cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A NEURAL NETWORK AND CLUSTER ANALYTIC APPROACH IN TOURISM RESEARCH IN THE UNITED STATES

According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, total current dollar spending related to tourism in the United States in the third quarter of 2011 was $1.2 trillion. Given the importance of this sector of the economy, the authors present a unique way of analyzing and interpreting tourist data using neural networks in conjunction with cluster analysis. The approach is illustrated using a 97 variable survey having 1,271 respondents, with total cost of trip as the desired output. Cluster analysis divides the data into three clusters and identifies their key attributes. Neural networks help analyze the relationship between the various input variables and the total cost of trip for each cluster and perform sensitivity and contribution analysis for each variable.
Neurological Monitoring in Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Intraoperative neurological monitoring (IOM) during spinal procedures is used to monitor spinal cord and nerve function and alert the surgeon to any compromise of such. It usually involves a combination of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), free-run and stimulated electromyography (EMG), and motor evoked potentials (MEP). These have largely replaced the wake-up and clonus tests. Occasionally, other techniques are used (such as the Hoffman reflex). IOM requires a close cooperation between the surgical, monitoring, and anesthetic teams with a careful choice of anesthesia and physiological management.
Attitudes toward transgender rights: perceived knowledge and secondary interpersonal contact

Transgender people face an uncertain legal climate, and efforts to include gender identity in policies have been met with both successes and failures. These policies are often developed in the legislative process, which directly involve public opinion. To date, there is only one study analyzing American public attitudes toward transgender people. This research gap makes it unclear whether people in general understand what transgender means and whether public support for transgender rights depends on understanding and knowing transgender people. Since the population of transgender people is estimated to be smaller than that of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, examining whether and how having a friend or family member who is lesbian or gay relates to transgender rights is important to understand political coalitions and attitude change. This study examines public attitudes about transgender rights in the USA. It finds that as respondents report being more informed about transgender people they tend to have more supportive attitudes. Interpersonal contact with someone who is lesbian or gay also leads to a secondary transfer of positive attitudes. About half of the secondary transfer effect operates through a mechanism of attitude generalization: contact positively affects the opinions people have on gay rights that then broaden to affect attitudes on transgender rights. Demographic characteristics also indicate that predictors of transgender attitudes are similar to previous studies regarding attitudes toward lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. Further survey efforts need to consider inquiring about transgender rights and attitudes, as this remains a research gap in need of scholarly understanding.
A Novel Control Scheme of Quasi-Resonant Valley-Switching for High-Power-Factor AC-to-DC LED Drivers

This paper presents a novel control scheme of quasi-resonant (QR) mode and valley-switching for high-power-factor (PF) ac-to-dc light-emitting diode (LED) drivers. The proposed driver control scheme is based on a buck PF corrector converter, which is operated in QR valley-switching. The proposed control scheme can directly sense the QR valley signal from the current sensor, and it is definitely different from the conventional method which senses the QR valley signal from auxiliary winding. The cost and size of the driver circuit can be remarkably reduced when the proposed control scheme is adopted. Furthermore, the proposed circuit can provide not only high PF and low total harmonic distortion but also high conversion efficiency. Up to 0.99 PF and 91.5% efficiency are obtained from an 8-W (40-W replaced) LED bulb driver prototype.
Hyaline bodies in the connective tissue wall of odontogenic cysts.

Hyaline bodies are sometimes encountered in the connective tissue wall of odontogenic cysts. In this study, various histomorphologic types of hyaline bodies were observed in a dentigerous cyst and a residual apical periodontal cyst. Some hyaline bodies appeared to be a coagulum of serum fluid surrounded by a small number of fibroblasts. Others appeared to be composed of fibrillar structures. Still others appeared to be a mixture of various amounts of scrum coagulum and fibrillar structures. Immunoperoxidase procedures revealed various amounts of scrum proteins in hyaline bodies. Gomori's trichrome stain and Mallory's staining technique showed that fibrillar structures were collagenous in nature. Electron microscopy showed that fibrillar structures were frayed collagen fibrils. These observations suggest that various histologic types of hyaline bodies represent different stages of development and that the basic pathogenic mechanism is pooling of extravasated serum followed by fibrosis.
Minimal energy covariance control

In general, the covariance controller which assigns a specified state covariance X to the system is not unique, and the whole set of such controllers can be parametrized by a skew-symmetric matrix S of appropriate dimension. This paper describes how to minimize the control energy by using this freedom and reveals some properties of closed-loop system poles with respect to S.
Differential Regulation of Synaptic Inputs by Constitutively Released Endocannabinoids and Exogenous Cannabinoids

