cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural Underpinnings of Distortions in the Experience of Time Across Senses

Auditory signals (A) are perceived as lasting longer than visual signals (V) of the same physical duration when they are compared together. Despite considerable debate about how this illusion arises psychologically, the neural underpinnings have not been studied. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural bases of audiovisual temporal distortions and more generally, intersensory timing. Adults underwent fMRI while judging the relative duration of successively presented standard interval (SI)-comparison interval (CI) pairs, which were unimodal (A-A, V-V) or crossmodal (V-A, A-V). Mechanisms of time dilation and compression were identified by comparing the two crossmodal pairs. Mechanisms of intersensory timing were identified by comparing the unimodal and crossmodal conditions. The behavioral results showed that auditory CIs were perceived as lasting longer than visual CIs. There were three novel fMRI results. First, time dilation and compression were distinguished by differential activation of higher sensory areas (superior temporal, posterior insula, middle occipital), which typically showed stronger effective connectivity when time was dilated (V-A). Second, when time was compressed (A-V) activation was greater in frontal cognitive-control centers, which guide decision making. These areas did not exhibit effective connectivity. Third, intrasensory timing was distinguished from intersensory timing partly by decreased striatal and increased superior parietal activation. These regions showed stronger connectivity with visual, memory, and cognitive-control centers during intersensory timing. Altogether, the results indicate that time dilation and compression arise from the connectivity strength of higher sensory systems with other areas. Conversely, more extensive network interactions are needed with core timing (striatum) and attention (superior parietal) centers to integrate time codes for intersensory signals.
SERVICE SYSTEM DESIGN FOR THE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE INDUSTRY

This paper describes the changes that are forcing property and casualty insurance firms to rethink their service system design and in particular their distribution strategies. A set of questions related to distribution that are uppermost in the minds of executives in this industry are presented along with a literature survey of models that can be used to answer some of these questions. Based on the survey, a normative framework for designing the distribution system is proposed. Qualitative and quantitative analysis based on the proposed framework is presented along with empirical data to demonstrate the usefulness of the framework. The paper concludes with an agenda for further research.
Anti-IgE Therapy in Asthma: Rationale and Therapeutic Potential

Airway inflammation is found in virtually all individuals with asthma symptoms. The factors contributing to asthma-related airway inflammation are multiple and involve a number of different inflammatory cells and mediators. Allergic responses at the level of the respiratory system are mostly mediated by IgE-dependent mechanisms. After sensitization of a susceptible individual and the synthesis and binding of allergen-specific IgE to target cells, atopic individuals respond immunologically to common, naturally occurring allergens by releasing mast cell-derived mediators. Subsequent allergen exposure in susceptible individuals produces a characteristic cascade of events orchestrated by immune effector cells, most prominently, mast cells, T lymphocytes and eosinophils. A new strategy, neutralizing IgE antibodies, inhibits expression of allergic symptoms by preventing the initial trigger of the allergic reaction, IgE binding to IgE-receptor bearing cells. rhuMAb-E25 is a recombinant humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody currently under investigation that has been shown to reduce allergic responses in atopic individuals and to improve symptoms and reduce rescue medication and corticosteroid use in patients with allergic asthma. Thus, the clinical effectiveness of rhuMAb-E25 supports the central role of IgE in allergic reactions and the viability of anti-IgE therapy as a potentially effective treatment option for asthma.
POLARIZATION OF RECTANGULAR ARRAYS OF SPHERES IN A POTENTIAL FLOW

Abstract General theorems are derived, relating the impulse, polarization (internal dipole moment) and average velocity field for a dispersion of spheres in a potential flow. A constitutive equation is developed and a structure-dependent coefficient, λ, defined. A first approximation to λ, valid for low concentrations of spheres, is obtained and evaluated for rectangular arrays, using image methods.
Finding Balance Through Hormone Replacement Therapy

Most women today live longer than 80 years, and with menopause beginning anywhere from a woman's late 30s to early 50s, most women can expect to live for 30 postmenopausal years or more without the beneficial and protective affects of estrogen.
Unpredictable/uncontrollable stress proactively interferes with appetitive Pavlovian conditioning

Abstract Prior research on the proactive effects of exposure to uncontrollable aversive events has demonstrated interference with the formation of S-S associations. However, given a variety of interpretational problems, the basic mechanism responsible for such transfer requires further examination. In order to avoid some of these problems, the present study investigated whether such an interference effect could be observed on an appetitive Pavlovian discrimination task (i.e., A+ AB− ). Furthermore, the unpredictability of stress was manipulated by means of an external feedback stimulus in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanism underlying any transfer observed. After stress exposure, animals showed equivalent acquisition of an excitatory association to a tone consistently paired with a food US (i.e., A+) during the first phase of conditioning. During the appetitive Pavlovian discrimination phase, the group exposed to uncontrollable and unpredictable shock showed retarded acquisition of the Pavlovian discrimination. However, the group exposed to uncontrollable stress accompanied by a feedback stimulus (i.e., predictable stress) did not show interference. This pattern suggests that the transfer observed may result from learning about S-S independence during the original stress exposure. Thus, this outcome may be most easily integrated with a general learned irrelevance view.
P2P systems with transactional semantics

