cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of ovarian dysfunctions

Abstract I have presented five cases of ovarian hypofunction, with ovarian pain, all of whom were benefited by excision of one or both ovarian cortices. Another case, of hyperfunction with pain has apparently been relieved functionally and subjectively by excision of part of each ovary, combined with almost complete decortization. Surgical treatment of ovarian dysfunction should have a very limited field of usefulness, but it is my opinion that there is a place for it if we are to utilize all the facilities at our command. Many of these patients become actually psychic, due to almost constant pain, and with their inordinate fear of the consequences of abnormal sex functions. Partial decortization alone appears to be beneficial in relieving ovarian hypofunction, and pain. Excision of a segment of ovarian parenchyma, usually without decortization, may be beneficial in some obstinate cases, in dealing with hyperfunction. A combination of the procedures might be undertaken if ovarian pain accompanies hyperfunction. I realize that the cases presented are not complete from the standpoint of an endocrinologist, and his criticism might be that they were not adequately treated from a medical standpoint. Furthermore the number of cases is too small to warrant definite conclusions. However, I present them for your discussion and judgment.
Rational control of reasoning in Artificial Intelligence

In contrast to the idealized rationality formalized in decision theory, artificial intelligence studies agents of limited cognitive resources and abilities. These limitations require the agent to economize on its memory usage and reasoning effort, and to be able to deliberate and act in spite of incomplete and inconsistent beliefs and preferences. We discuss some of the means by which artificial reasoners tolerate and even exploit these limitations in carrying out basic cognitive tasks, focusing on the underlying notions of progressive and conservative reasoning and constitutional and constructive representation. We show how these means may all be viewed as species of rationally guided or controlled reasoning, or more generally, as forms of rational self-government.
Cellular energy metabolism during fetal development. VI. Fatty acid oxidation by developing brain.

Abstract We have investigated fatty acid oxidation and development profiles of palmitoyl-CoA synthetase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase in homogenates of developing rat brain. Palmitate showed a peak rate of oxidation between 10 days and the time of weaning, after which activity declined to adult levels. Acetate oxidation increased until Day 10, plateaued until Day 18 when it increased sharply and remained elevated through Day 25 before declining to the adult level. Leucine oxidation also showed a late peak as compared with palmitate. Palmitoyl-CoA synthetase activity was highest in late fetal development and in the newborn after which activity declined gradually to adult levels. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity peaked at 10–15 days of age similar to the profile obtained for long chain fatty acid oxidation. During the period of peak fatty acid oxidation, cytochrome oxidase activity increased twofold but the developmental increase in fatty acid oxidation and enzyme levels was much greater than the increase in mitochondrial number. These data suggest that during periods of high fat intake in the suckling rat the brain has an increased capacity for long chain fatty acid oxidation and that in addition to ketone bodies and leucine, fatty acids may be utilized as an alternative substrate in developing brain.
Michelle Bachelet's Liderazgo Femenino (Feminine Leadership)

Do women possess the requisite personal qualities and characteristics of political leadership needed by a president, characteristics that male politicians are often assumed to have? In Chile's historic 2005/6 presidential campaign, the responses of Michelle Bachelet and her male opponents to this question became an explicit area of debate. Drawing on participant observation, interviews and analysis of campaign materials, I argue that the three candidates, Bachelet, Joaquin Lavin and Sebastian Pinera, drew upon specific, if different, gendered definitions of political leadership to both present themselves as the person best qualified to lead Chile and to question their opponents' capabilities. Lavin and Pinera strategically deployed beliefs about accepted connections between men, masculinity and politics to promote their leadership capabilities and to attack Bachelet's abilities to be president. Bachelet explicitly framed her leadership style as more feminine and linked her style of leadership to her abili...
In situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction revealing precipitation reaction kinetics of silver ions with mixed halide ions

Precipitation of silver ions simultaneously with chloride and bromide ions in ethylene glycol at a mild temperature (e.g., 60 °C) has been successfully demonstrated for the synthesis of silver chlorobromide (AgClxBr1−x, 0 < x < 1) nanoparticles, which is realized by injecting a AgNO3 solution into a solution containing both halogen ions. The injection rate of the AgNO3 solution has been determined to be critical for controlling the uniformity of AgClxBr1−x nanoparticles. Time-resolved in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction has been applied, for the first time, to quantitatively monitor the reaction kinetics of nanocrystal formation. The real-time results shed light on the fact that the injection rate of AgNO3 solution significantly influences the nucleation and growth processes, and thus the quality of resulting AgClxBr1−x nanoparticles. Specifically, fast injection enables the complete addition of AgNO3 solution to the reaction solution before the nucleation process starts, leading to a good separation of nucleation and growth and thus the formation of uniform AgClxBr1−x nanocubes with well-defined composition and narrow size distribution. By contrast, slow injection results in a continuous addition of AgNO3 solution to the reaction solution even after nucleation starts, leading to continuous multiple nucleation/growth processes and thus the formation of AgClxBr1−x nanoparticles with broad dimensional and morphological distributions.
Calcium and Vitamin D Therapy in Corticosteroid-Induced Bone Loss: What is the Evidence?

Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (CIO) is a serious disorder that results in significant long-term morbidity. Increased bone resorption is caused by decreased Ca absorption and increased urinary Ca excretion leading to secondary hyperparathyroidsim. Calcium prophylaxis alone, when patients start corticosteroids, is associated with rapid rates of spinal bone loss and offers only partial protection from corticosteroid-induced spinal bone loss. Though calcium supplementation may have some benefit, it clearly cannot completely prevent corticosteroid-induced bone loss. At most, Ca therapy should only be considered adjunctive therapy in the treatment or prevention of corticosteroid-induced bone loss and should be administered in combination with other treatments. Earlier work demonstrated increases in forearm bone mineral density (BMD) with the use of Ca and vitamin D in patients with established CIO. However, caution should be taken when interpreting these results, since bone loss generally tapers or plateaus after the first 12 months of corticosteroid treatment; as such, any therapy might show benefit. In addition, bone density was only taken at the radius and not the spine where most of the bone loss takes place. Nonetheless, in recent trials of at least 2-year duration in which calcium and vitamin D therapy served as placebos, the result indicated that bone mass was maintained at the spine and hip throughout treatment in patients who had used chronic corticosteroids. In primary prevention trials, the amount of bone loss observed in the spine after therapy with Ca and vitamin D combinations is similar to that observed in other prevention studies in the Ca alone-treated control groups. Furthermore, Ca and vitamin D therapy appears to be less effective than other agents in the prevention of corticosteroid-induce bone loss. Although several studies do not report side effects that may be associated with Ca and vitamin D therapy, the few that do frequently report hypercalciuria. In the absence of other studies that support the use of Ca and vitamin D in the prevention of CIO, the data are too limited to generally recommend them alone as a preventative therapy. Activated vitamin D may be of greater benefit.
Control over Catenation in Metal−Organic Frameworks via Rational Design of the Organic Building Block

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs), a hybrid class of materials comprising inorganic nodes and organic struts, have potential application in many areas due to their high surface areas and uniform pores and channels. One of the key challenges to be overcome in MOF synthesis is the strong propensity for catenation (growth of multiple independent networks within a given crystal), as catenation reduces cavity sizes and diminishes porosity. Here we demonstrate that rational design of organic building blocks, which act as strut-impervious scaffolds, can be exploited to generate highly desired noncatenated materials in a controlled fashion.
Pulse-shape discrimination of high-energy neutrons and gamma rays in NaI(Tl)

Abstract Pulse-shape discrimination can be used to separate neutron and gamma-ray interactions depositing energies up to in excess of 50 MeV in NaI(Tl) crystals. The secondary alpha particles, deuterons and protons produced in the neutron interactions are also resolvable.
Effects of length changes on Na+ current amplitude and excitability near and far from the end-plate.

Na + current (I Na ), membrane capacitance (C m ), action potential (AP) properties, and cable properties were studied on the end-plate (E), the end-plate border (EB), and extrajunctional (EJ) membrane of rat fast twitch muscle fibers. I Na normalized to C m , which is proportional to the density of Na + channels, was the same on the E and the EB and smallest on EJ membrane. The AP threshold was lower and rate of rise of the AP was larger at the EB compared with EJ membrane. On the E and the EB, C m and I Na did not change in response to changes in fiber length. On EJ membrane, I Na , C m , and membrane cable properties changed in a manner consistent with folding and unfolding of the sarcolemma during length changes. The stiffness of the E membrane may add mechanical stability to the neuromuscular junction so that the electrical properties of the end-plate do not change with fiber length. The higher density of Na + channels near the end-plate increases the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission by lowering the AP threshold.
Controlling the nanoscale morphology of organic films deposited by polyatomic ions

Abstract Hyperthermal polyatomic ion beams can be used to fabricate thin film nanostructures with controlled morphology. Several experiments are described in which mass-selected and non-mass-selected polyatomic ion beams are used to create nanometer thick films with controlled surface and buried interface morphologies. Fluorocarbon and thiophenic films are grown on silicon wafers and/or polystyrene from 5 to 200 eV C3F5+ or C4H4S+ ions, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray reflectivity, and scanning electron microscopy are utilized to analyze the morphology and chemistry of these films. Polyatomic ions are found to control film morphology on the nanoscale through variation of the incident ion energy, ion structure and/or substrate.
Alkaloid biosynthesis takes root

Engineered biosynthesis of modified natural products normally uses microbes as biochemical factories. Now, chemical biologists are taking advantage of the largely untapped biochemical potential of plants.
Aortic Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cell Co-Culture: An In Vitro Model of the Arterial Wall