Endocannabinoid release from a single neuron has been shown to cause presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release at many different sites. Here, we demonstrate that hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons release endocannabinoids continuously under basal conditions, unlike other release sites at which endocannabinoid production must be stimulated. The basal endocannabinoid release selectively inhibited GABA release onto POMC neurons, although exogenous administration of cannabinoid agonists also inhibited glutamate release. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM 251 [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide] blocked endocannabinoid-mediated inhibition of GABA release without affecting excitatory synaptic currents, whereas the CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 [R-(+)-(2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(4-morpholinyl)methyl]pyrol [1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)(1-naphthalenyl) methanone monomethanesulfonate] inhibited both inhibitory and excitatory synaptic currents in POMC neurons. These data demonstrate that endogenously released cannabinoids and exogenously applied CB1 receptor agonists can have markedly different effects on synaptic inputs. Furthermore, the data suggest a novel form of endocannabinoid-mediated retrograde inhibition, whereby the regulation of a subset of inputs requires either the removal of tonic presynaptic inhibition caused by endocannabinoids or the engagement of a mechanism that actively inhibits endocannabinoid production.
Beyond symmetry-breaking: competition and negative feedback in GTPase regulation

Cortical domains are often specified by the local accumulation of active GTPases. Such domains can arise through spontaneous symmetry-breaking, suggesting that GTPase accumulation occurs via positive feedback. Here, we focus on recent advances in fungal and plant cell models - where new work suggests that polarity-controlling GTPases develop only one 'front' because GTPase clusters engage in a winner-takes-all competition. However, in some circumstances two or more GTPase domains can coexist, and the basis for the switch from competition to coexistence remains an open question. Polarity GTPases can undergo oscillatory clustering and dispersal, suggesting that these systems contain negative feedback. Negative feedback may prevent polarity clusters from spreading too far, regulate the balance between competition and coexistence, and provide directional flexibility for cells tracking gradients.
Discrepancy between geological and geodetic deformation rates in the Ventura basin

SPACE geodesy provides a new tool for measuring neotectonic deformation which, when combined with geological and geophysical observations and models, can be used to infer rates and styles of deformation. In the Ventnra basin region of southern California, the geodetically measured convergence rates of ∼7–10 mm yr−1 (ref. 1) are significantly lower than the 20–25 mm yr−1 estimated from geological data2,3. Here we investigate the possible implications of this discrepancy. It might be, for example, that temporal variations cause the short- and long-term convergence rates to differ. But if this were the case we would expect to observe the long-term rate by extending the geodetic measurements over a broader region, yet only 11 ± 3 mm yr−1 of regional convergence is observed4. Our preferred explanation of the discrepancy is that the geological models require revision, and to this end we present two deformation models that satisfy both the geological and geodetic constraints. Our modelling suggests that the faults bounding the basin are locked at the surface, but are slipping at depths below ∼2–5 km.
The role of topoisomerase IV in partitioning bacterial replicons and the structure of catenated intermediates in DNA replication

Mutants in bacterial topoisomerase (topo) IV are deficient in chromosomal partitioning. To investigate the basis of this phenotype, we examined plasmid DNA topology in conditionally lethal topo IV mutants. We found that dimeric catenated plasmids accumulated in vivo after topo IV inhibition. The catenanes were supercoiled, contained from 2 to > 32 nodes, and were the products of DNA synthesis. Electron microscopy and recombination tests proved that the catenanes have the unique structure predicted for replication intermediates. These data provide strong evidence for a model in which unlinking of the double helix can occur in two stages during DNA replication and for the critical role of topo IV in the second stage. The interlocks in the catenanes appear to be sequestered from DNA gyrase, perhaps by compartmentalization in an enzyme complex dedicated to partitioning.
Polycrystalline heterojunction solar cells: A device perspective

Analysis of high efficiency, thin film, small grain, polycrystalline. heterojunction CdTe and CuInSe 2 based solar cells can help explain the high quantum efficiencies and the resulting short circuit current (J SC ) as well as the forward diode current that controls the open circuit voltage (V OC - This analysis shows that minority carrier recombination at the metallurgical interface and at grain boundaries is greatly reduced by the proper doping of the window and absorber layers thereby increasing J SC . Additional analysis and measurements show that the V OC in present state of the art solar cells is controlled by the magnitude of the forward diode current which appears to be caused by recombination in the space charge region of the absorber layer. This also shows that ally quantitative modeling of these devices which relates the device performance to the bulk electronic properties of the material should consider the additional geometric dimension introduced by the polycrystallinity because of grain boundary effects.
South Florida greenways: a conceptual framework for the ecological reconnectivity of the region

