cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indeterminate colitis and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified

Abstract Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may not be able to clearly categorize into Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), despite extensive and careful clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and radiographic evaluations. In the setting of colectomy of severe or fulminant colitis, indeterminate colitis as a histopathological term has been used to describe the transmural disease, which could neither be classic Crohn’s colitis nor classic UC. The term “IBD-type unclassified (IBD-U)” describes conditions in which clinical, endoscopic, and histologic diagnosis of IBD could not be further categorized into CD or UC, due to the lack of classic features and/or the presence of overlapping features. These patients with IBD-U are tentatively classified as having CD variants or UC variants.
Non-volatile holographic data storage media based on dye-doped thermoplastic

ABSTRACT Holographic data storage materials are currently being developed at General Electric. These materials are based on a thermoplastic host doped with narrow-band absorption dyes. The dyes are photosensitive and undergo non-reversible photochromic reactions upon exposure. Samples were produced using different dyes and various concentrations in a polycarbonate host with a focus on sensitivity and capacity of the media. A challenging obstacle for a successful photochromic system is the inherent remaining photosensitivity of the material after the writing process. This paper will introduce the concept of a highly sensitive yet non-volatile photochromic data storage system. The chromophore is subjected to a post-treatment step at a second wavelength which removes the photosensitivity. The stored data can therefore be secured against degradation during read-out at the writing wavelength. Keywords: holographic recording materials, organic dye, thermoplastic, non-volatile photochromic data storage
ION BERNSTEIN WAVE ANTENNA DESIGN FOR DIII-D

An array of two toroidal loop antennas has been designed and installed on the DIII-D tokamak to carry out Ion Bernstein Wave (IBW) heating experiments. The antenna will operate at the 2 MW level and provide direct excitation of the IBW over the frequency range of 30–60 MHz. This device will permit the study of coupling the IBW to divertor plasmas and will provide a means for improving the confinement and stability of high beta plasmas through localized off-axis heating. This paper describes both the mechanical and electromagnetic design of the IBW antenna.
Functional brain imaging

Different imaging techniques allow the investigator to observe a number of physiological changes that are associated with brain function with great specificity regarding the location and the timing of events. In this chapter, we discuss a number of applications of neuroimaging to cognitive psychology questions, such as mapping different brain functions; and we investigate the dissociation between cognitive processes. This chapter also discusses the strategies and statistical principles of designing a functional neuroimaging experiment in the context of cognitive psychology research. Our review ranges from basic blocked designs to more complex event-related designs, and we explain the principles of subtraction, parametric variation, factorial and correlation designs. The chapter includes an overview of the physics and engineering principles of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the two dominant functional neuroimaging techniques. We discuss the phenomenon of positron emission and detection in PET scanning along with the reconstruction of PET images through filtered backprojection. For MRI, we discuss the concepts of magnetic moment, spin precession, resonance, and the BOLD effect, as well as how to obtain spatial information (i.e., an image) from the resonance signal by use of the Fourier Transform. Finally, the chapter provides an introduction to the current methods of statistical analysis that are applied to functional imaging data, with emphasis placed on regression techniques, or the “general linear model.” Keywords: cognitive neuroscience; fMRI; functional imaging; MRI; neuroimaging; PET
Parity current and parity representation

We introduce the concept of parity current and relate its derived « charge » to an explicit representation of the parity transformation (in terms of field variables) in an analogous way that the « charge » of a current arising from a continuous transformation of the fields is related to an explicit representation of a continuous transformation.
Denotational Models Based on Synchronously Communicating Processes: Refusal, Acceptance, Safety

An improvement to the failures model of concurrency is presented. We derive our model from first principles and show it to be a generalization of failures. Our approach gives rise to a natural treatment of the hiding operation not possible in the failures model. In addition, we employ the above technique to construct acceptance-refusal models leading to similar satisfactory treatments of hiding.
Value creation in the imarketplace

Value is a construct that is hard to define and even harder to model and understand. This article provides a framework of analysis that helps the practitioner think through the concept of value creation in the new digital economy. This article also addresses different scenarios to deal with such issues as strategy implementation to work through before firms can leverage the web successfully to the fullest advantage.
The Utility of Amicus Briefs in the Supreme Court's Indian Cases

Four times in the past 15 years, arguments or information raised by amici before the Supreme Court have had dramatic impacts on the Court’s decision making process in cases involving federal Indian law. In two cases involving government contracting, amicus briefs filed by the United States Chamber of Commerce supporting tribal interests played important roles in pointing out the impact the Court’s decision would have on defense and other government contractors. In another case, an amicus railroad company alleged that the procedures in one tribal court were stacked against nonmembers, apparently causing the Court to reconsider its views on tribal civil jurisdiction. In a fourth case, an amicus resuscitated a line of argument long thought to be retired from the field (in fact, none of the parties briefed the argument) and persuaded the Court to decide a case on that basis. What about these briefs, as opposed to the hundreds of other Supreme Court amicus briefs filed in the Court’s Indian cases, served to influence the Court so heavily? This short paper hopes to sort out a few general guidelines for amicus brief writers in federal Indian law cases by reviewing a series of amicus briefs and how we know the Court deals with them.
Laparoscopy or conventional open surgery for patients with ileocolonic Crohn's disease? A prospective study.

