cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase separation and fractal domain formation in phospholipid/diacetylene- supported lipid bilayers

Phase separation in lipid bilayers is a phenomenon dependent on many environmental parameters such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, and pressure. Its importance in biological systems is reflected by the fact that it has been implicated in the spatial reorganization of plasma membranes, which leads to signaling and stimulation. Here, we present the study of phase separation, domain formation, and domain morphology of supported lipid bilayers composed of mixtures of diacetylene lipids and phospholipids. We have used high-resolution fluorescence and atomic force microscopy to characterize the phase separation between these lipids, and have found that at temperatures below 40 degrees C diacetylene molecules form fractal-like domains. These molecules aggregate in tetralayer stacks with an average monolayer thickness of 3 nm. Boundary and area fractal dimensions were calculated to quantify the domain growth and morphology. A transition from dendritic to dense branching growth was observed as the relative diacetylene concentration was increased. The ability to tailor the growth pattern by changing the relative amount of diacetylene molecules makes this a useful model system for the study of nonequilibrium growth phenomena. In addition, we have explored the possibility of promoting diacetylene domain nucleation through the use of nanostructured surfaces. We found that nanoscale perturbations acted as nucleation sites and modified the growth pattern of diacetylene domains. Phase separation induced by nanometer-scale perturbations could prove useful in selectively positioning lipid patches with specific compositions.
A modification of the Roe procedure for determination of fructose in tissues with increased specificity.

Abstract A new modification of the procedure of Roe for determination of fructose concentrations in tissues is described. The modification shows no reaction with glucose or glucose phosphates. Tissues are homogenized in dilute perchloric acid, filtered, and reacted with alcoholic resorcinol and 30% HCl for 1 hr at 80°C. As little as 0.33 μg/ml of fructose may be reliably determined. Fructose phosphates react in this test but to a lesser extent than pure fructose.
Synaptic structure and function: Dynamic organization yields architectural precision

Marie E. Burns and George J. Augustine Department of Neurobiology Duke University Medical Center Durham. North Carolina 27710 The power of the brain is based upon the extraordinary abilities of nerve cells to communicate with each other at specialized intercellular junctions called synapses. As other papers in this issue of Ce// discuss (see Garrity and Zipursky, 1995; Keynes and Cook, 1995), other forms of interneuronal communication also occur, especially dur- ing neuronal development. Here we focus on the commu- nication taking place at the most prominent type of syn- apse, the “chemical” synapse. At such synapses, signal transmission is mediated by neurotransmitters that are rapidly secreted, from the presynaptic neuron onto the postsynaptic neuron, in response to a presynaptic action potential. Synaptic transmission requires elaborate struc- tural specializations in both presynaptic and postsynaptic cells, as well as precise spatial alignment between the structures on the two sides of the synapse. In addition, because transmission at synapses is highly modifiable, the architecture of synapses must also be very dynamic. This review is intended as a guide to the well-appreciated structural organization of chemical synapses and attempts to relate the structure of synapses to their function as sites of neuronal communication. Essential Structures of Synapses Each of the billions of synapses in a mammalian brain has the same general task: to release and detect neurotrans- mitters. Thus, although there is a broad spectrum of syn- apses, all share certain fundamental structural features that are responsible for conserved functions. We begin with a brief survey of these general architectural features. For a more comprehensive overview of this subject. see Heuser and Reese (1977). Presynaptic Structure The terminals of presynaptic neurons all need to synthe- size and store neurotransmitters and then secrete these transmitters in a regulated manner. Except for rare exam- ples of nonvesicular transmitter release (Attwell et al., 1993), neurotransmitters are stored within membrane- bound organelles called synaptic vesicles. A typical pre- synaptic terminal may contain a few hundred synapticves- icles, though this number varies widely among synapses (Harris and Kater, 1994) and, as discussed below, changes dynamically while the synapse is active. Synaptic vesicle size varies, largely depending upon the type of neurotransmitter contained within the vesicles. Generally, vesicles containing fast-acting neurotransmitters are ap- proximately 50 nm in diameter and appear to have clear centers when viewed with an electron microscope. A sec- ond classof synapticvesicles, which contain slower-acting transmitters and proteinaceous material, are usually larger in diameter (up to several hundred nanometers) and have an electron-dense core.
The Use of Rental Housing Assistance by Immigrants in the United States and New York City

Abstract The large influx of immigrants to the United States and New York City from poorer countries has sparked considerable debate as to whether immigrants are becoming a “public charge” to American society. Most arguments have centered around immigrants’ use of cash assistance programs. This article compares immigrants’ receipt of rental housing assistance with that of native‐born Americans. Bivariate analyses reveal that immigrants, as a group, are no more likely than native‐born households to use any form of rental housing assistance. Indeed, in most instances immigrants are less likely than native‐born households to receive assistance, with two exceptions: immigrants who have been in the United States since 1970 and immigrants from the former Soviet Union in New York City. Multivariate analyses reveal similar results, except that immigrants who have been in the United States since 1970 are no more likely than other immigrants to receive housing assistance when we control for other factors.
Length dependence of Ca2+ sensitivity of tension in mouse cardiac myocytes expressing skeletal troponin C.