Structured P2P systems have been developed for constructing applications at internet scale in cooperative environments and exhibit a number of desirable features such as scalability and self-maintenance. We argue that such systems when augmented with well defined consistency semantics provide an attractive building block for many large scale data processing applications in cluster environments. Towards this end, we study the problem of providing transactional semantics to P-Ring a P2P system which supports efficient range queries. We first extend a commonly used replication protocol in P2P systems to provide well defined guarantees in the presence of concurrent updates and under well defined failure assumptions. A multi-version concurrency control protocol called LSTP which leverages the guarantees of the replication protocol to provide transactional semantics is proposed. LSTP is designed to provide useful consistency semantics over P-Ring for read intensive workloads without sacrificing the scalability and other desirable properties inherent to the system. Under LSTP, read-only transactions are abort-free and non-blocking and the index stores no state for such transactions. We show that LSTP ensures no missed dependencies between transactions and guarantees basic consistency for read-only transactions when update transactions are serializable. The design of LSTP and its provable properties is a proof of concept that P2P systems can be augmented with transactional semantics. Results from a preliminary simulation study are also presented.
A clinical demonstration of the application of audiovisual biofeedback in the treatment of puberphonia

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of vocal audiovisual biofeedback in the treatment of puberphonia. Method This is a report of a single subject research study encompassing intervention and observation of results, involving three phases: baseline, treatment, and follow-up. Therefore, this study applied an A-B case study experimental design with follow-up for observation of treatment outcomes. Self-reported complementary data regarding feelings of voice usage included comparisons between pre and post intervention scores of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) survey. Results In this study, acoustic voice parameters measured revealed changes in vocal performance in the desired direction, as demonstrated by visual inspection and estimation of effect size of the data; changes were maintained during the follow-up phase. Examination of VHI results suggested post intervention improvement in functional and psychosocial aspects related to voice use. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, audiovisual feedback approaches are effective in the treatment of puberphonia. Results will apply to future considerations in the application of technology support for treatment of puberphonia and other voice related disorders.
Minding the interpersonal gap: Mindfulness-based interventions in the prevention of ostracism

Abstract Ostracism is a ubiquitous phenomenon, occurring across a broad range of social contexts and detrimentally impacting personal outcomes. Through enhanced present-moment attention and awareness, mindfulness-based interventions may help prevent this harmful behavior. The current research examined the role of state mindfulness in reducing the propensity to commit ostracism. This relationship was investigated in two studies: a field-based quasi-experiment (Study 1, n = 51) and a laboratory-based experiment (Study 2, n = 100). Both studies supported the utility of brief mindfulness-based interventions in reducing the propensity to ostracize others. The current studies support the relevance of mindfulness in addressing the substantial problem of ostracism. Among other benefits, fostering mindfulness in a variety of contexts may help reduce personal and social costs associated with this type of incivility. This research represents the first known attempt to utilize a personal resource (mindfulness) to decrease the degree to which individuals ostracize others.
Induction of apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cells HT29 by sublethal cryo‐injury: Mediation by cytochrome c release

Cryosurgery is an emerging treatment for human solid tumors, notably colorectal liver metastasis. Cryosurgical procedures generate a thermal gradient of from at least -50 degrees C at the center of the tumor being treated to about 0 degrees C at the periphery. Cell death occurs by necrosis in the center, while the peripheral zone of frozen tumor harbors a mix of viable and dead tissue. In order to understand the mechanisms of cell death and survival in this peripheral area at risk for tumor recurrence, we have established an in vitro freezing system that mimics in vivo conditions of sublethal injury. HT29 colon cancer cells were subjected to freezing temperatures from -6 degrees C to -36 degrees C, thawed at room temperature for 30 min and rewarmed at 37 degrees C for a period of time. Post-freeze-thaw, cryolytic cells were evaluated by trypan blue exclusive assay. We also identified apoptotic cells after rewarming by cell shrinkage, nucleic condensation, TUNEL assay, DNA fragmentation and PARP degradation. The intensity of cryolysis and apoptosis was increased by lowering the freezing temperature. At -36 degrees C, all cells were dead immediately after freeze-thaw. A kinetic analysis of cryo-induced apoptosis showed that the commitment to enter apoptosis occurred right after the freeze-thaw period and lasted less than 8 hr after rewarming. We further demonstrated that freezing triggers one of the caspase cascade involved in apoptosis: release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, followed by activation of caspase-9 and degradation of PARP. These results indicate the death of cancer cells under cryo-treatment at sublethal freezing temperature can be attributed 2 different modes, cryolysis as well as apoptosis. HT29 cells carrying p53 mutant have very quick response for induction of apoptosis by cryo-treatment and contain an intact pathway of caspase cascade. Further studies will address if mechanisms in cells with wild-type p53 will differ.
3458 Tolerability and efficacy of direct injection of pancreatic adenocarcinomas with onyx-015 under endoscopic ultrasound (eus) guidance.