Background Crohn’s patients have been considered challenging laparoscopic candidates. The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgery in consecutive patients with ileocolonic Crohn’s disease. Methods Patients were enrolled prospectively but not randomized between August 2002 and October 2006. Patients and disease-specific characteristics, intraoperative variables, and short-term and long-term postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results Overall, 146 consecutive patients were included in the study: 59 in the laparoscopic operation group and 87 in the open operation group. Laparoscopic patients were younger ( P = .001), with a lower body mass index (BMI) ( P = .008). Operative time was similar between the 2 groups. Blood loss was less in the laparoscopic group ( P = .012), and postoperative blood transfusions were administered only to patients in the open group. Narcotic requirement, which was expressed as days on the IV narcotics and as morphine equivalent, was less in the laparoscopic group ( P = .01). Duration of stay was less in the laparoscopic group, 5.5 versus 7.0 days, ( P = .001). Using step-wise multiple regression analysis, the use of laparoscopic operation was associated with a lesser hospital stay ( P Conclusions In selected patients, laparoscopy leads to a faster recovery without increasing morbidity and without compromising remission. It should be considered a safe and effective alternative to open operation.
effects of hydrogen on low temperature hardening and embrittlement of V-Cr alloys

The effects of H on the strength and ductility of V-Cr alloys were investigated from 78 to 300 K. Alloy softening which was observed at low temperatures for a V-2.5Cr alloy was mitigated by the addition of H. Hydrogen embrittlement, as measured by reduction of area, was observed in both hydride forming and nonhydride forming alloys. Analysis of the strengthening in hydrogenated V-Cr alloys showed that the predominate effect of H was to increase the thermally activated component of the yield stress. Comparison of the solid solution hardening effect caused by Cr or Ti in V showed that Ti produces greater strengthening, atom for atom, than does Cr, but that the difference cannot be explained solely by larger size and modulus misfits of solute and solvent atoms.
A DSS model for a school of engineering

Abstract Although it may be questioned whether OR has failed to make a significant impact on decision processes at the top of the management hierarchy, the author believes it can be appropriate for decision making within subunits of the organization. One such example is the application of OR methodologies to the strategic planning process of a school of engineering. The fact that the university is a service organization with inherently fuzzy data leading to frequently non-quantifiable objectives exacerbated the problem with using typical quantitative OR techniques. An approach was developed that structured the objectives into a hierarchy of mission, goals, objectives, strategies, and actions, all of which could be relatively weighted through input of knowledgeable middle managers within the school. Constraints were incorporated into a 0–1 integer programming model that attempted to maximize the importance for initiation of each action as its importance varied over time.
Selective fractionation of hypoxic B16 melanoma cells by density gradient centrifugation.

Abstract Cells of the mouse B16 melanoma growing in monolayer culture and as tumors were fractionated by isopycnic density centrifugation in a linear-density (1.02–1.20 g/ml) metrizamide gradient. Cultured cells concentrated into one or two distinct bands, with densities of 1.02–1.04 g/ml and 1.06–1.10 g/ml, depending on growth conditions. Cells subjected to extreme hypoxia ( 2 ) banded predominantly at the lower density, and normally-oxygenated cells banded at the higher density. Fractionated tumor cells concentrated at both densities. Compared with cells at the higher density, lower-density cells incorporated more of the hypoxic cell radiosensitizer [ 14 C]misonidazole and less [ 3 H]thymidine in vivo, were less clonogenic but more resistant to X-irradiation in situ, and labeled to a lesser extent with intravenously-delivered Hoechst 33342 fluorochrome, a market for cells proximal to tumor blood vessels. Lower-density tumor cells were, therefore, enriched in non-proliferating radioresistant hypoxic cells from tumor regions remote from blood vessels.
Second-harmonic generation by electromagnetic waves at the surface of a semi-infinite metal

Reference [1], which appears in the Proceedings of the RADAR'09 Conference at Bordeaux in October 2009, describes nonlinear currents generated by an electromagnetic wave incident on a metal surface. This paper supplements the results of [1] with a full calculation of the RCS per unit area for second harmonic generation. These results verify that the level of such emission from a metal surface is anomalously low.
TRIGGER PULLING FOR MONETARY REINFORCEMENTS BY A SINGLE SUBJECT DURING NINETY-NINE TEN-MINUTE SESSIONS '

