cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Populations composed entirely of hybrid colonies: bidirectional hybridization and polyandry in harvester ants

In eusocial Hymenoptera, haplodiploid life cycles, obligate sterile castes, and polyandry may facilitate selection for hybridization. We analyzed a broad hybrid zone between the ecologically distinct seed-harvester ants Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Cresson) and Pogonomyrmex maricopa (Wheeler) using mitochondrial (mt)DNA sequence data, eight morphological markers, and 14 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Average mtDNA sequence divergence among parental species was 11.34%, indicating secondary contact. RAPD markers were significantly correlated with morphological variation, confirming the interspecific hybrid origin of all morphologically putative hybrid colonies. A morphological hybrid index indicates an abundance of both F1 hybrids and parental morphotypes within colonies. Individual character frequencies plotted against distance show coincident and concordant clines, suggesting little to no introgression. The structure of the hybrid zone is two-fold. Within the western region, stark reversals in character frequencies coincide with overt soil differences, indicating a mosaic hybrid zone structure. The eastern region is a riparian habitat where four adjacent populations were composed entirely of hybrid colonies. These habitat associations suggest that hybrid worker genomes permit dispersal into intermediate environments that select against one or both parental species. The present study suggests that, in addition to retaining reproductive compatibility, ecologically distinct species of ants may generate hybrid colonies maintained by environmental selection. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 95, 320–336.
Scalable framework for emergency response Decision Support Systems

While responding to a disaster, emergency responders and managers make critical decisions based on limited available information. These decisions are critical for public safety and disaster recovery operation. There are many Decision Support Systems (DSS) available to assist the emergency responder community. Most current systems rely on continued availability of basic infrastructure such as electricity and communication networks, they may not be able to support emergency operations if there is loss of power and/or communication infrastructure. This paper considers a generalized scalable computing framework for Emergency Response DSS (ERDSS) designed to support emergency response operations even if a disaster causes disruptions to the power and communication infrastructure. It should operate at multiple scales of power consumption, network connectivity/bandwidth and computing resources. This framework would support (1.) a large computing system for emergency response planning (2.) laptop/tablet computers for on-site response management and (3.) handheld/ wearable device used in the field by the emergency responders. This framework will provide a unified, user-interface across different devices with the ability to optimize the use of available energy, computing capacity and communication resources to support the users.
Smodels with CLP and Its Applications: A Simple and Effective Approach to Aggregates in ASP

In this work we propose a semantically well-founded extension of Answer Set Programming (ASP) with aggregates, which relies on the integration between answer set solvers and constraint logic programming systems. The resulting system is efficient, flexible, and supports form of aggregation more general than those previously proposed in the literature. The system is developed as an instance of a general framework for the embedding of arbitrary constraint theories within ASP.
Simplified inverse Fourier transform technique to determine second-order optical nonlinearity profiles using a reference sample

A new technique to uniquely determine the nonlinearity profile of nonlinear thin films using a known reference sample is demonstrated. This method is simpler, faster, and experimentally easier to implement than earlier techniques.
Neutron-scattering study of magnetic excitations in (VO ) 2 P 2 O 7

We report results from inelastic neutron-scattering experiments on powder samples of vanadyl pyrophosphate, (VO){sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7} (VOPO). We see evidence for three magnetic excitations, at 3.5, 6.0, and 14 meV. The 3.5 meV mode peaks at Q=0.8 {Angstrom}{sup {minus}1} and is consistent with the one-magnon gap mode reported previously. The 6.0 meV mode is inconsistent with expectations for magnetic excitations in the usual spin-ladder model. Our results imply that VOPO must be described by a different magnetic Hamiltonian than the simple Heisenberg antiferromagnetic spin ladder. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Weight gain and lipid–glucose profiles among patients taking antipsychotic medications: comparisons for prescriptions administered using algorithms versus usual care

Accessible summary • Metabolic disturbances, especially weight gain, are associated with the use of many psychotropic drugs. • Algorithms assist healthcare practitioners with decisions regarding appropriate medication treatment choices. • The use of evidence-based practice guidelines has a positive effect on weight and triglycerides, and cholesterol. Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if treatment strategy had a significant effect on the occurrence of physiological changes consistent with metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes in patients using atypical antipsychotic medications. The four variables assessed were: weight gain, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol. The two strategies compared were (1) evidence-based practice, derived from the Texas Medication Algorithm Project, and (2) practitioner preference. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with a chronic psychiatric disorder being treated with atypical antipsychotics. The dates of the reviewed records were from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. The sample of patients totaled 113. Statistical analysis included logistic regression for each of the four variables assessed. The use of evidence-based practice guidelines was found to have strong positive effects on two of the four variables assessed. Further studies need to be conducted to include medications being taken to lower lipids and blood sugar. Overall, the use of evidence-based practice guidelines has a positive effect on weight, triglycerides and cholesterol. It is important that patients be closely monitored and changes made in a timely manner to minimize adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics.
A relation between crack surface displacements and the strain energy release rate

