cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Welcome back New Zealand: regional biogeography and Gondwanan origin of three endemic genera of mite harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi)

Aim Biogeographers have long been intrigued by New Zealand’s biota due to its unique combination of typical ‘continental’ and ‘island’ characteristics. The New Zealand plateau rifted from the former supercontinent Gondwana c. 80 Ma, and has been isolated from other land masses ever since. Therefore, the flora and fauna of New Zealand include lineages that are Gondwanan in origin, but also include a very large number of endemics. In this study, we analyse the evolutionary relationships of three genera of mite harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi) endemic to New Zealand, both to each other and to their temperate Gondwanan relatives found in Australia, Chile, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Location New Zealand (North Island, South Island and Stewart Island). Methods A total of 94 specimens of the family Pettalidae in the suborder Cyphophthalmi were studied, representing 31 species and subspecies belonging to three endemic genera from New Zealand (Aoraki, Neopurcellia and Rakaia) plus six other members of the family from Chile, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia. The phylogeny of these taxa was constructed using morphological and molecular data from five nuclear and mitochondrial genes (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, 16S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and histone H3, totalling c. 5 kb), which were analysed using dynamic as well as static homology under a variety of optimality criteria. Results The results showed that each of the three New Zealand cyphophthalmid genera is monophyletic, and occupies a distinct geographical region within the archipelago, grossly corresponding to palaeogeographical regions. All three genera of New Zealand mite harvestmen fall within the family Pettalidae with a classic temperate Gondwanan distribution, but they do not render any other genera paraphyletic. Main conclusions Our study shows that New Zealand’s three genera of mite harvestmen are unequivocally related to other members of the temperate Gondwanan family Pettalidae. Monophyly of each genus contradicts the idea of recent dispersal to New Zealand. Within New Zealand, striking biogeographical patterns are apparent in this group of short-range endemics, particularly in the South Island. These patterns are interpreted in the light of New Zealand’s turbulent geological history and present-day patterns of forest cover.
A new attachment/cleavage strategy: Polymer-bound allylic sulfones in a solid-phase route to trisubstituted olefins

Abstract By tethering allyl sulfone to polystyrene (3-steps from polystyrene beads consisting of lithiation, sulfination, and allylation), trisubstituted olefins can be generated by Cα-sulfone alkylation and subsequent resin cleavage by S N 2′ nucleophilic displacement of sulfinate.
Laser pointer visual field screening.

Background: Sensitivity of confrontation visual field (CVF) screening is low unless defects are significant. We compared the sensitivity of laser pointer visual field screening (LVF) with conventional CVF for identifying eyes with abnormal automated perimetry. Methods: Ninety consecutive patients presenting for HVF prospectively underwent a masked comparison of CVF and LVF testing (175 eyes) from April to May 2000. LVF was performed using a laser pointer target projected onto a tangent screen. Points were tested in random fashion on either side of the vertical and horizontal meridians, near central fixation, around the blind spot, and in each quadrant. Single and double simultaneous finger counting was used to test CVF. Results: LVF demonstrated significantly greater sensitivity as compared with CVF (73% versus 31%, P = 0.001) in identifying field defects found on HVF. Specificities for LVF and CVF were 82% and 99%, respectively. The average testing times per eye were 0.5 minute for CVF, 1.5 minutes for LVF, and 8.0 minutes for HVF. Conclusions: In this cohort, laser visual field testing was significantly more sensitive than confrontation testing. It may represent an effective, time-efficient tool for visual field screening.
On Sparsity, Redundancy and Quality of Frame Representations

We consider approximations of signals by the elements of a frame in a complex vector space of dimension N and formulate both the noiseless and the noisy sparse representation problems. The noiseless representation problem is to find sparse representations of a signal r given that such representations exist. In this case, we explicitly construct a frame, referred to as the Vandermonde frame, for which the noiseless sparse representation problem can be solved uniquely using O(N2) operations, as long as the number of non-zero coefficients in the sparse representation of r is isinN for some 0 les isin les 0.5, thus improving on a result of Candes and Tao [3]. We also show that isin les 0.5 cannot be relaxed without violating uniqueness. The noisy sparse representation problem is to find sparse representations of a signal r satisfying a distortion criterion. In this case, we establish a lower bound on the trade-off between the sparsity of the representation, the underlying distortion and the redundancy of any given frame.
Depressant effect of marihuana smoke on antibactericidal activity of pulmonary alveolar macrophages.

