cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage during submaximal exercise.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Maximally exercising horses achieve mean pulmonary artery pressures (Ppamean) that exceed the minimum threshold (75 mmHg) estimated for pulmonary capillary rupture and exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). EIPH is not expected to occur during moderate submaximal exercise (i.e. 40–60% VO2max) since Ppamean remains well below this threshold. Hypothesis: Prolonged submaximal exercise (trotting) would precipitate locomotory respiratory uncoupling and cause EIPH. This would be present as a result of the most negative intrapleural pressures (as estimated by the minimum oesophageal pressure; Pœsmin) occurring simultaneously with the most positive Ppa (Ppapeak) to produce estimated maximal pulmonary artery transmural pressures (PATMPmax) that surpass the EIPH threshold. Methods: Five Thoroughbred horses trotted to fatigue (˜25 min) at 5 m/sec on a 10% incline. Ventilation (VE), Pœs, and Ppa were measured at 5 min intervals, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) red blood cells (RBCs) were quantified 45 min post exercise. Results: BAL revealed an increased EIPH (rest: 2.0 ± 1 times 105, exercise: 17 ± 10 times 105 RBCs/ml BALF; P<0.05), despite the highest Ppamean reaching only mean ± s.e. 55 ± 3 mmHg, while VE, tidal volume and Pœsmin approached 70–80% of the values achieved at maximal running speeds (10% incline: 12–13 m/sec) by these same horses. The resulting PATMPmax was well above the level considered causative of EIPH. Conclusions: The finding of significant EIPH during submaximal exercise broadens the spectrum of performance horses susceptible to EIPH and supports studies that suggest that extravascular factors are of primary importance in the aetiology of EIPH. Potential relevance: Consideration of strategies such as the equine nasal strip for reducing negative extravascular pressures is warranted even for exercise at moderate intensities.
AB-DTPA and mehlich III soil tests unable to predict copper available to creeping bentgrass

Abstract Copper (Cu) can be toxic to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris ’Penncross') grown in sand‐based systems. Plant analysis is not always a reliable predictor of toxic levels of Cu in these sand‐based systems. Therefore, there is need for soil analysis to detect potentially toxic Cu concentrations in soil. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of AB‐DTPA and Mehlich III soil tests to assess Cu availability to ‘Penncross’ creeping bentgrass grown in calcareous and silica sand/peat media. Samples of sand/ peat were removed from greenhouse pots, air dried, and Cu was analyzed by inductively coupled argon plasma spectrometry (ICAP/IRIS). Correlations were made between extracted Cu and Cu in the shoot and root tissue of the plant. The AB‐DTPA‐extractable Cu was 24% and 42% higher for the calcareous sand at the 400 and 600 mg kg‐1 Cu treatments, respectively, when compared with Cu extracted from the silica sand. The Mehlich III soil test extracted 25% more Cu at the 400 mg k...
The immunosuppressant drug FTY720 inhibits cytosolic phospholipase A2 independently of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.

FTY720 is a potent immunomodulator drug that inhibits the egress of lymphocytes from secondary lymphoid tissues and thymus. FTY720 is phosphorylated in vivo by sphingosine kinase 2 to FTY720-phosphate, which acts as a potent sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist. However, in contrast to S1P, FTY720 has no effect on mast-cell degranulation, yet significantly reduces antigen-induced secretion of PGD2 and cysteinyl-leukotriene. Unexpectedly, this effect of FTY720 was independent of its phosphorylation and S1P receptor functions. The rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of all eicosanoids is the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)–mediated release of arachidonic acid from glycerol phospholipids. Although FTY720 also reduced arachidonic acid release in response to antigen, it had no effect on translocation of cPLA2 or ERK1/2 activation, suggesting that it does not interfere with FcϵRI-mediated events leading to cPLA2 activation. Remarkably, however, FTY720 drastically inhibited recombinant cPLA2α activity, whereas FTY720-phosphate, sphingosine, or S1P had no effect. This study has uncovered a unique action of FTY720 as an inhibitor of cPLA2α and hence on production of all eicosanoids. Our results have important implications for the potential therapeutic mechanism of action of FTY720 in eicosanoid-driven inflammatory disorders such as asthma and multiple sclerosis.
Surface forms, textbases, and situation models: Recognition memory for three types of textual information

It has recently been argued that memory for a text or discourse consists of three separate representations: a surface representation, a propositional textbase, and a situation model. This tri‐partite division is supported by a recognition memory procedure that demonstrates that (a) subjects can reliably differentiate between sentences actually read and meaning preserving paraphrases of those sentences, (b) performance improves when the distractors also differ at the propositional level but are consistent with the situation described by the text, (c) recognition is best when the distractors are inconsistent with all three levels of representation. These data are subject to alternative interpretations because all changes within a level of representation may not be equal and inferences based on one level of representation may be responsible for differences attributed to another. A series of control experiments eliminates these alternatives.
Successful and unsuccessful problem solving in classical genetic pedigrees