Much of the morbidity of pancreatic carcinoma is due to the local effects of the primary tumors, which respond poorly to standard treatment. EUS has been shown to be useful for staging and biopsy of gastrointestinal malignancies and permits real-time injection of tumors. There have been no studies addressing the practicality and tolerability of repeated fine-needle injection into pancreatic neoplasms. ONYX-015 is a modified adenovirus which preferentially replicates in tumor cells.We report a phase I/II study of direct injection of ONYX-015 into pancreatic carcinomas in combination with intravenous gemcitabine. Methods: Pts underwent 8 sessions of virus injection over 8 weeks and received concomitant gemcitabine on the day of the last four treatments. Three pts received 109 and 15 pts 1010 pfu per session. The virus was diluted in 20% of the tumor volume and injected in 1-2 ml aliquots into the tumor in a fan-like fashion using a Pentax FG36 echoendoscopic ultrasound scope and Wilson-Cook Echotip needles. Results: Over 100 sessions of virus injection have been performed. Three pts have had minor responses with up to 47% tumor regression. Five pts had stable disease and 5 had progressive disease. With an additional 2-3 months of gemcitabine, 2 pts eventually achieved partial responses with 57 and 75% reduction of tumor size. Two pts were unevaluable and 3 are still on study. Toxicity: Two pts had sepsis, one with a possible abscess. No further infections were seen after oral antibiotic prophylaxis was begun. One pt had an asymptomatic cystic fluid collection. Several elevations of amylase and lipase were observed, but no episodes of clinical pancreatitis. Two patients had duodenal perforations from the rigid endoscope tip. Injections then were restricted to a transgastric approach. Summary: Direct injection of ONYX-015 under EUS guidance is a new and potentially valuable approach to the treatment of pancreatic tumors.
EVALUATION OF THREE TREATMENT MODALITIES AGAINST ISOSPORA AMPHIBOLURI IN INLAND BEARDED DRAGONS (POGONA VITTICEPS)

Abstract The inland bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) is an economically important lizard in herpetoculture, with an annual estimate of 500,000 juvenile bearded dragons produced in the United States. Within the last few years, Isospora amphiboluri has been recognized as an important disease-causing parasite of bearded dragons; this is associated with significant mortalities in juvenile dragons. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of 3 different treatment modalities (a probiotic, a sulfonamide, and an herbal extract) against I. amphiboluri in bearded dragons. Sixty juvenile bearded dragons that were positive for I. amphiboluri were used in this study. Each group was treated daily for 21 consecutive days with 1 of 4 treatments: isotonic saline solution, sulfadimethoxine, a probiotic, or essential oil of oregano. Fecal samples were collected during this period and screened for the presence of I . amphiboluri . There was no significant difference in the positive status of the control ( P = 0.99), probiotic ( P = 0.39), or oregano ( P = 0.11) groups over time. There was a significant difference in the positive status of the sulfadimethoxine group over time ( P = 0.0001). The results of this study demonstrate that sulfadimethoxine may be used to eliminate or significantly reduce oocyst shedding in a majority of bearded dragons after a 21-day treatment period. Additional testing with other sulfonamides, higher doses of sulfadimethoxine, and/or longer treatment duration with sulfadimethoxine may also prove useful. Because some changes in oocyst numbers were observed in the other 3 treatment groups, it is possible that parasite control through the other treatment modalities tested in this study may also have value.
SU‐FF‐T‐57: Accelerating IMRT Optimization by Voxel Sampling

Purpose: To develop a new algorithm to accelerate IMRT optimization by voxel sampling. Methods and Materials: We note that standard gradient descent is fairly slow due to the time spent calculating the dose to the patient. We realized that a reasonable estimate of the objective function and gradient could be obtained by calculating the dose to only a fraction of the voxels in the patient. To avoid adding a systematic error, we randomly sample the voxels at each step to create an unbiased estimate of the gradient. Supposing sufficient samples are chosen, the errors in the gradient will tend to cancel each other out as the algorithm progresses. Uniform sampling is inefficient, however, since small, important organs tend to need a higher sampling rate while large, less critical organs could use a lower rate. We developed an algorithm to tune the sampling rates for each objective by minimizing the variance of the estimate of the objective for a fixed overall sampling rate. With the errors in the estimated gradient, we could not use techniques like conjugate gradient to further accelerate performance. However, we found that the delta‐bar‐delta algorithm provided an additional speed boost. Results: For our example case of a lung patient with 384,979 voxels and 1460 beamlets we were able to achieve a speed improvement of approximately three times using uniform sampling, 14 times using automatically tuned sampling, and 20 times using delta‐bar‐delta with automatically tuned sampling. While the algorithms are randomized, the results were very reliable and stable in our experience. Conclusions: Voxel sampling proves to be a viable way to dramatically improve the speed of IMRT optimization. It could be particularly helpful for applications such as temporo‐spatial optimization and multi‐criteria optimization, where a great many variants of a problem are optimized.
Geostrophic drag coefficients over sea ice

