cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary lipid sources influence responses of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to challenge with the pathogen Edwardsiella ictaluri

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding various lipid sources at high and low water temperatures on responses of channel catfish to challenge (25°C) with Edwardsiella ictaluri. Semipurified diets were fed which contained 7% beef tallow, corn oil, linseed oil, menhaden oil or a 1:1:1 mixture of beef tallow, corn oil and menhaden oil. In Experiment 1, fish (14.3±0.3 g average initial weight) fed the menhaden oil and linseed oil diets for 13 weeks at 28°C had lower survival than fish fed the other diets (P<0.05). In Experiment 2, the fish (0.7±0.01 g average initial weight) fed the menhaden oil and the linseed oil diets for 9 weeks at 28°C also had lower survival than fish fed the other diets (P<0.05). There was no difference in survival among treatments when fish were fed at 17°C. At the higher temperature, the fish fed the menhaden oil and the mixed oil diets had equal or higher weight gains than the other dietary treatments in both experiments; there was no difference in weight gain among treatments at the lower temperature. The reduced resistance to infection by channel catfish fed menhaden oil or linseed oil at the high temperature may be caused by the competitive inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by n−3 fatty acids as occurs in warm-blooded animals. A combination of menhaden oil and corn oil, or sources of n−3 highly unsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid, appear to be desirable in practical catfish feeds to optimize immunocompetence and growth.
Mechanism of the Neutron Loss Reaction Produced by Deuterons

IN a recent letter in NATURE, Krishnan and Banks1 reported an interesting new type of nuclear transformation. Copper, consisting of two stable isotopes 63 and 65, was bombarded with deuterons, and the radioactive isotope Cu62 (10·5 min.) was obtained. The transformation was found to have a threshold at a deuteron energy of about 7 Mev. By analogy with the well-known reaction Krishnan and Banks suggested that a new kind of neutron loss reaction might explain their results, either From some further observations they concluded that reaction (3) was more probable. In a similar way they interpreted previous results of Krishnan and Gant2, who had found that Ag107 could be transformed by 9 Mev. deuterons into Ag106 (26 min.). For this case, however, the threshold energy has not yet been determined.
The nature of magnetic order in amorphous random-axis systems

Abstract We discuss the origins and scaling properties of the random anisotropy model. We review the changes that dipole-dipole coupling produce on the predictions of the model. Finally, we discuss a modification of the model in which the random axes or random fields are confined to a surface of a crystalline ferromagnet.
Ultra-low dose combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with intrathecal bupivacaine 3.75 mg for cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial.

Background We wished to investigate the feasibility of an ultra low-dose combined spinal-epidural technique in providing surgical anesthesia for uncomplicated cesarean deliveries in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Method Forty-four normotensive, non-obese patients were randomized to receive either intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 3.75 mg (low dose group, n =22) or 9 mg (conventional group, n =22), in addition to intrathecal fentanyl 25 μg, morphine 100 μg, and epidural 1.5% lidocaine 3 mL. Sensorimotor anesthesia and hemodynamic data were assessed at 2.5-min intervals for the first 15 min. Results The maximal sensory block achieved in the low-dose group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (median T3, [range T2-T6] vs. T2 [C2-T6], P P P P Conclusion We conclude that this technique results in a significantly lower incidence of maternal hypotension and has a role in high-risk parturients in whom maintenance of stable hemodynamics is imperative.
Crew Habitability on Offshore Installations: Comprehensive Guidance

In order to meet energy needs the search for oil and gas has led into deeper and deeper water. With installations located farther from shore, the length of stay aboard for crews could also increase. Long stays offshore can challenge crew mental and physical fitness levels which may impact productivity, performance, and safety. To maintain appropriate fitness levels, crews must be provided with properly designed accommodations and workspaces with favorable ambient environmental factors. ABS has developed a comprehensive guide that integrates human factors, ergonomics, and habitability data with accommodations design criteria. The subject of this paper is the production of such a guide, the ABS Guide for Crew Habitability on Offshore Installations, it’s criteria and measurement methodologies.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Land Elevation and Cancer Mortality in U.S. Cities and Counties using Median Elevations Derived from Geographic Information Systems

There are a number of variables that are correlated with land elevation. Land elevation, and in particular, its surrogate variables such as natural background radiation, can be studied in relation to cancer rates. The present ecological study focuses on three such variables correlated with land elevation: natural background radiation (NBR), oxygen concentration (OC), and barometric pressure (BP). In addition, the study uses a novel approach for determining median land elevation values from which the surrogated variables are estimated. Inverse correlations were observed for NBR while direct correlations were found for OC and BP suggesting the presence of a protective effect with all three variables. Further study is indicated to either verify or refute these findings.
The Hubbard Model for Small Clusters

The Hubbard model with nearest neighbor hopping, and one type of orbital is applied to clusters of 4 and 5 sites. Results are reported for the ground state as a function of the number of electrons. A rather complicated dependence of the spin of the ground state on occupation number, geometry, and model parameters is found. Ground state energies are compared. The excitation spectrum is illustrated in a particular example.
Infrared-guided patient setup for lung cancer patients.