Using the think-aloud interview technique, 16 undergraduates and 11 genetics graduate students and biology faculty members were asked to solve from 1 to 3 classical genetics problems which require pedigree analysis. Subjects were classified as either successful or unsuccessful and the performances of these groups were analyzed from videotaped recordings of the interviews. A number of previously reported findings were corroborated. Additional observations are discussed in terms of genetic knowledge, use of production rules, strategy selection, use of critical cues, hypothesis testing, use of logic, understanding of issues of probability, and the thinking process itself. Taken collectively, these findings evidence a remarkable similarity between the successful solution of pedigree problems and the processes of medical diagnosis and scientific investigation. This convergence of research findings suggests a qualitative advance in the understanding of problem solving. Based on this understanding, recommendations for classroom instruction are presented.
Chemoreception in Aplysia californica—II. Electrophysiological evidence for detection of the odor of conspecifics☆

Abstract 1. 1. The rhinophores and tentacles of Aplysia californica are chemoreceptive organs. Extracellular recordings from the nerves innervating these organs indicate that both of these structures are sensitive to the odor of conspecifics. 2. 2. By intracellular recordings, neurons have been found in the caudal quadrants of the cerebral ganglion which receive excitatory input from the tentacles in response to the odor of conspecifics but not to the odor of food algae. 3. 3. It is possible that the formation of large breeding aggregations seen in the field in summer and fall is aided by the reception of the odor of conspecifics.
Current Approaches to Renovascular Hypertension

This article examines the status regarding prevalence, mechanisms, clinical manifestations and management of renovascular hypertension at this point in time. It should be viewed as a work in progress. As with most complex conditions, clinicians must integrate the results of published literature studies while considering each patient's specific features and comorbid disease risks. Beyond identifying renovascular disease as a cause of secondary hypertension, one must manage renal artery stenosis (RAS) itself as an atherosclerotic vascular complication. This disease warrants follow-up regarding progression and potential for ischemic tissue injury. These elements often determine the role and timing for revascularization. In this respect, atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is analogous to progressive carotid or aortic aneurysmal disease.
Recycling the Cell Cycle: Cyclins Revisited

I discuss advances in the cell cycle in the 21 years since cyclin was discovered. The surprising redundancy amongst the classical cyclins (A, B, and E) and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk1 and Cdk2) show that the important differences between these proteins are when and where they are expressed rather than the proteins they phosphorylate. Although the broad principles of the cell cycle oscillator are widely accepted, we are surprisingly ignorant of its detailed mechanism. This is especially true of the anaphase promoting complex (APC), the machine that triggers chromosome segregation and the exit of mitosis by targeting securin and mitotic cyclins for destruction. I discuss how a cyclin/Cdk-based engine could have evolved to assume control of the cell cycle from other, older protein kinases.
Multiple Imputation of the Supplementary Homicide Reports, 1976–2005

The Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHR), assembled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have for many years represented the most valuable source of information on the patterns and trends in murder and non-negligent manslaughter. Despite their widespread use by researchers and policy makers alike, these data are not completely without their limitations, the most important of which involves missing or incomplete incident reports. In this analysis, we develop methods for addressing missing data in the 1976–2005 SHR cumulative file, related to both non-reports (unit missingness) and incomplete reports (item missingness). For incomplete case data (that is, missing characteristics on victims, offenders or incidents), we implement a multiple imputation (MI) approach based on a log-linear model for incomplete multivariate categorical data. Then, to adjust for unit missingness, we adopt a weighting scheme linked to FBI annual estimates of homicide counts by state and National Center for Health Statistics mortality data on decedent characteristics in coroners’ reports for deaths classified as homicide. The result is a fully-imputed SHR database for 1976–2005. This paper examines the effects of MI and case weighting on victim/offender/incident characteristics, including standard errors of parameter estimates resulting from imputation uncertainty.
Accuracy of memories from childhood and adolescence related to growth and size

The ability of middle-aged adults to recall their body size and events occurring up to 40 years earlier was assessed. Ninety-one subjects recalled their relative height, weight, and fatness during childhood, early adolescence and late adolescence. Accuracy of these memories was compared with the accuracy of current reports. The ability to accurately date benchmarks of their maturation such as menarche and year of maximal growth in height was also examined. Accuracy of reports did not decline uniformly over time. In general, reports of childhood physical characteristics were at least as accurate as reports of current characteristics; that is, they did not differ significantly from current reports. Males were less accurate in their reports of relative height and fatness during early adolescence and childhood.
Expanding the Socio-Cultural Knowledge Base of TESOL Teacher Education