Abstract A regional greenway network is proposed to reconnect ecologically the fragmented landscapes of south Florida. The natural landscapes of the region have been progressively fragmented on account of agricultural and urban development. It is proposed that the regional system of drainage canals and reservoir levees, which was originally developed to facilitate agriculture and urbanization, be ecologically reclaimed and managed to become a network of environmental restoration and cultural opportunity for south Florida. The existing regional system of drainage canals and reservoir levees is restrictively underutilized. In general, the value of utility and transportation corridors as natural and cultural resources has not been fully appreciated in south Florida. Their value as resources lies in the ample opportunity they offer for landscape revegetation, wetland reclamation, habitat restoration, and community education and recreation. In particular, the existing regional system of drainage canals and reservoir levees represents an extensive resource that can naturally and culturally link the fragmented landscapes of south Florida while maintaining flood control and water conservation. A tripartite method, based on the ecological principles of island biogeography theory and landscape network theory, is used to consider the geographical, morphological, and topological impact on natural diversity and cultural use. Respectively, the effects of network corridor area, network corridor width, and network connectivity and circuitry are described, analyzed, and evaluated for their potential effect on natural diversity and cultural use along the existing regional system of drainage canals and reservoir levees. Results indicate that the proposed regional greenway network is characterized by a large area, broad extent, morphological diversity, and topological connectivity. Variation in greenway structure and function along the regional network can accommodate a multitude of environmental concerns and cultural needs faced by the region. The regional greenway network affords ample flexibility, with three types of corridors (line, strip, and stream) within four types of context (urban, suburban, rural, and natural). Recommendations are made to appraise opportunities further at the regional level, conduct ecological corridor research at the landscape scale, and develop a greenway prototype at a specific community site.
SU-GG-I-147: Lung Scan Doses for Young and Pregnant Women with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism

Purpose: The two techniques employed for lung scans when pulmonary embolism is suspected are computed tomography and QV nuclear medicine scan. The techniques have greatly different dose distributions to the breast and to the fetus. A recent survey in the UK has shown that doctors lack knowledge of fetal dosimetry. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss this and other implications in the choice of a lung scan. Method and Materials: A review of the literature was performed and estimates of fetal and breast dose from the CT and NM were found. Monte Carlo estimates of the CT dose using the program CTdosimetry version 0.99x were made. The nuclear medicine QV scan technique method uses 1.5 mCi Tc99m labeled MAA perfusion injection and the ventilation study, if needed, uses a nebulizer dose of 40.7 mCi Tc99m DTPA. The doses are compared to the NCRP report 54 on “Medical Radiation Exposure of Pregnant and Potentially Pregnant Women,” 1977. Results: The dose from CT is 40–60 mGy to the Breast and 3–131 microGy to the fetus. The dose from NM perfusion is 270 microGy Breast and 110 microGy to the fetus. The dose from NM ventilation is 57 microGy Breast and 90 microGy to the fetus. The total fetal dose for a QV is 200 microGy. Conclusion: The fetal doses from both procedures are less than the 5 rad level for negligible risk from the NCRP. The fetal dose from CT is somewhat less however the breast dose is higher. The efficacy of the two procedures is not judged here. It is important to note that proper diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is essential. The radiation doses are far less important than having a full range of diagnostic information that is readily available at all times.
Case report 620

Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) is a connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology and pathogenesis characterized by fibrosis of the skin (scleroderma) and variable involvement of several organ systems including the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, and kidneys. Calcinosis cutis is a frequent finding, commonly seen in the soft tissues of the fingertips and over the knees and elbows. Calcifications may also occur in areas of muscle necrosis and have been reported in articular synovium. This report describes a patient with PSS in the form of subcutaneous calcifications and scleroderma who was noted to have extensive paraspinous and intraspinal calcific deposits, causing severe narrowing of the spinal canal. The radiographs of 66 patients with PSS seen at Northwestern Memorial Hospital of soft tissue calcifications.
The terminations of corticospinal tract axons in the macaque monkey.

This study examined the corticospinal tract in monkey by utilizing the anterograde transport of wheat germ lectin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA HRP) at the light microscopic level and the axonal transport of 3H-proteins with both light and electron microscopic autoradiographic techniques. The animals survived 3–9 days after the injections of 3H-leucine or 3H-leucine/WGA HRP into either motor or sensory cortices. With the laminar schema of Rexed as a guide to the layers of the spinal gray matter, qualitative and quantitative analyses of labeled projections of the corticospinal tract (CST) were made. With the light microscope, axons from the sensory cortex labeled with WGA-HRP could be observed in the contralateral spinal gray from lamina I to the border of laminae VI/VII, the heaviest distribution being located in medial III–VI. There was a small ipsilateral projection to V and VI. With 3H label, laminae I and II revealed few overlying silver grains; many grains overlay laminae III–VI. Projections from the motor cortex labeled with either WGA-HRP or 3H extended from the contralateral laminae III/IV border into the motor nucleus (lamina IX) and were seen to be somewhat more dense in the lateral areas of the spinal gray. The motor cortex projected heavily to ipsilateral VIII, and in sparse amounts to ipsilateral V and VI. Electron microscopy of radioactive axons from the sensory cortex to dorsal horn revealed many radioactive myelinated fibers and some labeled non-myelinated axons. Labeled terminals contacted medium to small dendrites; there were a few labeled C-type profiles in glomeruli and occasional axo-axonal or dendro-axonal contacts, the labeled cortical axons being the postsynaptic structure. In ventral horn following motor cortex injections, the labeled axons were all myelinated. The synaptic contacts were found on small, medium, and large proximal dendrites as well as on cell bodies. Labeled terminals which formed the central element in glomeruli were also seen in this region. Most of the labeled corticospinal terminals in dorsal and ventral horn contained rounded vesicles, but a significant number revealed pleomorphic vesicles. The relationship of these morphological findings to physiological studies of the CST is presented.
Control of streptozotocin diabetes in chinese hamsters by cultured mouse islet cells without immunosuppression: A preliminary report