Interactions between vascular endothelial (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) contribute both to the normal, function of the vascular wall and to the pathogenesis of lesions such as atherosclerosis and fibrointimal hyperplasia. However, study of these interactions has been hampered by the difficulty in growing these two cell types in simultaneous culture. Methods using conditioned media, shared media, and bilayer culture have been described, but none is well suited to the study of vascular cell interactions. We report a method for EC-SMC co-culture that preserves bilayer morphology, allows independent study of the cells and their matrices after intervention, remains stable over long periods in culture, and permits study of changes in cell-cell interaction with growth of the cells to confluence. This simple bilayer co-culture system simulates the in vivo situation and may enhance our understanding of EC-SMC interactions.
Comparative Risk of Ischemic Stroke Among Users of Clopidogrel Together With Individual Proton Pump Inhibitors

Background and Purpose—There is controversy and little information about whether individual proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) differentially alter the effectiveness of clopidogrel in reducing ischemic stroke risk. We, therefore, aimed to elucidate the risk of ischemic stroke among concomitant users of clopidogrel and individual PPIs. Methods—We conducted a propensity score-adjusted cohort study of adult new users of clopidogrel, using 1999 to 2009 Medicaid claims from 5 large states. Exposures were defined by prescriptions for esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, and pantoprazole—with pantoprazole serving as the referent. The end point was hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke, defined by International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision Clinical Modification codes in the principal position on inpatient claims, within 180 days of concomitant therapy initiation. Results—Among 325 559 concomitant users of clopidogrel and a PPI, we identified 1667 ischemic strokes for an annual incidenc...
Kähler geometry of the space of N=2 superconformal field theories

Abstract The moduli space, M , of (0, 2) superconformal field theories with integral U(1) charges is studied, adapting results from previous work on string theory and the Calabi-Yau moduli space. It is shown that M is Kahler and that the Kahler potential is the norm of the unique top weight right-chiral primary state. Furthermore, the operator which creates this state is shown to be a holomorphic section of a vector bundle on M . Some aspects of the duality transformation which flips the U(1) charge are discussed in this context.
Document analysis by processing JBIG-encoded images

Techniques are presented to directly process JBIG-encoded document images. Two experimental processing pipelines are designed to evaluate the performance of the methods from the application perspective. They are document segmentation for obtaining the global layout and the form processing system for form type identification and the form dropout. The JBIG coding context is employed to perform horizontal smearing and connected-component detection concurrently in the course of decoding the base layer of the JBIG images. It is shown that, using a simple segmentation algorithm, the global layout is identified 50 times faster compared to the case of processing the full resolution images. In addition, an original solution is presented for form type identification by use of the Hough transform of the JBIG base layer images, thus expediting it by a factor of 16 in the designed form dropout system. Advantages of the compressed domain processing include fast procedures, reduced memory requirements, and the possibility of hardware implementation.
Guidelines for presentation of methodological choices in the publication of computational results: Ab initio electronic structure calculations

Guidelines are presented to assist authors in preparing manuscripts that describe the results of ab initio computation. These guidelines are not intended to recommend how ab initio calculations should be done, but rather to ensure that the reader can have a clear understanding of what actually was done. They are written in a form to facilitate reprinting in original research journals and as information sheets that can be distributed to authors and reviewers. ©1998 by IUPAC
41Ca: Measurement by accelerator mass spectrometry and applications

Abstract We describe in detail methods and techniques we have developed to measure 41 Ca 40 Ca ratios to a sensitivity of 6 × 10−16 us our FN tandem accelerator. The major steps involved were (1) adoption of 41CaH3− negative ions to reduce 41K (41K/40Ca ~ 5 10−13); (2) production of typically 5 μA of 40CaH3−ions from calcium hydride in a high-intensity source; (3) refinement of a technique to efficiently convert CaO samples, as small as 15 mg, into CaH2; (4) implementation of a high resolution velocity selector to remove interferring 40Ca and 42Ca ions and (5) use of a multi-anode gas ionization detector to provide excellent discrimination of 41Ca from the remaining background ions. The system performs admirably, enabling measurements with ± 5% reproducibility on extraterrestrial samples, such as meteorites and lunar rocks. In addition, we have also carried out the first measurements, without pre-enrichment, of 41Ca in terrestrial rocks and bones. From these measurements, we conclude that radiocalcium dating of bones will most likely not develop into a viable dating technique. The 41Ca concentrations in modern bones are not only disappointingly low and quite close to our sensitivity limit, but show a marked variability. On the other hand, the study of 41Ca in extraterrestrial samples offers much promise as a means of determining terrestrial ages and pre-atmospheric sizes of meteorites, and of investigating the average solar cosmic ray flux during the past 300 000 years.
Flammability properties and mechanical performance of epoxy modified phenolic foams