This paper argues for the expansion of the knowledge base of TESOL teacher education to integrate greater awareness of the sociocultural and political context of teaching English to speakers of other languages. It is argued that the changing roles of teachers, insights gained from classroom research and recent developments in critical applied linguistics, coupled with the inherent complexity of language teaching, necessitate this curricular modification. The paper outlines three areas of inquiry to be integrated into existing TESOL teacher education curricula: (1) discussion of crosscultural variation in language teaching and learning and tools for investigating this variation; (2) overview of management of pedagogical innovation; and (3) examination of the sociopolitical factors surrounding the teaching of English as an international language. Appropriate junctions in current TESOL teacher education curricula that will allow for the integration of these three areas are suggested throughout the paper, alo...
Microscopic Mechanism of Ion Selectivity in the Nak Pump

The sodium/potassium pump establishes the Na+ and K+ concentration gradients across the plasma membrane of animal cells and therefore plays an essential role in maintaining cell volume and secondary active transport of other solutes. The crystal structures of the Na+/K+ pump provide atomic insight into the binding of K+ ions and conformational transitions during the functional cycle. However, important details about the ion-selectivity remain to be addressed. In particular, 2 out of the 3 binding sites are shared between Na+ and K+ and it is not clear how this pump selects K+ over Na+ when in the outwardly facing conformation (E2P) or Na+ over K+ when in the inwardly facing conformation (E1). We have undertaken free energy calculations to understand the physical principles that govern the ion selectivity in Na+/K+ pump and dissected various factors that may contribute to the selectivity. We found that the pump elegantly modulates the electrostatic environment of the binding sites to achieve the corresponding selectivity. Our results are consistent with available experimental data and provide new hypothesis to test experimentally. [Supported by NIH grant GM062342].
A simple quantitative assay of 125I-labeled α-bungarotoxin binding to soluble and membrane-bound acetylcholine receptor protein

This method involves the irreversible formation of a complex between 125I-labeled α-bungarotoxin and the acetylcholine receptor in either its membrane-bound or purified state. The separation of the labeled toxin-receptor complex from unreacted toxin is accomplished by chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose cation-exchange resin. The method described was developed to satisfy the following experimental requirements that could not be dealt with in their entirety by employing any of the published methods: (i) the complete recovery of reacted and unreacted species in relatively small volumes; (ii) an efficient and precise isolation of the specific and irreversible 125I-labeled α-bungarotoxin-receptor complex when the complexation reactions demand a large excess of unlabeled α-bungarotoxin for quenching (a 20-fold molar excess of unlabeled over labeled toxin); (iii) this isolation of the toxin-receptor complex allows one to determine the protein concentrations in the samples, a necessity in experiments covering a wide range of receptor concentrations; (iv) a consistent low blank for binding site concentrations ranging over two or three orders of magnitude; (v) simplicity and rapidity.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number in bovine oocytes and somatic cells

Abstract Restriction endonuclease analysis and direct nucleotide sequencing of bovine mitochondrial DNA have revealed a high apparent rate of sequence divergence between maternally related individuals. One possible mechanism that would account for the high rate involves nonuniform amplification and/or segregation of mitochondrial DNA during development of the oocyte. We report here experiments which quantitate the amount of mitochondrial DNA in the bovine oocyte as compared to bovine somatic cells. Total DNA was isolated from purified oocytes, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and immobilized on nitrocellulose filters. Hybridization with the complete mitochondrial DNA genome or cloned mitochondrial DNA restriction fragments revealed a 100-fold increase in oocyte mitochondrial DNA as compared to somatic cells. Developing oocytes contained about 4.5 pg or 2.6 × 10 5 copies per cell, whereas primary bovine tissue culture cells contained 0.045 pg or 2.6 × 10 3 copies per cell. These experiments demonstrate directly the amplification of mitochondrial DNA in mammalian oocytes and are consistent with models which could generate mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms by unequal amplification of mitochondrial genomes within an animal.
Homologation of boronic esters with trimethylsilylchloromethyllithium

Abstract Trimethylsilylchloromethyllithium adds to boronic esters to form ate complexes which rearrange with displacement of chloride to form the homologous α-trimethylsilyl boronic esters in high yields.
Twofold increase in sensitivity with a dual‐beam illumination arrangement for electronic speckle pattern interferometry

A modification of a dual-beam illumination arrangement for electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) that leads to a twofold increase in the sensitivity to in-plane displacements is described. For each of the two illumination beams, the scattered light is observed along the direction of illumination, and these two components of the scattered light are then combined. The error in perspective caused by oblique observation can be almost corrected for by using two right-angle prisms in front of the object being studied. Experimental results including phasestepping are presented and compared with the results predicted by theory.
Stock Delineation of Greenland Halibut in the Northwest Atlantic Using a Recently Developed, Multivariate Statistical Analysis Based on Meristic Characters