Other than the potentially therapeutic bronchodilatory influences of marihuana, very little is known of its biologic effects on the lung. To evaluate this problem, alveolar macrophages were harvested from rats by bronchopulmonary lavage and incubated in vitro with Staphylococcus albus and marihuana smoke of standardized 2.2-percent tetrahydrocannabinol content in graded amounts. After three hours, control alveolar macrophages inactivated 78.0 ± 5.0 percent of the staphylococcal challenge. There was a dose-dependent depression of alveolar macrophage bactericidal activity, with 66.7 ± 7.1 percent, 23.7 ± 7.0 percent, 20.5 ± 7.0 percent, and 11.4 ± 7.6 percent of the bacteria killed following exposures to 2 ml, 4 ml, 6 ml, or 8 ml of marihuana smoke, respectively. Differential filtration of marihuana smoke revealed that the alveolar macrophage cytotoxin was present in the gas phase of the smoke and was water-soluble. Studies on purified tetrahydrocannabinol and on tetrahydrocannabinol-extracted marihuana revealed that the impairment in alveolar macrophage function was not related to the psychomimetic or bronchodilatory components of marihuana.
Designing student feedback questionnaires

This article reviews the literature on student feedback questionnaires (SFQs), with a view to proposing some guidelines for the design of SFQs, and the processes associated with data collection, analysis and use. Despite a long and established tradition of use, practice in this area remains diverse, and research generates debate. This article first reviews the literature and surfaces the concerns about current work in this area, and then discusses the following questions that need to be considered in the research design for the collection of student feedback: What are the objectives of the evaluation process? Can standard questionnaires be developed to serve a range of purposes? What issues should be covered by the questions included on the questionnaire? How should data be collected, analysed and used? Answers to these questions should influence the exact design that is undertaken in different circumstances.
Rare case of pyogenic granuloma of the tongue in an 8-week-old infant

We present a case of a large pyogenic granuloma of the tongue causing swallowing difficulties in an 8-week-old infant. In the literature, we found no case reports of pyogenic granuloma in such a young infant. It is a quickly growing, hypertrophic inflammatory change consisting of exceptionally richly vascularized granular tissue. The granuloma was located in the central part of the tongue and appeared dark pink in color. It was an easily bleeding pedunculated tumor measuring 3×2.5 cm. The etiology of the tumor is unknown; it can arise in sites of previous injury, chronic irritation and infection. The course of the disease is benign and painless, though it can be recurrent. No recurrence was found in the control examination after 3 years.
Interferon-ç induces cathepsin B expression in a human macrophage-like cell line by increasing both transcription and mRNA stability.

We have demonstrated previously that treatment of the phorbol ester PMA-primed THP-1 human macrophage-like cells with interferon-c (IFN-c) in vitro induced time and dose-dependent increases in steady-state levels of cathepsin B (CB) mRNA. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of that increase. In vitro nuclear transcription (nuclear run-off) assays of CB gene expression were performed with purified nuclei from IFN-c-treated or untreated THP-1 cells. These assays showed transcription to be increased approximately three-fold by IFN-c in the PMA-primed THP-1 cells. Studies with a-amanitin indicated that the half-life of CB mRNA is prolonged after PMA and IFN-c treatment, by more than 90%. Therefore, the elevated CB mRNA level results from a combination of IFN-c-induced increase in the transcription rate of the CB gene and stabilization of the corresponding transcripts. The IFN-c-mediated increase in CB gene transcription and steady-state mRNA level was blocked by a-amanitin or cycloheximide, suggesting the involvement of RNA polymerase II and the requirement of de novo protein synthesis.
Presidential Address: Basic Research in Dermatology

Modern dermatology has been built on the solid pillars of precise macro- and microscopic observation, accurate recording and meaningful interpretation of the findings. The correct recognition of the significance of similarities and dissimilarities within a kaleidoscopic multitude of signs and symptoms led to the establishment of the distinct morbid entities as we know them today, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, pityriasis rosea, pemphigus vulgaris, erythema multiforme, lupus erythematodes and all the other common skin diseases. Because of the well-defined, almost iron-clad criteria for the morphology of these conditions, most of them probably will prove to be true entities when sometime in the future, at long last, their causes are discovered.
Towards a model of optimal family leisure

Leisure is an important component of family life, yet many families struggle to focus on or participate in family leisure. This study examined the structural characteristics of family life that can impede or promote family leisure. Employing a systems perspective, a literature-based model of family leisure was created, and in-depth interview data were gathered from three families to compare to the model. Results indicated that while the content of the families' leisure varied, their leisure shared similar organizational properties; the need to negotiate constraints, increase focused interactions and decrease fragmented interactions to achieve higher-quality family leisure. The paper concludes with a discussion of the study's relevance to the existing family leisure literature, a description of a simplified model of optimal family leisure functioning based on the study's findings, implications for its application and suggestions for future research.
On the period-five trichotomy of the rational equation

We study the behavior of the third order difference equation for any p>0 and any positive initial conditions x − 2, x − 1, x 0. We show that the positive equilibrium , where , is globally asymptotically stable if and only if . This result, together with the known results of Camouzis et al., confirm the conjecture that the difference equation above has a period-five trichotomy.
Phylogeographic Analyses Suggest Multiple Lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae)