The relationship between the strain energy release rate, G, and the displacements of the surfaces of an extending crack in an elastic, tensile member is examined. It is shown that G can be expressed in terms of the volume of the deformed crack provided that any stresses applied to crack surfaces are uniform. This form is especially useful for superposition applications as it depends linearly on displacements. The strain energy release rate is calculated from crack volumes for a crack in an infinite sheet and for two cases of a crack in an infinite solid: (a) a penny-shaped crack subjected to internal pressure as well as axial stress, and (b) an elliptical crack loaded by axial stress. The importance of the shape of the propagating crack is demonstrated by the elliptical crack by considering various shapes for the propagating crack such as preferential propagation along a diameter or propagation as an ellipse of invariant shape. A discussion of the distinction between a fracture criterion based on the strain energy release rate and one based on the stress intensity factor is presented.
Prevalence of personality disorders among bulimics, nonbulimic binge eaters, and normal controls

We examined the comorbidity of bulimia and personality pathology among college women. Subjects included women (n=23) meeting DSM-III-R criteria for bulimia nervosa (bulimics), women (n=23) who reported binge eating but did not fulfill the criteria for bulimia nervosa (binge eaters), and women (n=23) who did not binge eat (normals). The subjects completed an assessment battery consisting of the Personality Disorders Examination and the SCID as well as the Beck Depression Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Index, and measures of impulsivity and self-defeating tendencies. Fourteen of 23 bulimics (61%) met criterion for a personality disorder using DSM-III-R Axis II criteria. In comparison, 3 of 23 (13%) binge eaters and 1 of 23 (4%) normal subjects received an Axis II diagnosis. Borderline and self-defeating diagnoses were the predominant personality disorders in 96% of the bulimics exhibiting clinically significant personality pathology. Bulimics also exhibited significantly more depression, impulsivity, and self-defeating behavior and lower self-esteem than binge eaters and normals. The findings are discussed within a conceptual framework that posits an interaction between personality pathology and restrained eating.
Geometrization of spin and the Weyssenhoff fluid conjecture

It is shown that the logical treatment of spinning perfect fluids occurs in a metric-torsion space-time with or without mass conservation. The Lagrangian formulation of a spin density fluid is reviewed, concentrating on the relationship between spin and torsion for metric-torsion space-times. The significance of the mass constraint is discussed, and its consequences for the variation of the Lagrangian is given. That consequence is the geometrization of spin; that is, the Weyssenhoff form relating spin and the trace-free torsion is obtained without any ad hoc assumption.
An Environmentally Enlightened Accounting

Environmental stewardship must become a primary concern if management is to adequately fulfil its societal responsibilities. Management and accounting information systems must aggressively respond to these emerging requirements in order to support adequately the associated information needs as well as to design organizational systems that motivate and facilitate desired behavior. Our purpose here is to consider a framework useful for developing environmentally enlightening management and accounting information systems that take into account alternative environmental perspectives. The framework can be used to develop prototypes representing different levels of environmental enlightenment, and as such, can provide general guidance for moving collectives and organizations toward a more environmentally responsible posture. The framework is illustrated using an example from the salmon farming industry provided in [Geogakopoulous, G., & Thomson, I., 2004. Organic salmon farming: Risk perceptions, decision heuristics and the absence of environmental accounting. In Proceedings of the Asia Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting. Singapore, July 4–7, 2004, this paper has since been published in this edition of Accounting Forum].
Effects of Polyvinyl Alcohol on Aggregate-Paste Bond Strength and the Interfacial Transition Zone

Abstract Small amounts of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were added to cement paste in an attempt to increase the aggregate-paste bond strength. Specimens consisted of ordinary Portland cement mixed with PVA/water solutions and cast against ground surfaces of limestone and granite. The aggregate-paste bond strength after curing was tested in a wet state by three-point bending. The morphology of the interfacial transition zone was observed with scanning electron microscopy, and the composition was analyzed with infrared spectroscopy. The addition of 1.4 wt% PVA based on the mass of cement increased the strength for both limestone-paste and granite-paste bonds. The strength increase was about five-fold for limestone and nearly two-fold for granite. The failure mode also changed, from pure adhesive failure without PVA to cohesive failure of the aggregate with limestone and to a mixed cohesive failure of the paste and adhesive failure with granite. The gain in bond strength with the addition of PVA seems to arise from suppression of the porous interfacial transition zone and an inhibition of calcium hydroxide nucleation on the aggregate surface.
Effects of Varying Locations for Biceps Tendon Tenotomy and Superior Labral Integrity on Shoulder Stability in a Cadaveric Concavity-Compression Model