Purpose To evaluate the utility of an infrared-guided patient setup (iGPS) system to reduce the uncertainties in the setup of lung cancer patients. Methods and Materials A total of 15 patients were setup for lung irradiation using skin tattoos and lateral leveling marks. Daily electronic portal device images and iGPS marker locations were acquired and retrospectively reviewed. The iGPS-based shifts were compared with the daily electronic portal device image shifts using both the central axis iGPS marker and all five iGPS markers. For shift calculation using the five markers, rotational misalignment was included. The level of agreement between the iGPS and portal imaging to evaluate the setup was evaluated as the frequency of the shift difference in the range of 0–5 mm, 5–10 mm, and >10 mm. Results Data were obtained for 450 treatment sessions for 15 patients. The difference in the isocenter shifts between the weekly vs. daily images was 0–5 mm in 42%, 5–10 mm in 30%, and >10 mm in 10% of the images. The shifts seen using the iGPS data were 0–5 mm in 81%, 5–10 mm in 14%, and >10 mm in 5%. Using only the central axis iGPS marker, the difference between the iGPS and portal images was 10 mm in 7% in the left–right direction and 73%, 18%, and 9% in the superoinferior direction, respectively. When all five iGPS markers were used, the disagreements between the iGPS and portal image shifts >10 mm were reduced from 7% to 2% in the left–right direction and 9% to 3% in the superoinferior direction. Larger reductions were also seen ( e.g., a reduction from 50% to 0% in 1 patient). Conclusion The daily iGPS-based shifts correlated well with the daily electronic portal device-based shifts. When patient movement has nonlinear rotational components, a combination of surface markers and portal images might be particularly beneficial to improve the setup for lung cancer patients.
Copia RNA levels are elevated in dunce mutants and modulated by cAMP.

Abstract Clones carrying sequences expressed at altered abundance levels in dunce mutants were isolated by differentially screening a genomic library with cDNA probes representing the RNA population from dunce+ flies and the RNA population from dunce mutant flies. These mutants have an elevated cAMP content, so some isolates potentially contain cAMP responsive genes. Two classes of clones were isolated. One class contains genes expressed at a higher steady state abundance level in dunce mutants compared to dunce+ flies and the other contains genes expressed at a lower steady state level in the mutants. The recovery of clones from the differential screen demonstrates that in addition to altering normal behavior, fertility, and cAMP metabolism, dunce mutation confers an alteration in the level of expression of certain genes. The class of clones carrying sequences which are overexpressed in the mutants have been characterized. These clones carry a common repetitive sequence which codes for a 5.5 kb poly(A)+ RNA - the RNA species found to be overexpressed in the mutants. Restriction analysis and hybridization experiments show these repetitive sequences to be members of the copia family of transposable elements. Administration of pharmacological agents to normal flies to increase cAMP levels leads to an increased steady state level of copia RNA. Thus, copia RNA metabolism appears to be influenced by cAMP levels.
Atrial septal defect in a nonagenarian.

The case of a 95-year-old woman with an ostium secundum atrial septal defect, necropsy proved, is described. Possible reasons for her marked longevity are discussed briefly.
Desorption of H2 from W(110) and Fe covered W(110) surfaces

The kinetics of H2 desorption from HW(110) and H/Fe1/W(110) were studied by measuring work function changes Δo vs time at a number of temperatures. Combination with previously determined Δo vs coverage data and differentiation at various fixed coverages gave rate vs T data from which activation energies of desorption could be obtained. E vs coverage results agree well with previously determine ΔHdes results. In the case of H/Fe1/W(110) this includes a rise from ∼20 to ∼30 kcal mol−1 of H2 at HFe = HW > 0.3. Plots of rate −dθdt vs θ (θ being coverage in units of HW) vary much more steeply than θ2 at most coverages for both systems. The θ dependence can be explained almost quantitatively in terms of the variations of ΔHdes and surface entropy Ss with coverage, by assuming that rates of desorption are equal to the equilibrium rates of adsorption. The latter can be formulated thermodynamically, except for a sticking coefficient, s. Values for s(θ, T) can also be obtained and show relatively little temperature dependence.
Effects of Local Energy Loss on the Dynamic Response of a Cylindrical Bar With a Penny Shape Crack