Summary.-Reinforcement maximization by identifying and following switching rules that occurred on conFR/VI-10 sec. reinforcement schedules did not occur when the subject experienced conFR/VI-20 sec. reinforcement schedules. Exclusive preference for the schedule with the lower valued N on conFR-NFR-N schedules occurred as predicted by both matching and maximization theories of operant choice behavior. Additional research is required to assess the reliability of the phenomenon observed and factors upon which its occurrence may depend. In 1979 I collected data from a single normal, adult human subject, CB, on 14 days from March 2, 1979 to April 23, 1979; each day typically I presented CB seven 10-min. sessions of trigger pulling for monetary reinforcements. Reinforcements were programmed by electromechanical counters and timers that produced fixed ratio (FR-N), variable interval (VI-t), and concurrent fixed mtio/variable interval (conFR/VI) schedules. Reinforcements increase or maintain rates of behaviors that produce them. Reinforcement schedules are rules specifying dependencies between responses and their consequences. In this experiment, fixed ratio schedules specified that every N'~ trigger pull be followed by a reinforcement. Variable interval schedules specified that the first response occurring after T sec. elapsed time from the previously reinforced trigger pull be followed by a reidorcement and that length of the intervals, Ts, vary such chat their average length was t sec. Concurrent FR-N/VI-I schedules presented CB a continuous choice between an FR and a VI schedule. I published data from three sessions of CB's steady state performances on FR-20, 40, and 80 schedules alone and conFR-20, 40, and 80/VI-10 sec. (Mawhinney, 1982) and evaluated the data in terms of the question whether matching (Herrnstein, 1970) or maximization (Staddon & Motherall, 1978) effectively described his choice behavior. He dearly maximized on conFR/ VI-10 sec. schedules by engaging in problem-solving behavior that produced behavior allocation rules which, when followed, resulted in reinforcement maximization. These results suggest that the human propensity to match, as do other species, can be forestalled when a person knows how to and engages in problem-solving behaviors aimed at learning how to maximize outcomes from a setting.
Deficit-related explanations for the US interest rate conundrum

This study offers two potential explanations related to the United States federal budget deficit for the recent interest-rate puzzle in the USA where long-term rates have fallen while short-term rates have risen. A VAR quantifies the relationships between real deficits, real GDP growth rates and ex ante real long-term rates. Impulse-response functions show the assumed time-invariant responses of real GDP and long-term real interest rates to a one-standard-deviation increase in the real deficit, providing some support for the crowding out theory but possibly also the crowding in theory in the short term. Findings include that expectations of future deficits could impact real interest rates today. This study notes that the interest-rate impact of expected changes in deficits is unclear because the changes in rates due to changes in (1) federal borrowing and (2) forecasted GDP growth would be in opposite directions, assuming that crowding out occurs at some point. Thus, it is not clear whether reductions in ...
An efficient protocol for incorporation of an unnatural amino acid in perdeuterated recombinant proteins using glucose-based media

The in vivo incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins is a well-established technique requiring an orthogonal tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pair specific for the unnatural amino acid that is incorporated at a position encoded by a TAG amber codon. Although this technology provides unique opportunities to engineer protein structures, poor protein yields are usually obtained in deuterated media, hampering its application in the protein NMR field. Here, we describe a novel protocol for incorporating unnatural amino acids into fully deuterated proteins using glucose-based media (which are relevant to the production, for example, of amino acid-specific methyl-labeled proteins used in the study of large molecular weight systems). The method consists of pre-induction of the pEVOL plasmid encoding the tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pair in a rich, H2O-based medium prior to exchanging the culture into a D2O-based medium. Our protocol results in high level of isotopic incorporation (~95%) and retains the high expression level of the target protein observed in Luria–Bertani medium.
The Impossibility of the Last Word: Thomas Nagel's Concealed Perspective

The Last Word. By Thomas Nagel (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997), viii + 147 pp. $35.00/£21.00 cloth; $15.95/£9.99 paper. Concealment and Exposure and Other Essays. By Thomas Nagel (Oxford: O...
Stabilized formulations for incompressible flows with thermal coupling

We present applications of the stabilized finite element formulations developed for incompressible flows with thermal coupling to 2D and 3D test problems. The stabilized formulations are based on the streamline-upwind/Petrov–Galerkin and pressure-stabilizing/Petrov–Galerkin stabilizations and are supplemented with discontinuity capturing (DC), including the discontinuity-capturing directional dissipation. The stabilization and DC parameters associated with these formulations are also presented. The coupled fluid mechanics and temperature equations are solved with a direct coupling technique. The test problems computed include 2D and 3D natural convection, as well as a simplified 3D model of air circulation in a small data center. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
County-level poverty and distant stage cancer in the United States