Abstract Cultured pancreas islet cells inside 50K hollow fibers were implanted into adult Chinese hamsters made diabetic with streptozotocin, either as isografts (hamster → hamster) or xenografts (mouse → hamster) with return to normoglycemia for a mean of 46.8 days in the xenografted and 52.3 days in the isografted animals. After the reappearance of the diabetic state, selected animals from both groups received a repeat transplant using a larger number of cells. These second implants maintained normoglycemia for a mean of 142 days (xenograft) and 230 days (isograft). Histological analysis of recovered implants showed a smooth fibroblastic covering with no white cell infiltration of the fibers.
Application of distance sampling techniques for diving ducks on Lake St. Clair and western Lake Erie

Abstract Lake St. Clair and western Lake Erie are important migration staging areas for diving ducks including canvasbacks ( Aythya valisineria ), redheads ( Aythya americana ), and lesser and greater scaup ( Aythya affinis and Aythya marila ). Starting in 1983, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) attempted to census diving ducks on the United States portion of Lake St. Clair throughout autumn migration; however, in 2010 the MDNR expanded the traditionally surveyed area to include all of Lake St. Clair and a portion of western Lake Erie. The idea of achieving a census over the expanded study area was unrealistic, and instead distance sampling techniques were adopted in an effort to generate statistically valid estimates of detection probabilities and abundances for diving ducks during spring and autumn migration. We found distance sampling techniques to be a viable option for estimating diving duck abundance as long as flock size is accounted for as a covariate affecting the detection function. Diving ducks were generally more abundant on our study area during autumn migration with a mean of 306,327 ducks/survey (SE = 40,729) compared to an average spring abundance of 91,053 ducks/survey (SE = 19,175). Peak abundance occurred on 20 November 2012 with an estimated 596,335 diving ducks on Lake St. Clair and western Lake Erie. Ultimately, our methodology could be used to establish long-term, standardized data collection techniques and applied to conservation planning for waterfowl in the Great Lakes region.
A select group of perpetrators of domestic violence: evidence of decreased metabolism in the right hypothalamus and reduced relationships between cortical/subcortical brain structures in position emission tomography

In an earlier study, we reported that some perpetrators of domestic violence evidenced exaggerated fear-related responses to the panicogenic agent sodium lactate. In the current study, we employed positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate our hypothesis that there are differences in the neural structures and/or pathways that mediate and control the expression of fear-induced aggression in perpetrators of domestic violence. Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was measured in eight male perpetrators of domestic violence who fulfilled DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence (DV-ALC), 11 male participants who fulfilled DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence and had no history of interpersonal aggression (ALC) and 10 healthy male participants who did not fulfill criteria for any DSM-III-R axis I diagnosis and had no history of interpersonal aggression (HCS). DV-ALC had a significantly lower mean glucose uptake in the right hypothalamus compared to ALC and HCS. Correlations were performed between measures of glucose utilization in the brain structures involved in fear-induced aggression. The comparison of DV-ALC to HCS and to ALC differed in six and seven comparisons, respectively, involving various cortical and subcortical structures. HCS and ALC differed between the left thalamus and the left posterior orbitofrontal cortex. These PET findings show that some perpetrators of domestic violence differ from control participants in showing lower metabolism in the right hypothalamus and decreased correlations between cortical and subcortical brain structures. A possible psychological covariate of these changes in regional activity might be fear-induced aggression, but this hypothesis should be examined in larger study groups that undergo provocation during imaging.
Modification of a gas jet transport system for the supression of heavy-mass fission product homologues

Abstract The uranium target of a gas jet transport system for fission products has been modified by the addition of an aluminum cover foil. The new modification allows fission fragments of low mass to enter a continuous chemistry system while heavier fragments are stopped in the aluminum. The elimination of the heavier homologues allows development of simpler and faster chemical separation procedures. In addition, since the lighter fragments are slowed down by the cover foil a smaller target chamber can be used. This leads to a reduction in system holdup time.
Protection by recombinant viral proteins against a respiratory challenge with virulent avian metapneumovirus.