The crystal darter, Crystallaria asprella, exists in geographically isolated populations that may be glacial relicts from its former, wide distribution in the Eastern U.S. An initial phylogeographic survey of C. asprella based upon the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene indicated that there were at least four distinct populations within the species: Ohio River basin, Upper Mississippi River, Gulf coast, and lower Mississippi River. In particular, the most divergent population was the most recently discovered, from the Elk River, WV, in the Ohio River basin, and it was postulated that this population represents an undescribed, potentially threatened species. However, differentiation observed at a single gene region is generally not considered sufficient evidence to establish taxonomic status. In the present study, nucleotide variation at the mitochondrial control region and a nuclear S7 ribosomal gene intron were compared to provide independent verification of phylogeographic results between individuals collected from the same five disjunct populations previously surveyed. Variation between populations at the control region was substantial (except between Gulf drainages) and was concordant with patterns of sequence divergence from cyt b. Only the Elk River population was resolved as monophyletic based upon nuclear S7, but significant differences based upon ΦST statistics were observed between most populations. Morphometric data were consistent with molecular data regarding the distinctiveness of the Elk River population. It is proposed that populations of C. asprella consist of at least four distinct population segments, and that the Elk River group likely constitutes a distinct species.
Role of antibodies in transplant-associated cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Transplant-associated coronary artery disease or cardiac allograft vasculopathy in the major complication after cardiac transplantation. Here we discuss the role of antibodies and antibody-mediated activation of endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of this disease. Clinical and experimental studies have both described an association between chronic production of antibodies after transplantation and development of TxCAD. Although anti-HLA antibodies have been described in some cases, our studies suggest that antibodies against endothelial cells, for example, vimentin, are closely associated with disease development. It is known that indirect presentation of antigens, derived from the graft, probably drive chronic rejection. Here we are suggesting that minor antigens, released from damaged parenchymal cells within the graft, are responsible for the chronicity of the antibody response after transplantation. To date, only vimentin has been identified, but there may be a multiplicity of antigens. It is known that antibodies against endothelial cell surface molecules such as MHC class I and ICAM-1 can activate vascular cells (endothelial and smooth muscle cells) leading to exacerbation of the inflammatory response within the vessel wall. It remains to be seen whether antibodies against cytolytic proteins, released as a result of cell damage, cause cell activation; it may be that these antibodies are involved in clearance of apoptopic cells released from the graft.
Feeding Behavior, Food Consumption, Growth, and Survival of Hybrid Grass Carp in Two South Dakota Ponds

Abstract Plant selection of yearling hybrid grass carp produced by crossing female grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with male bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobills) was examined under controlled conditions at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and under field conditions in two ranch ponds in south-central South Dakota. In feeding trials conducted in a 0.07 hectare hatchery pond, the hybrids selected Najas guadalupensis, Chara sp., and Potamogeton pectinatus, but avoided Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spicatum. Field observations verified that Najas guadalupensis was selected and Ceratophyllum demersum was avoided. Hybrid grass carp averaging 51.3 g were stocked in two ponds at rates of 17.0 and 32.2 kg/hectare, respectively. No discernible reduction in aquatic vegetation was attained by the hybrid by the end of the summer. Feeding activity was diurnal and occurred primarily in shallow water. Total daily food consumption was 44.0% of body weight at 23 C and 30.4% at 15 C. Based on plant co...
The Generic Nature of Optimality Conditions in Nonlinear Programming

First-and second-order optimality conditions are treated for parameterized classes of nonlinear programming problems in Rn. Under certain assumptions, it is shown that almost all problems in the class are such that every local minimizer satisfies the strong form of the optimality conditions.
High-density phase-change optical recording using a solid immersion lens

ABSTRACT A near-field optical recording technique using a solid immersion tens (SIL) and a red semiconductor laser light source (X=65Onm) has been applied to the phase change optical recording. We have recorded and erased amorphous marks of 300 rimin diameter using a hemisphere SIL (n1 .84, designed effective NA1 .1).Keywords: Solid immersion lens, high density recording, phase change recording, near-field optics 1. INTRODUCTION The data density of the optical recording disk mainly depends on the focused beam spot size. In conventional opticalrecording systems, the minimum beam spot size, which is limited by diffraction, can be reduced by using a shorter wavelengthlight source or a larger NA objective lens. Recently, near-field optical techniques have been developed to overcome thediffraction limit. in particular, Betzig et al.' have applied a scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM), which has atapered fiber probe with a sub-micron aperture, for the recording of magneto-optical (MO) media. However, the low opticalcoupling efficiency of this fiber probe needs further improvement for practical data storage application. In other research,
When Nature Goes Public: The Making and Unmaking of Bioprospecting in Mexico

List of Figures and Tables ix List of Abbreviations xi Acknowledgments xiii Author's Note xvii Introduction 1 PART ONE: NEOLIBERAL NATURES Chapter 1: Interests and Publics: On (Ethno)science and Its Accountabilities 19 Chapter 2: Neoliberalism's Nature 48 Chapter 3: Prospecting in Mexico: Rights, Risk, and Regulation 85 PART TWO: PUBLIC PROSPECTING Chapter 4: Market Research: When Local Knowledge Is Public Knowledge 125 Chapter 5: By the Side of the Road: The Contours of a Field Site 158 PART THREE: PROSPECTING's PUBLICS Chapter 6: The Brine Shrimp Assay: Signs of Life, Sites of Value 191 Chapter 7: Presumptions of Interest 213 Chapter 8: Remaking Prospecting's Publics 230 Notes 237 Bibliography 255 Index 275
From Swadeshi to Swaraj: Nation, Economy, Territory in Colonial South Asia, 1870 to 1907