Abstract Meristic characters of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) from eight areas of the Canadian Northwest Atlantic were examined. Using a recently developed multivariate analysis technique, the meristics were analyzed to determine the accurate delineation of Greenland halibut stocks throughout the area investigated. Our findings indicate at least two separate populations of Greenland halibut in the Canadian Northwest Atlantic. These are found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and from Davis Strait at West Greenland to the northern Grand Bank. There is some evidence, however, of localized spawning stocks in Fortune Bay, Newfoundland and the Labrador area. Based on this analysis, the results tend to agree with those other independent techniques for stock separation of Greenland halibut.
The Constraint of Law: A Study of Supreme Court Dissensus

To study the behavior of judges, one must first consider whether judges are just like any other political actor (e.g., legislators) or whether, because of their affiliation with the judiciary, law constrains their behavior to some extent. Research aimed at considering the extent to which judges are constrained by the law is sparse, and conclusions resulting from such research are mixed. In this article, the authors explore the extent to which law constrains judges by focusing on the decision to dissent rather than concur when Supreme Court justices write separately. The authors find that, although law matters, it does not constrain.
Analgesic rebound as a cause of hemicrania continua

Hemicrania continua is a rare unilateral headache of unknown etiology that characteristically responds to indomethacin. Most previous case reports fail to mention analgesic use by these patients or the results of analgesic avoidance. This is a case report of a 42-year-old woman with persistent unilateral headaches that ceased 3 weeks after administration of analgesics was stopped. Thus, hemicrania continua can be caused by analgesic rebound.
The effects of a career course on undecided college students

Abstract The effects of a career course taught by 11 instructors (two sections each) for college students, who were undecided about a major field or career, were evaluated in a pre-post design using the Vocational Identity, Occupational Information, and Barrier scales of the My Vocational Situation ( J. A. Holland, D. C. Daiger, & P. G. Power, Palo Alto, Calif.: Consulting Psychologists Press, 1980 ). Large main effects were observed for the Identity and Occupational Information scales, but not for the Barriers scale. No interactions by instructor or student characteristics were found by using a simple ANOVA procedure or by using a split plot factorial design. The implications for new research and career instructors were discussed.
The Impact of Advertising Positioning Strategies on Consumer Price Sensitivity

The authors examine the link between advertising and price effects and propose that this relationship depends on the specific advertising positioning strategy employed by an advertiser. The authors...
Finite codes and groupoid words

Correspondences between codes and groupoid words are established: between maximal suffix codes and groupoid words; between maximal commutatively prefix codes and cancellative entropic groupoid words; and between finite maximal codes and idempotent entropic groupoid words. Recognition criteria for the three types of groupoid word are given in terms of order relations involving binomial coefficients, divisibility conditions, partition functions and curves in simplices.
A low-power, radiation-resistant, Silicon-Drift-Detector array for extraterrestrial element mapping

We are developing a modular Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) for measuring the abundances of light surface elements (C to Fe) fluoresced by ambient radiation on remote airless bodies. The value of fluorescence spectrometry for surface element mapping is demonstrated by its inclusion on three recent lunar missions and by exciting new data that have recently been announced from the Messenger Mission to Mercury. The SDD-XRS instrument that we have been developing offers excellent energy resolution and an order of magnitude lower power requirement than conventional CCDs, making much higher sensitivities possible with modest spacecraft resources. In addition, it is significantly more radiation resistant than x-ray CCDs and therefore will not be subject to the degradation that befell recent lunar instruments. In fact, the intrinsic radiation resistance of the SDD makes it applicable even to the harsh environment of the Jovian system where it can be used to map the light surface elements of Europa. In this paper, we first discuss our element-mapping science-measurement goals. We then derive the necessary instrument requirements to meet these goals and discuss our current instrument development status with respect to these requirements.
CYTOTOXICITY AND MUTAGENICITY OF OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION PRESERVATIVES AND UVA RADIATION IN L5178Y CELLS

Four chemical preservatives commonly used in ophthalmic solutions were tested for their toxic and mutagenic potential in mouse lymphoma cells with and without exposure of the cells to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The preservatives tested were benzalkonium chloride (BAK), chlorhexidine, thimerosal and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Cell survival and mutagenesis were measured using the L5178Y mouse lymphoma (TK +/-) system. Cells were exposed to varying amounts of preservatives for 1 h at 37 degrees C, and then aliquots were irradiated with UVA radiation (during the exposure to preservative). Cells were then assayed for survival, and for mutagenesis at the thymidine kinase (TK) locus. In concentrations commonly found in ophthalmic solutions, BAK, chlorhexidine, and thimerosal were toxic to cells, and thimerosal was slightly mutagenic. When cells were exposed to preservative and UVA radiation, chlorhexidine was mutagenic and the mutagenic activity of thimerosal was enhanced.
ParFUM: a parallel framework for unstructured meshes for scalable dynamic physics applications