1. Beat-to-beat performance of myocardium is highly dependent on sarcomere length. The physiological basis for this effect is not well understood but presumably includes alterations in the extent of overlap between thick and thin filaments. Sarcomere length dependence of activation also appears to be involved since length-tension relationships in cardiac muscle are usually steeper than those in skeletal muscle. 2. An explanation recently proposed to account for the difference between length-tension relationships is that the cardiac isoform of troponin C (cTnC) has intrinsic properties that confer greater length-dependent changes in the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension than does skeletal troponin C (sTnC), presumably due to greater length-dependent changes in the Ca(2+)-binding affinity of cTnC. To test this hypothesis, transgenic mice were developed in which fast sTnC was expressed ectopically in the heart. This allowed a comparison of the length dependence of the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension between myocytes having thin filaments that contained either endogenous cTnC or primarily sTnC. 3. In myocytes from both transgenic and normal mice, the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension increased similarly when mean sarcomere length was increased from approximately 1.83 to 2.23 microns. In both cases, the mid-point (pCa50) of the tension-pCa (i.e. -log[Ca2+]) relationship shifted 0.12 +/- 0.01 pCa units (mean +/- S.E.M.) in the direction of lower Ca2+. 4. We conclude that the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension in myocytes changes as a function of sarcomere length but is independent of the isoform of troponin C present in the thin filaments.
Linear electronic dispersion and Finite-Difference Time-Domain calculations: a simple approach2

The Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) treatment of electromagnetic pulse propagation holds much promise for the complete numerical description of integrated optical device behavior where reflections and/or coherent effects are important. The recent application of FDTD to problems in integrated optics3 has indicated that electronic dispersion must be included to treat realistically the broadband behavior of integrated optical devices. The inclusion of material dispersion (electronic or magnetic) in FDTD calculations has historically been quite limited. The first formulation of broadband dispersion in FDTD was presented in a pioneering paper by Luebbers et. al.4 who demonstrated that if the electronic susceptibility was expanded as a series of exponentials that the treatment of dispersion could be reduced to a recursive update. The incorporation of this update, however, requires a substantial rewriting of the standard electric field update equations. More recently, Lee et. al.5 and Joseph et. al.6 demonstrated a different formulation to the linear problem in which they solve explicitly the equation of motion for the polarizability using finite- differencing. Goorjian and Taflove7 have extended this alternative formulation to nonlinear optical propagation. In this paper we follow the general approach of Luebbers et. al. but exploit a simple causality argument that enables us to write dispersion as a simple recursive additive term in the common electric field update equations. This is of particular interest since it will enable the treatment of dispersion in a large number of existing FDTD design codes with minimal computational modification. We then demonstrate the accuracy of our formulation by simulating the reflection of a broadband pulse from an air-water interface.
The muscular axillary arch: an anatomic study and clinical considerations.

OBJECTIVE: The muscular axillary arch is a musculotendinous structure that arises from the latissimus dorsi muscle and crosses the axilla before inserting to the humerus, brachial fascia, or coracoid process. Case reports have described the neurovascular compression symptoms caused by this anatomic variant and have reported that the symptoms can be relieved by division of the muscle. However, there has been little information published regarding this topic in the neurosurgical literature. METHODS: We evaluated 70 axillary dissections in 35 cadavers to assess for the presence of this anomaly. RESULTS: The muscular axillary arch was identified unilaterally in 3 (8.6%) of the 35 cadavers. All 3 arches arose from the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi muscle and inserted at a point along a line extending from the coracoid process to the intertubercular groove deep to the insertion of the pectoralis major muscle. All 3 arches crossed over the neurovascular bundle in the axilla. CONCLUSION: Compression by the muscular axillary arch should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with thoracic outlet and hyperabduction syndromes.
Certified Health Education Specialists' Participation in Professional Associations: Implications for Marketing and Membership.

Abstract A number of health education professional associations exist to advance the profession through research, practice, and professional development. Benefits of individual membership may include continuing education, networking, leadership, professional recognition, advocacy, professional mobility, access to research findings, advances in the profession, service opportunities, and the ability to help shape the future direction of the profession. The purpose of this study was to analyze membership and involvement in professional associations and identify implications for marketing and sustained membership. The study sample was randomly selected from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. database. The sampling frame was certified health education specialists living in the United States. Statistical analysis was delimited to respondents who were currently employed. Data were collected using an 88-item self-administered questionnaire. No dominant professional association exists...
Promiscuous 8-Alkoxyadenosines in the Guide Strand of an SiRNA: Modulation of Silencing Efficacy and Off-Pathway Protein Binding

