cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deviance detection by a P3-like response in rat posterior parietal cortex.

To better understand sensory processing in frontal and parietal cortex of the rat, and to further assess the rat as a model of human frontal-parietal processing, we recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from microelectrode arrays implanted in medio-dorsal frontal and posterior parietal cortex of awake rats as they were presented with a succession of frequent "standard" tones and infrequent "oddball" tones. Extending previous results from surface recordings we found, after controlling for the frequencies of the standard and oddball tones, that rat frontal and parietal evoked LFPs (eLFPs) exhibit significantly larger N1 (~40ms latency), P2 (~100ms), N2 (~160ms), P3E (~200-240ms), and P3L(~300-500ms) amplitudes after an oddball tone. These neural oddball effects could contribute to the automatic allocation of attention to rare stimuli. To determine whether these enhanced responses to rare stimuli could be accounted for in terms of stimulus-specific neural adaptation (SSA), we also recorded during single-tone control sessions involving frequent standard or infrequent oddball beeps alone. We compared the difference between rare-tone and frequent-tone response amplitudes in the two-tone context (oddball effect) or single-tone context which isolates the contribution of SSA (SSA effect). An analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect of tone context on rare-tone response enhancements, showing that the rare-tone enhancements were stronger in the two-tone context than the single-tone context. This difference between tone contexts was greatest at the early P3E peak (200-240ms post-beep) in parietal cortex, suggesting true deviance detection by this evoked response component, which cannot be accounted for in terms of simple models of SSA.
A histogram-based algorithm for semiautomated three-dimensional craniofacial modeling

Rationale and Objectives. I conducted a study designed to facilitate thresholding and reduce volume averaging in three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) craniofacial modeling. Methods. Three-dimensional CT reconstructions of orbits from two cadavers and seven clinical cases were generated from paired axial and coronal data. A histogram-based algorithm that was based on preliminary phantom and craniofacial specimen trials was applied to orbital data to identify volume averaged regions of thin bone to be used in conjunction with standard bone thresholds. Region-of-interest measurement of the orbital floors on the original two-dimensional slice data assessed algorithm performance. Results. In five of the nine cases (55%), configuration of the superimposed histograms predicted regions of volume averaging. In only one case did such a region localize to the orbital floor. In the remaining four cases, the air-mucosa interface deep to the orbital floor was identified by the histogram method. Conclusion. Operator-dependent editing remains superior to this histogram-based algorithm in reducing volume averaging in 3D craniofacial modeling.
Erythropoietin and Resistant Hypertension in CKD

There is a well-documented association between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and hypertension in chronic kidney disease. Studies suggest that the mechanism for this is multifactorial. First, some chronic kidney disease patients may have a limited ability to accommodate a rapid increase in red cell volume because of a decreased glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular hypertrophy, and decreased arterial compliance. Second, there is likely a direct vasoconstrictor effect of ESAs. Although no large randomized controlled trials of ESAs have been designed with blood pressure as an a priori outcome, several meta-analyses have explored this relationship and generally support the existence of ESA-induced hypertension. There are as of yet no data directly linking ESA-induced hypertension with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite this, clinicians should be vigilant for ESA-induced hypertension, use caution when using ESAs in patients with resistant hypertension, and be attentive to the rate of hemoglobin increase in patients with poorly controlled blood pressure.
Influence of secondary structure and hydrogen-bonding arrangement on the mechanical properties of peptidic-polyurea hybrids

Bio-inspired materials design is an important strategy used in the fabrication of tunable and mechanically enhanced polymeric systems. An important aspect of bio-inspiration is to understand how components, such as hierarchy and self-assembly, affect the properties of the designed materials. In this investigation, we explore the use of polypeptide secondary structure and hydrogen bonding arrangement, in order to determine their effects on the thermal and mechanical properties of fully synthetic peptidic polyureas. Specifically, we incorporate either short β-sheet forming peptide blocks of poly(β-benzyl-L-aspartate)5 or poly(e-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine)5 or longer peptide blocks of poly(β-benzyl-L-aspartate)20 or poly(e-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine)20 as α-helix forming domains into non-chain extended polyureas based on 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and poly(dimethysiloxane). Secondary structure was found to be influenced by the weight fraction of peptide, e.g. increasing peptide weight fractions increased sheet or helical ordering. Additionally, the polyurea microstructure was comprised of nanofibrils with a secondary structure dependent fiber width, attributed to the peptidic motif alignment within the nanothreads. Analysis of the thermomechanical and tensile response revealed multiple trends, such as increased toughness attributed to β-sheet ordering and increased modulus with increased peptide weight fraction. It is anticipated that this observed interplay between peptide organization and mechanics will be applicable to engineering and biomaterial development due to the simplicity of the synthetic protocol and the promising mechanical tunability guided by the peptide segment.
Mid-level Information Technology Professionals: Skills And Traits Relevant To Fit, Individual And Organizational Success Factors