The geostrophic drag coefficient, Cg ≡ u*/G, and turning angle, α were measured October through November 1988 from a 120 km array of 6 drifting buoys and a drifting ship in the northern Barents Sea/Arctic Ocean during CEAREX; u* is the friction velocity, G is the geostrophic wind, and α is the angle between surface stress and equation image . The median Cg was 0.029 with hinge values (quartiles) of 0.023 and 0.034 and the median α was 25° with hinge values of 15° and 32°. The median values are representative for the nonsummer Arctic away from marginal seas and marginal ice zones. Surface air temperature, cloud amount, and the lapse rate above the inversion base were not good predictors of the influence of boundary layer stability on Cg. The geostrophic drag coefficient was most sensitive to the temperature difference across the boundary layer from the surface to the top of the inversion. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1992.t01-5-00006.x
The effects of social status on cognitive elaboration and post‐message attitude: Focusing on self‐construals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of social status of the source on the receiver's cognitive elaboration and post‐message attitude among people of different cultural orientations. Independent and interdependent self‐construals were adopted as individual‐level cultural dimensions. Data to test the hypotheses were drawn from undergraduates, studying in Japan (N= 211), and Hawai'i (N = 180). The results of this study indicated that individuals with interdependent self‐construals paid closer attention to the characteristics of the high status source than individuals with independent self‐construals. Furthermore, in persuasive communication settings, the relative amount of the attitude change resulting from the high status source was significantly larger for those with interdependent self‐construals than for those with independent self‐construals. The implications of the results for theory and practice are discussed.
Current management of hernias and hydroceles

The repair of inguinal hernia and hydrocele is one of the most common operations in a pediatric surgery practice. This work reviews current concepts in the management of the inguinal hernia and hydrocele. The authors describe current concepts of anesthetic management of children undergoing repair of inguinal hernia. The authors also discuss current management of the contralateral hernia, hernias in premature infants, and the management of an incarcerated hernia. In addition, the authors discuss the role of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of an inguinal hernia and its application for investigation of the contralateral inguinal canal.
Evaluation of Verticillium Wilt Resistance in Russet Norkotah and Six Strain Selections

Strain selections of Russet Norkotah have been selected for enhanced vigor and high yield. In addition, they exhibit less severe expression of disease symptoms in the presence of Verticillium dahliae, a soil-borne fungal pathogen that causes Verticillium wilt. However, this apparent resistance may be due to later maturity in the strain selections. This study was designed to compare the levels of Verticillium wilt resistance in Russet Norkotah with that of six popular strain selections. In two years, trials were carried out on a V. dahliae-infested field and an adjacent fumigated field. Comparisons were made between Russet Norkotah and its strains for maturity, symptom expression, stem colonization, and tuber yield. Compared to Russet Norkotah, the strains were later in maturity, exhibited fewer Verticillium wilt symptoms, and were higher yielding in the absence of V. dahliae. However, they were similar to Russet Norkotah in stem colonization and yield in the presence of the pathogen. Apparent resistance in the strain selections appears to be due to immature plant physiology rather than their ability to limit fungal growth and reproduction in stem tissues.
Unraveling the structure of the intermediate filaments.

Article de synthese sur la structure des filaments intermediaires. Elucidation de la signification fonctionnelle d'une myriade de proteines distinctes mais apparentees qui peuvent toutes s'assembler dans une structure commune de 8-10 nm, diametre de ces filaments intermediaires
Searching for alien artifacts on the moon

Abstract The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has a low probability of success, but it would have a high impact if successful. Therefore it makes sense to widen the search as much as possible within the confines of the modest budget and limited resources currently available. To date, SETI has been dominated by the paradigm of seeking deliberately beamed radio messages. However, indirect evidence for extraterrestrial intelligence could come from any incontrovertible signatures of non-human technology. Existing searchable databases from astronomy, biology, earth and planetary sciences all offer low-cost opportunities to seek a footprint of extraterrestrial technology. In this paper we take as a case study one particular new and rapidly-expanding database: the photographic mapping of the Moon's surface by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) to 0.5 m resolution. Although there is only a tiny probability that alien technology would have left traces on the moon in the form of an artifact or surface modification of lunar features, this location has the virtue of being close, and of preserving traces for an immense duration. Systematic scrutiny of the LRO photographic images is being routinely conducted anyway for planetary science purposes, and this program could readily be expanded and outsourced at little extra cost to accommodate SETI goals, after the fashion of the SETI@home and Galaxy Zoo projects.
REM sleep abnormalities in a new animal model of endogenous depression

