cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Tritiated Water for Measurement of 24-Hour Milk Intake in Suckling Lean and Genetically Obese (ob/ob) Mice

A non-invasive method has been developed for measuring milk intake of suckling mice under physiological conditions. This method was used to determine whether genetically obese (ob/ob) mice are hyperphagic at 10 and 15 days of age. Lactating dams were injected with tritiated water (3H2O), which equilibrated in body water within 30 minutes. A constant specific activity of 3H2O was maintained over a 24-hour period by provision of 3H2O in drinking water. Tritium accumulation in body water of pups was proportional to their milk intake. After 24 hours, pups were removed from the dam, weighed, and blood samples (less than 10 microliters) obtained for assay of plasma 3H content by liquid scintillation counting. Body water content was computed from body weight. The composition of mouse milk taken from dams on days 10 and 15 of lactation was analyzed both volumetrically and gravimetrically. Water content was 68 to 69%; lipid content was 20% on day 10, 17% on day 15. At 10 days, mean milk intake was 0.96 ml, independent of litter size. At 15 days, intake per pup tended to decrease, from 1.4 to 0.8 ml, with increasing litter size. Using this method we have established that under physiological conditions ob/ob mice, which were identified as such at 4 to 5 weeks of age, do not have increased milk consumption at either 10 or 15 days of age.
Long-chain dicar☐ylic acids

Abstract This paper describes the behavior of dicar☐ylic acids of the type 5- (and 6-) car☐y-4-hexyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl octanoic acid, denoted by H 2 D. The solubility products of the free acids H 2 D and the acid soaps NaHD were evaluated by applying a general multiparametric curve-fitting program to data obtained in acidimetric potentiometric titrations of solutions of the disodium salts Na 2 D containing various concentrations of sodium nitrate. Plots of the electrical conductivity against the concentration of Na 2 D showed two discontinuities corresponding to two critical micelle concentrations, and suggesting that a configurational change of aggregation occurs in addition to the usual micelle formation.
Functional brain response to food images in successful adolescent weight losers compared with normal-weight and overweight controls.

Objective Research conducted with adults suggests that successful weight losers demonstrate greater activation in brain regions associated with executive control in response to viewing high-energy foods. No previous studies have examined these associations in adolescents. Functional neuroimaging was used to assess brain response to food images among groups of overweight (OW), normal-weight (NW), and successful weight-losing (SWL) adolescents. Methods Eleven SWL, 12 NW, and 11 OW participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing images of high- and low-energy foods. Results When viewing high-energy food images, SWLs demonstrated greater activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) compared with OW and NW controls. Compared with NW and SWL groups, OW individuals demonstrated greater activation in the ventral striatum and anterior cingulate in response to food images. Conclusions Adolescent SWLs demonstrated greater neural activation in the DLPFC compared with OW/NW controls when viewing high-energy food stimuli, which may indicate enhanced executive control. OW individuals' brain responses to food stimuli may indicate greater reward incentive processes than either SWL or NW groups.
Automatic calculation of sites for positioning of mobile gamma probes in case of an emergency at a Bavarian nuclear power plant

Abstract In the early phase of a nuclear emergency many decisions have to be made by the authorities. So it is of great support when certain measures run automatically. Additional mobile gamma probes are therefore picked up by the local fire brigade at the nuclear power plant without further ado by the authorities. The gamma probes are then positioned at sites which are calculated automatically, taking into account the momentary weather situation. The sites are printed on a map handed over to the firemen. A location of a standby area after having set up the gamma probes is also given on this map.
CONFIDENCE, COMMITMENT, AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND RETENTION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS

This study examines the relationships among locus of control, commitment to college, and academic performance and retention of community college students enrolled in introductory baccalaureate courses. Findings include that locus of control, objectives, and commitment to completing courses are minimally related to performance, but more strongly related to retention. Implications of the study include: (1) interactions may not be crucial factors of success or persistence for community college students, (2) community colleges need to examine and communicate the extent to which students achieve their goals in spite of or even as a result of dropping classes or stopping out of college, and (3) colleges need to explore differential counseling and advisement for groups of students for whom traditional measures are not predictive.
Visual field mapping to prevent visual field deficits in epilepsy surgery Seeing the problem

Winston et al.1 present an analysis of 21 patients who underwent intraoperative visual tract tracking via intraoperative MRI (iMRI)–based diffusion tensor tractography. These patients are compared to historical controls at their institution for outcome in visual field analysis. A novel and interesting result, after accounting for brain shift, is that visual field deficits in the contralateral superior quadrant were less ( p = 0.043) with intraoperative heads-up display of optic radiation tractography than without. What is further stated, and rightly so, is that if the patient's main reason for considering epilepsy surgery is to get back to driving, and we hinder their vision so much that they are unable to drive, this is a substantive issue.
Individual Needs Versus Collective Interests: Network Dynamics in the Freelance Editorial Association