8-Alkoxyadenosines have the potential to exist in anti or syn conformations around the glycosidic bond when paired opposite to U or G in the complementary strands, thereby placing the sterically demanding 8-alkoxy groups in the major or minor groove, respectively, of duplex RNA. These modified bases were used as “base switches” in the guide strands of an siRNA to prevent off-pathway protein binding during delivery via placement of the alkoxy group in the minor groove, while maintaining significant RNAi efficacy by orienting the alkoxy group in the major groove. 8-Alkoxyadenosine phosphoramidites were synthesized and incorporated into the guide strand of caspase 2 siRNA at four different positions: two in the seed region, one at the cleavage junction, and another nearer to the 3′-end of the guide strand. Thermal stabilities of the corresponding siRNA duplexes showed that U is preferred over G as the base-pairing partner in the complementary strand. When compared to the unmodified positive control siRNAs, s...
Synthesis of single- and double-stranded cucumber mosaic virus RNAs in tobacco mesophyll protoplasts.

Five major RNAs were isolated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis from purified virions of the yellow strain of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-Y), although the smallest RNA (RNA 5) was not detectable in RNAs of the ordinary strain of CMV (CMV-O). Synthesis of CMV-specific RNAs was investigated using tobacco mesophyll protoplasts inoculated with CMV in vitro . Incorporation of [ 3 H]uracil into RNAs was analyzed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. A combination of actinomycin D treatment and ultraviolet irradiation to protoplasts showed a marked inhibiting effect on host RNA synthesis, but little on viral RNA synthesis. Replication of the five major RNAs of CMV-Y occurred in the protoplasts, although RNAs 1 and 2 could not be resolved; RNAs 3 and 5 were especially predominant. In the case of CMV-O, RNA 5 was not synthesized in vivo . The infectivity of RNA extracted from CMV-infected tobacco protoplasts was detectable within 6 hr after inoculation, and reached its maximum at 18 hr; it then decreased rather sharply. The rate of viral RNA synthesis was highest at 12 to 18 hr after inoculation, and after that it gradually slowed. Double-stranded RNAs were also isolated from the infected protoplasts. Existence of five pairs of replicative form (RF) and replicative intermediate (RI) RNAs corresponding to the respective single-stranded CMV RNAs was assumed by examining their chromatographic behavior on a cellulose column, solubility in 1 M NaCl and susceptibility to ribonuclease treatment. The smallest RI, 5, was eluted from the cellulose column together with single-stranded RNAs with a buffer containing 15% ethanol. Much larger amounts of RF 3 and 5 were detected as compared with the other RF species, and the electrophoretic pattern of the RFs was very similar to that of single-stranded CMV RNAs syntheiszed in vivo except for the slower electrophoretic mobilities of the RFs.
Amplification of Burst Mode Picosecond Pulses to High Peak Powers in Chirally Coupled Core (3C) Fibers

We demonstrate 3C fiber amplification of bursts of up to ten variable duration (50-500ps) and frequency pulses. 300kW peak power pulses with 160μJ, 50ps burst energy were achieved at 32W average power and M2~1.1.
Kinetic studies on the decomposition of trans-dichlorotetramminecobalt(III) bisulfate

Abstract The decomposition of trans -[Co(NH 3 ) 4 )Cl 2 ]HSO 4 has been studied using TG. The first step in the decomposition involves the loss of NH 3 while the second step appears to involve the loss of NH 3 and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 . The final products appear to be CoCl 2 and CoSO 4 . Kinetic parameters have been determined for these reactions and the mechanisms have been elucidated.
QUANTUM OPTICS IN NMR SPECTROSCOPY

A circularly polarised laser is shown to produce a static magnetic field, Bπ, in its axis of propagation. The field Bπ is expressed in quantum optical form and is shown to interact with a nuclear dipole moment to produce a real interaction energy which produces a frequency shift in a standard NMR spectrum. The observed shift is two orders of magnitude smaller than that predicted with a classical Bπ. This is explained qualitatively using the fact that the classical Bπ produces an interaction energy which is the upper bound of the energy produced by the quantised . The quantum field in NMR appears to behave quite differently, therefore, from its classical counterpart.
Point mutations in glycoprotein gene of vesicular stomatitis virus (New Jersey serotype) selected by resistance to neutralization by epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract Antigenic variants of the New Jersey serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-NJ) were isolated and cloned by selecting virus plaques resistant to neutralization by high-titered monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed to glycoprotein (G) epitopes V, VI, VII, or VIII. The G proteins of each neutralization-resistant virus variant also exhibited markedly reduced antigenic reactivity with each corresponding epitope-specific MAb as determined by enzyme-linked immuno-absorbent assay and by Western blot analysis. Loss of antigenic reactivity of certain mutant G proteins to a MAb other than the one used to select the mutant virus suggested close antigenic proximity, particularly for epitopes VI and VII. The virion RNAs coding for the entire G gene of the wild-type virus and 10 MAb-induced mutants were sequenced by primer DNA extension using the dideoxy method. Each mutant G gene exhibited only a single nucleotide change, leading in each case to a single amino acid substitution, as follows: Glu 210 → Lys for all three mutants selected by MAbl4 (epitope VII); Pro 266 → Thr for one mutant selected by MAb12 (epitope VI); Ser 277 → Leu for all three mutants selected by MAW 5 (epitope VIII); and Glu 364 → Lys for all three mutants selected by MAb11 (epitope V). These neutralizing MAb-selected mutations are clustered in the middle third of the 517-amino acid VSV-NJ G protein, presumably resulting in conformational changes that alter recognition of one or more antigenic determinants by a specific monoclonal antibody.
Oxidative metabolism of rabbit and rat intestine with short chain fatty acids and glucose: an evaluation of data analysis