Protection by recombinant avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) N or M proteins against a respiratory challenge with virulent aMPV was examined. N, M or N + M proteins were administered intramuscularly (IM) with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) or by the oculonasal (ON) route with cholera toxin-B (CTB). Each turkey received 40 or 80 μg of each recombinant protein. Birds were considered protected against challenge if the challenge virus was not detectable in the choanal swabs by RT-PCR. At a dose of 40 μg/bird, N protein given with IFA by the IM route protected eight out of nine birds. M protein at the same dose protected three out of seven birds, while a combination of N + M proteins (40 μg each) protected three out of four birds. At a dose of 80 μg of each of N and M proteins per bird given with IFA by the IM route, 100% protection was achieved. ON immunization with a mixture of N and M proteins induced partial protection when the proteins were given with CTB; no detectable protection was noted without CTB. N and M proteins induced anti-aMPV antibodies, although protection against virulent virus challenge did not appear to be associated with the level or presence of antibodies.
The Landscape Ecology of Large Disturbances in the Design and Management of Nature Reserves

Large disturbances such as fires and floods are landscape processes that may alter the structure of landscapes in nature reserves. Landscape structure may in turn influence the viability of species and the functioning of ecosystems. Past reserve design and management strategies have been focussed on species and ecosystems rather than on landscape-scale processes, such as disturbance. An essential feature of a natural disturbance regime is the variation in disturbance attributes (e.g., size, timing, intensity, spatial location). Although some past reserve management policies have included natural disturbances, perpetuating disturbance variation has not been the explicit goal of either reserve design or management. To design a reserve to perpetuate the natural disturbance process requires consideration of: (1) the size of the reserve in relation to maximum expected disturbance size, (2) the location of the reserve in relation to favored disturbance initiation and export zones and in relation to spatial variation in the disturbance regime, and (3) the feasibility of disturbance control at reserve boundaries, or in reserve buffers. Disturbance management possibilities are constrained by the design of the reserve and the reserve goals. Where a natural disturbance regime is not feasible, then it is important that the managed disturbance regime mimic historical variation in disturbance sizes and other attributes as well as possible. Manipulating structure on the landscape scale to restore landscapes thought to have been altered by historical disturbance control is premature given our understanding of spatial disturbance processes in landscapes.
994-92 Dotter Effect of Intravascular Ultrasound Catheters

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides unique images of the coronary artery and plaque although a study using older, larger (4.9F) IVUS catheters reported a significant Dotter effect. Subsequently, smaller and more flexible catheters have been developed but the extent of plaque disruption from these newer IVUS catheter is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a Dotter effect from the currently used mechanical IVUS catheters. An IVUS catheter was advanced beyond a coronary lesion in 35 patients before and after a coronary intervention. A 4.3F (n = 10), 3.5F (n = 10) or 2.9F (n = 15) IVUS catheter was used. Ouantitative coronary angiography was performed prior to and immediately after IVUS imaging to determine the change in maximum luminal diameter (MLD) and percent stenosis as a result of the IVUS catheter. Results Prior to coronary intervention, IVUS increased the MLD (0.79 ± 0.07 mm to 1.05 ± 0.08 mm, p = 0.0001) corresponding to a decrease in percent stenosis (70.3 ± 2.4% to 61.1 ± 2.8%, p = 0.001). There was a significant Dotter effect with all of the IVUS catheters. The largest increase in MLD occurred with the 3.5F catheter (0.32 ± 0.09 mm, p = 0.006) while the 2.9F catheter produced the smallest change (0.16 ± 0.14 mm, p = 0.03). MLD and percent stenosis did not change with any IVUS catheter after coronary intervention. Conclusion The passage of the currently used IVUS catheters mechanically alters the plaque and increases the MLD prior to a coronary intervention despite the newer, smaller design. Although there is less plaque disruption with the smallest IVUS catheters, the potential effect on the plaque must be considered prior to IVUS imaging.
Differences in myocardial and peripheral VEGF and KDR levels after acute ischemia.

Abstract Background . Recent clinical use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the treatment of both myocardial and peripheral ischemia has suggested the possibility of tissue specific coregulation of VEGF and its receptors (eg, kinase domain region [KDR]). The present study was performed to detect the relationship between VEGF and KDR protein levels after acute myocardial and peripheral ischemia. Methods . Eleven dogs were divided into two groups: peripheral ischemia (n = 6, ligation of major limb arteries) and myocardial ischemia (n = 5, circumflex artery ligation). Muscle biopsy specimens were taken from the perfusion territories of the occluded circumflex artery and limb arteries 3 hours and 6 hours after ligation. Protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. Results . In myocardium, VEGF levels increased on average eightfold from baseline ( p p Conclusions . In acute ischemia, regulation of VEGF and KDR may be controlled differently in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Myocardial KDR levels showed a significant decrease from baseline compared with a significant rise with peripheral ischemia.
Potential structures in the flow of a plasma past an obstacle in the presence of a magnetic field