This work has been mainly focused on the development and optimization of the processing methodology to produce epoxy modified phenolic foams. This study analyzes the relation between the composition and the structure as well as the mechanical and flammability performance of epoxy-phenolic (E-P)-based foams. Phenolic foams modified with different types and compositions of epoxy resin were successfully synthesized and characterized, showing uniform pore structure. Two epoxy resins were used for this approach. One is regular diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (Epon 826) type and the other is a brominated bisphenol A (DER 542), which has halogen groups in the structure to improve the flammability properties of the resulting foams. Cone calorimeter (ASTM E 1354) was used to measure the heat release rate, the time to ignition, and other flammability properties of the E-P foams with different types of epoxy resins, under well-controlled combustion conditions. The mechanical performance of the system was studied and compared with competing foams, such us phenolic, epoxy, and polyurethanes, in aspects of compression, friability, and shear performances. Compared with conventional phenolic foams, E-P foams exhibit significant improvement in mechanical performance, lower friability and similar resistance to flame. These results demonstrate the potential of the E-P foam as a flame resistant and high performance core material for sandwich structure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1399–1407, 2007
Office clutter or meaningful personal displays : The role of office personalization in employee and organizational well-being

It has been suggested that personalization of one's space may enhance well-being, though this relationship has not been empirically studied. Other research points to gender differences in personalization. To determine whether office personalization is associated with employee well-being and to determine the effect of gender on this relationship, a survey of 338 office workers at 20 companies was conducted in Orange County, California. In addition, 23 of the participants were interviewed and their workspaces observed. Results revealed an indirect relationship between personalization and employee well-being with satisfaction with the physical work environment and job satisfaction as intervening variables. Further, an association was also found between the company's personalization policy and organizational well-being. There were also gender differences in personalization: women personalized more than men, and men and women personalized with different items and for different reasons. Moreover, the interview data suggested that personalization is more integral to the well-being of women than to that of men, although the survey data did not confirm this finding.
Association of Turner Syndrome With Hypoplastic Left-Heart Syndrome

• Three cases of hypoplastic left-heart syndrome (HLH) associated with Turner syndrome (45,X) were seen during an 11-year interval. Several isolated case reports are present in the literature. This association is probably not fortuitous but, rather, may represent the most extreme form of a spectrum of left-sided heart anomalies seen in patients with Turner syndrome. The association of Turner syndrome with HLH, as well as other known genetic etiologies of HLH, underscores the need for a detailed genetic evaluation in all patients with HLH and argues for cytogenetic analysis for even nondysmorphic females with HLH. (AJDC1987;141:218-220)
Construction of PVC Extrusions for the NOνA Near and Far Detectors

Abstract NOνA, or NuMIOff-Axis ν e Appearance experiment, is a long-baseline neutrino experiment using an off-axis beam produced by the main injector (NuMI) neutrino beamline at Fermilab. The experiment is designed to study νμ to ν e oscillations.It consistsoftwoPVCand liquid scintillator detectorsanda beamline upgrade. Thefar detector weighs 14 kton and will be located in Ash River, Minnesota, 810 km from NuMI. The smaller, 220 ton near detector will be located underground at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Each detector consists of planes of PVC extrusions containing liquid scintillator and wavelength shifting ﬁber. The PVC extrusions are made using a formula specially designed for high reﬂectivity, ease of extrusion and tensile qualities. Custom extrusion dies and extruding procedures havebeencreatedto ensureauniformproductthatholdstostrict dimensionalandmaterial tolerances.The construction of the NOνAnear detector on the surface (NDOS) extrusions will be presented, addressing the challenges of creating physics qualityPVCextrusionsandtheQA techniquesusedto ensurethat quality. Finally, preparationsfor construction of thefar detector willbe discussed.
The relation between parental prescriptions for child and parent roles.

(1963). The Relation Between Parental Prescriptions for Child and Parent Roles. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 101-106.
Transvaginal endometrial sonography in postmenopausal women taking tamoxifen.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate sonographic measurements of endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women taking adjuvant tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer, and to correlate sonographic and pathologic findings to symptoms and duration of tamoxifen therapy. Methods: Medical records and sonograms of 80 postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer with adjuvant tamoxifen therapy were reviewed retrospectively. Endometrial thickness was recorded as a single-layer thickness and considered abnormal when greater than 2.5 mm for postmenopausal women. Sonographic endometrial thickness was correlated to histologic findings, symptoms, and duration of tamoxifen therapy. Results: Fifty-seven of 80 postmenopausal women (69%) had single-layer endometrial thicknesses of 2.5 mm or greater, measured by transvaginal sonography, and 55 of 57 had endometrial biopsies or dilatations and curettage. Biopsies detected 24 cases of abnormal endometria, including endometrial carcinoma (two), breast carcinoma metastatic to the endometrium (one), endometrial polyps (13), tubal metaplasia (three), and benign endometrial hyperplasia (five). Using a single-layer endometrial thickness greater than 2.5 mm by transvaginal ultrasound, 21 of 24 (87.5%) women with abnormal endometria were detected. Women with abnormal pathologic findings had a significantly thicker mean single-layer endometrial thickness than those with normal findings, 7 mm versus 4 mm ( P Conclusion: With a sensitivity of detecting endometrial abnormalities of 84%, transvaginal sonography was useful for studying postmenopausal tamoxifen-treated women.
Steady flow of memory fluids with finite elements: Two test problems