ABSTRACT A gap exists in understanding organizational career ladders for IT professionals. This gap is especially pronounced in organizations externally sourcing IT related activities to vendors, given that technical posi-tions often feed the pipeline to mid-level roles. Based on prior research and qualitative discussions with key informants, this paper discusses the skills necessary for mid-level roles and proposes individual differences in social skills / traits for several key positions (project manager, senior system analyst, and relationship manager). The authors’ research informs IT professionals as to traits that are most strongly related to success within particular roles. Furthermore, the proposed model and the concept of “fit” will help employers and universities improve coaching and counseling regarding career paths, and contribute to the effectiveness of university curriculum. Finally, this research will inform the types of motivational techniques necessary for organizations to incentivize and achieve results in the form of increased performance, lower turnover, and increased satisfaction.
Interactive data exploration based on user relevance feedback

Interactive Data Exploration (IDE) applications typically involve users that aim to discover interesting objects by it-eratively executing numerous ad-hoc exploration queries. Therefore, IDE can easily become an extremely labor and resource intensive process. To support these applications, we introduce a framework that assists users by automatically navigating them through the data set and allows them to identify relevant objects without formulating data retrieval queries. Our approach relies on user relevance feedback on data samples to model user interests and strategically collects more samples to refine the model while minimizing the user effort. The system leverages decision tree classifiers to generate an effective user model that balances the trade-off between identifying all relevant objects and reducing the size of final returned (relevant and irrelevant) objects. Our preliminary experimental results demonstrate that we can predict linear patterns of user interests (i.e., range queries) with high accuracy while achieving interactive performance.
Organizational Determinants of Ethical Dysfunctionality

The literature on organizational ethicality to date has focused primarily on elements of the cultural, social, and political factors that enhance positive behaviors, interspersed with isolated accounts of malfeasance and wrongdoing. This treatise defines the anatomy of organizational dysfunction as a matter of ethicality, reframing the relationship from individual transgression to the organization itself. It is argued that the structure of an organization predisposes in large part whether it is itself conducive or prohibitive to unethical acts. Our approach allows for a new stream of ethics research whose focus is how an organization functions rather than on the specific acts of those within it.
Manipulation of NMDA-receptor activity alters extinction of an instrumental response in rats

The effects of pharmacologically manipulating N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA)-receptor activity were examined during extinction of an appetitive instrumental response in rats. After reaching acquisition criterion, subjects were treated with the antagonist dizocilpine maleate (MK801; 0.1 mg/kg), the agonist D-cycloserine (3 mg/kg), or vehicle-alone (control) and tested during a non-reinforced (extinction) session. The antagonist decreased the average number of responses occurring during the test session whereas the agonist increased the average number in contrast to controls. The effect on retention performance may be mediated by differential influence on the N-methyl-D-aspartate-dependent synaptic plasticity that occurs during associative learning. In conjunction with other studies, these data suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate agonism may be an effective intervention for memory dysfunction.
Ventricular Septal Defect and Aortic Insufficiency: Surgical Considerations and Results of Operation

Abstract Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is uncommonly associated with valvular aortic insufficiency (AI). From 1957 through 1971, 51 patients with this combination underwent operation at the Mayo Clinic; these patients made up 2.2% of all patients with VSD repaired during that period. The most frequent aortic valve abnormality was a prolapsing right cusp. Surgical management of AI consisted of: (1) no procedure on the aortic valve in 25 patients, (2) plastic repair of the aortic valve in 13 patients, and (3) partial or total replacement of the aortic valve in 13 patients; in the group with severe AI prior to operation, those treated by replacement did better than those treated by repair. Early closure is indicated for VSD associated with mild AI. With severe AI, VSD closure and valve plication are preferred, although valve replacement may be necessary either at the primary operation or at some future date. In adults, replacement with a prosthesis is indicated for severe AI.
Gβγ Isoforms Selectively Rescue Plasma Membrane Localization and Palmitoylation of Mutant Gαs and Gαq

Mutation of Gαq or Gαs N-terminal contact sites for Gβγ resulted in α subunits that failed to localize at the plasma membrane or undergo palmitoylation when expressed in HEK293 cells. We now show that overexpression of specific βγ subunits can recover plasma membrane localization and palmitoylation of the βγ-binding-deficient mutants of αs or αq. Thus, the βγ-binding-defective α is completely dependent on co-expression of exogenous βγ for proper membrane localization. In this report, we examined the ability of β1–5 in combination with γ2 or γ3 to promote proper localization and palmitoylation of mutant αs or αq. Immunofluorescence localization, cellular fractionation, and palmitate labeling revealed distinct subtype-specific differences in βγ interactions with α subunits. These studies demonstrate that 1) α and βγ reciprocally promote the plasma membrane targeting of the other subunit; 2) β5, when co-expressed with γ2 or γ3, fails to localize to the plasma membrane or promote plasma membrane localization of mutant αs or αq; 3) β3 is deficient in promoting plasma membrane localization of mutant αsand αq, whereas β4 is deficient in promoting plasma membrane localization of mutant αq; 4) both palmitoylation and interactions with βγ are required for plasma membrane localization of α.
Photon-absorption-induced intersubband optical-phonon scattering of electrons in quantum wells