Late stage cancer at diagnosis increases the likelihood of cancer death. We evaluated the relation of county-level poverty with late stage cancer for 18 anatomic sites using data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Stratified analysis and logistic regression were applied to 2 million incident cancers (1997–2000) from 32 states representing 57% of the United States. For 12 sites, higher county poverty significantly increased the odds of late stage, [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) comparing highest to lowest county poverty: larynx 2.4 (1.8–3.2), oral cavity 2.2 (1.8–2.7), melanoma 2.0 (1.5–2.8), female breast 1.9 (1.7–2.2), prostate 1.7 (1.5–1.9), corpus uteri 1.6 (1.3–1.9), cervix 1.6 (1.3–2.1), bladder 1.6 (1.2–2.1), colorectum 1.4 (1.3–1.5), esophagus 1.3 (1.1–1.7), stomach 1.3 (1.1–1.5), and kidney 1.3 (1.1–1.5)]. With some exceptions, county poverty associations with stage were comparable across gender and race, but stronger among metropolitan cases. A few differences by age may reflect screening patterns. In this large population-based study, higher county poverty independently predicted distant stage cancer. This held for several non-screenable cancers, suggesting improved area economic deprivation, including access to and utilization of good medical care might facilitate earlier diagnosis and longer survival even for cancers without practical screening approaches.
Motor planning under unpredictable reward: modulations of movement vigor and primate striatum activity

Although reward probability is an important factor that shapes animal's behavior, it is not well understood how the brain translates reward expectation into the vigor of movement [reaction time (RT) and speed]. To address this question, we trained two monkeys in a RT task that required wrist movements in response to vibrotactile and visual stimuli, with a variable reward schedule. Correct performance was rewarded in 75% of the trials. Monkeys were certain that they would be rewarded only in the trials immediately following withheld rewards. In these trials, the animals responded sooner and moved faster. Single-unit recordings from the dorsal striatum revealed modulations in neural firing that reflected changes in movement vigor. First, in the trials with certain rewards, striatal neurons modulated their firing rates earlier. Second, magnitudes of changes in neuronal firing rates depended on whether or not monkeys were certain about the reward. Third, these modulations depended on the sensory modality of the cue (visual vs. vibratory) and/or movement direction (flexions vs. extensions). We conclude that dorsal striatum may be a part of the mechanism responsible for the modulation of movement vigor in response to changes of reward predictability.
Resonant electron capture by some amino acids and their methyl esters.

Resonant electron capture mass spectra of aliphatic and aromatic amino acids and their methyl esters show intense [M−H]- negative ions in the low-energy range. Ion formation results from a predissociation mechanism mediated by the low-energy resonant state. Methylation in general has little influence on the electronic structure according to quantum chemical calculations, but the corresponding ions from the methyl esters, [M−Me]-, could be ascertained to arise only at higher resonance energies. Aromatic amino acids are characterized by an additional low-energy fragmentation channel associated with the generation of negative ions with loss of the side chain. The complementary negative ions of the side chains are more efficiently produced at higher energies. The results have significant implications in biological systems as they suggest that amino acids can serve as radiation protectors since they have been found to efficiently thermalize electrons.
Electron-spectroscopic investigations of Ba and Ba compounds

Abstract Electron spectroscopic investigations of barium, barium compounds and barium thin film structures are reported. It is found that the barium 3d photoelectrons from BaO are at lower binding energies than for the case of pure barium metal. This effect is ascribed to relaxation processes. In some cases the compounds studied exhibited charging. In these cases plots of the Auger—Photoelectron energy separations are measured which were found to provide a using means of identifying the chemical environment of the barium atoms. Finally, measurements of the ionization loss spectra, principally the barium 4d lines, and changes in the plasmon energies for this series of barium compounds are reported.
The effect of river bend morphology on flow and timescales of surface water–groundwater exchange across pointbars

Summary Head gradients along meandering rivers induce surface water–groundwater exchange across pointbars. We analyze this exchange process by finite-element modeling of groundwater flow and transport through model-generated river planforms taken from previous studies. The river is considered as a constant-head boundary that decreases linearly along the direction of the channel. This leads to an irregular groundwater flowfield in the pointbar that is controlled by channel sinuosity. Simulations under homogeneous aquifer conditions shows that the variable flowpath lengths coupled with the heterogeneous flow velocities lead to non-Fickian transport characterized by power-law residence time distributions. This anomalous transport behavior is enhanced by increased aquifer dispersivity. The broad transit time distribution implies that time-dependent chemical transformation processes in near-stream zones may be equally variable as the flowfield, even in the absence of heterogeneity in aquifer hydraulic properties.
Re-visiting Luang Prabang: Transformations under the influence of world heritage designation

This article examines the influence of a growing global tourism industry on the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, Laos and more specifically the role played by the built environment in the transformations that have followed in the wake of its designation as a World Heritage City in 1995. Paradoxically, as increasing numbers of tourists seek to experience the extraordinary milieu of Luang Prabang, the physical and cultural landscapes that undergird this milieu are increasingly transformed by the pressures of global tourism. Using observations of tourists and residents, photographic documentation and comparison to United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) archival materials, we show that regulations intended to preserve the heritage of Luang Prabang, have valorized a particular aspect of the city's history while effectively erasing others. As a result, the built environment of the city has been transformed into a tourist landscape. Simultaneously, the intangible heritage, ...
Order Effects in Research on Paranormal Belief

Measures of paranormal belief and emotional intelligence were given a group of 72 college students using Tobacyk's Revised Paranormal Belief Scale and Schutte, Malouff, Hall, Haggerty, Cooper, Golden, and Dornheim's Emotional Intelligence Scale. Order effects indicated that participants who took the Paranormal Belief Scale first had lower emotional intelligence scores than those who took the Emotional Intelligence Scale first. The study demonstrates the importance of taking order effects into account when conducting research on paranormal belief.
Denaturation of cytochrome P-450 by cyclophosphamide metabolites.