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the location of biceps tenotomy and the integrity of the superior labrum as they relate to superior glenohumeral joint stability in a cadaveric concavity-compression model. Methods Eight cadaveric glenoid labrums were mounted individually onto a load cell with the corresponding humerus fixed to the loading arm in the hanging-arm position. All surrounding soft tissue was removed except the labrum and proximal stump of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon, simulating a biceps tenotomy. A compressive load of 22 N was applied across the glenohumeral joint. The humerus was then translated superiorly until it subluxated over the glenoid labrum. The force resisting superior translation was characterized for each of 50 cycles. Each specimen was tested under the following conditions: (1) with a 4 cm biceps stump after tenotomy, (2) with a 0 cm biceps stump, (3) after full detachment of the superior labrum, and (4) after repair of the labrum. Results Biceps tenotomy performed at the biceps-labral junction resulted in an average decrease in force required to superiorly subluxate the humeral head by 8.6% ( P = .01) when compared with leaving 4 cm of biceps stump. Resection of the entire superior labrum resulted in a future decrease to 15.2% ( P P = .82) and was not statistically different from baseline. The kinematics of the glenohumeral joint was affected by labral repair, with an earlier upslope on the force-to-displacement curve and alteration in the total energy required to cause subluxation of the humeral head noted. Conclusions In this study, location of the biceps tenotomy and integrity of the superior labrum affected glenohumeral stability during axial loading in the hanging-arm position. Repair of the labrum restored stability for superior subluxation but also changed the kinematics of the subluxation event. Clinical Relevance Preservation of superior labrum after biceps tenotomy provides increased resistive force to superior translation in a unidirectional biomechanical model.
Brightness enhancement and opponent-colors theory

Abstract An opponent-colors analysis of brightness enhancement is presented which postulates that enhancement is a manifestation of wavelength-dependent transient retinal activity in the two chromatic systems of opponent-colors theory. This transient activity occurs at those wavelengths which are perceived as unique hues. Brightness enhancement was measured as a function of wavelength, and the location of the unique hues in the spectrum was also determined. Enhancement was found to be maximal for wavelengths that were perceived as unique hues, and minimal or absent for other wavelengths.
Major Lower Extremity Amputation after Multiple Revascularizations: Was It Worth It?

Lower extremity revascularization is often described as excessively lesion-centric, with insufficient focus on the patient. We investigated patients' perspectives of multiple procedures for limb salvage that culminated in major lower extremity amputation. A prospective vascular surgery database was queried from January 2000 to December 2005 for patients who had undergone below-knee (BKA) or above-knee (AKA) amputation after failed lower extremity revascularization. Patients were surveyed via telephone by a vascular nurse regarding thoughts on undergoing multiple procedures for limb salvage, involvement in decision making, functional status (work, meal preparation, shopping, driving), use of prosthesis, and independence. The Social Security Death Index was utilized to verify patient survival. Amputations for infection were excluded. Seventy-eight patients underwent AKA or BKA after failed revascularization. Forty-six patients (59%) were alive at 5 years. Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 33 available for survey. A total of 142 lower extremity revascularizations (median = 4/patient) were performed on these patients including 94 surgical bypasses (median = 3/patient) and 48 percutaneous interventions (median = 1/patient). Eighty-five percent (28 of 33 patients) of amputees surveyed would do everything to save the leg if faced with a similar scenario, regardless of the number of procedures. Fifty-four percent (18/33) of patients actively used a prosthesis, and 91% (30/33) resided at home. In retrospect, patients are willing to undergo multiple revascularizations—percutaneous or open—to attempt limb salvage even if the eventual result is major amputation. Independence and functional status appear to be obtainable in a majority of patients. Patient-oriented outcomes are necessary to guide revascularization, whether it is by a percutaneous or open technique.
Investigation of two possible modes of action of the inert dye Aquashade® on Hydrilla

Abstract The response of the submersed plant Hydrilla verticillata (Royle) in well water solutions of the inert dye Aquashade® was measured. Growth rate was measured as increase in wet weight following two weeks in a phytotron room at 125 μE/m2/sec. It was found that plants treated with 3 ppm Aquashade® grew 30.8% ± 9.9% compared to plants without Aquashade® which grew 62.0% ± 18%. The two mechanisms of action which were investigated were shading and photodynamic action. A plot of percent growth versus concentration of Aquashade® showed an exponential decrease owing to shading. Available data indicate that the effect of shading is the major, if not exclusive, mode of action affecting the growth of hydrilla.
Lung Volume Abnormalities and its Correlation to Spirometric and Demographic Variables in Adult Asthma

Background. Presence of airflow obstruction in asthma has been based on a fixed FEV1(forced expiratory volume at 1 second)/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio abnormality. The accuracy of FEV1/FVC ratio in diagnosing airflow obstruction remains controversial. Lung volume abnormalities have been observed in severe asthma. We utilized simultaneously measured spirometry and lung volume to determine the utility of residual volume (RV)/total lung capacity (TLC) ratio in diagnosing airflow obstruction and to identify predictors of abnormal RV in asthmatic subjects. Methods. Data from physician-diagnosed asthmatics referred for lung function tests were collected retrospectively. Patient demographics and lung function data were analyzed using general linear modeling. Results. Of the 321 subjects, 221 were female (69%). The ethnicity was Caucasian in 157 (49%), Hispanic in 131 (41%), and African-American in 33 (10%). The percentage of subjects with FEV1/FVC ratio <70%, FEV1-predicted <80%, and FEF25–75% <65% were 25...
Toward a general procedure for quality improvement: the double track process.