Abstract A method is presented by which steady flow solutions may be obtained to problems which involve non-Newtonian memory fluids. The finite element method is used in conjunction with a Galerkin form of the equations of motion and continuity. Integral constitutive laws are directly employed without extra-stress differential equations. The stress is computed by construction of the portion of the streamline lying upstream of element quadrature points. This construction is shown to be quite simple, owing to the special form of finite element trial velocity fields. Two test problems are analyzed which use the integral form of the Maxwell constitutive law. The interaction between the fluid elasticity and solution procedures for the discrete equations is discussed.
Neuromodulation and antenatal depression: a review.

Background Depression during pregnancy affects 5%–8% of women. While the percentage of women in the US taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy has risen over the last decade, pregnant women continue to report that they prefer non-pharmacologic interventions.
The role of values-consistent behavior in generalized anxiety disorder.

Background—Theory and research suggest that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with diminished quality of life and restriction in valued action. The purpose of this study was to examine the relevance of values-consistent behavior (valued action) in understanding the impairment in quality of life in GAD. Method—Treatment-seeking clients with a principal diagnosis of GAD (n=30) were compared with demographically matched non-anxious controls (n=30) using self-report measures. Results—Participants with GAD reported significantly less valued action compared with controls, and within the GAD group, diminished valued action was not fully explained by depression comorbidity. Valued action was significantly correlated with measures of experiential avoidance, distress about emotions, and quality of life. Further, consistent with a theoretical model of GAD, restrictions in valued action contributed unique variance to diminished quality of life over and above the contributions of gender, GAD severity, experiential avoidance, distress about emotions, and depression comorbidity. Finally, an acceptance-based behavioral therapy significantly improved self-reports of valued action for GAD clients with 40% achieving clinically significant change in this domain. Conclusion—The findings provide preliminary support for the relevance of valued action in understanding the functional impairment associated with GAD, and the beneficial effects of an acceptance-based behavior therapy in increasing valued action.
Resistance of Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, Juveniles to Low Salinity, Low Temperature, and High Environmental Nitrite Concentrations

Abstract Resistance of juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum, to low salinity, low temperature and high nitrite concentrations was examined under laboratory conditions. After acclimating juveniles to a salinity of 20 g/L (27.3°C), salinity was decreased by 2 g/L/day. The first fish died at a salinity of 8 g/L and 80% offish were dead within 24 hours of exposure to 2 g/L. Acclimation offish to 22.6°C (21 g/L salinity) followed by a temperature reduction of 0.53°C/day resulted in initial mortality at 12.9°C. The median-lethal temperature was 12.1°C and all fish were dead by the time the temperature reached 10.4°C. Fish exposed for 96 hours to nominal ⁁ 32 mg/L nitrite-N survived. Results of this study indicate that cobia juveniles require a salinity and temperature of > 8.0 g/L and > 12.9°C, respectively, and that environmental nitrite should not be deleterious at concentrations normally found in aquaculture systems.
Paraventricular Nucleus Mediates Prolactin Secretory Responses to Restraint Stress, Ether Stress, and 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan Injection in the Rat

The role of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in mediating acute stimulatory PRL responses was investigated in conscious male rats. Electrolytic lesions, verified histologically at autopsy, were stereotaxically made in the PVN region, and sham lesions were made in control rats. Blood was obtained through a chronically indwelling catheter in the right atrium. PVN-lesioned (PVL) rats showed significantly lower T3 levels 1 week after surgery (<34.4 ng/dl) compared with sham (mean ± SEM, 91.2 ± 5.0 ng/dl) and intact (86.8 ± 2.0 ng/dl) animals, verifying a lesion in the PVN. T3 was restored to normal (95.6 ± 1.8 ng/dl) by daily sc administration of T4 (10 Mg/kg BW) for at least 4 days before the day of the experiments. Basal PRL levels in PVL rats did not differ significantly from those in control or sham-lesioned animals. In response to restraint stress, plasma PRL levels of PVL rats did not rise, in contrast to marked elevation in PRL in sham and intact rats [PRL levels (mean ± SEM; nanograms per ml), basal ...
Perceptual learning as improved probabilistic inference in early sensory areas