Abstract Cyclophosphamide (CP) metabolites, acrolein and 4-hydroxy-CP, were found to denature rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450, whereas another metabolite, phosphoramide mustard, CP per se or its analog Ifosfamide had no effect. The denaturation produced by CP metabolites could be blocked by cysteine, suggesting an interaction between CP metabolite(s) and sulfhydryl groups in cysteine and probably in cytochrome P-450. These studies might explain the biochemical basis of the specific depression of various microsomal mixed function oxygenase activities produced by high doses of CP.
Regulatory mechanisms of anthrax toxin receptor 1-dependent vascular and connective tissue homeostasis

It is well known that angiogenesis is linked to fibrotic processes in fibroproliferative diseases, but insights into pathophysiological processes are limited, due to lack of understanding of molecular mechanisms controlling endothelial and fibroblastic homeostasis. We demonstrate here that the matrix receptor anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1), also known as tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8), is an essential component of these mechanisms. Loss of TEM8 function in mice causes reduced synthesis of endothelial basement membrane components and hyperproliferative and leaky blood vessels in skin. In addition, endothelial cell alterations in mutants are almost identical to those of endothelial cells in infantile hemangioma lesions, including activated VEGF receptor signaling in endothelial cells, increased expression of the downstream targets VEGF and CXCL12, and increased numbers of macrophages and mast cells. In contrast, loss of TEM8 in fibroblasts leads to increased rates of synthesis of fiber-forming collagens, resulting in progressive fibrosis in skin and other organs. Compromised interactions between TEM8-deficient endothelial and fibroblastic cells cause dramatic reduction in the activity of the matrix-degrading enzyme MMP2. In addition to insights into mechanisms of connective tissue homeostasis, our data provide molecular explanations for vascular and connective tissue abnormalities in GAPO syndrome, caused by loss-of-function mutations in ANTXR1. Furthermore, the loss of MMP2 activity suggests that fibrotic skin abnormalities in GAPO syndrome are, in part, the consequence of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying syndromes (NAO, Torg and Winchester) with multicentric skin nodulosis and osteolysis caused by homozygous loss-of-function mutations in MMP2.
Influence of light intensity and temperature on the locomotory and flight activity of Brachymeria intermedia [Hym.: Chalcididae] a pupal parasitoid of the gypsy moth

The changes in activity level ofBrachymeria intermedia (Nees) were studied by exposing adults to 15.5°, 21° and 26.5°C and light intensities of about 97, 195 and 260 ft-c. Flight and locomotory movements increased as temperature and light intensity increased. Significant peaks in activity occurred during the photophase. No activity was observed during the scotophase.
Metastable Bose-Einstein condensate in a linear potential

We have created a Bose-Einstein condensate whose spin orientation is metastable. Condensates were transferred into a quadrupole magnetic trap, where Majorana transitions limited the lifetime to a few hundred milliseconds, about 30 times the trapping period. Atoms held in the trap frequently displayed a ring-shaped time-of-flight distribution. We speculate that such a ring could be either a quantized vortex or a feature of the Majorana loss dynamics in the quantum regime.
Two mechanisms that determine the Barber-Pole Illusion.

Abstract In the Barber-Pole Illusion (BPI), a diagonally moving grating is perceived as moving vertically because of the narrow, vertical, rectangular shape of the aperture window through which it is viewed. This strong shape–motion interaction persists through a wide range of parametric variations in the shape of the window, the spatial and temporal frequencies of the moving grating, the contrast of the moving grating, complex variations in the composition of the grating and window shape, and the duration of viewing. It is widely believed that end-stop-feature (third-order) motion computations determine the BPI, and that Fourier motion-energy (first-order) computations determine failures of the BPI. Here we show that the BPI is more complex: (1) In a wide variety of conditions, weak-feature stimuli (extremely fast, low contrast gratings, 21.5 Hz, 4% contrast) that stimulate only the Fourier (first-order) motion system actually produce a slightly better BPI illusion than classical strong-feature gratings (2.75 Hz, 32% contrast). (2) Reverse-phi barber-pole stimuli are seen exclusively in the feature (third-order) BPI direction when presented at 2.75 Hz and exclusively in the opposite (Fourier, first-order) BPI direction at 21.5 Hz, indicating that both the first- and the third-order systems can produce the BPI. (3) The BPI in barber poles with scalloped aperture boundaries is much weaker than in normal straight-edge barber poles for 2.75 Hz stimuli but not in 21.5 Hz stimuli. Conclusions: Both first-order and third-order stimuli produce strong BPIs. In some stimuli, local Fourier motion-energy (first-order) produces the BPI via a subsequent motion-path-integration computation (Journal of Vision (2014) 14, 1--27) ; in other stimuli, the BPI is determined by various feature (third-order) motion inputs; in most stimuli, the BPI involves combinations of both. High temporal frequency, low-contrast stimuli favor the first-order motion-path-integration computation; low temporal frequency, high-contrast stimuli favor third-order motion computations.
Design of Delta Operator Based 2-D IIR Filters Using Symmetrical Decomposition