The effects of a penny shape in a cylindrical bar on its axial dynamic response are obtained, considering the local energy loss at the crack tip. The crack is taken to be normal to the bar axis and the bar is subjected to a harmonic axial load. The bar material is assumed to be viscoelastic perfectly plastic. The penny shape crack is assumed an open crack, for simplicity of calculations. The local flexibility is calculated by using the strain energy release rate. The local damping due to the crack presence is related to the plastic zone and the crack opening displacement. The results show that the bar material damping does not affect the lower resonant frequencies significantly, however, it decreases the amplitude of response. It is observed that for the range of crack length studied here, the system resonant frequencies and the system amplitude are little affected by considering the local energy loss at the crack tip. Furthermore, the results show that that the system resonant frequencies are not sensitive to the presence of a small penny shape crack. However, with increasing radius of the penny shape crack, resonant frequencies of the system decrease drastically. The results also indicate that the resonant frequencies are more sensitive to the crack location than its size.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Outcomes, preferences for resuscitation, and physician-patient communication among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract Purpose: To describe characteristics, outcomes, and decision making in patients with colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver, and to examine the relationship of doctor-patient communication with patient understanding of prognosis and physician understanding of patients' treatment preferences. Patients and Methods: The Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatments (SUPPORT) was a prospective cohort study conducted at five teaching hospitals in the United States between 1989 and 1994. Participants in this study were hospitalized patients 18 years of age or older with known liver metastases who had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer at least 1 month earlier. Data were collected by patient interview and chart review at study entry; patients were inteviewed again at 2 and 6 months. Data collected by physician interview included estimates of survival and impressions of patients' preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Patients and physicians were also asked about discussions about prognosis and resuscitation preferences. Results: We studied 520 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (median age 64, 56% male, 80% white, 2-month survival 78%, 6-month survival 56%). Quality of life (62% "good" to "excellent") and functional status (median number of disabilities=0) were high at study entry and remained so among interviewed survivors at 2 and 6 months. Of 339 patients with available information, 212 (63%) of 339 wanted CPR in the event of a cardiopulmonary arrest. Factors independently associated with preference for resuscitation included younger age, better quality of life, absence of lung metastases, and greater patient estimate of 2-month prognosis. Of the patients who preferred not to receive CPR, less than half had a do-not-resuscitate note or order written. Patients' self-assessed prognoses were less accurate than those of their physicians. Physicians incorrectly identified patient CPR preferences in 30% of cases. Neither patient prognostication nor physician understanding of preferences were significantly better when discussions were reported between doctors and patients. Conclusions: A majority of patients with colorectal cancer have preferences regarding end of life care. The substantial misunderstanding between patients and their physicians about prognosis and treatment preferences appears not to be improved by direct communication. Future research focused on enhancing the effectiveness of communication between patients and physicians about end of life issues is needed.
Influence of cocaine self-administration on learning related to prefrontal cortex or hippocampus functioning in rats

Individuals who abuse cocaine have cognitive deficits, particularly in functions associated with the orbitofrontal cortex. It is not clear to what extent the impact of cocaine on cognitive functioning is related to its role as a behavioral reinforcer. A preclinical means to investigate this issue is to use a yoked-triad procedure in which sets of three animals either contingently self-administer cocaine or receive passive administration of cocaine or saline in a noncontingent manner. Using this procedure, we assessed cocaine’s effect on learning that requires a functionally intact prefrontal cortex (prelimbic or insular/orbital subregions) or hippocampus. Rats self-administering 1-mg/kg unit doses of cocaine responded under a fixed-ratio 5, time-out 20-s schedule of drug delivery. Testing took place in a radial-arm maze within the first 30 min after 2-hr drug sessions ended, beginning after 2.5 months of cocaine or saline exposure. Rats self-administering cocaine earned 14–18 infusions on average throughout different phases of the study. In groupwise comparisons, learning in the visually guided delayed win-shift (prelimbic prefrontal cortex-related) and win-shift (hippocampus-related) tasks was not influenced by contingent or noncontingent cocaine exposure. Session latency, though, was shorter in both cocaine-exposed groups during the win-shift task. During the odor-guided delayed win-shift task (insular/orbital prefrontal cortex-related), learning was disrupted in rats self-administering cocaine, with no influence of noncontingent cocaine exposure. Based on these and previous findings, learning related to functioning of the insular/orbital prefrontal cortex and amygdala is the most consistently disrupted in cocaine-intoxicated rats after long-term drug exposure.
Phylogeny of the Pacific Trouts and Salmons (Oncorhynchus) and Genera of the Family Salmonidae

Abstract Seven genera—Brachymystax, Acantholingua, Salmothymus, Hucho, Salvelinus, Salmo, and Oncorhynchus—make up the living Salmoninae. Relationships of 33 extant and 4 fossil salmonid species and subspecies were studied on the basis of 119 characters analyzed by parsimony algorithms. Twelve equally parsimonious trees each requiring 253 steps were calculated. Monophyly of recognized genera is consistent with all 12 estimates. The earliest branch of the family Salmonidae is the subfamily Coregoninae. Its sister group is the clade including the Thymallinae and Salmoninae. Within the Salmoninae, Eosalmo, from the Eocene of British Columbia, is the sister group of all living genera, as previously shown by Mark Wilson. The living Asian species Brachymystax lenok is the sister species of all other living Salmoninae, as documented by Carroll Norden. Three species of archaic trouts from the Mediterranean area—Acantholingua ohridana, Salmothymus obtusirostris, and Salmothymus (Platysalmo) platycephalus—branch of...
Preschoolers Monitor the Relative Accuracy of Informants