Quality improvement efforts are the focus of lead ers in many fields. While we have emerging examples of successful efforts we have fewer presentations of the pathways to follow. This paper offers a general procedure based on a Double Track model. Two pro cedural processes are offered: (1) at the whole orga nization level, Track 1, as a strategic means to quality improvement; and (2) at the project level, Track 2, for an operational path to quality improvement work at the team level. It is suggested that successful efforts follow this Double Track effort already and that fur ther identification and elaboration of the pathway will speed diffusion of quality improvement efforts.
Developmental Changes in Expression of a 60-kDa Somatostatin Receptor Immunoreactivity in the Rat Brain

: The neuropeptide somatostatin (SRIF) exerts several important physiological actions in the adult CNS through interactions with membrane-bound receptors. SRIF expression is developmentally regulated and this regulation is most apparent in the cerebellum, where SRIF immunoreactivity is expressed at early postnatal ages and then disappears toward adulthood. The transitory nature of SRIF expression at a time of major changes in cerebellum suggests that this peptide may have a role in cerebellar development. To further investigate the role of the SRIF transmitter system during development, we have examined the levels of expression of SRIF receptors in the developing rat brain by immunoblotting using antiserum selective for a 60-kDa brain SRIF receptor. In whole rat brain, SRIF receptor immunoreactivity first appears at embryonic day 13 (E13), is elevated at E16. increases at birth, peaks at early postnatal ages, and then gradually declines with age. No apparent changes in size of the receptor occur with age. No consistent changes in levels of SRIF receptor immunoreactivity are detected from early postnatal ages to adulthood in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and striatum, but levels gradually decline in the hypothalamus. In contrast, SRIF receptor immunoreactivity is expressed transiently in cerebellum. SRIF receptor immunoreactivity is detectable in cerebellum at E16, increases in levels at birth, is apparent from postnatal day 3 to postnatal day 8, and then disappears. The transitory nature of SRIF receptor expression in cerebellum is unique and parallels the expression of SRIF immunoreactivity in this brain region. These findings support the hypothesis that SRIF has a role in cerebellar development.
GABA-noradrenergic interaction: evidence for differential sites of action for GABA-A and GABA-B receptors

Treatment of mice with DSP4 (a neurotoxin that abolishes the presynaptic noradrenergic neuron;Dooley et al., 1983) resulted in: (A) a decrease in the Bmax for the low affinity GABA-B receptor site in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, whereas the Bmax for the high affinity GABA-B receptor site was unaffected; (B) a greater potentiation of norepinephrine stimulated adenylate cyclase by baclofen in cerebral cortex slices; and (C) a decrease in the Bmax for both the high and low affinity GABA-A receptor sites in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These data, coupled with previous work from our laboratory, suggest that the GABA-B receptor may be associated with both the noradrenergic nerve terminal and the post-synaptic neuron receiving noradrenergic input, whereas the GABA-A receptor may be associated with the noradrenergic nerve terminal. These data further suggest a functional coupling between the noradrenergic and GABA-ergic systems.
Cell Culture on Artificial Capillaries: An Approach to Tissue Growth in vitro

Artificial capillaries perfused with culture medium provide a matrix in which cells can attain tissue-like densities in vitro. Products secreted into the medium can be measured as indicators of cell function or may be recovered for other purposes without disturbing the culture.
The psychometric properties of several measures of body image

Despite the recent upsurge of interest in the construct of body image, there is relatively little information on the psychometric properties of the instruments used to measure it. This study investigated the reliability and validity of several measures of body image and compared bulimics and normals on these measures. One hundred ten normal weight females, half of whom were diagnosed as bulimic, were administered two measures of affect toward one's body, two measures of perceptions of one's entire body, and three measures of perceptions of the size of specific body sites (face, shoulders, waist, and hips). In themain, the measures provided reliable indices of body image. Examination of the correlation matrix for the measures disclosed convergence for the affective measures of body image and for all but one of the perceptual measures of body image. There was also significant covariation between the affective and the perceptual measures. The multitrait-multimethod technique was used to investigate the construct validity of the measures concerned with perceptions of the size of body sites. The multitrait-multimethod matrices disclosed substantial convergence between perceptions of face, shoulder, waist, and hip size across the three measures. However, the measure which used kinesthetic estimates of body-site size produced low reliabilities and all three of the measures showed substantial method variance. Bulimics and normals differed significantly on both the affective and the perceptual components of body image.
Comparison of a Liquid Supplement of Nonprotein Nitrogen with Urea and Soybean Meal for Lactating Cows