Unstructured meshes are used in many engineering applications with irregular domains, from elastic deformation problems to crack propagation to fluid flow. Because of their complexity and dynamic behavior, the development of scalable parallel software for these applications is challenging. The Charm++ Parallel Framework for Unstructured Meshes allows one to write parallel programs that operate on unstructured meshes with only minimal knowledge of parallel computing, while making it possible to achieve excellent scalability even for complex applications. Charm++’s message-driven model enables computation/communication overlap, while its run-time load balancing capabilities make it possible to react to the changes in computational load that occur in dynamic physics applications. The framework is highly flexible and has been enhanced with numerous capabilities for the manipulation of unstructured meshes, such as parallel mesh adaptivity and collision detection.
Leading Under Sanction: Principals' Perceptions of Threat Rigidity, Efficacy, and Leadership in Underperforming Schools

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was passed to ensure that 100 percent of students would be proficient by 2014. Progress toward that goal is measured annually and results suggest that while some schools improve, increasing numbers are identified as in need of improvement (INI) and are subject to sanctions. We examined perceived levels of threat rigidity, efficacy, and leadership in 549 California principals whose schools were INI or not. Results suggest that principals in INI schools identified more threat-rigid response and perceived less self-efficacy than in non-INI setting. Results did not indicate differences between principals in perceived transformational and transactional leadership.
The incidence of spontaneous epidural abscess in Olmsted County from 1990 through 2000: a rare cause of spinal pain.

Objective. The primary objective of this study is to determine the population-based incidence of spontaneous epidural abscess. The secondary objective is to characterize the clinical course of patients with this rare infectious disease. Design. The records-linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project was used to identify incident cases of spontaneous epidural abscess in residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA, from 1990 through 2000. Setting. Tertiary referral medical center. Patients. All patients were residents of Olmsted County and had spontaneous epidural abscesses that were radiographically or surgically confirmed. Results. Eight patients, including six women, were identified and the mean age was 56 years (range, 40–80). The incidence of epidural abscess was 0.88 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval, 0.27–1.48). The median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 18 days (interquartile range, 4–30 days). Six patients presented with spinal pain and one presented with focal neurological deficits. Risk factors were identified in all patients, including concomitant infections, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, and intravenous substance abuse. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in six patients and streptococcal species were cultured in two patients. Three patients were treated surgically and five received medical treatment. One patient treated surgically and one patient treated medically had residual neurological deficits. One patient, who was immunosuppressed and received medical treatment died of pneumonia. Conclusions. This is the first published report of the population-based incidence of spontaneous epidural abscess. These findings could serve as a reference point for further epidemiological research related to this uncommon infection.
Patterns of Interaction in Families with Low Adjusted, High Adjusted, and Mentally Retarded Members

Family interactions were compared in three groups: families with a low adjusted child prior to formal clinic contact (LA), with a high adjusted child (HA), and with a retarded child (RM). Nine measures were utilized, described as: adaptation, stability, productivity, specificity, overt power, conflict, cohesion, and emotionality. Data suggested a failure of cohesion in the LA group, but many clinic-family stereotypes were supported. HA families showed high cohesion, but also high conflict. RM families showed cohesion, but many “auxiliary” control features, such as assigning “youngest sib” role to the handicapped child.
Synthesis and structures of Co bis-trifluoromethylpyrazolate complexes.

Reactions of Co(PMe3)3Cl or CoCl2 with 3,5-(CF3)2-PzNa in hexane give Co(PMe3)3(3,5-(CF3)2-Pz) (1) and Co(PMe3)3(3,5-(CF3)2-Pz)2 (2) respectively (3,5-(CF3)2-PzNa = sodium bis-trifluoromethylpyrazolate). Reaction of (3,5-(CF3)2-PzH) with Co(PMe3)4 produces the unusual complex [cis-Co(PMe3)4H2][Co(PMe3)(3,5-(CF3)2-Pz)3] (3) which formally contains a [Co(III)]+[Co(II)]− complex ion pair. Reaction of 3,5-(CF3)2-PzLi with an oxygenated suspension of CoCl2 and 3 equivalents of PMe3 gives (3,5-(CF3)2-Pz)2Co(μ-3,5-(CF3)2-Pz)(μ-OPMe3)Li(OPMe3)2 (4), while 2 reacts with LiOH to give [(PMe3)Co(μ-3,5-(CF3)2-Pz)2(μ3-OH)Li]2 (5). Both 2 and 3 react with O2 in toluene solution to give Co(OPMe3)2(3,5-(CF3)2-Pz)2 (6). All compounds have been characterized spectroscopically and by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.
Effect of evanescent channels on position-dependent diffusion in disordered waveguides

Abstract We employ ab initio simulations of wave transport in disordered waveguides to demonstrate explicitly that although accounting for evanescent channels manifests itself in the renormalization of the transport mean free path, the position-dependent diffusion coefficient, as well as distributions of angular transmission, total transmission and conductance, all remain universal.
Is the fundamental electrical response of the single heart muscle cell a spike potential