Extensive training on simple tasks such as fine orientation discrimination results in large improvements in performance, a form of learning known as perceptual learning. Previous models have argued that perceptual learning is due to either sharpening and amplification of tuning curves in early visual areas or to improved probabilistic inference in later visual areas (at the decision stage). However, early theories are inconsistent with the conclusions of psychophysical experiments manipulating external noise, whereas late theories cannot explain the changes in neural responses that have been reported in cortical areas V1 and V4. Here we show that we can capture both the neurophysiological and behavioral aspects of perceptual learning by altering only the feedforward connectivity in a recurrent network of spiking neurons so as to improve probabilistic inference in early visual areas. The resulting network shows modest changes in tuning curves, in line with neurophysiological reports, along with a marked reduction in the amplitude of pairwise noise correlations.
Geckos in traditional medicine: forensic implications

At least 14 species of geckos are utilized as ingredients in the pharmacopia of traditional medicine systems around the world. Chinese Traditional Medicine uses two types of geckos, large tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) and small geckos (Gekko spp., Hemidactylus spp.) to treat a diversity of ailments including asthma, tuberculosis, diabetes and cancer, and current research in China focuses on the identification of active ingredients in geckos and the verification of their efficacy. The actual number of species involved in the Chinese Traditional Medicine trade may be higher than currently realized due to the fraudulent sale of counterfeit geckos and accidental misidentification. The potential pool of species includes at least 37 species from throughout the broad area in which geckos and other wildlife are collected for use in China. Although powders and tablets pose difficulties for identification, the whole dried form in which geckos are often sold permits the identification of most species. A key is provided to the 12 species of geckos most likely to be encountered in the trade of Asian traditional medicine.
Test for a correlation between VΛ and the + y opponent-channel sensitivity

Rushtion and Baker have shown that the ratio of R to G cones varies between observers. We use this variability to ask if observers, say, who are rich in R-cone input to the flicker (VΛ) channel, are also likely to be rich in R-cone input to the long-wavelength half of the y-b channel. For the 8 observers tested, there is no correlation between cone inputs to +y and VΛ.
Turbulent Multi-Phase Flow Interactions Through Grid Turbulence Measured by Particle Image Velocimetry

Industrial processes involving multi-phase flows such as flotation require an understanding of the relationships between bubbles, solid particles and the flow. For decades engineers and researchers based their calculations on algebraic formulas that model these interactions. These formulas were derived either from simple models, or from experimental data. Modern experimental tools are employed in this effort to measure with great accuracy the basic features of the motion of all three phases in turbulent flow. We employed a unique Digital Particle Image Velocimeter (DPIV) that can record with great accuracy and kHz temporal resolution, velocity vectors of all three phases, namely the fluid, the solid particles and the air bubbles. The interaction of these three phases was studied in grid turbulence. Flow was directed through a rectangular grid of circular rods and the resulting homogeneous isotropic turbulence was documented. Particles and bubbles were released and the motion of the three phases was monitored. The particle RMS was in good agreement with a model proposed by Shubert, having an average RMS velocity of about 13% of the free stream velocity in the fully developed region. A theoretical model, derived first by Levins and Glastonbury was found to underpredict the particle RMS. The bubble RMS was about 26% of the free stream in the homogeneous isotropic region, 100% greater than the particle RMS and not consistent with the model predictions.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Relapsing Kawasaki's disease

An 18-month-old child with Kawasaki syndrome twice developed severe recurrence of symptoms when the acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) dosage was decreased from 80 mg/kg/day. Care of the patient with Kawasaki disease should be directed toward control of symptoms as well as monitoring for cardiac involvement.
Quantifying Nonhomogeneous Colors in Agricultural Materials Part I: Method Development

: Measuring the color of food and agricultural materials using machine vision (MV) has advantages not available by other measurement methods such as subjective tests or use of color meters. The perception of consumers may be affected by the nonuniformity of colors. For relatively uniform colors, average color values similar to those given by color meters can be obtained by MV. For nonuniform colors, various image analysis methods (color blocks, contours, and “color change index”[CCI]) can be applied to images obtained by MV. The degree of nonuniformity can be quantified, depending on the level of detail desired. In this article, the development of the CCI concept is presented. For images with a wide range of hue values, the color blocks method quantifies well the nonhomogeneity of colors. For images with a narrow hue range, the CCI method is a better indicator of color nonhomogeneity.
Instruments of the Revolution

Ingenious Pursuits Building the Scientific Revolution. Lisa Jardine. Nan A. Talese (Doubleday), New York, 1999. 464 pp. $35, C$55. ISBN 0-385-49325-8. Little, Brown, London, 1999. 464 pp. £25. ISBN 0-316-64752-7. In this accessible and lively account for non-specialists, Lisa Jardine synthesizes much recent writing by professional historians who have revised our understanding of the Scientific Revolution.
The Outdoors and Where We Stand: Current Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership Research

This special issue of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (JOREL) is a compilation of research abstracts presented at the 6th Annual AORE (Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education) Research Symposium in Keystone, Colorado, November 2010, and the 3rd Annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (ORLS) held at the 2011 International Conference on Outdoor Leadership in Estes Park, Colorado, February 2011. These research abstracts embody the work of numerous researchers in the discipline and provide some of the most current research related to outdoor recreation, education, and leadership. Each abstract went through a double-blind, peer-review process to ensure the quality of the work published here.
Theory of Surfactant Aggregation in Water/Ethylene Glycol Mixed Solvents