In the presence of a normally incident intense mid-IR pulsed laser field, both photon-absorption-induced intrasubband and intersubband phonon-scattering of electrons are found by including the photon-assisted phonon-scattering process in a Boltzmann equation for phonon energies that are smaller than the energy separation between two electron subbands in a quantum well. The ultrafast dynamics of the electron distributions for different subbands is studied with various lattice temperatures, photon energies, field strengths, and quantum-well widths. Upward steps found in the differences between the electron distributions with/without the photon-assisted process are attributed to either photon-absorption-induced phonon scattering of electrons via intrasubband transitions or the photon-absorption-induced phonon scattering of electrons via intersubband transitions in quantum wells. The photon-absorption-induced phonon absorption by intersubband transitions of electrons from the first to the second subband is a unique feature in quantum-well systems and is found to have a significant effect on the electron populations in both subbands.
A prototype biosensor-integrated image-guided surgery system.

Background In this study we investigated the integration of a Raman spectroscopy-based biosensor with an image-guided surgery system. Such a system would provide a surgeon with both a diagnosis of the tissue being analysed (e.g. cancer) and localization information displayed within an imaging modality of choice. This type of mutual and registered information could lead to faster diagnoses and enable more accurate tissue resections. Methods A test bed consisting of a portable Raman probe attached to a passively articulated mechanical arm was used to scan and classify objects within a phantom skull. Results The prototype system was successfully able to track the Raman probe, classify objects within the phantom skull, and display the classifications on medical imaging data within a virtual reality environment. Conclusion We discuss the implementation of the integrated system, its accuracy and improvements to the system that will enhance its usefulness and further the field of sensor-based computer-assisted surgery. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free Convection of Heat in Gases and Liquids-II

The present paper is an extension of my earlier work which was found necessary in order to account for the observed convection for both large-and small temperature differences. General expressions are developed, by the method of dimensions, which enable us to calculate the convection from any system of similar bodies when the three undetermined constants K, m, and n have been experimentally determined. The available experinmental data for horizontal and vertical cylinders, spheres and plane surfaces have been analyzed and the results expressed in the form of simple equations.
Starvation for Different Nutrients in Escherichia coli Results in Differential Modulation of RpoS Levels and Stability

Levels of RpoS increase upon glucose starvation in Escherichia coli, which leads to the transcription of genes whose products combat a variety of stresses. RpoS stability is a key level of control in this process, as SprE (RssB)-mediated degradation is inhibited under glucose starvation. Starvation for ammonia or phosphate also results in increased stress resistance and induction of RpoS-dependent genes. However, we demonstrate that RpoS levels following ammonia starvation are only slightly increased compared to growing cells and are 10-fold below the levels observed under glucose or phosphate limitation. This difference is largely due to regulated proteolysis of RpoS, as its stability in ammonia-starved cells is intermediate between that in logarithmic-phase cells and glucose-starved cells. Use of an rpoS construct that is devoid of the gene's native transcriptional and translational control regions reveals that stability differences are sufficient to explain the different levels of RpoS observed in logarithmic phase, ammonia starvation, and glucose starvation. Under phosphate starvation, however, rpoS translation is increased. The cellular response to nutrient limitation is much more complex than previously appreciated, as there is not simply one response that is activated by starvation for any essential nutrient. Our data support the hypothesis that SprE activity is the key level at which ammonia and glucose starvation signals are transmitted to RpoS, and they suggest that carbon source and/or energy limitation are necessary for full inactivation of the SprE pathway.
Development of a clickable activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) probe for agmatine deiminases

Agmatine deiminases (AgDs) catalyze the hydrolytic conversion of agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) to N-carbamoylputrescine with concomitant release of ammonia. These enzymes, which are encoded by some pathogenic bacterial species, confer a competitive survival advantage by virtue of energy production and acid tolerance through agmatine catabolism. Herein we report the development of a clickable activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) probe that targets the AgD encoded by Streptococcus mutans with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Noise Exposure and Hearing Conservation in U.S. Coal Mines—A Surveillance Report

This study examines the patterns and trends in noise exposure documented in data collected by Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors at U.S. coal mines from 1987 through 2004. During this period, MSHA issued a new regulation on occupational noise exposure that changed the regulatory requirements and enforcement policies. The data were examined to identify potential impacts from these changes. The overall annual median noise dose declined 67% for surface coal mining and 24% for underground coal mining, and the reduction in each group accelerated after promulgation of the new noise rule. However, not all mining occupations experienced a decrease. The exposure reduction was accompanied by an increase of shift length as represented by dosimeter sample duration. For coal miners exposed above the permissible exposure level, use of hearing protection devices increased from 61% to 89% during this period. Participation of miners exposed at or above the action level in hearing conservation programs rapidl...
Impact of trichostatin A and sodium valproate treatment on post-stroke neurogenesis and behavioral outcomes in immature mice.