Abstract Potential structures in the flow of a plasma around a large obstacle in the presence of a magnetic field are investigated. Solitary potential structures with e Δφ/ kT e ⩾1 are observed to propagate radially outward from the wake region. Experimental data indicate that the magnetic field restricts the motion of the electrons, resulting in strong localized potential structures.
Conflict adaptation and congruency sequence effects to social–emotional stimuli in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Background:The modification of performance following conflict can be measured using conflict adaptation tasks thought to measure the change in the allocation of cognitive resources in order to reduce conflict interference and improve performance. While previous studies have suggested atypical processing during nonsocial cognitive control tasks, conflict adaptation (i.e. congruency sequence effects) for social–emotional stimuli have not been previously studied in autism spectrum disorder.Methods:A total of 32 participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and 27 typically developing matched controls completed an emotional Stroop conflict task that required the classification of facial affect while simultaneously ignoring an overlaid affective word.Results:Both groups showed behavioral evidence for emotional conflict adaptation based on response times and accuracy rates. However, the autism spectrum disorder group demonstrated a speed-accuracy trade-off manifested through significantly faster response...
Wittgenstein on Mathematical Proof

In Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics, and elsewhere, Wittgenstein made some general statements about mathematical proof which can only be described as paradoxical. What he says is directed to proofs for which there is no general method of solution such as there is for statements of the form a x b = c where a simple calculation is sufficient. His concern is with propositions for which one cannot in advance of proof describe any procedure which will demonstrate them. Examples are: 'For all natural numbers n, 22' + I is prime', 'There is no greatest prime', 'Every equation of nth degree has exactly n roots', 'Any even number is the sum of two primes'. In an earlier study,' 'Proof and the Theorem Proved', I singled out a group of propositions for which his account of proof seemed correct, and not paradoxical. Examples given were the propositions a a =I', 'represents any number whatever', whose proofs provide justifi0
Evaluation of parameters for the assessment of regional myocardial contractile function during asynchronous left ventricular contraction.

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate parameters used for the measurement of regional myocardial contractile function in the setting of left ventricular (LV) asynchrony. Secondarily, we tested whether the peak negative value of left ventricular dP/dt (-dP/dt) can be used to estimate global LV end-systole during asynchrony. In seven anesthetized (Isoflurane) swine the left anterior descending coronary artery was cannulated and perfused at constant blood flow rates. To produce LV asynchrony, dobutamine (D) was infused into the perfusion system. This was repcated later during coronary hypoperfusion (HYPO) sufficient to produce regional contractile dysfunction. The amount of LV wall thickening during systole (% WT, sonomicrometry) was calculated using either - dP/dt or the closure of the aortic valve (AO, electromagnctic flow probc) for estimating the timing of global LV end-systole. % WT was compared to other paramcters which are not dependent upon the timing of global LV end-systole, including the amplitude of the first harmonic of the Fourier transform (AMP) and regional myocardial work (WI) estimated from the left ventricular pressure-wall thickness relationship. A close correlation between global LV end-systole defined by the AO or - dP/dt existed during control. D or HYPO. During HYPO+D no such relationship was found (r=.22, NS), and % WT calculated using - dP/dt as an estimate of end-systole was underestimated when comparcd to % WT calculated by use of the AO to estimate end-systole (2.9±6.8% vs 6.3±6.6%, p<.05). % WT, AMP, and WI showed similar results during control, D and HYPO. However, D during HYPO increased the AMP from .59±.23 mm to .76±.32 mm and WI from 67±20 mm Hg*mm to 95±24 mm Hg*mm (p<.05), respectively. This increase in regional myocardial function, however, was not detected by % WT (10.5±6.4% vs 6.3±6.6%). Thus, during left ventricular asynchrony, the measurement of LV-dP/dt to estimate the timing of global LV end-systole is inappropriate and can lcad to inaccuracies in the measurement of regional contractile function. Parameters such as AMP or WI are advantageous since global LV end-systole docs not need to be accurately defined.
Integrins and Src: dynamic duo of adhesion signaling.

Src family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) play important roles downstream of integrin adhesion receptors, and they are necessary for the generation of ‘outside-in signals' that regulate cytoskeletal organization, cell motility and gene expression in response to cell adhesion. One relatively under-explored facet of this relationship is the possible physical interaction of integrins with SFKs. Recently, it has been established that β3 integrins and c-Src can interact directly, and this pool of c-Src is activated by cell adhesion to initiate outside-in signaling in platelets, osteoclasts and cells of the vasculature. Here, the biochemical basis for and biological significance of this integrin–SFK interaction is summarized, and I propose a general mechanism for initiation of outside-in integrin signaling.
Examining the Invariance of Holland's Vocational Interest Model across Gender