A technique based on symmetrical decomposition is introduced for the design of 2-D IIR filters using the delta operator. The use of symmetrical decomposition reduces the computational time in the filter optimization, while the delta operator approach offers better coefficient sensitivity than the traditional z-domain approach when the sampling rate is high or when the filter is narrowband.
Multiple Policy Goals in a Trade Model with Explicit Factor Markets

As trade protectionism has been reduced through multilateral agreements, concerns have been raised about competitiveness effects of cross-country differences in environmental and labor standards. Costs associated with decreased competitiveness are distributed across consumers and the various providers of inputs used in the production of affected commodities. In this paper we present a trade model which can be used to help quantify the magnitude and distribution of costs associated with changes in input regulations. The model can also be used to identify levels of policies required to offset or redistribute costs associated with regulations which reduce international competitiveness.
Neuromonitoring in operations in the skull base.

The author's experiences over the past 6 to 8 years in using the type of neuromonitoring described in this paper during operations in the skull base have shown that this type of monitoring not only decreases the risks for permanent neurological deficits but also makes the work of the surgeon easier and gives the surgeon a sense of security because neural structures that are not visible with the operating microscope can be identified using this method and injuries can be detected instantaneously.
The carbon isotope biogeochemistry of acetate from a methanogenic marine sediment

The delta C-13 value of porewater acetate isolated from the anoxic sediments of Cape Lookout Bight (North Carolina) ranged from -17.6 percent in the sulfate reduction zone to -2.8 percent in the underlying methanogenic zone. The large C-13 enrichment in the sulfate-depleted sediments appears to be associated with the dissimilation of acetate to CH4 and CO2. Fractionation factors for that process were estimated to be 1.032 +/- 0.014 and 1.036 +/- 0.019 for the methyl and carboxyl groups. A subsurface maximum in delta C-13 of the total acetate molecule, as well as the methyl and carboxyl carbons at 10-15 cm depth within the sediment column, indicate that changes in the relative rates of acetate cycling pathways occur in the methanogenic zone. The methyl group of the acetate was depleted in C-13 by 7-14 percent relative to the carboxyl moiety. The intramolecular heterogeneity may be the result of both synthetic and catabolic isotope effects.
Atmospheric forcing of Fram Strait sea ice export: a closer look

Fram Strait is the primary region of sea ice export from the Arctic and therefore plays an important role in regulating the amount of sea ice and freshwater within the Arctic. We investigate the variability of Fram Strait sea ice motion and the role of atmospheric circulation forcing using daily data during the period 1979–2006. The most prominent atmospheric driver of anomalous sea ice motion across Fram Strait is an east–west dipole pattern of Sea Level Pressure (SLP) anomalies with centers of action located over the Barents Sea and Greenland. This pattern, also observed in synoptic studies, is associated with anomalous meridional winds across Fram Strait and is thus physically consistent with forcing changes in sea ice motion. The association between the SLP dipole pattern and Fram Strait ice motion is maximized at 0-lag, persists year-round, and is strongest on time scales of 10–60 days. The SLP dipole pattern is the second empirical orthogonal function (EOF) of daily SLP anomalies in both winter and summer. When the analysis is repeated with monthly data, only the Barents center of the SLP dipole remains significantly correlated with Fram Strait sea ice motion. However, after removing the leading EOF of monthly SLP variability (e.g., the North Atlantic Oscillation), the full east–west dipole pattern is recovered. No significant SLP forcing of Fram Strait ice motion is found in summer using monthly data, even when the leading EOF is removed. Our results highlight the importance of high frequency atmospheric variability in forcing Fram Strait sea ice motion.
Effects of shock-induced arousal on the elicitation and waveform elaboration of photically evoked afterdischarges

The effects of an activating stimulus (unsignaled tailshock) on the elicitation and waveform elaboration of photically evoked afterdischarges (PhADS) were examined. Tailshocks administered 1 sec prior to each photic stimulus presentation resulted initially in significant suppression of PhAD activity. With time PhADs could be elicited, but at attentuated levels. Hippocampal EEG rhythms simultaneously recorded during shock treatment initially exhibited a predominance of rhythmical slow-wave activity (RSA). With time, hippocampal EEG was characterized by a mixture of RSA and irregular large-amplitude slow waves. The results are discussed in terms of a proposed heuristic model relating PhAD activity to “arousal” level.
Interphase gap decreases electrical stimulation threshold of retinal ganglion cells