Stroke in the neonatal brain frequently results in neurologic impairments including cognitive disability. We investigated the effect of long-term sodium valproate (valproate) and Trichostatin A (TSA) treatment upon post-stroke neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of stroke-injured immature mice. Decreased or abnormal integration of newborn DG neurons into hippocampal circuits can result in impaired visual-spatial function, abnormal modulation of mood-related behaviors, and the development of post-stroke epilepsy. Unilateral carotid ligation of P12 CD1 mice was followed by treatment with valproate, TSA, or vehicle for 2 weeks, BrdU administration for measurement of neurogenesis, and perfusion at P42 or P60. Behavior testing was conducted from P38-42. No detrimental effects on behavior testing were noted with TSA treatment, but mildly impaired cognitive function was noted with valproate-treated injured animals compared to normal animals. Significant increases in DG neurogenesis with both TSA and valproate treatment were noted with later administration of BrdU. Increased mortality and impaired weight gain was noted in the valproate-treated ligated animals, but not in the TSA-treated animals. In summary, the impact of HDAC inhibition upon post-stroke SGZ neurogenesis is likely to depend on the age of the animal at the time point when neurogenesis is assessed, duration of HDAC inhibition before BrdU labeling, and/or the stage in the evolution of the injury.
Design of expression vectors for RNA interference based on miRNAs and RNA splicing

RNA interference (RNAi) mediates sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing in many eukaryotes and is used for reverse genetic studies and therapeutics. RNAi is triggered by double-stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which can be processed from small hairpin RNAs generated from an expression vector. In some recently described vectors, the siRNAs are expressed from synthetic stem-loop precursors of microRNAs (miRNAs) driven by polymerase II promoters. We have designed new RNAi vectors, designated pSM155 and pSM30, that take into consideration miRNA processing and RNA splicing by placing the miRNA-based artificial miRNA expression cassettes inside of synthetic introns. Like the original miRNA vectors, we show that the pSM155 and pSM30 constructs efficiently down-regulate expression of firefly luciferase and an endogenous gene, phospholipase D2. Moreover, the expression of a coexpressed fluorescent marker is substantially improved by this new design. Another improvement of these new vectors is incorporation of two inverted BsmBI sites placed internal to the arms of the new miRNA-based vectors, so oligos used for cloning are shorter and the cost is reduced. These RNAi vectors thus provide new tools for gene suppression.
Compilation of small RNA sequences

This is an update containing small RNA sequences deposited in GenBank recently. Over four hundred small RNA sequences are available in this and earlier complications.
Mechanism of resistance to steroids: glucocorticoid receptor defect in lymphoma cells.

GLUCOCORTICOIDS cause cytolysis of normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells1,2—a reaction which is one basis for the use of these compounds in the therapy of neoplastic, autoimmune and other diseases of the lymphoid system. Unfortunately, resistance to steroids often develops during treatment, rendering the hormones therapeutically ineffective.
Seasonal Changes in the Endocrine Organs and Behavior Patterns of the Muskrat

In this study we attempt to correlate the seasonal behavior patterns with the physiological cycles, and suggest how they may affect the composition and density of the population in the Wisconsin marshes. The investigation includes anatomical data from 237 muskrats, from every month of the year, and field observations on seasonal behavior patterns. The number of animals examined was limited by the difficulty of obtaining them. Most of the muskrats were captured alive, while a few were freshly skinned carcasses obtained from trappers. The live muskrats were obtained from the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area in
The Deviation Function Method of Rotary Engine Design by Geometric Parameters