Abstract 1. 1. Glucose sustained V O 2 of rabbit ileum, caecum, and distal colon better than SCFAs. 2. 2. In rabbit proximal colon, while V O 2 was stimulated in the presence of butyrate it was not sustained. 3. 3. Rat caecum utilized glucose but it was not necessarily the best substrate for either the ileum or colon of this species and SCFAs appeared to stimulate V O 2 of rat ileum and inhibit V O 2 in rat caecum and colon. 4. 4. It was concluded from the comparison of the two methods of data analyses that curve-fitting the data by a negative exponential equation provides for a more clear and in depth interpretation of such studies.
Psychological treatments for gambling disorder

This review discusses the research evidence for psychological treatment of gambling disorder. Several treatment options for gamblers have been explored, ranging from self-help and peer support, to brief and motivational interventions, to more intensive therapy approaches. Involvement in peer support programs seems to be optimal when combined with professional treatment; however, engagement and retention in peer support is limited. Self-directed interventions appear to benefit some gamblers; however, the involvement of therapist support, either in person or by telephone, may bolster these effects and such support need not be extensive. These self-directed options reduce the barriers associated with treatment-seeking, and may reach a wider range of gamblers than professionally delivered treatments alone. Brief and motivational approaches similarly may extend treatment options to more gamblers, namely at-risk and problem gamblers and those not seeking treatment. Of more extensive therapies, no consistent benefit of one approach emerges, although cognitive–behavioral interventions have been most often applied. Overall, several treatments have been developed for gambling disorder and results are promising, but variability in findings suggests a need for further systematic evaluation.
Sodium/Calcium Exchangers Selectively Regulate Calcium Signaling in Mouse Taste Receptor Cells

Taste cells use multiple signaling mechanisms to generate appropriate cellular responses to discrete taste stimuli. Some taste stimuli activate G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that cause calcium release from intracellular stores while other stimuli depolarize taste cells to cause calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). While the signaling mechanisms that initiate calcium signals have been described in taste cells, the calcium clearance mechanisms (CCMs) that contribute to the termination of these signals have not been identified. In this study, we used calcium imaging to define the role of sodium-calcium exchangers (NCXs) in the termination of evoked calcium responses. We found that NCXs regulate the calcium signals that rely on calcium influx at the plasma membrane but do not significantly contribute to the calcium signals that depend on calcium release from internal stores. Our data indicate that this selective regulation of calcium signals by NCXs is due primarily to their location in the cell rather than to the differences in cytosolic calcium loads. This is the first report to define the physiological role for any of the CCMs utilized by taste cells to regulate their evoked calcium responses.
TWO TYPES OF BLUE WHALE CALLS RECORDED IN THE GULF OF ALASKA

At one time blue whales were found throughout the Gulf of Alaska, however, none have been sighted there in post-whaling era surveys. To determine if blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) might now occur in the Gulf of Alaska, an array of hydrophones was deployed there in October 1999. Data were retrieved in May 2000 and in June 2001. Spectrograms from a random subsample comprising 15% of the ∼63,000 h of data were visually examined for blue whale calls. Call types attributed to both northeastern and northwestern Pacific blue whales were recorded. Both of these call types were recorded seasonally from the initial deployment date in October 1999 through the third week of December 1999 and then from July 2000 through mid-December 2000. Both call types were regularly recorded on the same hydrophone at the same time indicating clear temporal and spatial overlap of the animals producing these calls. Two blue whale call types were recorded in the Gulf of Alaska suggesting that perhaps two stocks use this area. The northeastern call type has now been documented from the equator up to at least 55°N in the eastern North Pacific.
Focusing on Binding and Computation

Variable binding is a prevalent feature of the syntax and proof theory of many logical systems. In this paper, we define a programming language that provides intrinsic support for both representing and computing with binding. This language is extracted as the Curry-Howard interpretation of a focused sequent calculus with two kinds of implication, of opposite polarity. The representational arrow extends systems of definitional reflection with a notion of scoped inference rules, which are used to represent binding. On the other hand, the usual computational arrow classifies recursive functions defined by pattern-matching. Unlike many previous approaches, both kinds of implication are connectives in a single logic, which serves as a rich logical framework capable of representing inference rules that mix binding and computation.
Bus Trip Planning Service Based on Real Time Data