Abstract Eighteen Holstein cows were allotted to three pens for a 3×3 Latin square design (3 weeks per period). In addition to corn silage and pelleted concentrate, each cow received daily 0.9kg of soybean meal, or 0.9kg or 1.8kg of liquid supplement which was 50% crude protein, all from nonprotein nitrogen. Cows receiving 1.8kg liquid supplement yielded less milk (P
Temperature Nonuniformity in a Porous Disk Burner

Abstract An analysis of the temperature distribution in a porous disk burner indicates that the reactants exiting the disk and entering the preparation zone have substantial variation in temperature. Information is presented which allows the user of such a burner to estimate the difference in temperature between the central and peripheral streamlines as a function of reactant velocity, and thermal and geometric parameters.
Comparison of pharmacy students' perceived and actual knowledge using the Pharmacy Curricular Outcomes Assessment.

Objective. To determine whether a correlation exists between third-year PharmD students’ perceived pharmacy knowledge and actual pharmacy knowledge as assessed by the Pharmacy Curricular Outcomes A...
Socioeconomic and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular risk in the United States, 2001-2006.

Purpose To quantify socioeconomic status and ethnic differences in risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) accrued from major risk factors in the United States. Methods Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2006. Outcomes examined were (a) 10-year risk for CHD events as predicted by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III 2004 Updated Guidelines; and (b) the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and overt diabetes mellitus (a CHD risk-equivalent). Results Strong inverse socioeconomic gradients with risk were present in all race/ethnicity groups except foreign-born Mexican American men, and were attenuated by controls for physical activity, smoking, and abdominal obesity. In contrast, race/ethnicity disparities were seen in some but not all socioeconomic strata, with some non-Hispanic Blacks and US-born Mexican Americans having higher risk and some foreign-born Mexican Americans having lower risk. Conclusions Disparities in cardiovascular risk in the United States are primarily related to socioeconomic status and less to race/ethnicity. Socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals should be targeted for lifestyle counseling and early screening for risk factors, regardless of race/ethnicity, to reduce social disparities in cardiovascular outcomes.
Investigating the impact of pedagogical agent gender matching and learner choice on learning outcomes and perceptions

The similarity attraction hypothesis posits that humans are drawn toward others who behave and appear similar to themselves. Two experiments examined this hypothesis with middle-school students learning electrical circuit analysis in a computer-based environment with an Animated Pedagogical Agent (APA). Experiment 1 was designed to determine whether matching the gender of the APA to the student has a positive impact on learning outcomes or student perceptions. One hundred ninety-seven middle-school students learned with the computer-based environment using an APA that matched their gender or one which was opposite in gender. Female students reported higher program ratings when the APA matched their gender. Male students, on the other hand, reported higher program ratings than females when the APA did not match their gender. Experiment 2 systematically tested the impact of providing learners the choice among four APAs on learning outcomes and student perceptions. Three hundred thirty-four middle-school students received either a pre-assigned random APA or were free to choose from four APA options: young male agent, older male agent, young female agent, or older female agent. Learners had higher far transfer scores when provided a choice of animated agent, but student perceptions were not impacted by having the ability to make this choice. We suggest that offering students learner control positively impacts student motivation and learning by increasing student perceptions of autonomy, responsibility for the success of the instructional materials, and global satisfaction with the design of materials. Highlights? Two experiments investigated animated pedagogical agent gender matching and choice. ? Middle-school students select agents of their own gender and approximate age. ? Matching gender impacts student perceptions, but not learning outcomes. ? Allowing learner choice among agents positively impacts far transfer problem solving. ? Choice represents learner control, increasing perceived autonomy and learner motivation.
Computational and biochemical docking of the irreversible cocaine analog RTI 82 directly demonstrates ligand positioning in the dopamine transporter central substrate-binding site.

The dopamine transporter (DAT) functions as a key regulator of dopaminergic neurotransmission via re-uptake of synaptic dopamine (DA). Cocaine binding to DAT blocks this activity and elevates extracellular DA, leading to psychomotor stimulation and addiction, but the mechanisms by which cocaine interacts with DAT and inhibits transport remain incompletely understood. Here, we addressed these questions using computational and biochemical methodologies to localize the binding and adduction sites of the photoactivatable irreversible cocaine analog 3β-(p-chlorophenyl)tropane-2β-carboxylic acid, 4′-azido-3′-iodophenylethyl ester ([125I]RTI 82). Comparative modeling and small molecule docking indicated that the tropane pharmacophore of RTI 82 was positioned in the central DA active site with an orientation that juxtaposed the aryliodoazide group for cross-linking to rat DAT Phe-319. This prediction was verified by focused methionine substitution of residues flanking this site followed by cyanogen bromide mapping of the [125I]RTI 82-labeled mutants and by the substituted cysteine accessibility method protection analyses. These findings provide positive functional evidence linking tropane pharmacophore interaction with the core substrate-binding site and support a competitive mechanism for transport inhibition. This synergistic application of computational and biochemical methodologies overcomes many uncertainties inherent in other approaches and furnishes a schematic framework for elucidating the ligand-protein interactions of other classes of DA transport inhibitors.
Intuition, No! …Quasirationality, Yes!