The aggregation behavior of surfactants in mixed solvents composed of water and ethylene glycol is predicted using an extension to our theory of aqueous surfactant solutions. The extension accounts for the dependence of (i) the surfactant tail transfer free energy, (ii) the aggregate core-solvent interfacial free energy, and (iii) the headgroup interaction free energy on the composition of the mixed solvent. As the proportion of ethylene glycol in the mixed solvent increases, the model predicts an increase in the critical micelle concentration (cmc), a decrease in the average aggregate size, an increase in the aggregate polydispersity, and a stronger dependence of the average aggregation number on the total surfactant concentration. The model reveals that (a) large values for cmc originate primarily from the smaller magnitude of the surfactant tail transfer free energy in the mixed solvent, (b) the aggregation numbers are small mainly because of the smaller magnitude of the hydrocarbon-mixed solvent inter...
Degradation of Alkylphenol Ethoxylate Surfactants in Water with Ultrasonic Irradiation

During the last years, many efforts have been devoted to the elimination of alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants from aqueous systems. In this paper, the sonochemical degradation of aqueous solutions of Triton X-100 was performed at an ultrasonic frequency of 358 kHz and an applied power of 50 W. Analysis of the reaction products by HPLC-ES−MS suggests that the hydrophobic alkyl chain is the preferential site for oxidation. Alkylphenol, or short-chain ethoxylated phenols, were not generated as byproducts. To verify this hypothesis, the sonochemical degradation of the corresponding alkylphenols (e.g., tert-octylphenol) was performed under the same conditions; in these cases, similar rate constants and products were observed. These results differ from those reported for the biodegradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates. A substantial increase in the rate constant was observed for the degradation of Triton X-100 below its critical micelle concentration. This observation indicates that micelle formation serves to e...
Children's favorite jokes and their relation to emotional conflicts.

Freud who conceived humor as the "loftiest of ... defense functions" (1905 , p . 80 l f.), shed light on the psychodynamics underlying various forms of humor: in jokes the unconscious impulses are expressed in a disguised but socially acceptable form. Like a neurotic symptom, a joke represents a compromise between two opposing strivings, namely, an urge to di scharge instinctual tendencies and the repressing force of censorship. The pleasure of jokes and other humorous productions origina tes from the release of aggression a nd from a saving of energy in feeling. Redlich et al. (1951 ), Abelson and Levin e (1958), and Yorukoglu and Silverman (19 63 ), using different Humor T ests composed of cartoons and jokes, investigated the humor re sponses of psychi atric patients. Some of their common findin gs can be su m med up as follows. Disturbances in humor appreciation are associated with disturbances in other emotional areas. The degree of disturbance seems to correspond to the patient's level of regression and to his capacit y for reality testing. There is a close dyn amic relationship between the patient's pathology and his humor preferences as well as his misunderstanding of ca rtoons and jokes. Grotjahn (1957) found that jokes of analytic patients were either related to the transference situation or closely associated with their intrapsychic conflicts. Brill (1940) and Zwerling (1955) demonstrated that patients' favor ite jokes inv ariabl y referred to their "unconscious trends" and "central conflicts." They concluded that the favorite joke could be used as a tool for detection of the patient's unconscious conflicts and as a vehicle for interpretation. Jokes call for abstract thinking and a special logic, which is acquired gradually af te r the onset of latency. In fact , as Wolfenstein
Enhancing loading limitations in PV systems

This paper discusses the loading limitations in PV systems resulting from switching the power electronic interfaces and transients associated with large loads. These conditions derate the power generation capability of the PV system. We propose some methods to enhance the loadability of these systems under both steady state and dynamic operations. A PV system for home application purposes, with a rated power of 280 W was designed and built. The proposed enhancements were applied to the experimental setup and the obtained results verified the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
A frameless, cylindrically shaped, multiwire proportional chamber using charge division readout

Abstract We have constructed PWCs in the shape of cylindrical quandrants, placed them around the bicone in an experiment at the CERN ISR, and operated them in a charge division mode to obtain two dimensional position information. A pair of PWCs share a cylindrical styrofoam shell as the basic support member, and contain ∼0.008 radiation lengths of material. The observed charge division resolution is δx/L∼0.5% in reasonable agreement with an expected resolution of ∼0.3% due primarily to digitization noise. Reduction of digitization noise is limited by available dynamic range of the electronics and the width of the pulse height distributions. A method is described, using X-rays from 55Fe strip sources for calibrating the electronics, which is sufficiently accurate to match the observed resolution.
A comparative analysis of bench-top performance assessment of distal protection filters in transient flow conditions.