Public transportation is regarded as one of the most efficient means to confront the explosively growing city traffic problems such as congestion and pollution. However, a major obstacle for public transportation to be more adopted by citizens is its generally poor user experience. This paper proposes a system of bus trip planning service, which can help public transportation users choose the most appropriate bus lines and transfers based on real time and predicted traffic data. Because of the large scale of the data size, a two-step combination of K-Transfer and Multi-Objective algorithms is used to optimize the system response time. Experimental results on real transportation networks of large cities prove that the system is efficient and practical.
Graphical Methods for Evaluating and Comparing Confidence-Interval Procedures

We discuss various coverage-surface plots and scatter plots for evaluating and comparing confidence-interval procedures.
Study of fault propagation using fault injection in the UNIX system

This paper presents a fault propagation study for the UNIX operating system (Sun OS 4.1.2). Both hardware and software faults are injected in the UNIX kernel by using FINE - a fault injection and monitoring environment - to investigate the propagation of various types of faults. Based on the experimental results, fault propagation models are built and transient reward analysis is performed to evaluate the performance loss due to a fault. Results from the experiments provide insight into the vulnerable aspects of the system where the fault tolerance techniques could be used. >
A Heme Oxygenase Product, Presumably Carbon Monoxide, Mediates a Vasodepressor Function in Rats

Abstract Heme oxygenase is a mammalian enzyme that converts heme to biliverdin and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide activates soluble guanylate cyclase and relaxes vascular smooth muscle, and it has been implicated as a potential neuromessenger. The regulatory functions of endogenous carbon monoxide on hemodynamics are not known. Zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bis glycol (ZnDPBG) inhibits heme oxygenase in rats and thus permits assessment of the hemodynamic response to inhibition of endogenous carbon monoxide synthesis. In chronically instrumented, awake male Sprague-Dawley rats, ZnDPBG (45 μmol/kg IP) increased mean arterial pressure (19±2%, P P P P 1 -adrenoceptor functions, respectively, ZnDPBG did not affect arterial pressure or heart rate. This suggests that ZnDPBG-induced increases in blood pressure rely on autonomic nervous function. We conclude that the pressor response to heme oxygenase inhibitors results from withdrawal of the inhibitory influence of endogenous carbon monoxide on a pressor mechanism mediated by the autonomic nervous system.
External Forces on the Work System: A Framework for Human Factors Implications

Human factors/ergonomics only occasionally addresses its own future, but business and political forces are changing so rapidly that we must do so now. Globalization of business, made possible by information technology and political desire, is affecting many aspects of our profession, from increased work pace to re-location of jobs. These changes in turn impact human factors issues as diverse as errors in human computer interaction and the incidence of musculo-skeletal disorders. This paper presents a framework for considering the impact of these changes on the practice of human factors/ergonomics so that we may plan for the future rather than be overwhelmed by it.
Between Being Cured and Being Healed: The Paradox of Childhood Cancer Survivorship

In this article, we describe how young adults who are transitioning off treatment for childhood cancer and beginning early survivorship are living in what might be described as a paradox of reality. These survivors' dual reality is their experience of intense frustration with their current state of functioning, and an overwhelming relief that therapy is over and that they survived. They have feelings of fear, trepidation, and anxiety for what experiences lay ahead, but have hope for the future. Finally, they acknowledge the growth they achieved through the experience of cancer treatment, as well as the many missed opportunities to experience normalcy while undergoing therapy. Young adults who are in early cancer survivorship exist in a reality in which they are living disease free, but perceive themselves as having a long road to travel to be healed.
The Revolving Door: High ER Use Among Older Veterans

Why do some older veterans visit the emergency room (ER) frequently? This study expands an existing decision-making model that describes how ER users recognize symptoms of a health problem, decide to seek medical care for the health problem, and decide to visit the ER specifically for the medical care. The focus of this inquiry is the role of older veterans’ social support networks in decisions to visit the ER. Data were collected through in-depth, semistructured, in-person interviews with 30 community-dwelling, high-functioning veterans aged 65 years and older who had visited the ER frequently (3 or more times) in the previous year. We found that the older veteran study participants, regardless of the availability of social support, preferred to make decisions independently, relied heavily on formal social support network members, and received various types of assistance to visit the ER from informal social support networks.
Properties of Coronal Hole/Streamer Boundaries and Adjacent Regions as Observed by Spartan 201