Our present historical moment is marked by a complex interlocking between processes of globalization and the proliferation of nationalisms. Contemporary processes of globalization have attenuated the institutional capacities of nation-states to regulate their national economies See Harvey (1989), Held (1990, 1995), Hirsch (1995), Sassen (1991, 1996). and challenged the spatial correspondence between nation, state, economy, culture, and people that has long defined the nation-state. See Agnew (1994), Appadurai (1996, 1997), Gupta and Ferguson (1992), Malkii (1992), Robertson (1992). The inherited hyphenization of nation and state, forged during the late-nineteenth century, now appears “less as an icon of conjuncture than an index of disjuncture.” Appadurai (1996:39). The increasing visibility of the strains in the union between nation and state has been matched by a remarkable burst in analyses of nationalism and the nation-state. In particular, the territorial bases of nationhood has emerged as a major theme in studies of nationalism. This essay seeks to extend and broaden this line of enquiry through an analysis of the historical production of a national space and economy in late nineteenth century colonial India. My discussion of the nationalization of conceptions of economy and territory at once engages with and departs from received approaches to national territory.
Production of High Efficiency of Plating Hepatitis A Virus in Primary African Green Monkey Kidney Cells

AbstractHigh-titered hepatitis A virus, strain HM-175, was produced in primary African green monkey kidney cells (5.5 × 1010 tissue culture ID50/850 cm2 roller bottle). The virus preparation had an efficiency of plating of 15 particles per infectious unit. Single-cycle growth kinetics of the adapted virus indicated that after an eclipse period of 2 days, maximal yields were attained 6 days after infection. [P.S.E.B.M. 1992, Vol 199]
Discrete mechanics—A general treatment

Abstract A new numerical method for use in the solution of classical equations of motion is described, accurate to third-order in the coordinates and second-order in the velocities. The method has the unique property of preserving the energy and total linear and angular momenta at their initial values in the computation. This “discrete mechanics” is derived from general symmetry properties of the equations of motion and is compared in several numerical examples with conventional predictor-corrector methods. The theory is applied to derive a general expression for the impulsive limit of motion due to a potential.
MO-E-17A-10: Evaluation of Body and Head Dimensions of Pediatric Patients as a Function of Age

Purpose: Phantom development in medical physics plays an important role in radiation dose assessment and image quality evaluation, and this is especially true in the pediatric patient population. The purpose of this investigation was to establish the relationship between patient age and patient size, focusing on the abdomen-pelvis and head effective diameters, for patients ranging in age from newborn to 18 years. Methods: A dose reporting tool for computed tomography systems was installed at our institution to achieve compliance with state law commencing on July 1, 2012. The software records a number of patient-specific data, and also reports CT dose metrics (CTDIvol and DLP) into the patients interpretive report. The database generated by the software was mined to determine patient effective diameter as a function of age for pediatric patients aged 0–18 years. CT protocols including abdomen-pelvis and routine head were evaluated, and specific to this study the patients age, gender and equivalent diameter were recorded. Results: Six age ranges were evaluated: A(0–3), B(4–6), C(7–9), D(10–12),E(13–15),F(16–18). For the torso in these groups based upon 694 patients, median effective diameters were 147, 167, 184, 214, 231, 246 mm, respectively. For the head (N=1833), median diameters were 143, 157, 162, 168, 174,more » and 174, respectively. Conclusion: A solid understanding of the approximate dimensions of pediatric patients as a function of age is useful in the development of age-based imaging protocols and dose assessments. CT dose-reporting tools generate a great deal of data with respect to body dimensions automatically. In this study, median equivalent diameters for the abdomen-pelvis and head of pediatric patients were evaluated. These data may prove useful in the development of both mathematical and physical phantoms for dosimetry and image quality assessment.« less
NICOTINE DELAYS AROUSAL DURING HYPOXEMIA IN SLEEPING LAMBS. † 2302

Hypoxic arousal is thought to be mediated through activation of peripheral chemoreceptors. Decreased ability to arouse in response to hypoxemia and maternal smoking are two factors believed to play a significant role in SIDS. The aim of this study was to determine if nicotine affects the arousal response to acute hypoxemia and whether this effect is associated with an altered cardiorespiratory response to decreased oxygen saturation.
Fathers' Absence and Cognitive Development of 12- to 17-Year-Olds:

A national probability sample of 12- to 17-yr.-old children provided an opportunity to examine the effect of the fathers' absence on cognitive development while controlling for the major confoundin...
The importance of culturing bacterioplankton in the 'omics' age