In 2 studies, the sensitivity of 3- and 4-year-olds to the previous accuracy of informants was assessed. Children viewed films in which 2 informants labeled familiar objects with differential accuracy (across the 2 experiments, children were exposed to the following rates of accuracy by the more and less accurate informants, respectively: 100% vs. 0%, 100% vs. 25%, 75% vs. 0%, and 75% vs. 25%). Next, children watched films in which the same 2 informants provided conflicting novel labels for unfamiliar objects. Children were asked to indicate which of the 2 labels was associated with each object. Three-year-olds trusted the more accurate informant only in conditions in which 1 of the 2 informants had been 100% accurate, whereas 4-year-olds trusted the more accurate informant in all conditions tested. These results suggest that 3-year-olds mistrust informants who make a single error, whereas 4-year-olds track the relative frequency of errors when deciding whom to trust.
Effect of varying atrial sensitivity, AV interval, and detection algorithm on automatic mode switching.

UNLABELLED Automatic mode switching (AMS) is absolutely dependent on atrial tachyarrhythmia detection. The effects of programming several features that could influence tachyarrhythmia detection were assessed in 18 patients (six women; mean age 64 years) with pacemakers having AMS capability. The atrial electrogram amplitude in sinus rhythm at implant (SR-EGM), last measured atrial sensing threshold prior to tachycardia (A-SENS), and atrial sensing threshold for effective AMS during atrial tachyarrhythmia (AMS-SENS) were obtained. Additionally, ten patients had AV intervals increased from 60 to 200 ms, while seven patients had detection algorithms made more stringent from 5 beats at 150 beats/min to 11 beats at 200 beats/min to assess their effects on AMS efficacy. RESULTS Sensitivities:Mean SR-EGM = 3.55 mV; mean A-SENS = 2.06 mV; and mean AMS-SENS = 1.46 mV. Fourteen patients developed atrial fibrillation and four atrial flutter. Thirteen of 14 patients who developed atrial fibrillation sensed adequately at > or = 1.0 mV in normal sinus rhythm (NSR), but only six patients had effective AMS at these settings in atrial fibrillation. Three of four patients who developed atrial flutter had effective AMS at > or = 2.0 mV. AV Interval:AMS was effective in eight of ten patients at AV intervals up to 200 ms. One patient lost AMS at an AV interval of 120 ms. Algorithm: In two of seven patients, AMS was not effective if the detection algorithm was more stringent than five beats at 150 beats/min. CONCLUSIONS (1) In atrial fibrillation, effective AMS requires more sensitive atrial settings than in NSR; (2) AV intervals as short as 120 ms can interfere with AMS function; and (3) More stringent detection algorithms may be inappropriate for effective AMS function.
Localized Generation of Attoliter Protein Solution Droplets by Electrofocused Liquid−Liquid Separation

We develop a simple technique for the generation of droplets of a high-concentration protein solution of attoliter volume and a diameter of ≥500 nm, containing several thousand protein molecules, a...
Coordination of a disubstituted alkene in a chelated d0-metal-alkyl-alkene complex. Evidence for equilibrium between complexes with coordinated and free alkenes

Abstract Addition of (Cp*2YH)2 (4) to 2-methyl-1,4-pentadiene produced the yttrium-alkyl-alkene chelate complex Cp*2YCH2CH2CH2C(CH3)=CH2 (2) in which a disubstituted alkene is complexed to the metal center. Evidence for coordination of the alkene unit of 2 comes from the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of the vinyl units and from observation of nOe effects between Cp* protons and vinyl hydrogens. The disubstituted alkene ligand of 2 is weakly bound, and evidence for an equilibrium with substantial amounts of complex 3 with a free alkene was obtained from variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Inferring social gaze from conversational structure and timing

We have created a preliminary inference engine for generating gaze acts based on extracting the social context from conversational structure and timing in human-robot dialog.
Shear Constitutive Relations for Laminated Anisotropic Shells and Plates: Part I—Methodology

Shear constitutive relations of a first-order shear deformation theory for laminated anisotropic shells and plates are formulated following Mindlin’s procedure for homogeneous isotropic plates. Because thickness-shear motions for laminated anisotropic thickness profiles may not be polarized in planes normal to the reference surface, the concept of generalized principal shear planes is needed. These planes are established by least-squares minimization of the out-of-plane motions of infinitely long thickness-shear waves based on an elasticity analysis of the profile. Typical shear rigidities for a variety of laminated composite and sandwich profiles are given. In a companion paper, the efficacy of this form of shear constitutive relations in predicting the response of a class of laminated composite and sandwich cylindrical shells is demonstrated.
Improved asymetric synthesis of (-)-3-aminonocardicinic acid and further observations of the mitsunobu reaction for β-lactam formation in seryl peptides