The Spartan 201 flights from 1993 to 1995 provided us with observations in H I Lyman-α of several coronal hole/streamer boundaries and adjacent streamers during the declining phase of the current solar cycle. Analysis of the latitudinal dependence of the line intensities clearly shows that there is a boundary region at the coronal hole/streamer interface where the H I Lyman-α intensity reaches a minimum value. Similar results are also found in UVCS/SOHO observations. We also discuss differences in the coronal hole/streamer boundaries for different types of streamers and their changes over the three year period of Spartan 201 observations.
Working Memory and Decision Processes in Visual Area V4

Recognizing and responding to a remembered stimulus requires the coordination of perception, working memory, and decision-making. To investigate the role of visual cortex in these processes, we recorded responses of single V4 neurons during performance of a delayed match-to-sample task that incorporates rapid serial visual presentation of natural images. We found that neuronal activity during the delay period after the cue but before the images depends on the identity of the remembered image and that this change persists while distractors appear. This persistent response modulation has been identified as a diagnostic criterion for putative working memory signals; our data thus suggest that working memory may involve reactivation of sensory neurons. When the remembered image reappears in the neuron’s receptive field, visually evoked responses are enhanced; this match enhancement is a diagnostic criterion for decision. One model that predicts these data is the matched filter hypothesis, which holds that during search V4 neurons change their tuning so as to match the remembered cue, and thus become detectors for that image. More generally, these results suggest that V4 neurons participate in the perceptual, working memory, and decision processes that are needed to perform memory-guided decision-making.
Multi-Element Designs for Early Intervention Research: Some Considerations

In single-subject research, multi-element designs often are recommended to compare the effectiveness of two or more independent variables. This article describes the multi-element design and discus...
EMERGENCY MEDICINE RESIDENTS AND STATISTICS: WHAT IS THE CONFIDENCE?

The objective of this study was to assess whether residents have the essential tools and a sense of competency when evaluating published studies, especially the statistics. Questionnaires were mailed to emergency medicine (EM) residency programs in the United States querying residents' demographics and training in statistics as well as their impressions and use of statistics in the current literature; a five-question statistical quiz was also included. Possible responses of-almost always, more than (1/2) time, (1/2) time, less than (1/2) time, almost never-were tallied individually as well as compared in groups of polarized answers: over 1/2 time (almost always + more than (1/2) time) vs. under (1/2) time (less than (1/2) time + almost never). There were 495 questionnaires returned from 42 centers. No significant difference was found when comparing quiz performance with participants' self-reported statistical knowledge. There were considerable differences in the polarized answers (Over vs. Under), whether statistics: were used appropriately (40% vs. 15%, respectively); were used to enhance weak data (54% vs. 13%, respectively); enhanced their understanding of information (38% vs. 24%, respectively); simplified complex data (26% vs. 41%, respectively); were understood by them (23% vs. 38%, respectively); confused them (37% vs. 24%, respectively); were skipped (52% vs. 23%, respectively). Participants felt there should be more statistical training (49% vs. 22%, Over vs. Under, respectively). There was no difference in respondents who did or did not read the statistics (39% vs. 34%, Over vs. Under, respectively). Many EM residents surveyed do not trust, read, or understand statistics presented in current journal articles. Residency programs may want to consider enhanced training in statistics.
ScatterType: a legible but hard-to-segment CAPTCHA

The ScatterType CAPTCHA (completely automated public Turing tests to tell computers and humans apart), designed to resist character-segmentation attacks and shown to be highly legible to human readers, is analyzed for vulnerabilities and is offered for experiments in automatic attack. As introduced in Baird and Riopka (2005), 'ScatterType' challenges are images of machine-print text whose characters are cut into pieces which then drift apart, in an attempt to frustrate segment-then-recognize computer vision attacks. Analysis of experimental human legibility data has shown that better than 95% correct legibility can be achieved through judicious choice of the pseudorandom generating parameters (Baird et al., 2005). That analysis is summarized and discussed here as motivation for a discussion of potential vulnerabilities. An invitation to attack ScatterType is offered.
Candida albicans protein kinase CaHsl1p regulates cell elongation and virulence

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsl1p is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that regulates cell morphology. We identified Candida albicans CaHSL1 and analysed its function in C. albicans. Cells lacking CaHsl1p exhibited filamentous growth under yeast growth conditions with the filaments elongating more quickly than did those of the wild type under hyphal growth conditions, suggesting that it plays a role in the suppression of cell elongation. Green fluorescent protein-tagged CaHsl1p colocalized with a septin complex to the bud neck during yeast growth or to a potent septation site during hyphal growth, as expected from the localization in S. cerevisiae. However, the localization of the septin complex did not change in DeltaCahsl1, suggesting that CaHsl1p does not participate in septin organization. CaHsl1p was expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner and, except for the G1 phase, phosphorylated throughout the cell cycle. In DeltaCahsl1 cells, the phosphorylation of a possible CaHsl1p target CaSwe1p decreased, while that of CaCdc28p at tyrosine18 increased. Either an extra copy of the tyrosine18-mutated CaCdc28p or deletion of CaSWE1 suppressed the cell elongation phenotype caused by CaHSL1 deletion. Furthermore, DeltaCahsl1 exhibited reduced virulence in the mouse systemic candidiasis model. Thus, the CaHsl1p-CaSwe1p-CaCdc28p pathway appears important in the cell elongation of both the yeast and hyphal forms and to the virulence of C. albicans.
Non‐planar pseudodynamic testing