Rotary engines require seals inserted into each rotor apex to maintain contact with the housing and prevent leaks during internal combustion. These seals are called apex seals and their effectiveness directly influences the engine operation and efficiency. The deviation function (DF) method of rotary engine design has several advantages over the conventional design method with regard to the apex seals, and also finds many more possibilities. The DF method can be used to incorporate the profile of the apex seal into the design process and the rotor profile itself. In the DF method, the seal profile is used as a generating curve and the housing bore profile is a generated curve. The housing is conjugate to the apex seal, and therefore conforms to the seal profile, unlike the conventional rotary engine. Another advantage the DF method has over the conventional method is that different apex seal profiles can be used, resulting in a larger variety of rotary engine designs. This paper introduces the DF method of rotary engine design and selection by the geometric parameters rotor radius, R, and eccentricity, l. In conventional rotary (Wankel) engine design, these parameters are used as a ratio called the K factor. The K factor uniquely identifies a conventional rotary engine profile and is therefore used to associate performance criteria such as displacement, compression ratio, and apex sealing. The DF method can be used to employ the same ratio as a selection tool. Instead of a single profile for each K factor, there is a range of possible DF-designed engine profiles associated with each R/l ratio. The resulting design flexibility is shown using two example deviation functions and the design criteria swept area and maximum theoretical compression ratio. Furthermore, the R/l ratio is not an indication of apex sealing effectiveness because the DF method of rotary engine design and selection separates the engine profile geometry from the apex seal geometry. An apex sealing index is presented to show how the DF method can be used to quantify, analyze, and improve apex sealing.
An efficient method to produce clonal colonies of cancer cells using laser enabled analysis and processing (LEAP)

Many in vitro studies require a pure clonal population of cells that derive from a single cell. Traditionally this task has been performed using the inefficient manual process of ultimate limiting dilution. We have developed a novel clonal dilution technique using the Laser Enabled Analysis and Processing (LEAPTM) instrument (Cyntellect Inc. San Diego, CA). The LEAP instrument performs automated fluorescence imaging and real time image analysis to identify and measure fluorescence and morphological parameters of cells. The LEAP instrument also features a laser that can be used to manipulate targeted cells. To perform clonal dilution, cells are seeded at a low density (~10 cells/well) into each well of a 384 well plate and viably stained. The LEAP instrument will then image each well and automatically target all of the cells that are present. Then one cell will be chosen to keep (at random or based on a variety of metrics) and the others will be eliminated by laser ablation. We have successfully used this technique to produce single cell clones of HCT116 cells, a heterogeneous colorectal cancer model, in 84 percent of wells (originally containing 5 ± 2.1 cells/well). This is a marked improvement over the traditional technique of ultimate limiting dilution which produces a clone in only 33 percent of wells. The ability to efficiently produce clonal colonies has great utility in the isolation of subpopulations of cancer cells and purification of transformed cell lines.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MAL: not just a leukemia inducer.

The MAL gene has been described as an inducer of leukemia. In this issue of Blood , Gilles and colleagues report MAL's new role in proplatelet formation.[1][1] The megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 ( MAL ) gene, which encodes a transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor, has been widely studied
The effect of extrinsic base encroachment on the switch-on transient of advanced narrow-emitter bipolar transistors

A detailed two-dimensional numerical simulations study on the switch-on transient of advanced narrow-emitter bipolar transistors is presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the effect of the 'link-up' region between the extrinsic and intrinsic bases. It is shown that, due to the nonuniform current distribution during the switch-on transient, the encroachment of the extrinsic base into the intrinsic base area causes much more severe degradation in the switching speed of the device than those predicted by DC or quasi-static AC analyses. The design considerations and scaling implications imposed by this transient phenomenon are presented. >
Seed source affects establishment and survival for three grassland species sown into reciprocal common gardens

The source of plant material can affect the successful establishment and subsequent survival of plant species in restoration. Sometimes a local advantage is assumed or advocated, but research to date is equivocal on the relative success of local versus non-local plant sources in restoration. Global change, which is altering environmental conditions broadly and within local sites, raises additional questions regarding whether local sources will consistently perform best in the future. We investigated the effects of seed source (local vs. non-local) on the performance of three grassland species across variable environments using reciprocal common gardens in three states (Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma). In order to mimic the restoration of grassland vegetation from seed under realistic conditions where species interact with one-another during establishment, we focused on three species (Elymus canadensis, Oligoneuron rigidum, and Sorghastrum nutans) that were seeded together into communities with nine additional grassland species, simultaneously and identically manipulating source for all species. Both common garden site and seed source affected initial (first year) establishment in terms of density and survival, but responses differed among seed sources and were not consistent among species. No seed source, including local, had a consistent advantage. Effects of seed source on initial density, in addition to survival, suggest that experiments utilizing transplants might miss important effects of seed source on establishment and that the relative performance of different sources within a single site or that of any one species across sites cannot be easily generalized.
Hypopi (Acari: Hypoderatidae) of the Wood Stork (Aves: Ciconiiformes; Ciconiidae)