The urodele amphibians, Amphiuma and Necturus, provide heart fibers large enough to serve for microelectrode recording under visual control with the microscope. Bundles containing as few as 5 to 10 fibers yield spike potentials, rather than the plateau forms generally considered to be characteristic of heart muscle. These spikes fail to overshoot. The plateau form, and only the plateau form, is recorded exclusively from large tissue masses. An intermingling of spikes and plateau-shaped action potentials is obtained from bundles of intermediate size. These data are confirmed in experiments in which the myocardium is sliced into adhering strips of unequal sizes. The conclusion is drawn that the configuration of the recorded action potential curve is contingent upon the mass and geometry of the tissue impaled by the microelectrode. The crucial experiment of recording from an isolated single heart fiber is not possible, because of the attendant injury. Our proposal that the spike form is the elemental heart action potential is, to this extent, an extrapolation. Attempts to explain the nature of the spike along classical lines are not entirely satisfactory. Other theories are considered which, in their turn, are generally unacceptable. Evidently only further experimentation can clarify the situation.
Role of beat noise in limiting the sensitivity of optical coherence tomography

The sensitivity and dynamic range of optical coherence tomography (OCT) are calculated for instruments utilizing two common interferometer configurations and detection schemes. Previous researchers recognized that the performance of dual-balanced OCT instruments is severely limited by beat noise, which is generated by incoherent light backscattered from the sample. However, beat noise has been ignored in previous calculations of Michelson OCT performance. Our measurements of instrument noise confirm the presence of beat noise even in a simple Michelson interferometer configuration with a single photodetector. Including this noise, we calculate the dynamic range as a function of OCT light source power, and find that instruments employing balanced interferometers and balanced detectors can achieve a sensitivity up to six times greater than those based on a simple Michelson interferometer, thereby boosting image acquisition speed by the same factor for equal image quality. However, this advantage of balanced systems is degraded for source powers greater than a few milliwatts. We trace the concept of beat noise back to an earlier paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am.52, 1335 (1962)].
FIP: A Fast Planning-Graph-Based Iterative Planner

We present a fast iterative planner (FIP) that aims to handle planning problems involving nondeterministic actions. In contrast to existing iterative planners, FIP is built upon Graphplan's intrinsic features, thus, enabling Graphplan variants, including SGP and FF, to be enhanced with the capability of iterative planning. In addition, FIP is able to produce program-like plans with conditional and loop constructs, and achieves efficient planning via novel algorithms for manipulating planning graphs. Experimental results on several nondeterministic planning problems show that FIP is more efficient than the well-known planner, MBP, especially as the size of the problems increases.
Surgical management of vertical ocular misalignment in thyroid eye disease using an adjustable suture technique.

Purpose To report a surgical approach to managing hypotropia associated with thyroid eye disease (TED) that uses adjustable sutures. Methods The medical records of consecutive patients with TED and hypotropia who underwent adjustable suture inferior rectus muscle recession with or without superior rectus muscle recession of the hypertropic eye were reviewed retrospectively. The initial goal was undercorrection in primary gaze and no hyperdeviation in downgaze. Outcomes were rated according to the presence of diplopia in primary and reading positions as excellent (none), good (no diplopia with Δ correction), and poor (diplopia). Results Fifty-four patients were included. The initial median primary position deviation was 16 Δ . Of the 54 patients, 39 (72%) underwent unilateral inferior rectus muscle recession; 15 (28%), bilateral; and 24 (44%), superior rectus muscle recession. On mean follow-up of 38 weeks, 35 patients (65%) had excellent results (30 aligned in primary and reading position, 5 of whom could fuse small deviations [average, 3 Δ ]); 17 (31%), good results (13 Δ ); and 2 (3.7%), poor results, but aligned after reoperation (6 Δ overcorrection, 16 Δ undercorrection). Of the 24 misaligned patients (ie, those with small deviations, good results, and poor results), 13 were undercorrected an average of 4.9 Δ and 11 (20%) were overcorrected an average of 6.2 Δ . Adjustment timing, number of muscles recessed, preoperative deviation, and previous orbital decompression did not affect outcomes. Conclusions In this series, patients with hypotropia and TED were effectively managed by the use of adjustable sutures and by surgeons operating on multiple muscles, anticipating drift toward overcorrection of the recessed inferior rectus muscle, and using prism for residual deviation.
An innovative Positional Pattern Detection tool applied to GAL4 Binding Sites in yeast

The computational identification of regulatory elements in genomic DNA is key to understanding the regulatory infrastructure of a cell. We present an innovative tool to identify Transcription Factor Binding Sites (TFBSs) in genomic sequences. We show that our Positional Pattern Detection tool is able to attain high sensitivity and specificity of TFBS detection by capturing dependencies between nucleotide positions within the TFBS, thereby elucidating complex interactions that may be critical for the TFBS activity.
Double aortic arch; with a report of a case.