The most common electrical stimulation pulse used in retinal implants is a symmetric biphasic current pulse. Prior electrophysiological studies in peripheral nerve have shown that adding an interphase gap (IPG) between the two phases makes stimulation more efficient. We investigated the effect of IPG duration on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) electrical threshold. We used calcium imaging to measure the activity of RGCs in isolated retina in response to electrical stimulation. By varying IPG duration, we were able to examine the effect of duration on threshold. We further studied this effect by simulating RGC behavior with a Hodgkin-Huxley-type model. Our results indicate that the threshold for electrical activation of RGCs can be reduced by increasing the length of the IPG.
Modeling of solid–supercritical fluid phase equilibria with a cubic equation of state—Gex model

Abstract Equations of state (EOS) are an important tool for the correlation and prediction of thermodynamic properties and phase behavior of pure substances and mixtures. Therefore EOS are widely used in design, simulation and optimization of chemical processes. In particular, cubic EOS are routinely used in the chemical and petrochemical industries to calculate phase equilibria and thermophysical properties. This approach proves to be simple and accurate for engineering calculations. However, when these equations are used with the classical van der Waals mixing rules they do not perform well for highly polar, asymmetric and/or associating mixtures. Consequently, numerous mixing rules have been proposed to extend the capabilities of cubic EOS. Recently, several mixing rules have been developed that contain excess Gibbs energy (Gex) models. The Wong–Sandler mixing rule belongs to this group, and has been successfully used to describe the phase behavior of mixtures that involve both polar and associating fluids. Here we consider the application of this mixing rule to solid–supercritical fluid phase equilibria as solvent extraction with supercritical or near-critical fluids has been proposed as an alternative to conventional separation processes. While these systems generally involve constituents that are of very different molecular nature (i.e. asymmetric mixtures), the EOS model considered here successfully described binary and ternary solid–supercritical fluid mixtures.
Angular Distribution of Protons from the D(d,p)T Reaction at 10.3-Mev Bombarding Energy

The differential cross section of the $\mathrm{D}(d,p)\mathrm{T}$ reaction for 10.3-Mev bombarding deuterons has been measured by a nuclear emulsion technique, using a multiple nuclear-plate camera. Values of the cross section are given over essentially the entire range of the center-of-mass angle. The results are fitted within experimental error by the expression:$\ensuremath{\sigma}(cos\ensuremath{\Omega})=6.24{P}_{0}+8.28{P}_{2}+13.16{P}_{4}+8.24{P}_{6}+2.31{P}_{8}$ where $\ensuremath{\Omega}$ is the center-of-mass angle, $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ is expressed in millibarns per unit solid angle, and the ${P}_{i}'\mathrm{s}$ are Legendre polynomials. For angles between 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} the average rms absolute standard error is \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.8 percent. For angles greater than 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and less than 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} this error approaches \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 percent.
Urinary cholesterol. VIII. Its excretion in women with ovarian neoplasms.

The urinary excretion of nonesterified cholesterol (NEC) has been investigated in 57 women with ovarian neoplasms and/or related nonneoplastic diseases. Twelve patients had benign tumors or lesions and 45 had malignant neoplasms of their ovaries. All patients with nonmalignant ovarian tumors or lesions had normal NEC excretion irrespective of the type of tumor or lesion or its degree of extension. In contrast, urinary NEC hyperexcretion occurred with the following frequencies in patients with active malignant ovarian neoplasms: 18 of 19 cystadenocarcinomas of the serous and/or mucinous types; one of one endometrioid carcinoma; four of four malignant granulosa cell tumors; two of two mixed malignant germ cell tumors; and one of one malignant mixed mullerian tumor. Single cases of clear cell carcinoma and of rhabdomyosarcoma had a normal NEC excretion. Urinary hyperexcretion of NEC was also found after surgery in two of seven surviving patients with apparently localized resectable disease according to their staging. It is possible that in these two patients NEC hyperexcretion was due to undetected foci of cancer (wrong staging), since neither omental and peritoneal biopsies, nor cytologic examination of peritoneal washings or free fluid were performed. A normal excretion of urinary NEC has been characteristic of 19 of 21 surviving patients treated by surgery and adjunctive therapy in whom we have performed follow-up NEC determinations. They were 16 of 18 cystadenocarcinomas malignant germ cell tumor. The 94% correlation between the presence of proven active ovarian carcinomas and urinary NEC hyperexcretion is significant. The clinical significance of this investigation is even greater when one considers that cystadenocarcinomas constitute more than 75% of all primary malignant ovarian tumors.
Sexuality and cyst formation in the dinoflagellate Gonyaulax tamarensis: cyst yield in batch cultures