The miracles of intuitive judgment have long been celebrated, and they are no doubt there and worth celebrating, but our commitment to science requires us to unmask those miracles and bring them under examination. Our first task is to apply our knowledge to the development of cognitive skill in our species so that we can improve our political skill and thus reduce the yearly millions of deaths due to lack of that skill. Replacing reliance on “intuition” by turning to “quasirationality” can be our first step in that direction. This article indicates and explains how that step can be taken and describes some applications of the basic concepts that make it possible.
Inhibitory effects of TYB 3823, a new antiarrhythmic agent, on mechanical responses in the vascular smooth muscles.

Abstract 1. 1. TYB 3823 (3 × 10 −5 M to 10 −3 M) but not lidocaine (10 −4 M) inhibited the contractile response to norepinephrine in rabbit aorta in a competitive manner. On the other hand, TYB 3823 had no effect on contractile responses to histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, high KCl and Ca 2+ . 2. 2. In rabbit aorta, TYB 3823 (10 −5 M and 10 −4 M) but not lidocaine (10 −4 M) also antagonized the ouabain-induced contraction and this action was less potent than that of phentolamine (10 −6 M). 3. 3. In rabbit coronary arteries precontracted with KCl (40 mM), either TYB 3823 or lidocaine inhibited the isoproterenol-induced relaxation to the same levels. Propranolol at 10 −8 M shifted the relaxation curve for isoproterenol to the right and at 10 −6 M it almost completely prevented the relaxation. Further, the effect of a combined treatment with propranolol (10 −8 M) and TYB 3823 (3 × 10 −5 M) was not different from that of a single treatment with propranolol (10 −8 M). 4. 4. In rabbit iliac arteries, TYB 3823 (3 × 10 −5 M and 10 −4 M) but not lidocaine (10 −4 M) suppressed the contractile response to caffeine in a Ca 2+ -free medium with EGTA and nifedipine. Nitroglycerin (10 −4 M) also inhibited the response but this action was less potent than that of TYB 3823. The combined treatment of the tissue with TYB 3823 and nitroglycerin (both 10 −4 M) further inhibited the responses to caffeine as compared to a single treatment with each drug. 5. 5. These results suggested that TYB 3823 may interfere with the responses due to the mobilization of intracellular Ca 2+ activated by caffeine and also has both α- and β-adrenoceptor blocking actions on the vascular smooth muscles.
Interaction of predation and intraspecific aggression in bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus.

Several parameters of predatory and aggressive behaviors were measured in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) as a function of the social condition of the fish. Subjects were observed as 1) isolated individuals, 2) maintained pairs with complete dominance but no prior residency, and 3) temporary pairs equivalent to a resident-intruder relationship. Aggressive interactions weer also recorded during feeding sessions and during non-feeding control periods. An almost complete inhibition of feeding occurred for intruders in the temporary pairs with little or no deficit seen for submissive fish in the maintained pairs when compared to individual controls. No predatory differences were found among the dominant fish of the three groups. Aggressive behavior showed little reliable change between types of session, although all forms of aggression were much higher in the temporary pairs than in maintained pairs. In a second experiment, performed to determine the effects of the transfer procedure independent of social interaction, fish were transferred from their home tank to either an empty tank or one containing a resident conspecific. A significant decrement in predatory behavior occurred when compared to measurements taken in the home tank only when subjects were transferred to aquaria containing resident fish. The data indicated that the behavioral suppression seen in intruding subjects was due entirely to an inability to respond to both prey and aggression with the latter taking precedence. No evidence was obtained to indicate any form of motivational interdependence between the behaviors studied.
Primary aldosteronism: results of adrenalectomy for nonsingle adenoma.