Abstract This study examines the structural invariance of Holland's (1973, 1985) vocational interest model across gender. Evidence of gender differences in the fit of Holland's model was sought by submitting 14 (7 male; 7 female) previously published Strong Interest Inventory (SII) General Occupational Themes (GOT) scale correlation matrices to multiple structural analytic techniques. Randomization tests of hypothesized order relations (Hubert Arabie, 1987) and single sample confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) indicated a moderate to strong correspondence between GOT data and Holland's circular order and circumplex models. Randomization tests of differences in model–data fit, and two-sample CFA indicated that these models are a no more or less accurate representation of the observed data for men than for women. Additional analyses aimed at identifying gender differences in the misfit of specific aspects of Holland's model also yielded no evidence of differential fit.
Economic evaluation of laboratory testing strategies for hospital-associated Clostridium difficile infection.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in health care settings, and for patients presumed to have CDI, their isolation while awaiting laboratory results is costly. Newer rapid tests for CDI may reduce this burden, but the economic consequences of different testing algorithms remain unexplored. We used decision analysis from the hospital perspective to compare multiple CDI testing algorithms for adult inpatients with suspected CDI, assuming patient management according to laboratory results. CDI testing strategies included combinations of on-demand PCR (odPCR), batch PCR, lateral-flow diagnostics, plate-reader enzyme immunoassay, and direct tissue culture cytotoxicity. In the reference scenario, algorithms incorporating rapid testing were cost-effective relative to nonrapid algorithms. For every 10,000 symptomatic adults, relative to a strategy of treating nobody, lateral-flow glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH)/odPCR generated 831 true-positive results and cost $1,600 per additional true-positive case treated. Stand-alone odPCR was more effective and more expensive, identifying 174 additional true-positive cases at $6,900 per additional case treated. All other testing strategies were dominated by (i.e., more costly and less effective than) stand-alone odPCR or odPCR preceded by lateral-flow screening. A cost-benefit analysis (including estimated costs of missed cases) favored stand-alone odPCR in most settings but favored odPCR preceded by lateral-flow testing if a missed CDI case resulted in less than $5,000 of extended hospital stay costs and 93%, or if the symptomatic carrier proportion among the toxigenic culture-positive cases was >80%. These results can aid guideline developers and laboratory directors who are considering rapid testing algorithms for diagnosing CDI.
Response to Fahrenfort and Lamme: defining reportability, accessibility and sufficiency in conscious awareness

In their letter to TiCS [1], Fahrenfort and Lamme (F&L) bring up two issues in response to our position [2] that we address here.
Temephos (Abate) metabolism and toxicity in rats.

In order to clarifyin vivo relationships between the mammalian metabolism and toxicity of temephos, an organophosphate insecticide, activities of acetylcholinesterase and hepatic mixed function oxidases (MFO) were evaluated in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats after acute and subchronic temephos exposures. After acute and the last subchronic exposure, animals were exsanguinated at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hr. Plasma was collected for temephos extraction and subsequent analysis by high performance liquid chromatography. Red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (RBC AChE) activity was assayed radiometrically immediately after blood collection. Hexobarbital sleeping times after temephos treatments were measured four hr after the acute (1 day) and last subchronic (5 days) exposures to assess MFO activity. After acute and subchronic exposures, temephos elimination was monoexponential with half-lives of 7 and 24 hr, respectively. After acute temephos exposure, RBC AChE was inhibited by 67% at 4 hr and 47% after 48 hr. After subchronic temephos exposures, RBC AChE inhibition was 100% throughout the 48-hr period with presence of cholinergic signs. Plasma temephos concentrations were inversely correlated with RBC AChE inhibition (r=−0.92). Duration of hexobarbital sleeping times increased significantly after acute and subchronic treatments with high temephos doses. Plasma temephos concentrations were directly correlated with hexobarbital sleeping times (r=0.87). The results indicate that temephos effects on MFO were similar to many other organophosphates. Increased plasma elimination half-lives indicated MFO saturation and partition of temephos into peripheral tissues at high doses. RBC AChE inhibition was consistent with other organophosphates that are metabolized to active metabolites. MFO saturation resulted in optimum metabolite production and maximum RBC AChE inhibition after subchronic exposures.
Dynamics of storm tracks: A linear instability perspective

Abstract The instability properties of an observed seasonal mean flow are diagnosed in terms of (i) the local versus global instability of normal modes, (ii) the convective versus absolute instability of a pulse, and (iii) the finite-time instability of optimal structures (modes), so as to learn about the dynamics of the storm tracks. The analysis is carried out in the context of the boreal winter circulation of 1982–83 with the use of a three-layer hemispheric linear balanced model. Four clusters of normal modes with different geographical characteristics are identified among the unstable modes with an e-folding time shorter than 8 days. The Pacific modes and Atlantic modes bear a striking resemblance to the Pacific and Atlantic storm tracks of that winter, respectively. The Pacific mode primarily arises from convective instability, but recycling feedback around the hemisphere is not essential. Self-seeding of such a mode stems from an upstream convergence of ageostrophic geopotential flux over the weste...
Primary tooth fluorosis and amoxicillin use during infancy.