Abstract Protected seryl peptide 2 was treated under a variety of conditions with triphenylphosphine or triethylphosphite and diethyl azodicarboxylate to give mechanistic insight into the β-lactam forming reaction and an improved route to (-)-3-aminonocardicinic acid ( 7 ).
Screening and treating for primary cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy: where do we stand? A decision-analytic and economic analysis

Objective To estimate which 1 of 3 screening strategies for primary maternal cytomegalovirus infection, with intention to treat with hyperimmune globulin, is most cost-effective. Study Design A decision-analytic and cost-effectiveness model was constructed for pregnant women, comparing 3 strategies screening for primary maternal cytomegalovirus infection with intention to treat with cytomegalovirus-intravenous immune globulin: (1) serum screen all pregnant women, (2) serum screen women with risk factors for primary cytomegalovirus, (3) serum screen women with suspicious sonographic findings. Probability, use (or value), and cost estimates were derived from published literature. Results Universal screening for primary maternal cytomegalovirus was the preferred and most cost-effective strategy. However, if treatment with cytomegalovirus-intravenous immune globulin achieved less than a 47% reduction (relative risk, 0.53) in clinical disease, universal screening would no longer be cost-effective. Conclusion Universal screening for primary maternal cytomegalovirus infection is cost-effective based on available evidence, highlighting the urgent need for additional study evaluating the efficacy of cytomegalovirus-intravenous immune globulin to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus.
Effects of Acid Treatment on Acid and Abrasion Resistance of Porcelain Enamels

The resistance of some enamels to attack by citric and other acids is improved by prior exposure to certain weak acids, which do not appreciably attack the enamel themselves. The abrasion resistance of some enamels is markedly decreased by exposure to citric acid for IS minutes at room temperature. These effects, as well as the results of some exploratory experiments on the nature and extent of these effects, are reported.
Localization of the Site of Perception of Thermoinductive Temperatures in Thlaspi arvense L.

This paper describes attempts to localize the site of perception of low temperatures (0-10°C) during thermoinduction in Thlaspi arvense L. Reproductive development (stem elongation and flower formation) was observed when shoots were cooled to 4°C for 4 weeks and then returned to 21°C while maintaining the roots constant 21°C. However, chilling the roots was ineffective for initiating reproductive development. The apparent site of perception of thermoinductive temperatures was further localized to the shoot tip (apex and immature leaves) by controlling the temperature of the shoot tip independently of the rest of the plant. Furthermore, excised apices regenerated flowering plants in organ culture only if they were subjected to a 4 week cold treatment. Grafting experiments also support the notion that the shoot tip or the apex is the site of perception of thermoinductive temperatures: noninduced shoot tips grafted onto bolting donors remained as vegetative rosettes. Paradoxically, it was found that the cells of the shoot tip are not the only ones capable of being thermoinduced. Shoots regenerated from leaf cuttings excised from thermoinduced plants exhibited all signs of reproductive development, while regenerated shoots from control leaves developed into vegetative rosettes. It is suggested that many cell types are capable of being thermoinduced and that the shoot tip may appear to be the site of perception of thermoinductive temperatures because structures associated with reproductive development originate from this tissue.
Indwelling venous access catheters in patients with acute leukemia

Reliable venous access is often a serious problem in the cancer chemotherapy patient. In one year, the authors of this report have inserted 26 chronic double-lumen silastic Hickman catheters in 25 acute leukemia patients. Each patient received an average 12 courses of combination chemotherapy, 11.5 packed red blood cell units, 48.0 platelet units, 4.2 fresh frozen plasma units, and numerous antibiotic doses via the catheters, which remained in situ 101 +/- 97.4 days. Complications included early hemorrhage in two cases, and catheter occlusion in six. Four catheters were removed for occlusion. Fourteen patients suffered bacteremia, predominantly due to gram-negative organisms; six catheters were removed for persistent sepsis. The remaining catheters remained functional until death or elective removal. Eight patients are currently alive as outpatients with functional catheters. The Hickman catheter effectively achieves reliable venous access in the cancer patient. The risks of catheter sepsis must be considered carefully in the immunosuppressed, leukopenic patient.
Infants' object examining: Habituation and categorization ☆ ☆☆