The Freelance Editorial Association, founded in the 1980s, was an organization of editorial professionals working on contract. Through its 15 years of operation, the organization developed a model of collective representation and sought to improve employment practices and work relations for these contingent workers. Expanding through occupational networks, the association established a program of services and a set of principles for advocacy, which it applied on behalf of members seeking resolution of disputes with clients. The organization, however, proved unsustainable. Resource constraints, labor market structures, and the underlying dynamics of occupational networks, which operated in the interests of clients as well as freelancers, undermined its model. Although the association addressed many individual needs, it generated little leverage toward promoting collective interests. Its efforts, however, offer caveats for the development of new models of collective representation.
Transoral robotic resection of selected parapharyngeal space tumors

Currently, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with the daVinci robot is mainly used for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and supraglottic larynx. The safety, efficacy, and functional outcomes regarding this approach have previously been described. In addition to transoral resection of squamous cell carcinoma, we have found use for this technique in removing selected tumors of the parapharyngeal space. Three patients with benign or malignant tumors of the parapharyngeal space who underwent successful transoral resection using the daVinci robot were included in the study. In all three cases, complete tumor excision was achieved without any complication. None required conversion to an open procedure. Mean TORS operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 16.3 min and 4.7 mL, respectively. Inadequate oral exposure, involvement of the internal carotid artery, limited cervical spine mobility and large tumor size are the main limitations of this approach. Result indicates that magnified view, 3D visualization with the combination of the transoral robotic experience, allow en bloc resection of selected parapharyngeal space tumors located medial to the carotid sheath.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The use of Monte Carlo simulation has been retarded by the haze of confusion stemming from unfamiliarity with the tool and the way it is often presented. This article presents an overview of how Monte Carlo simulation can be used in a variety of management situations, and outlines characteristics of and requirements for its successful application. Applications of Monte Carlo procedures in production economics and in production planning and inventory control are illustrated, with a view to improving understanding of Monte Carlo methods, as a toot of significant value in research and practical business management. LES MODELES DE SIMULATION DE LA TECHNIQUE MONTE CARLO - L'usage de la technique Monte Carlo a ralenti quelque peu, a cause de l'incertitude et la facon dont le sujet a deja ete presente. Cet etude presents un apercu de cette technique et son usage dans diverses situations administrates. Elle souligne aussi quelques caracteristiques pour une meillewe application. Les methodes a employer dans le dirigisme economique sont aussi illustrees SUMMARY Monte Carlo simulation is not a substitute for proper theoretical model construction, nor is it a substitute for proper experimental design and statistical analysis. Rather Monte Carlo simulation is a method of performing experiments on functionally expressed models. As such, careful attention should be given to primary model construction, experimental design and statistical analysis. Although simulation procedures in general allow testing of various policies, decisions and rules relating to an operating system, Monte Carlo simulation facilitates a more vaned type of experimentation. This results from the random generation of finite observations for otherwise undefined functional relations. Monte Carlo is also well adapted to situations requiring an approximation of the stochastic influences often found in real world operating and decision systems. This is especially relevant when theoretical analysis is unable to relate certain phenomena. Monte Carlo techniques Frovide a means of experimentation from which statements of statistical inference may be made. Such inferences will facilitate logical consistency of analytical models. Monte Carlo techniques provide a means of performing experiments from whch statements of statistical inference may be made.
Swift gamma-ray burst afterglows and the forward-shock model