Background Historically, treatment of confirmed primary aldosteronism has been adrenalectomy for unilateral adenoma; bilateral hypersecretion is treated medically. Increasingly, we use adrenal venous sampling (AVS) to define unilateral hypersecretion. Histology of glands resected based on AVS often reveals multiple nodules or hyperplasia. The aim of this study was to compare patients with multiple nodules or hyperplasia with those with single adenoma with regard to cure, preoperative imaging, AVS ratio, and biochemical evaluation to determine if a nonsingle adenoma (NSA) process could be predicted to impact extent of adrenalectomy. Study Design This was a retrospective study reviewing a single-institutional surgical experience at a tertiary academic center from 1993 to 2008, during which 215 patients with primary aldosteronism underwent unilateral adrenalectomy based on imaging of a single adenoma (normal contralateral gland) or AVS ratios. Histology included single adenoma versus NSA; cure was defined as normal immediate postoperative plasma or urine aldosterone level, normal aldosterone:renin ratio, or normotension without antihypertensive medications. Results Follow-up (mean 13 months, range 0 to 185 months) was available for 167 patients: 132 (79%) single adenoma and 35 (21%) NSA. All 35 patients with NSA and 128 patients (97%) with single adenoma were cured. Imaging studies correctly predicted NSA in 29% and 57% when combined with AVS. Identifying patients with NSA preoperatively was impossible biochemically: mean serum and urinary aldosterone levels and AVS ratios were not different than those of the single adenoma group. Conclusions Twenty-one percent of patients had NSA, all cured by unilateral adrenalectomy. No preoperative evaluation reliably predicted NSA. Therefore, total unilateral adrenalectomy was safest given the potential for incomplete resection with partial adrenalectomy. Accurate AVS is highly predictive of cure irrespective of the unilateral adrenal histology.
Pressure Measurements in Endotracheal Cuffs: A Common Error

The conventional method of measuring cuff pressures from endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes by injecting air from a syringe via a three-way stopcock into the cuff, then allowing equilibration with a manometer gives false low pressure measurements because of the dead space of the tube and manometer system. The correct way to measure intracuff pressures is with a four-way stopcock which fills the balloon and measures pressure simultaneously.
Standardization of electrosurgical lesions

An attempt to control the depth of tissue necrosis in the canine stomach by controlling amperage and application times of electrosurgical currents was made. Significant but minor correlations were found between current and lesion diameters and coagulation depth.
Hyponatremia in critically ill neurological patients.

BackgroundHyponatremia is the most common and important electrolyte disorder encountered in the neurologic intensive care unit (NICU). Advances in our knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms at play in patients with acute neurologic disease have improved our understanding of this derangement.
Creation of a volume lesion in the dog prostate using neodymium: YAG laser coagulation: Concepts for clinical treatment

Background and Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the geometrical development of a coagulated zone in the canine prostate during free beam side fire Nd: YAG laser coagulation. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A series of 10 male dogs underwent endoscopic prostatic Nd: YAG fixed position laser coagulation through a suprapubic cystotomy using a right-angle deflecting delivery catheter (Microvasive, Boston, MA) at times varying from 10 to 120 seconds at 30 watts. In addition, two dogs underwent lasing by pulling the catheter at 1 mm/s in four quadrants. Acute gross and microscopic pathology specimens were prepared and the lesion shape and volume determined. Results: Analysis of the coagulated volume showed that during the initial 15 seconds of lasing, the zone of coagulation approximates a sphere centered on the urothelium opposite the laser fiber. However, as lasing progressed, the lesion changed from a sphere to an expanding ellipse. This changing geometry can be explained by the absorption and scatter characteristics of the laser and the temperature equilibrium that is established within the prostate. Conclusion: An understanding of this time-dependent geometrical shift from a sphere to an ellipse allows the surgeon to supplement the fixed protocols for lasing at certain positions for given amounts of time. Specific plans can then be established for tissue at the bladder neck, apex, anterior stroma, floor, and irregular prostatic regrowth. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Advances in 4D radiation therapy for managing respiration: part I - 4D imaging.

Techniques for managing respiration during imaging and planning of radiation therapy are reviewed, concentrating on free-breathing (4D) approaches. First, we focus on detailing the historical development and basic operational principles of currently-available “first generation” 4D imaging modalities: 4D computed tomography, 4D cone beam computed tomography, 4D magnetic resonance imaging, and 4D positron emission tomography. Features and limitations of these first generation systems are described, including necessity of breathing surrogates for 4D image reconstruction, assumptions made in acquisition and reconstruction about the breathing pattern, and commonly-observed artifacts. Both established and developmental methods to deal with these limitations are detailed. Finally, strategies to construct 4D targets and images and, alternatively, to compress 4D information into static targets and images for radiation therapy planning are described.
Dynamic model for the wheel–rail contact friction

Accurately estimating the coefficient of friction (CoF) is essential in modelling railroad dynamics, reducing maintenance costs, and increasing safety in rail operations. The typical assumption of a constant CoF is widely used in theoretical studies; however, it has been noticed that the CoF is not constant, but rather depends on various dynamic parameters and instantaneous conditions. In this paper, we present a newly developed three-dimensional nonlinear CoF model for the dry rail condition and test the CoF variation using this model with estimated dynamic parameters. The wheel–rail is modelled as a mass–spring–damper system to simulate the basic wheel–rail dynamics. Although relatively simple, this model is considered sufficient for the purpose of this study. Simulations are performed at a train speed of 20 m/s using rail roughness as an excitation source. The model captures the CoF extremes and illustrates its nonlinear behaviour and instantaneous dependence on several structural and dynamic parameters.
Research Methods in Personality Five Years After Carlson's Survey