A new species is described and additional host records are presented for 2 other species of deutonymphs of the family Hypoderatidae from the subcutaneous adipose tissues of the wood stork, Mycteria americana L. Phalacrodectes (Phalacrodectes) mycteria n. sp. appears to share affinities with species from both pelicaniform and ciconiiform hosts, but it most closely resembles P. (P.) punctatissimus (Cerny) Pence & Courtney from pelicans in idiosomal chaetotaxy, cuticular sclerotization, and posteriorly divergent, widely separated genital openings. The new species differs from this and other species of the genus by its small size, the degree of separation of the genital openings with papillae, no secondary sclerotization in the perigenital area or surrounding the genital openings, and the long filiform setae s and w on genu III. There was a mixed infection of Neottialges kutzeri Fain and N. mycteriae Pence in all of 7 wood storks examined from Florida and Georgia ; P. (P.) mycteria was found in 4 of these hosts. This is the 7th species described as a deutonymph in the genus Phalacrodectes. The apparent close affinity of P. (P.) mycteria with P. (P.) punctatissimus and allied species from pelicaniform versus ciconiiform birds appears to be inconsistent with the established host-parasite relationships based on classical avian taxonomic relationships. However, this apparent affinity may be more reflective of the close relationships between the families of pelicans, ibises and spoonbills, and storks as recently proposed by DNA-DNA hybridization studies.
Cognition and psychodynamics: A modest proposal

Only 15 years ago cognitive models and cognitive therapies were taking shape and were beginning to usher in a veritable new era in psychopathology and treatment. As the very existence of a World Congress attests, the cognitive therapy movement has paid off handsomely. It has reaped tremendous benefits for its pioneers, practitioners, patients, its scientists and students. We have much to celebrate in our collective accomplishments, and we can certainly make rosy predictions about the future of cognitive therapy. Yet, my goal is not to review the achievements of cognitive models. Despite all that we have legitimate reason to be proud and enthusiastic about, there are some significant gaps in the work that comprises cognitive approaches, and those are what I want to discuss. Some of the gaps are occurring precisely in the areas that were once the special strength of this field. The other gaps I consider to be developmental, in the sense of needing to take new steps now that we have reached a certain level of maturity. I will talk about these two set of gaps, and in so doing present some modest proposals for future directions.
American medicine in the gilded age: the first technological era.

Summary American industrial society in the nineteenth century required special diagnostic techniques to assist in hiring physically qualified and dependable workers. The physician responded by employing diagnostic instruments to improve his diagnostic skills and meet the specific demands of business and industry, and as a consequence, the physician achieved a position as a salaried examiner and an effective medical practitioner. This was especially important in an age when the ‘regular’ physician competed for patients with a variety of other healers. The instrument manufacturer aided the industrialization of medicine by producing devices which enabled the physician to treat patients with a greater variety of implements. In using more hardware to diagnose and heal, the reputation of American medicine changed to one of a progressive and effective profession. ‘Mainstream’ American medicine became another form of technology in a society which revered technology and subsequently attracted international esteem....
VIOLATION-GUIDED NEURAL-NETWORK LEARNING FOR CONSTRAINED FORMULATIONS IN TIME-SERIES PREDICTIONS

Time-series predictions by artificial neural networks (ANNs) are traditionally formulated as unconstrained optimization problems. As an unconstrained formulation provides little guidance on search directions when a search gets stuck in a poor local minimum, we have proposed to use a constrained formulation in order to use constraint violations to provide additional guidance. In this paper, we formulate ANN learning with cross-validations for time-series predictions as a non-differentiable nonlinear constrained optimization problem. Based on our theory of Lagrange multipliers for discrete constrained optimization, we propose an efficient learning algorithm, called violation guided back-propagation (VGBP), that computes an approximate gradient using back-propagation (BP), that introduces annealing to avoid blind acceptance of trial points, and that applies a relax-and-tighten (R&T) strategy to achieve faster convergence. Extensive experimental results on well-known benchmarks, when compared to previous work, show one to two orders-of-magnitude improvement in prediction quality, while using less weights.
Parents' views of the benefits claimed in educational toy advertising

The multibillion-dollar educational toy industry is fueled, in part, by parents who feel pressured to promote their children's learning beginning in the first three years of life. Parents buy educational and electronic learning toys even in the absence of evidence of their efficacy. In this study, parents were administered a survey designed to probe parental perceptions of the developmental claims on toy packaging as well as toy purchasing patterns. We found that parents intuitively assign claims to major developmental domains and that parents themselves formed distinct clusters with regard to the level of influence they reported for these categories of claims. That ambivalent parents consistently purchased the most toys suggests that media and societal influences may be a persuasive factor in parental thinking and toy purchasing especially for receptive parents. One implication of this research is that children's play and learning environments and their exposure to device interfaces is proximally mediated by parental factors.
Autoradiographic studies of localization of tritiated methyl N-carbamyl maleamate in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

