalts from Idaho, to model a con...
Shared Decision-Making with the Client

Step 4 of the evidence-based practice (EBP) practice decision-making model centers on developing a shared, collaborative, treatment plan with the client. The goal is to determine how the most likely effective options fit with the client’s goals, values, and preferences. This requires the clinical social worker to summarize the results of the literature search, and to summarize it in language that the client can understand. It also requires the client’s active participation in the collaborative development of a treatment plan. This step of the EBP process fits well with social work’s professional values. However, it may pose some challenges in practice.
Dementia resulting from traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health problem in modern societies. It is primarily a consequence of traffic-related accidents and falls. Other recently recognized causes include sports injuries and indirect forces such as shock waves from battlefield explosions. TBI is an important cause of death and lifelong disability and represents the most well-established environmental risk factor for dementia. With the growing recognition that even mild head injury can lead to neurocognitive deficits, imaging of brain injury has assumed greater importance. However, there is no single imaging modality capable of characterizing TBI. Current advances, particularly in MR imaging, enable visualization and quantification of structural and functional brain changes not hitherto possible. In this review, we summarize data linking TBI with dementia, emphasizing the imaging techniques currently available in clinical practice along with some advances in medical knowledge.