This study examined the degree to which research published in 1973 avoided the methdological and ethical problems found by Carlson in 1968. Findings are reported on 304 individual studies published in the 1973 volumes of Journal of Personality and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Contrary to expectation, research published in 1973 as compared with that from 1968 (a) included less information on sex differences, (b) focused as heavily on undergraduate samples, (c) used fewer interactionist designs, (d) employed more one-shot sessions, and (e) involved as much deception. The one area of improvement is that increases in the incidence of debriefing were observed. Differences in findings between the two journals are delineated, and suggestions for improving research procedures are outlined.
The Surgical Treatment of Pectus Excavatum in Children

Although pectus excavatum is the most common malformation of the anterior wall of a child's thorax, today the causes that determine the appearance of this malformation are not known. The surgical management of this malformation has changed in the past five years due to the appearance on a large scale of the minimally invasive procedure proposed by Nuss. Our five-year multicenter study compared a group of 100 patients treated with two surgical procedures, Ravitch and Nuss, analyzing the duration of the intervention, the age at which the intervention took place, blood loss, epidural analgesic necessity, complications, and their management.
Comparative modeling of TNFRSF25 (DR3) predicts receptor destabilization by a mutation linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract We constructed a three-dimensional model of TNFRSF25 (death receptor-3; DR3), a tumor necrosis-receptor family member that is expressed on immune cells and on osteoblasts, to determine whether mutations that are linked to rheumatoid arthritis are likely to have effects on receptor function. Since the crystal structure of DR3 is not known, comparative modeling was used, aligning structural elements of the primary sequences of DR3 with TNFs which have been determined by crystallography, substituting the amino acids of the target protein for those in the known structure, introducing necessary deletions or insertions, followed by energy minimization to yield a putative structure. This approach has been validated by studies of other TNF-family receptors. The results show that the DR3 extracellular domain is comprised of four homologous cysteine-rich domains (CRDs), and that a mutation linked to rheumatoid arthritis is in a region critical for structural integrity of ligand–receptor complexes at the end of CRD3. Specifically, the D158G mutation eliminates two hydrogen bonds normally present in a N/D-T-V/D-C consensus motif typically found flanking the last cysteine of each CRD. This may cause aberrations in either T cell function or in response of bone cells to DR3 ligands, which may contribute to pathology in rheumatoid arthritis. Comparison of RA mutants to mutants in other TNFRSF receptors shows that these occur in homologous positions in CRDs, so that this site is proposed to be a ‘hot spot’ for mutations in TNFRSF family proteins.
Duration of attention: The perceptual deprivation effect

College students viewed 18-sided randomly generated polygons. They were told to attend to each form until they “finished looking at it.” Before each stimulus presentation, 2, 16, 30, or 44 sec of perceptual deprivation was administered. The results indicated that there was a direct relationship between the duration of perceptual deprivation and the duration of attention. The results were interpreted in terms of the deprivation establishing a need for stimulation that is satisfied by attending.
Models for Hydrologic Design of Evapotranspiration Landfill Covers

The technology used in landfill covers is changing, and an alternative cover called the evapotranspiration (ET) landfill cover is coming into use. Important design requirements are prescribed by Federal rules and regulations for conventional landfill covers but not for ET landfill covers. There is no accepted hydrologic model for ET landfill cover design. This paper describes ET cover requirements and design issues, and assesses the accuracy of the EPIC and HELP hydrologic models when used for hydrologic design of ET covers. We tested the models against high-quality field measurements available from lysimeters maintained by the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Coshocton, Ohio, and Bushland, Texas. The HELP model produced substantial errors in estimating hydrologic variables. The EPIC model estimated ET and deep percolation with errors less than 7% and 5%, respectively, and accurately matched extreme events with an error of less than 2% of precipitation. The EPIC model is suitable for use in hydrologic design of ET landfill covers.
Electronic Properties and Mid-Infrared Transitions in Self-Assembled Quantum Dots

We present a detailed model of the electronic properties of single and vertically aligned self-assembled pyramidal InAs/GaAs quantum dots (SADs) which is based on the self-consistent solution of three-dimensional (3D) Poisson and Schroedinger equations within the local (spin) density approximation. Nonparabolicity of the band structure and a continuum model for strain between GaAs and InAs results in position and energy dependent effective mass. In single SADs, shell structures obeying Hund's rule for various occupation numbers in the pyramids agree well with recent capacitance measurements. The electronic spectra of SADs of various shapes have been determined with intraband level transitions and mid-infrared optical matrix elements. In the case of two vertically aligned pyramidal SADs, we show that quantum mechanical coupling alone between identical dots underestimates the magnitude of the coupling between the dots, which in large part is due to piezoelectricity and size difference between SADs.