SummaryThe intraperitoneal injection into mice with Ehrlich ascites tumor of trace amounts of H3-methyl N-carbamyl maleamate, a substance which in larger amounts produces destruction of spindle fibers, resulted in the appearance on autoradiography of grains chiefly in the cytoplasm and only rarely in the nucleus. In a number of instances the grains appeared to be distributed in a perinuclear fashion. Somewhat similar results were obtained when H3-methanol was administered. The administration of cold methyl N-carbamyl maleamate (1 mg) together with the labeled substance resulted in a marked enhancement of the uptake of the labeled material into the cells, while a similar experiment with non-radioactive methyl N-carbamyl maleamate and H3-methanol showed no increase in uptake of isotope by the tumor cells. It was concluded that H3-methyl carbamyl N-maleamate enters the tumor cells as an intact molecule and associates with cytoplasmic components. The relationship of some of these components to spindle fiber s...
Much ado about nothing: The misestimation and overinterpretation of violent video game effects in Eastern and Western nations: Comment on Anderson et al. (2010)

The issue of violent video game influences on youth violence and aggression remains intensely debated in the scholarly literature and among the general public. Several recent meta-analyses, examining outcome measures most closely related to serious aggressive acts, found little evidence for a relationship between violent video games and aggression or violence. In a new meta-analysis, C. A. Anderson et al. (2010) questioned these findings. However, their analysis has several methodological issues that limit the interpretability of their results. In their analysis, C. A. Anderson et al. included many studies that do not relate well to serious aggression, an apparently biased sample of unpublished studies, and a "best practices" analysis that appears unreliable and does not consider the impact of unstandardized aggression measures on the inflation of effect size estimates. They also focused on bivariate correlations rather than better controlled estimates of effects. Despite a number of methodological flaws that all appear likely to inflate effect size estimates, the final estimate of r = .15 is still indicative of only weak effects. Contrasts between the claims of C. A. Anderson et al. (2010) and real-world data on youth violence are discussed.
Isolation and characterization of mouse and human esophageal epithelial cells in 3D organotypic culture

This protocol describes the isolation and characterization of mouse and human esophageal epithelial cells and the application of 3D organotypic culture (OTC), a form of tissue engineering. This model system permits the interrogation of mechanisms underlying epithelial-stromal interactions. We provide guidelines for isolating and cultivating several sources of epithelial cells and fibroblasts, as well as genetic manipulation of these cell types, as a prelude to their integration into OTC. The protocol includes a number of important applications, including histology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, genetic modification of epithelial cells and fibroblasts with retroviral and lentiviral vectors for overexpression of genes or RNA interference strategies, confocal imaging, laser capture microdissection, RNA microarrays of individual cellular compartments and protein-based assays. The OTC (3D) culture protocol takes 15 d to perform.
Abstract A10: Multimodal training of primary care physicians in cancer risk communication

Background: Limited health literacy (HL) is associated with misunderstandings about cancer susceptibility and low adherence to cancer screening. Training primary care physicians (PCPs) to engage in cancer risk communication with limited HL patients may improve information exchange and thus improve limited HL patient adherence to screening guidelines. Methods: This is a 4-year randomized controlled trial of PCPs who practice in safety-net clinics in New Orleans, LA and their limited HL patients (men [age 50-75]; women [age 40-75]); Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine score Results: 18 PCPs enrolled in the study. Of 746 clinic patients screened thus far, 133 met eligibility criteria (target sample size: 180). Most patients are African American (91 %), female (80%), and overdue for mammography (51.9%) or colorectal cancer screening (67.5%). Baseline assessments show PCPs self-rated “very good” their proficiency in discussing cancer risks (mean [SD]: 4.1[0.7]) and eliciting patient preference for treatment (3.9[0.3]) and decision-making (4.0[1.0]). Clinic patients rated “good” doctor facilitation of involvement in care (4.2[1.2]) and information exchange (3.5[1.0]) but rated participation in decision-making “poor” (1.5[1.3]). In unadjusted analysis, there was no difference in SP ratings of control vs. intervention PCPs’ communication at baseline (GenRisk: 2.7[1.2] vs. 3.3[1.1]; SDMcrc: 2.5[1.2] vs. 3.0[1.1], all p >0.05); however, there were significant group differences in SP ratings at 6-months (GenRisk: 3.1[1.3] vs. 4.1[1.1]; SDMcrc: 2.7[1.1] vs. 3.9[1.0]) which were sustained at 12-months (GenRisk: 2.3[0.8] vs. 4.1[0.7]; SDMcrc: 2.1[0.7] vs. 3.9[0.8], all p Conclusions: Training in cancer risk communication and SDM improves SP ratings of PCP communication behaviors. Practice organizations may influence communication styles. Next steps include using generalized estimating equations to examine whether physician behavior and practice location are associated with changes in patient cancer screening behaviors. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A10.
Almost and pseudo-almost limit cycles for some forced Liénard systems