Abstract The visual habituation paradigm has dominated the study of infant object discrimination and categorization. A more active task, object examining, was used in two studies to explore early discrimination and categorization, and to validate previous findings. The object-examining task combined active exploration of real objects with some aspects of a habituation-dishabituation paradigm. The first study explored simple discrimination. Six- and 10-month-old infants were familiarized with a single object and then tested with two novel objects. The results indicated that at both ages, infants showed clear discrimination among objects. The second study explored infant categorization and revealed that when both 6- and 10-month-old infants were familiarized with a category of objects, they responded to novel objects in terms of their categorical membership. These results converge with previous findings obtained by using more traditional methods, and demonstrate the utility of an object-examining task for the exploration of cognitive abilities in the first year of life. Finally, a comparison of two different measures of attention used in this task, examining and looking, revealed that examining time was a better measure of active processing of information about objects than was looking time.
Robust stereo vision

This paper presents an algorithm for visual surface reconstruction which makes use of a robust local reconstruction scheme to produce a dense disparity map from a multiresolution feature-based stereo matching algorithm. Robustness implies that the algorithm can reject large amounts of outliers in the disparities which are caused by mismatches in the correspondence process while simultaneously preserving discontinuities in the depth. Our robust algorithm uses a standard multiresolution stereo algorithm in conjunction with a moving least median of squares (MLMS) algorithm to fit local planar patches to the disparity functional at each level of the multiresolution pyramid. The MLMS algorithm finds the best fit by minimizing the median of the error between the fit and the data. By applying the MLMS algorithm at each stage of the pyramid we not only create a denser grid at each level but also " nip in the bud" any errors which occur at a coarse level before they are propagated to finer levels of the multiresolution process. Experimental results are presented on real and synthetic data.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Costly signaling and torch fishing on Ifaluk atoll

In this paper I evaluate the merit of costly signaling theory (CST) as a paradigm for understanding why men of Ifaluk atoll torch fish. I argue that torch fishing is a handicap that signals men's productivity. Consistent with CST, torch fishing is observed by the predicted audience (women), energetically costly to perform, and a reliable indicator of the frequency a man fishes during the trade wind season. Contrary to expectations of who should benefit from torch fishing and consequently participate, torch fishers are not primarily young and unmarried. Torch fishers, however, are predominately from the matriline that owns the canoe on which they fish, suggesting that torch fishing also signals the productivity of a matriline. Although these results support the possibility that torch fishing is a handicap, no data are presented which demonstrate that torch fishers achieve any gains from sending the costly signal. This shortcoming and other directions for future research on Ifaluk foraging decisions are discussed.
Exact matrix elements for radiation processes in hydrogenic atoms

Abstract The exact matrix elements for transitions from the ground state to some excited state of a hydrogenic atom, accompanied by the emission or absorption of a real or virtual photon, are abtained in closed form. The matrix elements are simple rational functions of the photon energy if the excited state is bound, or have a simple transcendental factor if the excited state is unbound. It follows from the form of these that the contribution of each such process to the second-order radiative correction to the ground state energy level is always finite, without renormalization. The sum of these contributions over all bound intermediate states is finite, while the sum over all unbound intermediate states diverges at most logarithmically, without renormalization.
Structure—Function Studies of the Eighth Hydrophobic Domain of a Serotonin Receptor

Abstract : The most prominent structural feature of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily is their seven hydrophobic domains, which are postulated to form membrane-spanning α helices. Some members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, specifically several serotonin (5-HT) receptors, possess eight hydrophobic domains. The importance of this extra hydrophobic domain, located at the N terminus of the receptor, is unknown. This question was addressed by deleting the extra hydrophobic region from the 5-HT2C receptor and comparing its function and topology with those of the wild-type receptor. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to determine the location of the N terminus of the epitope-tagged wild-type and mutant receptors. The N terminus of both receptors was extracellular, suggesting that the extra hydrophobic domain does not change the topology of this receptor and is unlikely to be a membrane-spanning α helix. Radioligand-binding studies in transfected cells and expression studies in Xenopus oocytes demonstrated that seven hydrophobic domains were sufficient for normal function in these assays. Interestingly, the mutant receptor, now containing seven hydrophobic domains, is expressed at higher levels in transfected cells than the wild-type receptor containing eight hydrophobic domains, suggesting that the extra hydrophobic domain does impact the activity of this receptor by regulating its expression.
Facilitation of the SUS-TAS Application with Parsimony, Predictive Validity, and Global Interpretation Examination

The Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale (SUS-TAS) has been widely recognized as a promising instrument for evaluating tourism sustainability. Scholars have successfully validated this scale across contexts. This study carries forward the fruitful outcomes of previous SUS-TAS studies by exploring some possible facilitations of the SUS-TAS application efficiency and scope. Using data from 11 Midwestern U.S. counties, this study (1) found a maximally parsimonious 20-item SUS-TAS that facilitates data collection efficiency without compromising the psychometrical properties, (2) verified SUS-TAS’s predictive validity as in predicting residents’ intention to engage in tourism planning at different levels, and (3) suggested that SUS-TAS is best interpreted by seven separate dimensions rather than a global factor. The extended applications and possible further refinements for the scale are also discussed.
A non-covalent strategy for the assembly of supramolecular photocurrent-generating systems.