Endogenous depression has reliable REM sleep abnormalities. These include a short REM latency, frequent sleep onset REM periods, and after REM sleep deprivation (RSD), an abnormal temporal course of REM rebound in the presence of a normal total REM rebound. The reliability of these abnormalities suggests that they ought to be present in an animal model of endogenous depression. In 1982, we proposed a new animal model of endogenous depression. Our hypothesis is that in rats neonatal clomipramine (CLI) will produce adult animals that model endogenous depression. In this study we tested the prediction that after neonatal treatment with CLI, adult rats will show the above three REM sleep abnormalities of human endogenous depression. We found that neonatal treatment with CLI produced rats that at age 6 months had shorter REM latency, more sleep onset REM periods than control rats, and after RSD, had an abnormal temporal course of REM rebound in the presence of a normal total REM rebound. The finding of these REM sleep abnormalities supported the validity of the animal model of endogenous depression.
Experimental investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics for a winged-cone concept

Experimental longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamics were obtained for a generic aerodynamics were obtaiend for a generic winged-cone configuration having possible application as a transatmospheric vehicle concept. Data were obtained at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 20.0; Reynolds numbers, based on model length, between 2.5 and 5.3 million; and angles of attack from -4 to 20 deg. Results indicate a longitudinal center-of-pressure travel of about 23 percent of the fuselage length for the test Mach number range, with longitudinal instabilities noted at high-supersonic to hypersonic Mach numbers. These instabilities are coupled with directional instability at similar Mach numbers. Predictions with analytic codes, namely, the USAF DATCOM and the tangent-cone option of the Hypersonic Arbitrary Body Program, provided fair agreement with the experimental aerodynamic characteristics at low angles-of-attack.
Block transformations of a class of multivariable control systems to four basic block companion forms

Abstract Various block transformations are presented for transforming a class of MIMO state equations in general coordinates to four basic block companion forms so that the analysis and control system design of a MIMO system in the time and frequency domains can easily be performed, and the classical lines of thought for SISO systems can be extended to MIMO systems. The invariant structure and the invariant characteristic matrix polynomial of four basic block companion forms are investigated.
Time-dependent fracture probability of bilayer, lithium-disilicate-based, glass-ceramic, molar crowns as a function of core/veneer thickness ratio and load orientation.

Abstract Recent reports on bilayer ceramic crown prostheses suggest that fractures of the veneering ceramic represent the most common reason for prosthesis failure. Objective The aims of this study were to test the hypotheses that: (1) an increase in core ceramic/veneer ceramic thickness ratio for a crown thickness of 1.6 mm reduces the time-dependent fracture probability ( P f ) of bilayer crowns with a lithium-disilicate-based glass–ceramic core, and (2) oblique loading, within the central fossa, increases P f for 1.6-mm-thick crowns compared with vertical loading. Materials and methods Time-dependent fracture probabilities were calculated for 1.6-mm-thick, veneered lithium-disilicate-based glass–ceramic molar crowns as a function of core/veneer thickness ratio and load orientation in the central fossa area. Time-dependent fracture probability analyses were computed by CARES/Life software and finite element analysis, using dynamic fatigue strength data for monolithic discs of a lithium-disilicate glass–ceramic core (Empress 2), and ceramic veneer (Empress 2 Veneer Ceramic). Results Predicted fracture probabilities ( P f ) for centrally loaded 1.6-mm-thick bilayer crowns over periods of 1, 5, and 10 years are 1.2%, 2.7%, and 3.5%, respectively, for a core/veneer thickness ratio of 1.0 (0.8 mm/0.8 mm), and 2.5%, 5.1%, and 7.0%, respectively, for a core/veneer thickness ratio of 0.33 (0.4 mm/1.2 mm). Conclusion CARES/Life results support the proposed crown design and load orientation hypotheses. Significance The application of dynamic fatigue data, finite element stress analysis, and CARES/Life analysis represent an optimal approach to optimize fixed dental prosthesis designs produced from dental ceramics and to predict time-dependent fracture probabilities of ceramic-based fixed dental prostheses that can minimize the risk for clinical failures.
Detection of activated adsorption sites and a COH surface complex on RuAl2O3

Abstract Temperature-programmed reaction and desorption (TPR, TPD), in combination with isotope labeling of CO, identified the existence of two distinct reaction sites for CO hydrogenation on Ru Al 2 O 3 catalysts. These sites are similar to those previously reported on Ni Al 2 O 3 catalysts. Carbon monoxide adsorbs on Ru crystallites at 300 K; at higher temperatures, in an activated process that requires H2, CO transfers to the Al2O3 to form a COH complex, with the stoichiometry of a methoxy species. This transfer process is significantly slower than that on Ni Al 2 O 3 . The decomposition of the COH complex limits the rate of CH4 formation for the second peak seen in TPR. The first peak is due to hydrogenation of the CO absorbed on Ru. The similarities to Ni Al 2 O 3 catalysts imply that an aluminate is not required for multiple reaction sites on Ni Al 2 O 3 .
The journal list and its use: motivation, perceptions, and reality

The Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston uses lists of journals as part of its process to evaluate and reward the research productivity of its faculty. The creation of the journal lists was proposed for three reasons: to target faculty research as to which journal outlets the College deemed acceptable, to encourage cross-disciplinary research, and to decrease the internal politicizing of the journals themselves. This article discusses the history and use of the lists as well as surveying faculty perceptions. The use of the journal list is imperfect. Faculty seem unclear as to the use of the lists and there does not seem to have been a substantial increase in cross-discipline research. While the tenor of the discussions about the merits of a journal has changed, interdepartmental politicizing of journals continues. Consistency of annual reviews, however, has increased substantially.
An elution attachment for analytical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Abstract An inexpensive and easily operated elution attachment designed for use with the Buchler Polyanalyst electrophoresis apparatus is described. It combines the features of analytical and preparative electrophoresis by providing continuous elution with high resolution and recovery.
Inhibition of the cytokine-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in rat insulinoma cells by phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone.

Cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). We have shown that the spin-trapping agent phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) protects against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced IDDM in mice. In order to gain more insights into the mechanism(s) of the protective action of PBN against IDDM, we have investigated the effect of this compound on the cytokine-induced NO generation (measured as nitrite) in rat insulinoma RIN-5F cells. Our results demonstrate that PBN cotreatment prevents the generation of nitrite by RIN-5F cells induced by treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1beta, and interferon-gamma in a dose-dependent fashion. The generation of NO as a result of cytokine treatment and the inhibitory effect of PBN were further confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Aminoguanidine, a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), abolished the cytokine-induced nitrite generation whereas N-nitro-l-arginine, an inhibitor more selective for other NOS isoforms, was significantly less effective. Western and Northern analyses demonstrated that PBN inhibits the cytokine-mediated expression of iNOS at the transcriptional level. Cytokine-induced nitrite formation was also inhibited by the two antioxidant agents alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine. These results indicate that PBN protects against IDDM at least in part by prevention of cytokine-induced NO generation by pancreatic beta-cells.
Impaired prohormone convertases in Cpe(fat)/Cpe(fat) mice.

A spontaneous point mutation in the coding region of the carboxypeptidase E (CPE) gene results in a loss of CPE activity that correlates with the development of late onset obesity (Nagert, J. K., Fricker, L. D., Varlamov, O., Nishina, P. M., Rouille, Y., Steiner, D. F., Carroll, R. J., Paigen, B. J., and Leiter, E. H. (1995) Nat. Genet. 10, 135–142). Examination of the level of neuropeptides in these mice showed a decrease in mature bioactive peptides as a result of a decrease in both carboxypeptidase and prohormone convertase activities. A defect in CPE is not expected to affect endoproteolytic processing. In this report we have addressed the mechanism of this unexpected finding by directly examining the expression of the major precursor processing endoproteases, prohormone convertases PC1 and PC2 in Cpe fat mice. We found that the levels of PC1 and PC2 are differentially altered in a number of brain regions and in the pituitary. Since these enzymes have been implicated in the generation of neuroendocrine peptides (dynorphin A-17, β-endorphin, and α- melanocyte-stimulating hormone) involved in the control of feeding behavior and body weight, we compared the levels of these peptides in Cpe fat and wild type animals. We found a marked increase in the level of dynorphin A-17, a decrease in the level of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and an alteration in the level of C-terminally processed β-endorphin. These results suggest that the impairment in the level of these and other peptides involved in body weight regulation is mainly due to an alteration in carboxypeptidase and prohormone convertase activities and that this may lead to the development of obesity in these animals.
Tools for Aggregating, Analyzing and Mining Combinatorial Data

We demonstrate how data mining techniques can be applied to complex combinatorial data sets and how data from multiple sources can be aggregated via the developed scientific data management system. An example is shown for the case of aggregated combinatorial data for the study of composition, processing, structure, and property relationships of transparent conducting oxides by applying data mining techniques such as principal component analysis. Data mappings of mined results are shown to effectively enable visualization of data trends, identification of anomalies in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy patterns, and scientifically interesting libraries and spectral regions.
JUST HOW INSOLUBLE ARE MONOTERPENES

Prior generalizations about the ecological roles of monoterpenes may be misleading if based on the presumed insolubility of monoterpenes in water. We determined the aqueous solubility of 31 biologically active monoterpenes by gas chromatography. While hydrocarbons were of low solubility (< 35 ppm), oxygenated monoterpenes exhibited solubilities one or two orders of magnitude higher, with ranges of 155-6990 ppm for ketones and of 183-1360 ppm for alcohols. Many monoterpenes are phytotoxic in concentrations under 100 ppm, well below the saturated aqueous concentrations of oxygenated monoterpenes. Therefore, even dilute, unsaturated solutions of monoterpenes, occurring naturally in plant tissues and soil solutions, may act as potent biological inhibitors.
A BRST-like operator for space with zero curvature but non-zero torsion tensor

A new type of BRST-like operatorQ has been constructed for spaces with zero Riemann curvature tensor but with non-zero torsion. It is invariant under local coordinate transformation, and its proof depends upon the validity of the first Bianchi identity. Also, there exists a supersymmetry associated withQ. Finally, the cohomology induced byQ has been investigated.
17O-Decoupled 1H Spectroscopy and Imaging with a Surface Coil: STEAM Decoupling