PurposeTo compare the performance in vitro of 6 distal protection filters (DPFs) on the basis of filtration ability and effects on pressure gradient and vascular impedance in a flow model of the internal carotid artery (ICA).MethodsSix DPFs (Accunet, Angioguard, FilterWire, Gore Embolic Filter, NAV6, and SpiderFX) were evaluated in a physiologically realistic flow loop. A blood analog was heated to body temperature and circulated by a pulsatile pump outputting a time-varying flow rate representative of the ICA. The ICA flow model was a highly curved tube representing a challenging site for filter deployment. The DPFs were deployed at the apex of the curved segment, and 2 sizes of microspheres (143 and 200 μm) were injected to simulate embolization. The capture efficiency, pressure gradient, normalized pressure gradient, and vascular impedance were calculated.ResultsThe Gore filter had high capture efficiency (143 μm: 99.97%; 200 μm: 100.00%) with relatively small increases in pressure gradient (143 μm: +2...
Schistosoma mansoni: tegumental surface alterations induced by subcurative doses of the schistosomicide amoscanate.

Abstract Effects of the administration of a single subcurative dose of a schistosomicidal compound, amoscanate (CGP 4540), on the tegumental surface of adult Schistosoma mansoni were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Worms were recovered from mice between 1 hr and 102 days after treatment. Surface alterations included pronounced swelling, wrinkling and constriction, collapse of sensory bulbs, erosion of large areas of the surface, and attachment of host cells. Different types of lesions of different degrees of intensity were found among worms from the same individual host. Partial and, more rarely, complete repair was noted 62 days after treatment, but even after 102 days not all the lesions had been fully repaired.
Anita Desai's Fasting, Feasting and the Condition of Women

In her article "Anita Desai's Fasting, Feasting and the Condition of Women" Ludmila Volna presents a critical culture-based reading of Desai's novel Fasting, Feasting, a work that deals with the condition of women (not only) in India. Volna analyzes both female and the male sensitivities in the novel where Desai makes use of a double symbolic of food expressed throughout the novel by (not only literal) hunger. In Volna's view, Desai's Hindu imagery of sun/fire as patriarchal power and water, which, as the counterpart of the sun and fire, represents recognition of women’s condition and a possible way to liberation represent crucial aspects of the novel. Volna analyzes the metaphorical voyage towards progress of the Indian Hindu girl/woman Uma, the main character of the novel, with respect to sun/fire milestones, as well as those of water and as related to persons who accompany her. As Volna argues, Uma at the end achieves recognition of her condition although not full liberation. Further, a parallel pilgrimage of Arun, also through the countryside of sun, fire, and water, is analyzed through Arun's recognition of the suffering of both American women/girls and of his sister Uma. Volna concludes that it is only through the synthesis of both female and male recognition and effort can women be released from the oppressive conditions of patriarchy. Ludmila Volna, "Anita Desai's Fasting, Feasting and the Condition of Women" page 2 of 10 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 7.3 (2005):
CUMULATIVE ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC EFFECTS OF FOREST POLICIES IN COASTAL OREGON

Forest biodiversity policies in multi-ownership landscapes are typically developed in an uncoordinated fashion with little consideration of their interactions or possible unintended cumulative effects. We conducted an assessment of some of the ecological and socioeconomic effects of recently enacted forest management policies in the 2.3-million-ha Coast Range Physiographic Province of Oregon. This mountainous area of conifer and hardwood forests includes a mosaic of landowners with a wide range of goals, from wilderness protection to high-yield timber production. We projected forest changes over 100 years in response to logging and development using models that integrate land use change and forest stand and landscape processes. We then assessed responses to those management activities using GIS models of stand structure and composition, landscape structure, habitat models for focal terrestrial and aquatic species, timber production, employment, and willingness to pay for biodiversity protection. Many of the potential outcomes of recently enacted policies are consistent with intended goals. For example, we project the area of structurally diverse older conifer forest and habitat for late successional wildlife species to strongly increase. Other outcomes might not be consistent with current policies: for example, hardwoods and vegetation diversity strongly decline within and across owners. Some elements of biodiversity, including streams with high potential habitat for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and sites of potential oak woodland, occur predominately outside federal lands and thus were not affected by the strongest biodiversity policies. Except for federal lands, biodiversity policies were not generally characterized in sufficient detail to provide clear benchmarks against which to measure the progress or success. We conclude that land management institutions and policies are not well configured to deal effectively with ecological issues that span broad spatial and temporal scales and that alternative policies could be constructed that more effectively provide for a mix of forest values from this region.
Analyzing mRNA and microRNA co-expression profiles to identify pathways and their potential regulators in ER+ and ER- breast tumors

Transcription factors and microRNAs are both considered pivotal regulators of gene expression. Numerous computational methods have been developed to predict their targets. These methods, although powerful, provide a static snapshot of how genes may be regulated by transcription factors and microRNAs. We propose a method that combines these prediction data with co-expression analysis and a supervised learning algorithm to determine the main regulators in different pathways of ER+ and ER- tumors.