Summary 1. A case of symmetrical double arch, in association with the tetrad of Fallot, and a right descending aorta is described. 2. The morphological appearances are described with relation to previous cases in the literature. 3. The radiological diagnosis of the condition, including the value of angiocardiography, is discussed.
Calculation of track and vertex errors for detector design studies

The Kalman filter technique has come into wide use for charged track reconstruction in high-energy physics experiments. It is also well suited for detector design studies, allowing for the efficient estimation of optimal track covariance matrices without the need of a hit level Monte Carlo simulation. Although much has been published about the Kalman filter equations, there is a lack of previous literature explaining how to implement the equations. In this paper, the operators necessary to implement the Kalman filter equations for two common detector configurations are worked out: a central detector in a uniform solenoidal magnetic field, and a fixed-target detector with no magnetic field in the region of the interactions. With the track covariance matrices in hand, vertex and invariant mass errors are readily calculable. These quantities are particularly interesting for evaluating experiments designed to study weakly decaying particles which give rise to displaced vertices. The optimal vertex errors are obtained via a constrained vertex fit. Solutions are presented to the constrained vertex problem with and without kinematic constraints. Invariant mass errors are obtained via propagation of errors; the use of vertex constrained track parameters is discussed. Many of the derivations are new or previously unpublished. >
Time delay effect on direct output feedback controlled mass damper systems

Investigates the stability of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system with an optimal direct output feedback controlled mass damper. An active mass damper system can take the form of a hybrid mass damper (HMD) or a fully active mass damper (AMD) depending upon imposed design constraint resulting from space, strength and power limitations. The control effects of the HMD and the AMD are first examined. The continuous-time direct output feedback control algorithm (LQR) is used to find the required control force. In active control, the control force execution time delay can not be avoided or eliminated even with present technology, which can be critical to the performance of the control system. The influence of time delay for a SDOF model with both HMD and AMD systems using continuous-time control gains is then discussed. Explicit formulas and numerical solutions to determine the maximum delay time which causes onset of system instability is obtained.
Myside bias in thinking about abortion

Abstract College-student subjects made notes about the morality of early abortion, as if they were preparing for a class discussion. Analysis of the quality of their arguments suggests that a distinction can be made between arguments based on well-supported warrants and those based on warrants that are easily criticised. The subjects also evaluated notes made by other, hypothetical, students preparing for the same discussion. Most subjects evaluated the set of arguments as better when the arguments were all on one side than when both sides were presented, even when the hypothetical student was on the opposite side of the issue from the evaluator. Subjects who favoured one-sidedness also tended to make one-sided arguments themselves. The results suggest that “myside bias” is partly caused by beliefs about what makes thinking good.
Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation.

Objective:The underlying changes in biological processes that are associated with reported changes in mental and physical health in response to meditation have not been systematically explored. We performed a randomized, controlled study on the effects on brain and immune function of a well-known an
Modula and a Question of Time

The programming language Modula is reviewed for its ability to support the wide variety of time usages required in a process control system. It is shown that in many instances concurrent languages supporting device control and multiprogramming may need additional facilities for the support of time.
The extended BG-simulation and the characterization of t-resiliency

A distributed task T on n processors is an input/output relation between a collection of processors' inputs and outputs. While all tasks are solvable if no processor may ever crash, the FLP result revealed that the possibility of a failure of just a single processor precludes a solution to the task of consensus. That is consensus is not solvable 1-resiliently. Yet, some nontrivial tasks are wait-free solvable, i.e. n-1-resiliently. What tasks are solvable if at most t1 and 01 and n>2, is undecidable, by a simple reduction to the undecidability of the wait-free solvability of 3-processors tasks.
Developing an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills for Laparoscopic Suturing and Intracorporeal Knot Tying

Objective To develop a teaching and assessment tool for laparoscopic suturing and intracorporeal knot tying. Design and Setting We designed an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) tool that includes a procedure-specific checklist (PSC) and global rating scale (GRS) to assess laparoscopic suturing and intracorporeal knot-tying performance. Obstetrics and Gynecology residents at our institution were videotaped while performing a laparoscopic suturing and intracorporeal knot-tying task at a surgical simulation workshop. A total of 2 expert reviewers assessed resident performance using the OSATS tool during live performance and 1 month later using the videotaped recordings. OSATS scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Data are presented as median scores (interquartile range [IQR]). Intrarater and interrater reliabilities were assessed using a Spearman correlation and are presented as an r correlation coefficient and p value. An r ≥ 0.8 was considered as a high correlation. After testing, we received feedback from residents and faculty to improve the OSATS tool as part of an iterative design process. Participants In all, 14 of 21 residents (66.7%) completed the study, with 9 junior residents and 5 senior residents. Results Junior residents had a lower score on the PSC than senior residents did; however, this was not statistically significant (median = 6.0 [IQR: 4.0-10.0] and median=13.0 [IQR: 10.0-13.0]; p=0.09). There was excellent intrarater reliability with our OSATS tool (for PSC component, r = 0.88 for Rater 1 and 0.93 for Rater 2, both p r = 0.85 for Rater 1 and 0.88 for Rater 2, both p ≤ 0.0002). The PSC also has high interrater reliability during live evaluation ( r = 0.92; p r = 0.77 (p = 0.001). Conclusions Our OSATS tool may be a useful assessment and teaching tool for laparoscopic suturing and intracorporeal knot-tying skills. Overall, good intrarater reliability was demonstrated, suggesting that this tool may be useful for longitudinal assessment of surgical skills.
EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF THE NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG: RECONSTRUCTION OF PHYLOGENY, PHYLOGEOGRAPHY, AND HISTORICAL CHANGES IN POPULATION DEMOGRAPHY FROM MITOCHONDRIAL DNA