(17)O-decoupled (1)H spin-echo imaging has been reported as a means of indirect (17)O detection, with potential application to measurement of blood flow and metabolism. In its current form, (17)O decoupling requires large RF amplitudes and a 180 degrees refocusing pulse, complicating its application in volume and surface coils, respectively. To overcome this problem, we have developed an (17)O-decoupled proton stimulated echo sequence ("STEAM decoupling") to allow (17)O detection with a surface coil. A high B(1) amplitude is easily generated, allowing complete decoupling of (17)O and (1)H. Slice-selective, (17)O-decoupled (1)H imaging is readily performed and the sequence is easily adapted for localized spectroscopy. Intrinsic correction for variations in B(1) and further compensation for B(1) inhomogeneity are discussed.
COMPARISON OF GRAMMAR OF CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONALLY DEVIANT AND NORMAL SPEECH.

A generative model of grammar was used to compare the grammar of 10 children diagnosed as using infantile speech with that of 10 matched children using normal speech to attempt to formalize the des...
Crystal Chemistry of Silicon--Oxygen Bonds at High Pressure: Implications for the Earth's Mantle Mineralogy.

Transformations involving a change from tetrahedrally coordinated to octahedrally coordinated silicon (IVSi → VISi) are observed to occur at high pressure when the mean IVSi-O bond compresses to approximately 1.59 angstroms based on known room-pressure crystal structures, Si-O bond compressibilities, and pressures of IVSi → VISi transformations. The lower two-thirds of the mantle transition zone of high-density gradient (500 to 900 kilometers) corresponds to the predicted range of IVSi → VISi transformations. The 10 percent density increase of this zone at zero pressure is attributed primarily to the density increase associated with the change in silicon coordination. Below 900 kilometers all silicon is predicted to be in octahedral or greater coordination. The concept of cation polyhedral stability fields is defined.
Polish Physicians and Journals

To the Editor.— It has recently come to my attention that Polish physicians and other academicians are being isolated from outside scientific input because they are unable to renew subscriptions to our journals. I wonder if this is the case for theArchives? If so, is there any conceivable way that our neurologic societies could underwrite the expense of sustaining the subscriptions of our academic colleagues in Poland?
Evaluation of RevA, a Fibronectin-Binding Protein of Borrelia burgdorferi, as a Potential Vaccine Candidate for Lyme Disease

Previous studies indicated that the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi expresses the RevA outer surface protein during mammalian infection. As an adhesin that promotes bacterial interaction with fibronectin, RevA appears to be a good target for preventive therapies. RevA proteins are highly conserved across all Lyme borreliae, and antibodies against RevA protein are cross-reactive among RevA proteins from diverse strains. Mice infected with B. burgdorferi mounted a rapid IgM response to RevA, followed by a strong IgG response that generally remained elevated for more than 12 months, suggesting continued exposure of RevA protein to the immune system. RevA antibodies were bactericidal in vitro. To evaluate the RevA antigen as a potential vaccine, mice were vaccinated with recombinant RevA and challenged with B. burgdorferi by inoculation with a needle or by a tick bite. Cultured tissues from all treatment groups were positive for B. burgdorferi. Vaccinated animals also appeared to have similar levels of B. burgdorferi DNA compared to nonvaccinated controls. Despite its antigenicity, surface expression, and the production of bactericidal antibodies against it, RevA does not protect against Borrelia burgdorferi infection in a mouse model. However, passive immunization with anti-RevA antibodies did prevent infection, suggesting the possible utility of RevA-based immunotherapeutics or vaccine.
Animal Studies on Antioxidants

The wealth of existing epidemiologic evidence suggests that antioxidant intake limits the clinical expression of coronary artery disease. Because the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein is an important event in atherogenesis, it has been attractive to speculate that antioxidants act by limiting low-density lipoprotein orientation and, as a consequence, atherosclerotic lesion development. Early studies on animals also suggested that a number of structurally distinct antioxidant compounds could limit the extent of lesion development in animal models of atherosclerosis. More recently, however, secure evidence linking the antioxidant protection of low-density lipoprotein with a reduction in atherosclerosis has been elusive. This discrepancy may be explained by emerging evidence demonstrating that antioxidants may prove beneficial through tissue-specific effects that are not strictly related to the antioxidant protection of low-density lipoprotein.
Virologic Outcome of Using Tenofovir/Emtricitabine to Treat Hepatitis B in HIV-Coinfected Patients