The pseudodynamic test method provides a means of inexpensive seismic performance testing for laboratories that do not have a shaking table. However, most pseudodynamic tests to date have used planar portions of structures subjected to a single lateral component of base excitation, mimicking the type of testing that would occur on a shaking table. There has been little work on the extension of the pseudodynamic test method to three-dimensional testing of structures under multiple components of base excitation. In this paper a three-dimensional specimen is tested under a multicomponent fixed base excitation and the response is compared to shaking table tests. The paper presents an overview of the pseudodynamic test method, including non-planar extensions, and highlights many physical problems that occurred during the testing process. Many of these problems apply to any pseudodynamic test, not just non-planar tests, but the results show that very accurate non-planar tests can be achieved with careful error control.
A Very Inexpensive Temperature Monitor for Flameless Atomic Absorption Apparatus

For less than $5 and with very little effort, one can make a temperature monitor for flameless atomic absorption work which will measure temperatures above 1000°C fairly precisely. With simple modifications, temperatures down to about 750°C can be measured or automatic monitoring via chart recording can be done.
Regulation of P2X7-induced pore formation and cell death in pericyte-containing retinal microvessels

The purpose if this study was to elucidate how extracellular ATP causes cell death in the retinal microvasculature. Although ATP appears to serve as a vasoactive signal acting via P2X7 and P2Y4 pur...
Radicicol suppresses transformation and restores tropomyosin-2 expression in both ras- and MEK-transformed cells without inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade.

The antibiotic radicicol suppresses transformation in a variety of transformed cells. The antineoplastic effects of the drug have been attributed to the degradation of Raf and the inactivation of the Ras/Raf/ mitogenactivated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade. Here we demonstrate that radicicol induces cell spreading, suppresses anchorage-independent cell growth, and increases the expression of the high-molecular weight tropomyosin isoform TM-2 in cells stably expressing a constitutively active form of MEK-1 as well as in rastransformed cells. Furthermore, the reverting effects of the drug are achieved at concentrations below those required to deplete Raf from the cell or to inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK or its substrates Elk and pp90 RSK . In contrast, low concentrations of radicicol significantly inhibited activator protein (AP-1) and serum response factor (SRF)-mediated transcription. The lack of correlation between the effects of radicicol on cell phenotype and on the signaling activities of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway indicate that Raf depletion or disruption of proximal signaling events in the mitogenactivated protein kinase pathway are not the predominant mechanisms by which the drug suppresses the transformed phenotype. Our observation that low concentrations of radicicol block transcriptional activities mediated by AP-1 and SRF suggests that interference with signaling upstream of these transcription factors may contribute to the reverting effects of the drug.
Depressive symptoms in women seeking surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis To compare depressive symptoms in women with and without prolapse and evaluate impact on quality of life.
Applications for GnRH antagonists.

Abstract Meeting on the Potential Clinical Applications for Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonists was held at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, USA on 31 January 2001.
Reading Networks at Rest

Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) approaches offer a novel tool to delineate distinct functional networks in the brain. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we elucidated patterns of RSFC associated with 6 regions of interest selected primarily from a meta-analysis on word reading (Bolger DJ, Perfetti CA, Schneider W. 2005. Cross-cultural effect on the brain revisited: universal structures plus writing system variation. Hum Brain Mapp. 25: 92-104). In 25 native adult readers of English, patterns of positive RSFC were consistent with patterns of task-based activity and functional connectivity associated with word reading. Moreover, conjunction analyses highlighted the posterior left inferior frontal gyrus and the posterior left middle temporal gyrus (post-LMTG) as potentially important loci of functional interaction among 5 of the 6 reading networks. The significance of the post-LMTG has typically been unappreciated in task-based studies on unimpaired readers but is frequently reported to be a locus of hypoactivity in dyslexic readers and exhibits intervention-induced changes of activity in dyslexic children. Finally, patterns of negative RSFC included not only regions of the so-called default mode network but also regions involved in effortful controlled processes, which may not be required once reading becomes automatized. In conclusion, the current study supports the utility of resting-state fMRI for investigating reading networks and has direct relevance for the understanding of reading disorders such as dyslexia.
Sexual maturity and fecundity of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with an observation on the spawning behaviour of the Nile catfish (Clarias lazera)