This study uses a combined methodological approach including phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and demographic analyses to understand the evolutionary history of the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens. We tested hypotheses concerning how (or if) known geological events and key features of the species biology influenced the contemporary geographic and genetic distribution of R. pipiens. We assayed mitochondrial DNA variation from 389 individuals within 35 populations located throughout the species range. Our a priori expectations for patterns and processes influencing the current genetic structure of R. pipiens were supported by the data. However, our analyses revealed specific aspects of R. pipiens evolutionary history that were unexpected. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that R. pipiens is split into populations containing discrete eastern or western haplotypes, with the Mississippi River and Great Lakes region dividing the geographic ranges. Nested clade analysis indicated that the biological process most often invoked to explain the pattern of haplotype position is restricted gene flow with isolation by distance. Demographic analyses showed evidence of both historical bottlenecks and population expansions. Surprisingly, the genetic evidence indicated that the western haplotypes had significantly reduced levels of genetic diversity relative to the eastern haplotypes and that major range expansions occurred in both regions well before the most recent glacial retreat. This study provides a detailed history of how a widespread terrestrial vertebrate responded to episodic Pleistocene glacial events in North America. Moreover, this study illustrates how complementary methods of data analysis can be used to disentangle recent and ancient effects on the genetic structure of a species.
Relationship between etonogestrel level and BMI in women using the contraceptive implant for more than 1 year

Progestin-only contraceptive methods, including the 3-year, single-rod etonogestrel (ENG) implant, may be preferred for obese women to avoid additional estrogen-related thrombosis risk; however, whether obese women receive an ENG sufficient dose to suppress ovulation is understudied. Our analysis expands on the limited information currently available by studying ENG levels related to body mass index (BMI) in a community sample of primarily Hispanic women. This cross-sectional, descriptive study of 52 long-term implant users found comparable ENG levels across a wide BMI range (p=.1). These results further support that ENG levels are independent of BMI through 3 years of implant use and are thus reassuring that ENG implants will be effective for women of all BMIs.
Theft by Omission

Other things being equal, should the law regard a crime committed by means of an omission as any more or less blameworthy than the same crime committed by means of an act? The question has arisen mostly in the context of homicide, where significant disagreement about the moral equivalence of killing and letting die persists. The focus here will be on theft. There are at least four ways of committing theft by omission: failing to return lost property, failing to return misdelivered property, failing to make a required disposition of funds received, and fraudulently failing to disclose information that one is under a legal duty to disclose. Modern Anglo-American law tends to treat each of these kinds of omissive theft as interchangeable with, and subject to the same penalties, as core forms of commissive theft. I argue that this is a mistake. Even if, other things being equal, omissive and commissive theft were equally blameworthy, other things ordinarily are not equal, and the relevant differences - in terms of harms caused, wrongs inflicted, community understandings, and criminalization norms - ordinarily provide a justification for differential treatment.
Employer Mandates and ERISA Preemption: A Critique of Golden Gate Restaurant Association v. San Francisco

The Ninth Circuit's recent decision in Golden Gate Restaurant Association v. San Francisco saves the employer mandate of the San Francisco ordinance from ERISA preemption by slighting the language of the statute and by misapplying the U.S. Supreme Court's existing case law under ERISA Section 514(a). If (as is likely) the Supreme Court rules upon the ERISA status of employer mandates like San Francisco's by adhering to its past decisions, the Court will strike such mandates as ERISA-preempted. Under current law, the Ninth Circuit's opinion in Golden Gate II is not sustainable.
Lung Cancer Genomics in the Era of Accelerated Targeted Drug Development

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the 5-year overall survival outlook for a patient has not improved in several decades. Recently, however, molecular and genomic profiling of the lung tumors has revealed recurring somatic mutations. As a result the therapeutic landscape of lung cancer is undergoing a paradigm shift from a purely histology-based understanding of the disease to subtype distinctions based on tumor genetics, which has launched cancer-specific, mechanism-based targeted therapies with clear benefit to patients. While targeted therapy advancements are being made at an ever increasing rate, a new challenge in the form of drug resistance has also emerged. This review summarizes the current literature for these issues.