The X-ray light curves of the gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows monitored by Swift display one to four phases of power-law decay. In the chronological order they are: the burst tail, the ‘hump’, the standard decay, and the post-jet-break decay. We compare the decay indices and spectral slopes measured during each phase with the expectations for the forward-shock model to identify the processes which may be at work and to constrain some of their properties. The large-angle emission produced during the burst, but arriving at observer later, is consistent with the GRB tail decay for less than half of bursts. Several afterglows exhibit a slow, unbroken power-law decay from burst end until 1 d, showing that the forward-shock emission is, sometimes, present from the earliest afterglow observations. In fact, the forward-shock synchrotron emission from a very narrow jet (half-angle less than 1 ◦ ) is consistent with the decay of 75 per cent of GRB tails. The forward-shock inverse-Compton emission from a narrow jet that does not expand sideways also accommodates the decay of 80 per cent of GRB tails. The X-ray light curve hump can be attributed to an increasing kinetic energy per solid angle of the forward-shock region visible to the observer. This increase could be due to the emergence of the emission from an outflow seen from a location outside its opening. However, the correlations among the hump timing, flux, and decay index expected in this model are not confirmed by observations. Thus, the increase in the forward-shock kinetic energy is more likely caused by some incoming ejecta arriving at the shock during the afterglow phase. The jet interpretation for the burst tails and the energy injection scenario for the hump lead to a double-jet outflow structure consisting of a narrow GRB jet which precedes a wider afterglow outflow of lower kinetic energy per solid angle but higher total energy.
Correlation of the amino-acid sequence and the 3D structure of the functional domain of EmaA from Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Adhesion to collagen is an important virulence determinant for the periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Binding to collagen is mediated by the extracellular-matrix protein adhesin-A (EmaA). EmaA is a homotrimeric autotransporter protein that forms flexible antenna-like appendages on the bacterium surface. An ellipsoidal structure at the distal end of the appendage, composed of three subdomains, contains the functional domain of the molecule. A correlation between amino-acid sequence and subdomain structure (SI and SII) was proposed based on an analysis of the volume/molecular weight ratio. EmaA from three mutant strains (deletions of amino-acids 70-206 and 70-386 and a substitution mutation G162S) has been studied by electron microscopy to test this hypothesis. 3D structures were analyzed using single-axis tilt tomography of negatively stained preparations of bacteria combined with subvolume averaging. Additionally, a large number of 2D images of the apical domain of the adhesins from the mutants were extracted from micrographs of the bacterial surface, aligned and classified. The combined data showed that amino-acids 70-206 localize to subdomain SI and 70-386 comprise subdomains SI and SII. Moreover, we showed that the substitution mutation G162S, which abolishes collagen binding activity, does not affect the overall structural integrity of the functional domain. However, the structure of subdomain SI in this mutant is slightly altered with respect to the wild-type strain. These data also have allowed us to interpret the architectural features of each subdomain of EmaA in more detail and to correlate the 3D structure of the functional domain of EmaA with the amino-acid sequence.
Error estimators for eigenvalues computed from discretized models ofvibrating structures

Conclusions A method has been proposed for determining modified parameters in symmetric undamped vibratory systems. The method can be applied to a large class of systems with distinct eigenvalues. The algorithm demonstrated in this Note shows how to change system parameters in order to obtain predetermined spectral data. It is especially useful in practice when we must repeat many times the computations for the same system, but for a different set of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. For the given modified system, after computations of the inverse sensitivities, the increments of the parameters AM and AA' are determined very fast by way of a simple number of matrix multiplications [see Eqs. (20) and (21)]. The method is useful in modifications of complex structures with a large number of degrees of freedom because it is much faster than classical calculations of parameter changes computed on the basis of Eqs. (11) and (12). One should emphasize that the algorithm presented here allows comparison of the increments AM and AK produced by the changes of AA and A Y, taking into account shares of the individual increments AX/ and Ay#.
Low energy dislocation structures caused by martensitic transformations

Abstract The low energy dislocation structures in microdomains, twin domains and self-accommodating interfaces, causes by martensitic transformations, are evaluated for several B2 alloys with 18R, 9R and 3R martensite structures by the modern theory of martensitic transformations. The transformations are accomplished by two lattice-variant shears and a volume change relaxation and are one dimensional in origin when the order parameter couples linearly with the spontaneous strain. The primary shear, on a system with degenerate stress sense, periodically alternates its direction to minimize long-range stress fields, while the habit plane shear minimizes long-range stress fields by “self-accomodation” between variants. The habit planes and shape strains, computed by this theory, are the same as those for the phenomenological theory; this is discussed. The lattice-variant transformation dislocations originate from the three-dimensional network, where screw dislocation segments dissociate to form fluctuating microdomains (localized soft modes), and these thicken when the transformation dislocations multiply by a cross-slip dissociation mechanism. The computed Schmid factors for variants in self-accommodating groups show opposite signs, indicative of a minimum long-range stress field. The resulting low energy dislocation structure is an interface of primary shear dislocations of alternating signs and habit plane shear dislocations in self-accomodating variants with almost opposite shear strains. The results indicate criteria for high pseudoelasticity and shape memory behavior with a mobile low energy dislocation structure which is highly susceptible to an applied stress.
Molecular determinants for differential membrane trafficking of PMCA1 and PMCA2 in mammalian hair cells

The plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase-2 (PMCA2) is expressed in stereocilia of hair cells of the inner ear, whereas PMCA1 is expressed in the basolateral plasma membrane of hair cells. Both extrude excess Ca 2+ from the cytosol. They are predicted to contain ten membrane-spanning segments, two large cytoplasmic loops as well as cytosolic N- and C-termini. Several isoform variants are generated for both PMCA1 and PMCA2 by alternative splicing, affecting their first cytosolic loop (A-site) and their C-terminal tail. To understand how these isoforms are differentially targeted in hair cells, we investigated their targeting regions and expression in hair cells. Our results show that a Leu-Ile motif in `b9-tail splice variants promotes PMCA1b and PMCA2b basolateral sorting in hair cells. Moreover, apical targeting of PMCA2 depends on the size of the A-site-spliced insert, suggesting that the conformation of the cytoplasmic loop plays a role in apical targeting.
Rheological effects on pulsatile hemodynamics in a stenosed tube