Goal. To study the effect of combination antiviral therapy with tenofovir and emtricitabine or lamivudine with and without prior monotherapy with lamivudine. Study. We reviewed charts of 31 HIV-/HBV-coinfected patients. Twelve 3TC-naive patients initially received tenofovir plus emtricitabine. Nineteen epivir experienced patients who had previously failed epivir were given tenofovir plus emtricitabine. Results. Baseline median HBV DNA was similar in the epivir-naive (5.8×107 copies/mL) and experienced group (7.3×107 copies/mL, P = .65). The median time to complete suppression of HBV was 466 days in the naive group and 877 days in the experienced (P = .001). After 12 months, 6/10 (60%) naive patients and 3/14 (21%) experienced patients had HBV DNA below the detectionlimit (P = .067). After 24 months, 5/5 (100%) naive patients and 4/13 (31%) experienced patients had an undetectable HBV DNA level (P = .015). Conclusions. The median time to suppression of HBV DNA was significantly shorter among treatment naive patients. There was a significantly greater proportion of naive patients with suppressed HBV DNA at 24 months. Our results support using initial dual therapy in those with HIV/HBV coinfection.
Bilateral renal infarction: an uncommon presentation of fibromuscular dysplasia

While fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an established cause of secondary hypertension, its association with renal infarction is less well recognized. We report a middle-aged man who presented with complaints of loin pain and severe hypertension. Computed tomography angiography of the abdomen revealed bilateral renal infarction with multiple short-segment arterial dissection compatible with FMD in the absence of systemic vasculitis and other risk factors for thromboembolic events. Bilateral renal infarction complicating FMD is extremely rare and has so far been reported only in a handful of cases. Physicians encountering cases of otherwise unexplained renal infarction/ischemia need to be aware of this complication.
Fiberoptic airway management.

The use of fiberoptic scopes to assist in endotracheal intubation dates back to 1967, when a choledocoscope was used to intubate a patient with Still’s disease [1]. The first case series of the use of fiberscopes for intubation was published in 1972 [2]. Their use in anesthesia greatly expanded after the publication of the ASA Guidelines on Difficult Airway Management [3]. Current uses include nasal and oral intubations (either in the awake or anesthetized patient), evaluation of the airway, verification of accurate placement of single-or double-lumen endotracheal tubes and laryngeal mask airways (LMA), endotracheal tube exchange, and placement of bronchial blocker devices. Special skills are required to have a high degree of success with fiberoptic intubation. In teaching the technique, the author uses didactic sessions followed by a day-long workshop. Each participant has a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB), which allows unlimited time for practicing the mechanical and visual skills required to achieve a predictable degree of success with the technique. Many of the concepts and mechanical skills required for successful use of the FOB can be learned through the use of models [4,5] (Figs. 1,2). The ‘‘Hit the Hole’’ and ‘‘Tubes and Trachea’’ models were designed at the author’s institution to emphasize concepts optimally and generate the necessary skills to use the FOB in clinical practice. The mechanical skills involved are as follows:
The IMB Proton Decay Detector

A description is given of the Irvine-Michigan-Brookhaven proton decay detector which is nearing completion in a salt mine in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. The detector. is a water Cerenkov one with a fiducial volume of 4,000 tons and a threshold of 24 MeV. Initial results indicate that the detector is working according to specification and has a high potential for deep underground cosmic ray applications. I will give a brief account of the IMB detector construction and operation and also its present status and possible cosmic ray applications.
Development of a youth survey to measure risk behaviors, attitudes and assets: examining multiple influences

Currently, most surveys assessing adolescent health concerns focus primarily on risk behaviors and negative influences rather than positive influences such as assets. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and validation of the Adolescent Health Attitude and Behavior Survey (AHABS). This instrument was developed to measure the prevalence of youth health risk behaviors, attitudes towards adolescent sexual behavior and youth assets in a statewide evaluation effort. The questionnaire was completed by 4368 public high school students in Grades 9-12. Content validity was established through an extensive review of literature, a group process and factor analyses. Reliability was established through Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Factor loadings ranged from 0.48 to 0.84 for scales measuring attitudes towards adolescent sexual behavior and alpha coefficients ranged from 0.61 to 0.81. Factor loadings ranged from 0.34 to 0.90 for scales measuring youth assets and alpha coefficients ranged from 0.69 to 0.85. Because of several limitations (e.g. construct validity was not measured), additional development work is needed. Therefore, the AHABS is still in a developing, but promising, state. Additional psychometric work will provide program practitioners and evaluators with a psychometrically sound tool to measure behaviors, attitudes and assets.
A Note on Algal Toxins in Wisconsin Waters Experiencing Blue-green Algal Blooms

ABSTRACT Certain blue-green algae commonly found in lakes can produce potent toxins during blooms. In Wisconsin there were several incidents over the years when wildlife and domestic deaths were attributed to algal toxins; however, little information existed on how widespread these toxins were in Wisconsin's many lakes and ponds. Thus, a study was undertaken to determine the incidence of measurable toxins in Wisconsin waters. Samples were collected from 86 lakes and ponds, the algae identified by genus, and the toxicity tested using a mouse bioassay. In 25 lakes toxins were present during bloom conditions. Lakes with toxins were found in both the southern and northern portions of the state. The results indicated toxic blooms were not uncommon in Wisconsin, and that algal toxins may be a more critical lake management issue than generally realized.