Progress in the culturing of microorganisms that are important to ocean ecology has recently accelerated, and technology has been a factor in these advances. However, rather than a single technological breakthrough, a combination of methods now enable microbiologists to screen large numbers of cultures and manipulate cells that are growing at the low biomass densities that are characteristic of those found in seawater. The value of ribosomal RNA databases has been reaffirmed, as they provide nucleic-acid probes for screening to identify important new species in culture. The new cultivation approaches have focused on specific targets that ecological studies suggest are significant for geochemical transformations, such as SAR11. Here, we review how to cultivate marine oligotrophs and why it is worth the effort.
Derivation of human embryonic stem cells from single blastomeres

This protocol details a method to derive human embryonic stem (hES) cells from single blastomeres. Blastomeres are removed from morula (eight-cell)-stage embryos and cultured until they form multicell aggregates. These blastomere-derived cell aggregates are plated into microdrops seeded with mitotically inactivated feeder cells, and then connected with neighboring microdrops seeded with green fluorescent protein-positive hES cells. The resulting blastomere-derived outgrowths are cultured in the same manner as blastocyst-derived hES cells. The whole process takes about 3-4 months.
Dual properties of cultured retinoblastoma cells: Immunohistochemical characterization of neuronal and glial markers

The dual properties of two human retinoblastoma cell lines, WERI-Rb1 and Y79, were investigated with immunohistochemistry. Two neuron-specific markers, dopamine-B-hydroxylase (DBH) and tetanus toxin, and an astrocyte-specific marker, the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), were applied for immunohistochemical reactions. With peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) and immunofluorescence techniques, all of the WERI-Rb1 and Y79 cells showed consistently positive results with both neuronal and glial markers. The findings demonstrate that cultured retinoblastoma cells WERI-Rb1 and Y79 have both neuronal and glial properties.
Steve Irwin's Influence on Wildlife Conservation

The present study assesses audience involvement with popular television personality Steve Irwin, who died tragically at the peak of his career. A survey of 1,800 media consumers revealed that Irwin was perceived to be a hero and role model for wildlife conservation. News of his death spread quickly and globally, promoting interpersonal dialoguing and Internet searching. Those more highly involved with Irwin talked with more people and longer about his death, and, as hypothesized, were more likely to increase their support of wildlife conservation. The effects of involvement with Irwin spanned age groups, educational levels, ethnic groups, and gender. Implications of these findings on the international influence of popular celebrities are discussed.
In-hospital outcomes of off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass procedures: a multicenter experience.

Abstract Background . Concern about the possible adverse effects of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) pump and advances in retractors and operative techniques to access all coronary segments have resulted in increased interest in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedures. Four of the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group centers initiated OPCAB programs in 1998. We compared the preoperative risk profiles and in-hospital outcomes of patients done off-pump with those done by conventional coronary artery bypass (CCAB) with CPB. Methods . Between 1998 and 2000, 1,741 OPCAB and 6,126 CCAB procedures were performed at these four medical centers. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting procedures were excluded. Data were available for patient and disease risk factors, extent of coronary disease and adverse in-hospital outcomes. Results . The OPCAB and CCAB groups were somewhat different in their preoperative patient and disease characteristics. The OPCAB patients were more likely to be female and to have peripheral vascular disease. The CCAB patients were more likely to have an ejection fraction less than 0.40 and be urgent or emergent at operation. However, overall predicted risk of in-hospital mortality, based on preoperative factors, was similar in the OPCAB and CCAB groups; the mean predicted risk was 2.6% ( p = 0.567). Crude rates of mortality (2.54% OPCAB versus 2.57%. CCAB), intraoperative or postoperative stroke (1.33% versus 1.82%), mediastinitis (1.10% versus 1.37%), and return to the operating room for bleeding (3.46% versus 2.93%) did not differ significantly. The OPCAB patients did have a statistically significant reduction in the need for intraoperative or postoperative intraaortic balloon pump support (2.31% versus 3.41%; p = 0.023) and in the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (21.21% versus 26.31%; p p Conclusions . This multicenter study showed that patients having OPCAB are not exposed to a greater risk of short-term adverse outcomes. These data also provided evidence that patients having OPCAB have significantly lower need for intraoperative or postoperative intraaortic balloon pump, lower rates of postoperative atrial fibrillation, and a shorter length of stay.
Autism and immune factors: A comprehensive review

Abstract Cases of autistic disorder (autism) have frequently been reported in association with congenital rubella and other infections. These observations stimulated further investigation into markers of immune function in autism. Postinfectious and autoimmune mechanisms of pathophysiology have been proposed. This review comprehensively addresses immune findings to date, including the role of viruses, neuroimmune factors, cellular and humoral immunity, immunogenetics, and immunotherapy in relation to autism. Although numerous immune abnormalities have been identified in autism, inconsistent results have often been reported. To date, research in this area has largely involved small, uncontrolled studies. In order to bring clarity to this field, high-quality, systematic research is needed to explore the role of neuroimmunologic factors in autism.
The electronic effect in alloy chemisorption: CO and H2 studies on nickel titanium alloys