Objective It has been speculated that amoxicillin use could be associated with enamel defects, but there have been few studies of this possible relationship. This study assessed the association between amoxicillin use during the first year of life and primary tooth fluorosis. Methods Subjects (n = 490) were recruited at birth and followed prospectively with a series of questionnaires to gather information on fluoride intake and amoxicillin use. Primary tooth fluorosis was assessed by calibrated examiners at approximately 5 years of age. Results Amoxicillin use for 6 weeks to 3 months and 3 months to 6 months significantly increased the risk for fluorosis of primary second molars in bivariate analyses. However, after controlling for fluoride intake, the adjusted risks of fluorosis were not significant for amoxicillin use. No other antibiotics were significantly associated with fluorosis in the bivariate analyses. In multivariate analyses with logistic regressions, only fluoride intake was statistically significantly related to fluorosis. Conclusion Fluoride exposure was the sole predictor of primary tooth fluorosis in a multivariate model. However, bivariate results suggest that amoxicillin could play a contributing role in the development of primary tooth fluorosis, especially for children exposed to lower levels of fluoride. An investigation of the relationship between amoxicillin intake and fluorosis of permanent teeth is warranted.
Chronic daily administration of oral etoposide in refractory lymphoma.

Abstract In a phase II study, 25 patients with previously treated lymphoma received oral etoposide for 21 consecutive days. All patients were considered incurable with standard therapy. Etoposide was administered at 50 mg/m 2 per day: courses were repeated every 28–35 days, depending on myelosuppression. 15 patients (60%) had partial responses (95% CI 41–77%), while 10 patients had no response. Median time to disease progression was 5 months (range 2–13 months). Oral etoposide was active against indolent and aggressive (intermediate and high grade) lymphomas; however, median time to progression was only 3 months in aggressive lymphoma compared with 8 months in indolent lymphoma. Myelosuppression was the major side-effect; 7 patients (28%) had a leucocyte nadir below 1000/μl during the first course, and 11 patients required dose reduction during subsequent courses due to unacceptable leukopenia. All patients had total alopecia, but other side-effects were uncommon. These results highlight the importance of schedule in the administration of etoposide.
Akt1 Is Required for Physiological Cardiac Growth

Background— Postnatal growth of the heart chiefly involves nonproliferative cardiomyocyte enlargement. Cardiac hypertrophy exists in a “physiological” form that is an adaptive response to long-term exercise training and as a “pathological” form that often is a maladaptive response to provocative stimuli such as hypertension and aortic valvular stenosis. A signaling cascade that includes the protein kinase Akt regulates the growth and survival of many cell types, but the precise role of Akt1 in either form of cardiac hypertrophy is unknown. Methods and Results— To evaluate the role of Akt1 in physiological cardiac growth, akt1−/− adult murine cardiac myocytes (AMCMs) were treated with IGF-1, and akt1−/− mice were subjected to exercise training. akt1−/− AMCMs were resistant to insulin-like growth factor-1–stimulated protein synthesis. The akt1−/− mice were found to be resistant to swimming training–induced cardiac hypertrophy. To evaluate the role of Akt in pathological cardiac growth, akt1−/− AMCMs were tr...
Scholarly E-Journal Pricing Models and Open Access Publishing

Abstract This article provides an overview and description of the models being used to price electronic journals, reviews the development of electronic journals, and briefly discusses the history of journal pricing. The development and current situation of open-access scholarly publishing are also discussed. Open access may provide needed relief to the inexorable rise in journal prices, while increasing the impact of research distributed in this way. doi:10.1300/J383v04n01_03
Structure/durability relationships in polyurethane wood adhesives: Neat films or wood/polyurethane composite specimens?

Abstract The weather durability of moisture-cure polyurethane (PUR) wood adhesives was studied using various analytical methods to seek structure/durability relationships. Emphasis was placed on the relative merit of specimen types, neat PUR films vs. specimens excised from wood/adhesive bondlines. Three PURs were prepared from polymeric methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) and poly(propylene glycol) where the hard phase content ranged from 53.5% to 72.5%. Using neat films, weather durability was correlated to lower water vapor absorptivity, and to less water plasticization under dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Water-submersion DMA of neat films suggested that benefits might occur when the water-saturated hard phase exhibits maximum mechanical damping near 105 °C, the steaming temperature imposed during weathering. After weathering, both neat film and bondline specimens relaxed (cooled and dried) into an altered rheological state, where greater changes correlated to poor durability. This effect was clear in bondline specimens, and less so in neat films. FTIR of bondline specimens revealed evidence of post-cure, hydrolytic degradation, and complex changes in hydrogen bonding. Neat film and composite wood/PUR specimens each possess complementary advantages; both should be used to test the correlations observed here.