Three photocurrent-generating thin films were assembled on gold surfaces. SAM I was constructed from molecules consisting of an alkyl disulfide group linked covalently to a 12-residue helical peptide and terminated with an alanine residue containing a pyrene chromophore. SAM I served as a benchmark for multilayered films II and III in photocurrent generation experiments. Films II and III were assembled from several components that were linked noncovalently by metal−ligand complexation. Cyclic voltammetry and contact angle measurements suggest that the films consist of ordered layers with relatively few defects. Photoexcitation of SAM I by the output of a 350 nm lamp (∼0.2 mW power incident on the sample) results in current generation in the range 5−10 nA/cm2. Photoexcitation of II and III yields higher current in the range 10−30 nA/cm2, representing a quantum efficiency of ∼1%. The observation of comparable or higher current from noncovalently assembled multicomponent films indicates that this method of a...
Synthesis of amino acid residues with reactive side chains under simple conditions.

The side chains of amino acid residues can be converted from nonreactive to reactive species. Under the influence of electrical discharge, alanine is converted to aspartic acid in the presence of CO2, for example. The possible implications of these findings to events taking place on primitive Earth are discussed.
Cerebral accompaniments to simple and choice reaction tasks in Parkinson's disease.

In order to clarify the nature and basis of the delayed reaction time that occurs in Parkinson's disease, we measured reaction times and cerebral responses in six parkinsonian patients and six normal age-matched control subjects. Each participated in one simple reaction task and three choice reaction tasks of different complexity. The reaction times were delayed in the parkinsonian patients in all conditions but especially in the more difficult choice tasks. In addition, the cerebral responses showed delayed latencies of the N1, N2, and P3 components of the event-related cerebral potential. These findings are similar to the changes that we observed previously in patients with both Parkinson's disease and dementia, and suggest that bradyphrenia may account, in part, for the slowing of response time in Parkinson's disease.
Thermodynamics of mixed oxide compounds, Li2O · Ln2O3 (Ln=Nd or Ce)

The thermodynamics of mixed oxide compounds of the type Li2O · Ln2O3 (Ln=Nd or Ce) has been studied by measuring the lanthanide content of molten LiCl-Li2O-Li solutions in equilibrium with the solid mixed oxide compound at 923 K. The observed total lanthanide mole fraction in the molten salt when in equilibrium with both solid Ln2O3 and LiLnO2 was found to be 1.0×10−4 and 5.9×10−4 for Ln=Nd and Ce, respectively. The calculated mole fractions of LiLnO2 in the molten salt when the solid mixed oxide compound was present are 2.6×10−5 and 2.1×10−4 for LiNdO2 and LiCeO2, respectively. The unexpectedly large “solubilities” of the sesquioxides in the presence of Li2O can be explained by the formation of complex oxide species, LiLnO2 and Li3LnO3, in the molten salt solutions. The equilibrium constants and the free energies of formation for these species were derived from the measured data. The free energies of formation of the solid mixed oxide compounds at 923 K were found to be −1014±1.5 kJ/mol for LiNdO2 and −1006±11.0 kJ/mol for LiCeO2.
Modified loop expansion for nuclear matter in a chiral model

We consider loop expansions for the chirally symmetric linear {sigma} model. The conventional loop expansion is reviewed, and the tachyon problems due to the large attractive {sigma}{pi} and {sigma}{sigma} couplings are investigated. We then study a modified loop expansion that sums the repulsive baryon loops to all orders at each order in meson loops. Renormalizability is explicitly demonstrated to modified one-loop order, which corresponds to the relativistic random-phase approximation. We show that tachyons present in the conventional loop expansion are avoided to a large extent, but ghosts arise due to the unphysical behavior of the vacuum loops in this field theory that is not asymptotically free. Implications and possible solutions to this problem are discussed.
Impact of Antidepressant Use on Gastric Bypass Surgery Patients' Weight Loss and Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes

Background Psychological factors may be predictive of post-surgical adjustment and successful outcomes in obesity-surgery populations. Objective The authors compared post–gastric bypass surgery (GBS) outcomes of patients being given active psychotropic treatment for depression, with those of patients without treatment or identifiable need for treatment at enrollment. Method Outcome measures included weight and repeated administration of the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form–36 (SF–36). Results There was no impact of antidepressant treatment on GBS patients’ weight loss or SF–36 outcomes. Conclusion Therefore, patients with actively treated depression should be expected to have GBS outcomes equivalent to those of patients without identifiable psychiatric illness or treatment.
Inhomogeneous Ising model on a multiconnected network

We first generalize the inhomogeneous external field Ising model on a ring to include inhomogeneous couplings. We then further generalize the one-dimensional periodic lattice to the simplest multiconnected networks. The fundamental idea and techniques developed here may be also applicable to other problems where topological collective (nonlocal) modes are many fewer in number than total degrees of freedom.
Email, Self-Regulation, Self-Efficacy, and Achievement in a College Online Mathematics Course.