Abstract This paper explores the electronic effect in alloys on chemisorption behavior with the examples of CO and H2 adsorption on Ni Ti alloys. A substantial ionic component in the chemical bonds of the alloy modifies the atoms from their elemental state. Chemisorption of H2 shows that the compound does not possess the strong hydride formation tendency of titanium and adsorbs hydrogen in two states. CO adsorbs molecularly on Ni3Ti at 150 K and near monolayer coverage a 3.4-eV splitting of the 5σ-1π-derived levels is obtained using ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. Dissociation of a portion of the CO occurs upon heating to 310 K accompanied by a decrease in splitting of the 5σ-1π levels to ~3.0 eV.
Organizational boundaries and economic performance: An empirical study of entrepreneurial computer firms

This research examines the relationship between the organizational boundaries of entrepreneurial firms and their economic performance. The theoretical basis for this work is transaction cost economics research regarding when internalizing certain activities will be preferred over contracting. To consider the conditions under which contracting is costly we compare across three functional areas and three firm strategies. The results of a longitudinal analysis of 122 entrepreneurial firms in the computer industry show that performance effects are associated with contracting activities and that product market strategies moderate the performance effects of contracting. The results are mixed in their support for the predictions of transaction cost economics.
THE DOUBLE BIND: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF RESPONSES TO INCONSISTENT COMMUNICATIONS†

An empirical study of communications in a mother-child context was conducted. Cognitive, emotional, and metacommunicational responses to “subtle inconsistencies” and consistencies in communication in this context were studied. Subtle inconsistency was found to be more stressful, complex, and evocative of responses showing a lack of metacommunication than consistency, by both clinical and non-clinical adolescents. Finer differences were also found between clinical and non-clinical adolescents' emotional and metacommunicational responses to subtle inconsistency. The findings provide empirical support for the double bind hypothesis.
Enrichment of middle repetitive element Bm-1 transcripts in translationally active RNA fractions of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori

The Bm-1 repetitive element family represents a group of transcribed repetitive sequences in the genome of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. In the Bm-5 and BmN permanent cell lines studied here, α-amanitin inhibition and nuclear ‘run-on’ experiments demonstrated that approximately 80% of the Bm-1 transcripts are produced by RNA polymerase II. Bm-1 transcripts are dramatically enriched in poly A+ and polysomal RNA fractions compared to total RNA in these two cell lines. In the Bm-5 cell line, from total to poly A+ and polysomal RNA fractions, Bm-1 transcripts are enriched approximately 4 and 2 times, respectively, while in the BmN cell line these same fractions are enriched about 2 and 19 times compared to total RNA. This suggests that the Bm-1 transcripts may be involved in post-transcriptional processes or control of translation. Our data also revealed less size heterogeneity of Bm-1 transcripts in polysomal as compared to nuclear fractions. In the Bm-5 and BmN cell lines, the size of most transcripts containing Bm-1 sequences increases from approximately 1700 nt in the nucleus to 3000 nt in the polysomal fraction, both fractions with RNA much larger than the Bm-1 consensus sequence (250 bp). This raises the possibility that some Bm-1 elements are transcribed as part of larger transcripts containing mRNA by way of ‘read-through’, and may be involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression as cis and/or trans acting elements.
The Forward-Looking Competitive Firm under Uncertainty

Under realistic circumstances, forward-looking risk-averse firms will produce more than risk-neutral firms, and a mean-preserving spread of the price distribution will increase risk-averse firms' production. These results depend on firms realizing that prices of inputs required for production in subsequent periods are contemporaneously correlated with output prices. This study rationalizes previously unexplained real-world behavior such as the spreading of sales over time and short-run production (or storage) at an expected loss. The present findings imply that empirical work should not assume, nor should it find, a monotonic relationship between output and the level of risk or of risk aversion.
In vivo microdialysis reveals a diminished amphetamine-induced DA response corresponding to behavioral sensitization produced by repeated amphetamine pretreatment

Abstract In vivo microdialysis procedures were used to assess the effects of repeated amphetamine administration on behavior and regional brain DA dynamics in freely moving rats. Pretreatment with amphetamine (2.5 or 3.0 mg/kg) for 4–6 days did not alter baseline DA or its metabolites in caudate or accumbens 48 h or 6 days after the last injection. However, whereas this dosage regimen revealed a profound behavioral sensitization in response to challenge with amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg), including a more rapid onset and intensification of stereotypy, the DA response was significantly diminished in both brain regions. In addition, the ratio of caudate to accumbens DA, either before or after amphetamine challenge, was not altered by the pretreatment regimen. These results are consistent with our previous suggestion that there is a dissociation between the DA and behavioral responses to amphetamine, and therefore that other neurotransmitter systems and/or mechanisms significantly contribute to the amphetamine response profile. Furthermore, DA effects may represent only one, albeit critical, aspect in a time-dependent sequence of changes underlying stimulant sensitization.
The Influence of War and Party System Aging On the Ranking of Presidents