The African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, from Lakes Kariba, Mcllwaine and Kyle, was investigated for sexual maturity and fecundity. Sexual maturity is cyclical and seasonal, with a peak coinciding with the seasonal summer rains. Development from non-ripe adult fish to those in the ripe stages is shown to take less than one month. Descriptions of the stages of development are given. A line separating ripe and non-ripe groups of fish has the formula: FL=0.5FS where FL is the number of large ova and FS is the number of small ova. The fecundity of ripe fish is related to length (total length=TL) by the cubic function F=0.04TL (cm)3.39 the ova have a bimodal size distribution, suggesting the possibility of multiple spawning cycles in any one year. Spawning capability is very closely related to ovary weight. Spawning behaviour in the Nile catfish, Clarias lazera, follows the pattern of C. gariepinus.
Interdependence in the Classroom: A Field Study

A field study was conducted in which fifth-grade students spent three class periods per week for 6 weeks in small interdependent learning groups. Each student taught the other members of his or her group a portion (IIn) of the assignment. These students were compared with fifth graders in traditional, teacher-taught (control) classrooms. As hypothesized, students in the interdependent learning groups (experimentals) manifested higher self-esteem than controls and liked groupmates more than other classmates. Further, black and Anglo experimentals increased their liking for school more than control blacks and Anglos. The implications for the use of the interdependent techniques in desegregated classrooms are discussed.
Structure-Property Relationships of Biological Materials

The major difference between biological materials and biomaterials (implants) isviability. There are other important differences that distinguish living materials from artificial replacements. First, most biological materials are continuously bathed with body fluids, most of which are water as given in Table 6-1. Exceptions are the specialized surface layers of skin, hair, nails, hooves, and the enamel of teeth. Second, most biological materials can be considered as composites.
Election Timing in Majoritarian Parliaments

I propose and test an informational theory of endogenous election timing. I assume leaders have more accurate estimates of future outcomes than citizens. The prospect of declining future performance spurs leaders to call early elections. Since leaders condition their timing decisions on their expectations of future performance, early elections signal a leader’s lack of confidence in future outcomes. The earlier elections occur, relative to expectations, the stronger the signal of demise. Using data on British parliaments since 1945, I test hypotheses relating the timing of elections, electoral support and subsequent economic performance. As predicted, leaders who call elections early, relative to expectations, experience a decline in their popular support relative to pre-announcement levels.
Height and Temperature of First Echoes in Unseeded and Seeded Convective Clouds in South Dakota

Abstract The height and temperature of first radar echoes observed on 49 test cases in a randomized cloud seeding project have been related to seeding treatment and to five cloud parameters, namely, cloud base height, cloud base temperature, maximum radar echo height, and the height and speed of maximum updraft as computed with a cloud model. First echo height above cloud base in unseeded clouds averaged 11,000 ft and was strongly correlated with maximum updraft speed. First echo height in clouds seeded with silver iodide averaged 6900 ft. It was most closely correlated with cloud base temperature, suggesting that first echoes tend to appear at some fixed temperature. First echoes in salt seeded clouds appeared on an average 5300 ft above cloud base and showed no significant correlation with any of the cloud parameters mentioned. It is concluded that both salt and silver iodide seeding can cause first echoes to appear closer to cloud base in unseeded clouds, with salt probably having a more pronounced eff...
Immunization registry accuracy: improvement with progressive clinical application.

Abstract Background Healthcare systems have been challenged to ensure the timely administration of immunizations. Immunization registries have been proposed to improve the accuracy and completeness of immunization information and to promote effective practice. Methods Comparison of randomly selected samples from two birth cohorts (1993 and 1998) from Denver Health Medical Center. Chart review and immunization registry information for these groups were compared; a composite immunization was recorded and up-to-date (UTD) status established. Registry data were compared with this composite using a sensitivity measure to assess completeness and accuracy. Results Among 818 children in the 1993 cohort and 1043 children in the 1998 cohort, there were 6386 and 6886 valid immunizations, respectively. The registry recorded 71.4% and 97.7% of these for the 1993 and 1998 cohorts, respectively ( p p Conclusions Immunization registry accuracy improved dramatically for recorded immunizations and UTD status. However, after 3 years of registry use, the overall proportion of children who were UTD had not significantly improved. The mere presence of a registry does not ensure more complete vaccination coverage. Other registry-based strategies, including use of the data for reminder, recall, and audit, may further improve immunization coverage.
To Remember and Forget: Archives, Memory, and Culture

The idea of archives as collective memory is sometimes employed as a metaphor for discussing the social and cultural role of archives. It is argued here that the idea is more than a metaphor and is supported by theories that would view collections of documents and material artifacts as means of extending the temporal and spatial range of communication. Archives, along with other communicational resources such as oral and ritual tradition, help to transfer information—and thereby sustain memory—from generation to generation. Two examples illustrate the interrelationship of archives and memory within this broadened view of communication and culture. The first arises from attempts to find ways to warn future generations of the location of radioactive waste repositories. The second revolves around pressure to efface from cultural landscapes evidence of tragic events that people wish to forget.