The purpose of this study was to: (a) investigate the effects of email to enhance learners' use of self-regulation strategies; (b) examine different effects between email list and individually addressed notes on the enhancement of self-regulation; (c) observe and record changes in self-regulation and self-efficacy; and (d) explore the relationships among self-regulation, self-efficacy, and achievement. For an entire semester, 103 college students enrolled in an online, asynchronous mathematics course participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group received self-regulation strategies without personalized messages; the second group received self-regulation strategies with personalized messages; and the third group received neither self-regulation strategies nor personalized messages. Results indicated that there was no statistically significant effect for the email treatments but a statistically significant relationship was observed between self-efficacy and a...
Physical activity is the best buy in medicine, but perhaps for less obvious reasons.

Abstract This commentary's premise addresses why physical activity may be considered the ‘best buy’ in medicine, with a focus on the identification of a novel mechanism.
Human papillomavirus vaccine: a paradigm shift for pediatricians.

Purpose of review Recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination during adolescence primarily for a disease, cancer, that occurs only during adulthood is a paradigm shift for pediatricians. Additional postlicensure data and guidelines about HPV biology and epidemiology, disease association, adverse effects, vaccination during pregnancy, and cost-benefit analyses are now available to inform pediatricians and guide HPV vaccination recommendations. Recent findings The prespecified, end-of-study combined analysis of HPV vaccine efficacy studies for prevention of cervical cancer, and now also for prevention of vulvar and vaginal cancers, confirmed 98-100% vaccine efficacy. Postlicensure surveillance identified a new association of vaccine administration with syncope, and provides assurance of the safety of inadvertent vaccination during pregnancy. Several cost-effectiveness analyses consistently demonstrated that HPV vaccination of 12-year-old girls and catch-up vaccination through 18 years of age, and possibly to 26 years of age, is cost-effective, although the thresholds of affordability vary by study. The downward trend in age of initial HPV infection and the need to educate parents and patients about HPV disease and vaccination underscore the essential role of pediatricians in managing HPV illness. Summary It is critical for pediatricians to thoroughly understand HPV biology and disease and champion HPV vaccination to prevent cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, even though these benefits accrue during adulthood and will likely require 2-4 decades to realize the financial and public health benefits. Several new developments are expected in the near future, including licensure for use in boys and men and the approval of a second, bivalent HPV vaccine.
Insights into the evolutionary history of the vertebrate zic3 locus from a teleost-specific zic6 gene in the zebrafish, Danio rerio.

The Zic gene family of zinc-finger transcription factors includes five orthologues, zic1–5, that are common to the Euteleostian vertebrates (fish, frogs, birds, and mammals). The Zic genes have been implicated as regulators of a number of critical developmental processes, including neurulation, neuronal differentiation, neural crest specification, the establishment of left–right asymmetry, and regulation of cell proliferation. The different Zic genes encode proteins that are expressed in broadly overlapping spatial domains, have conserved DNA-binding domains that recognize a common motif, are capable of physical interactions, and can co-regulate one another’s transcription. Thus, the transcriptional regulation of individual proteins and their effects on downstream targets must be assessed within the context of co-expression with other family members. We describe a novel gene, zic6, that is specific to the teleost fishes and lacks the lateral and rostral expression domains typical of the other Zic family members. We present evidence that zic6 is an ancestral locus arising by chromosomal duplication early in the Euteleostomi that was subsequently lost in the terrestrial vertebrates.
Groundwater - the 'hidden resource'.

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) has provided the opportunity, virtually for the first time at a national scale, to characterise groundwater throughout the country?not only groundwater in the productive aquifers but also groundwater in the less productive rocks that underlie a significant proportion of the country. The national monitoring networks for groundwater quality and levels have been updated, with emphasis placed on achieving networks that are representative both of hydrogeology (e.g. groundwater flow regime, vulnerability) and of pressures (e.g. livestock units, tillage, urban areas) on groundwater bodies. The interim status of the groundwater bodies has been determined, with 14% of the country classified as being of poor status; status provides a measure of the present situation and also a signpost to future requirements. Implementation of the WFD and the associated Groundwater Daughter Directive is providing the opportunity for a holistic, integrated approach to water management in Ireland, with groundwater as a critical element. Donai Daly (email: d.daly@epa.ie), Hydrometric and Groundwater Section, Environmental Protection Agency, Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.
Responsive polymer films and capsules via layer-by-layer assembly

In recent years, the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique has grown strong in its influence on chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology. One of the emerging trends in the area is the growing interest in design of polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEMs) with specific response characteristics. This approach is significantly facilitated by the versatility and flexibility of the LbL technique. In this review, fundamental aspects of construction of PEMs responsive to a variety of external stimuli such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, light, magnetic field or specific biological moieties, and their possible applications are discussed.