IN RECENT years a number of scholars have analyzed citizen evaluations of presidentialjob performance (see Hibbs 1982; Kenski 1977; Mueller 1970; and Stimson 1976). By analyzing shifts in public approval over time, researchers have sought to determine whether evaluations reflect, among other things, the performance of the economy and the existence of war, both of which are generally recognized as presidential responsibilities (see Cronin 1980; Koenig 1981). The results of these studies are signficant for students of democratic accountability, for they reveal the bases for citizen evaluations of presidents. Not all the studies are particularly reassuring in that regard (see especially Stimson 1976, who found little relationship between approval ratings and either war or economic conditions.) A somewhat older body of literature assesses citizen and elite evaluations of presidents through history, comparing the performance of one president with the performance of others (see Schlesinger 1980; Maranell and Dodder 1970). The significance of this literature lies in part in the sorts of ideals which are reflected in the evaluations (see Maranell and Dodder 1970). The presidents who are rated most highly serve to establish the expectations against which other presidents are judged. The expectations may in turn shape the ways in which presidents approach their jobs (on the more general concept of the "texbook presidency," see Cronin 1980: chapter 3). A president who enters the office with the role models of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt could hardly approach the job the same way as a president with the role models of Buchanan, Grant, and Harding. The purpose of this analysis is to assess what conditions give rise to an image of greatness in presidents. A number of studies have asked elite or mass samples to evaluate the greatness of our various presidents through history (see Table 1). The process of rating presidents is not without its pitfalls, however (see Amlund 1964; Bailey 1966; DiClerico 1979: 331-40. First, different presidents have confronted different problems during their terms of office. As a result, some have battled clearly defined problems while others grappled with more ambiguous situations. Some presidents faced crises which threatened the survival of the nation, while others struggled with less dramatic and less momentous difficulties. Comparing performance in different situations is hazardous at best (Bailey 1966: 35-36; DiClerico 1979: 333-36). Second, the actions of a president may look different with different historical perspectives. A decision which was reviled and denounced at one point may appear brilliant later. A decision which is acclaimed in one
Competition between native and introduced salmonid fishes: cutthroat trout have lower growth rate in the presence of cutthroat-rainbow trout hybrids.

When nonnative species become established within new communities, competition may play a role in determining the persistence of ecologically similar native species. In western North America, many n...
Long-term followup of augmentation enterocystoplasty and continent diversion in patients with benign disease.

ABSTRACT Purpose: We evaluated long-term outcomes in patients undergoing augmentation enterocystoplasty (AC) (with or without an abdominal stoma) or continent urinary diversion in patients with benign urological disorders. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 76 consecutive adults who underwent AC (with or without an abdominal stoma) or continent urinary diversion because of benign urological conditions. The outcomes assessed were a patient satisfaction questionnaire, continence status, catheterization status, bladder capacity, bladder compliance, detrusor instability, maximum detrusor pressure, upper tract status, significant postoperative morbidity, need for reoperation, persistent diarrhea and vitamin B12 deficiency. Results: The 76 patients (18 men and 58 women) were 19 to 80 years old (mean age 49). Followup was 1 to 19 years (mean 8.9). Preoperative diagnoses were neurogenic bladder in 41 patients, refractory detrusor overactivity in 9, interstitial cystitis in 7, end stage bladder disease in 7, radiation cystitis in 3, exstrophy in 3, postoperative urethral obstruction in 3 and low bladder compliance in 3. A total of 50 patients underwent simple AC, 15 underwent AC with an abdominal stoma and 11 underwent continent supravesical diversion. Of the 71 evaluable patients 49 (69%) considered themselves cured, 14 (20%) considered themselves improved and 8 (11%) considered treatment to have failed. All 7 patients with interstitial cystitis had failed treatment. Mean bladder capacity increased from 166 to 572 ml and mean maximum detrusor pressure decreased from 53 to 14 cm H 2 O. Serum creatinine improved or remained normal in all patients. Five patients experienced persistent diarrhea requiring intermittent antispasmodics but none had vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia or malabsorption syndrome. Long-term complications were stomal stenosis or incontinence in 11 of 26 patients (42%) with stomas, de novo bladder and renal stones in 2 of 71 (3%) and 1 of 71 (1%), respectively, and recurrent bladder stones in 6%. Small bowel obstruction occurred in 5 of 71 patients (7%), requiring surgical exploration in 4 (6%). Conclusions: AC and urinary diversion provide a safe and effective long-term therapy in patients with refractory neurogenic bladder but stomal problems in patients with continent diversion continue to be a source of complications.
Effects of Contextualized Math Instruction on Problem Solving of Average and Below-Average Achieving Students:

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of contextualized math instruction on the problem-solving performance of 17 middle school students in one remedial class and 49 middle school average-achieving students in two prealgebra classes. The study employed experimental and quasi-experimental designs to compare the impact of word problem instruction and contextualized problem instruction on computation skills and problem-solving performance. Results showed that students in the contextualized problem remedial and prealgebra groups outperformed students in the word problem groups on a contextualized and a transfer problem. In an extended transfer activity, students in the remedial class applied what they had learned in order to plan and build two skateboard ramps. Results support the use of contextualized problems to enhance the problem-solving skills of students in general and remedial classes.
Application of simulation modeling to emergency population evacuation