Abstract In this paper we introduce the new concepts of almost and pseudo-almost limit cycles. In application we consider a one-parameter family of almost and pseudo-almost periodically forced Lienard systems, and determine the conditions of existence, uniqueness and stability of almost limit cycles and pseudo-almost limit cycles.
Medication use in a rural gynecologic population: Prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to document current medication use by a rural female population. Study design Over a 42-month period, nonpregnant women were interviewed about medication use. When applicable, interviews on subsequent visits provided a longitudinal study of medication usage and discontinuation, and data were analyzed according to the number of drugs used, age, and payment status. Results Five hundred sixty-seven participants had 776 interviews. Ninety-two percent of the participants took prescription medications, 96.5% of the participants self-medicated with over-the-counter medications, and 59.1% of the participants used herbal medications. Usage of prescription medications increased with age and, in some instances, varied with payment status. A database query for potential interacting drugs found several instances of coadministration, including herbal medicines that were not prescribed by the physician. Conclusion Medication usage (all types) by rural women is substantial, and the frequency of usage varies on the basis of both age and payment status. Patients should also be queried concerning medications that are not prescribed by the physician for an assessment of potential drug interactions.
An Investigation of Speech Perception in Children With Specific Language Impairment on a Continuum of Formant Transition Duration

Fifteen children diagnosed with specific language impairment (SLI) and 15 typically developing (TD) children were tested for identification performance on 2 synthetic speech continua varying in for...
Acids as Poultry Meat Preservatives

Abstract PRESERVATION of poultry carcasses by the use of edible acids has been demonstrated by several workers. Among the acids which have been investigated are sorbic, hydrochloric, lactic, and citric acids. Three groups have reported on the use of sorbic acid. Meyer et al., (1959) in work with edible coatings reported that when sorbic acid was combined with agar, gelcarin or lipid coatings, shelf life was increased. Two years later, Kaloyereas et al., (1961) reported that flake ice containing glycol diformate and sorbic acid had some effect on extending the shelf life of poultry meat. Perry et al., (1964) developed a method in which carcasses were first immersed in a slush ice solution of sodium dihydrogen phosphate for 2 hours to lower the surface pH below 5.5. Then after draining, the parts were sprayed with a 71°C. solution of 7.5% sorbic acid dissolved in a 70% propylene glycol, 20% water, 10%…
Characterization of a carbohydrate response element regulating the gene for human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase.

Abstract Human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (hGALT) is a central enzyme in the conserved pathway by which galactose is converted to energy, UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose. A natural mutation that deleted −119 to −116 bp (delGTCA) of the promoter decreased hGALT mRNA and enzyme activity and prompted analysis of hGALT gene regulation. Regulatory domains were identified by inspection and confirmed in a reporter system. Previous studies by others were confirmed that HepG2 cells grown in d -glucose increased hGALT enzyme activity and mRNA by 30%. We extended these observations by sequencing the promoter region and identifying a potential carbohydrate response element (ChoRE). The response to glucose rose to 190% when a plasmid construct containing a luciferase reporter and only the −165 bp region as a promoter was transfected into HepG2 and NIH:OVCAR-3. By contrast, fibroblasts transfected with the identical construct failed to respond to glucose. Within the −165 bp region there were two enhancer (E-box) motifs that encompassed the delGTCA mutation. The deletion diminished the positive regulatory response, but an additional GTCA repeat unexpectedly increased the response. Using this postulated ChoRE as a probe in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, multiple nuclear proteins bound and one was identified as a member of the basic/helix–loop–helix/leucine zipper enhancer-binding (b/HLH/LZ) family. Increased binding of proteins correlated with increased hGALT expression when the spacing between E-box motifs was enlarged but the carbohydrate response was dampened. When the 3 ′ E-box was mutated, b/HLH/LZ binding and gene expression were abolished. We conclude that the hGALT promoter region contains a ChoRE in which the spacing between and the sequence of its E-box motifs are critical. One nuclear protein of the b/HLH/LZ family is necessary, but not sufficient for the carbohydrate response.
Bickel's Constitution: The Problem of Moderate Liberalism

Alexander Bickel's three most comprehensive books explore a common constitutional-political theme, the manner in which sound political judgment should guide judges and scholars who authoritatively interpret the United States Constitution. Yet the works differ, and the differences illuminate a dual development of Bickel's understanding: a growing fear of the contemporary obstacles to politic constitutional judgment, and a growing thoughtfulness in coming to grips with these obstacles. The Least Dangerous Branch had invented politic techniques for applying the judiciary's principles. The Supreme Court and the Idea of Progress cautioned against judicial application, by novel techniques, of an impolitic egalitarian faith. The Morality of Consent, upon which this paper concentrates, elaborates Bickel's turn from the techniques of judicial power to the wise direction of judicial power. The paper considers the direction that Bickel proposes.