Encystment of the toxic dinoflagellate Gonyaulax tamarensis Lebour (var. excavata) was monitored in batch cultures exposed to a variety of nutritional and environmental treatments. Limitation by nitrogen (as ammonium or nitrate) or phosphorus (as phosphate) resulted in cyst formation. When the initial concentration of limiting nutrient was varied, total cyst yield (mL−1) was directly proportional to the cell yield at all but the highest nutrient concentrations (where encystment was minimal). Encystment efficiency was relatively constant (0.1–0.2 cysts · cell−1) over a 5-fold range of cell densities, indicating that 20 to 40% of the vegetative populations successfully encysted. Cyst formation was negligible in nutrient-replete medium, even with a significant reduction in growth rate due to non-optimal light, temperature, or to high batch culture cell densities. Low light levels did decrease cyst yield once encystment was initiated by nutrient limitation, but this was probably linked to smaller motile cell yield and not to a specific inhibition of encystment. In contrast, encystment was more sensitive to temperature than was growth rate: optimal cyst production occurred over a relatively narrow temperature range and no cysts were formed at [Page missing]
Influence of surgical margins on outcome in patients with preoperatively irradiated extremity soft tissue sarcomas.

Background. Limb-sparing surgery for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities may result in microscopically positive surgical margins. The consequences of these microscopically positive margins are unknown. We have analyzed the influence of surgical margins on local disease control and overall survival in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas who received preoperative radiation therapy followed by limb-sparing surgery. Methods. Ninety-five consecutive patients with intermediate and high grade extremity sarcomas who received preoperative radiation therapy and limb-sparing surgery were identified from a soft tissue sarcoma database. The clinical outcome of 24 patients who had microscopically positive surgical margins was compared with that of 71 patients who had clear surgical margins. Results. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that patients with microscopically positive surgical margins or intraoperative tumor violation had an increased risk for local failure. High grade, large size, and intraoperative violation of the tumors were associated with decreased overall survival. However, neither the presence of a positive surgical margin nor the occurrence of a local failure adversely affected overall survival. Conclusions. Achieving negative surgical margins in patients with intermediate and high grade extremity sarcomas enhances local disease control but does not measurably improve overall survival. These data should be factored into patient management decisions in cases where the goal of achieving clear surgical margins requires amputation or the significant functional compromise of the extremity.
Bacterial resistance to vancomycin: five genes and one missing hydrogen bond tell the story

A plasmid-borne transposon encodes enzymes and regulator proteins that confer resistance of enterococcal bacteria to the antibiotic vancomycin. Purification and characterization of individual proteins encoded by this operon has helped to elucidate the molecular basis of vancomycin resistance. This new understanding provides opportunities for intervention to reverse resistance.
Impact of Heat on the Pressure Skewness and Kurtosis in Supersonic Jets

Mach wave radiation and crackle are dominant noise components from high-speed jets, found in both high-power engines and scale nozzles. The statistics of the pressure signal and its time derivative (dP/dt) have been widely studied to identify and quantify crackle. In this paper, we investigate the impact of operating condition on the overall sound pressure level, skewness, and kurtosis of the pressure and dP/dt signals of a jet issuing from an Md=1.5 converging–diverging conical nozzle. The effect of temperature and nonideal expansion were independently investigated. An increase in convective Mach number Mc, achieved by increasing either jet temperature or nozzle pressure ratio, proved to be related to elevated values of overall sound pressure level, skewness, and kurtosis, in both the near and far fields. The peak values of overall sound pressure level, skewness levels, and kurtosis levels were found to propagate at different angles for cold jets, but at elevated temperature, the directivity was more sim...
U.S. Pharmacists, Pharmacies, and Emergency Contraception: Walking the Business Ethics Tightrope

This article addresses a set of exploratory questions related to emergency contraception and the right to refuse to dispense such drugs. The paper first addresses the roles of the pharmacist in Ameri can society, i.e., as professional, employee, and business owner, and the pharmacists's identity and belief system; second, the paper reviews the status of state law and proposed legislation concerning patient/consumer access to emergency contraceptives; third, it offers an in-depth stake holder analysis of the ethical and legal responsibilities of pharmacies to stakeholders; and fourth, the paper provides overview of the salient ethical and legal issues concerning patient/customer access to emergency contraceptives relevant to management. The conclusions discuss ques tions for further research as well as strategic/human resource manage ment policy recommendations that balances the economic, legal, and ethical concerns of all primary stakeholders of the company/business, such as designing a management system which refers customers in a timely fashion; recognizing "conscience clauses," while ensuring that pharmacists "do no harm" to the consumer; and disseminating manage ment "best practices" on "conscience clauses" through joint professional/ industry sponsorship.
Signal transduction: Gyrating protein kinases

Recently determined structures have linked histidine kinases with class II topoisomerases, the DNA repair enzyme MutL and the molecular chaperone Hsp90. This surprising finding may foreshadow a shift in our understanding of energy coupling mechanisms in signal transduction networks.