A simulation model was developed to predict with a certain degree of probability the optimal escape routs from the coastal areas of the Rio Grand Valley. Along with that, the model provides information on where traffic bottlenecks could be expected and could assist the authorities in designating official evacuation routes away from the storm. The model provides information about the latest safe evacuation cut off point, percent evacuated, and road capacity availability, in case, the evacuation becomes more risky and the general population must be advised to seek immediate shelter. The simulation model is also able to predict what if situations such as, required warning times to facilitate traffic requirements by areas affected, warning lead times based on storm size and the direction of evacuation and traffic handling capacities of roadways as physical conditions deteriorate.
Measuring Sexual Victimization: On What Fronts is the Jury Still Out and Do We Need it to Come In?

Rennison and Addington use National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) data to document the fact that college women experience violent victimization at a lower rate than women of the same age who do not attend college, which refutes the idea that women in college are at increased risk of being victimized. The measurement of victimization, especially sexual victimization, is, however, a topic that has be the source of much debate. Bureau of Justice Statistics is currently exploring what are the best methods for measuring sexual victimization within the NCVS, and recent methodological research, which is summarized in this article, could inform this process. Although consensus has seemingly been forming around come methods, such as using self-administered survey instruments and behaviorally specific questions when trying to measure sexual victimization, the jury is still out on some other design fronts. What is not clear is whether we need the jury to come in, so to speak. Some methodological variation might be acceptable, especially if the various methods being considered are producing similar results. Language: en
Infrared Spectra of Some Nonreduced Methanation Catalysts

The infrared spectra (4000 to 400 cm−1) of two commercial nonreduced methanation catalysts have been recorded and interpreted. The catalysts are prepared as mixtures of (a) nickel in a silica support and (b) nickel in an alumina support. Graphite is added to these mixtures as a binder to facilitate pressing of catalyst pellets for commercial use. It is revealed in the spectra of the catalysts that although (a) is prepared to have a simple NiO/SiO2 composition the silica support is not of the form SiO2; rather the spectral characteristics are similar to those found for linear chain silicates. In (b) the Al—O vibrations are characteristic of amorphous Al2O3, and H2O is tightly bound in the pellet. The CO3= ion is present in both (a) and (b). It is not bound to Ni in either (a) or (b), but it is bound in the silicate structure of (a) and associated with Al in (b). The presence of the ion cannot be explained by only in situ generation from atmospheric CO2 and H2O, but its presence must be due to residual CO3= from the catalyst preparation.
BASELINE WHITE MATTER HYPERINTENSITIES AND GRAY MATTER VOLUME INDEPENDENTLY PREDICT COGNITIVE TRAJECTORIES IN ADNI II

AND GRAY MATTER VOLUME INDEPENDENTLY PREDICT COGNITIVE TRAJECTORIES IN ADNI II Charles DeCarli, Owen Thomas Carmichael, Oliver Martinez, Baljeet Singh, Evan Fletcher, Pauline Maillard, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, United States; 2 University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States; UC Davis, Davis, California, United States; IDeA Lab, Department of Neurology, UC Davis Medical School, Davis, California, United States. Contact e-mail: cdecarli@ ucdavis.edu
THE EPR SPECTRA OF TETRADENTATE SCHIFF BASE COMPLEXES OF COPPER (II) I. N, N'-Bis-(acetylacetone) ethylenediimine and N, N'-Bis-(1,1,1-trifluoroacetylacetone) ethylenediimine

Abstract The EPR spectrum of N, N'-bis-(acetylacetone)ethylenediimino Cu(II), [Cu-en(acac)2], and N, N'-bis-(1,1,1-trifluoroacetylacetone)ethylenediimino-Cu(II), [Cu-en(tfacac)2], have been studied in doped single crystals of the corresponding Ni(II) chelate. The parameters in the usual doublet spin-Hamiltonian are found to be: Cu[en(acac)2], gz =2.183 ± 0.003, gx =2.047 ± 0.004, gy =2.048 ± 0.004, Az =204.8 × 10−4cm−1, Ax =31.5 × 10−4cm−1, Ay =27.1 × 10−4 cm−1, AzN= 12.8 × 10−4 cm−1 and AxN =AyN =14.3 × 10−4 cm−1: Cu[en(tfacac)2], gz =2.192 ± 0.002, gx =2.048 ± 0.004, gy =2.046 ± 0.004, Az =200.8 × 10−4 cm−1, Ax =31.1 × 10−4 cm−1, Ay =28.3 × 10−4 cm−1, AzN =12.8 × 10−4 cm−1 and AxN =AyN =14.6 × 10−4 cm−1. These parameters are related to coefficients in the molecular orbitals of the complex. It is found that the α-bonding is quite covalent and there is significant in-plane σ-bonding. From the nitrogen hyperfine structure it is determined that the hybridization on the nitrogen is sp2.