Abstract Transient laminar axisymmetric flow through a tube with a smooth local area reduction of 75% is considered. Using an experimentally validated control volume method, the influence of three rheology models (i.e., Newtonian, power law and Quemada) are investigated. Three Womersley numbers ( Wo=r 0 ω/ν 1/2 :=4.0, 7.5 and 12.5) are compared for a sinusoidal input pulse which varies between 0 and 400 with a mean Reynolds number of 200. The primary application is pulsatile flow in axisymmetric stenosed artery segments. Results show that for the highest Womersley number considered here, a second co-rotating vortex is formed distal to the primary vortex. Also, the shear-thinning rheological models have a secondary effect on the flow field that primarily appears in terms of subtle changes to the hemodynamic wall parameters (i.e., the time-averaged wall shear stress, spatial wall shear stress gradient, and oscillatory shear index). The non-Newtonian models affect the entrainment of fluid-like particles in the post-stenotic region measurably. The particle residence time (PRT), defined as the ratio of transient to steady residence times, is found to be less than or equal to unity for the majority of fluid elements for all rheologies and Womersley numbers considered. The highest fraction of PRT 10, is found to increase with increasing Wo and is decreased by the non-Newtonian formulations. This is due to a low-shear high-viscosity band that impedes the progress of fluid particles into the near wall region.
Financing Desegregation in the Yonkers Public Schools.

The Yonkers public school district is under a federal court order to desegregate its schools. Accordingly, the district has developed and implemented a detailed desegregation plan that will cost up to $170 million over a five-year period. However, there are various constraints on school district financing that could affect the plan. The Board of Education in Yonkers, which is appointed by the mayor, is fiscally dependent on the city. Thus, the school district budget must be approved by city officials. Also, because Yonkers appears to be a wealthy district, it receives less wealth-equalized state aid than other large-city districts. Given these circumstances, in addition to increase in state and federal aid, other measures to assist the district should be explored.
Study of compliance of Android location APIs with Geopriv

This paper carefully examines the location APIs of Android OS as well as the Geopriv standard architecture to study measures that are being taken by Android OS to protect the location privacy of a user. Android offers various location APIs in its architecture for the app developers to work on location based services (LBS). The results of this evaluation will be compared with Geopriv standard architecture and its ways to enhance location information privacy on mobile platforms. The review of functionality of location APIs shows that Android has limited features such as Geofencing to have some extent of location privacy for a typical user. Only few of the recommendation in distribution segment of Geopriv with slightly different approach are similar to the protection mechanisms offered by location APIs in Android. The paper proposes general steps that can be taken to address location privacy issues on mobile devices.
Partnered Decisions? U.S. Couples and Medical Help-Seeking for Infertility

We examined male partners' influence on the decision to seek medical help for infertility using the National Study of Fertility Barriers. Building upon an existing help-seeking framework, we incorporated characteristics of both partners from 219 heterosexual couples who had ever perceived a fertility problem. In logistic regression analyses, we found an association between couple-level attitudes and medical help-seeking even when other predisposing and enabling conditions existed. Overall, the findings highlight that both partners contribute to the infertility help-seeking process, and that different factors may play a role in different stages of help-seeking. Studies of infertility help-seeking need to be more inclusive of the context that these decisions are embedded within to better understand service use.
SU‐FF‐T‐466: A Single Dose Calibration Method for IMRT QA Film Dosimetry Using Gafchromic® EBT Film

Purpose: In order to decrease the workload for IMRT QA filmdosimetry we propose a simple method for Gafchromic® EBT filmcalibration using a pre‐measured batch calibration curve (BCC) which is mathematically scaled with a single dose exposure (SDE) for each subsequent IMRT QA session. We evaluate how the SDE method corrects for post exposure density growth and temperature dependence in addition to inter film response homogeneity. Method and Materials: Each of five EBT films, from a single production lot, were exposed to doses of 22.5, 43.1, 84.4, 147.4, 209.1, and 291.2 cGy. Measurement of the resulting response curves were performed at times ranging from 0.7 to 52 hours post exposure on a Macbeth TD932 point densitometer customized with a 636nm band pass filter and 16 bit digitizer for increased sensitivity, yielding 35 curves in all. The BCC was generated from a film measured at 0.7 hours and fit to the equation Dose = A * netOD 3 + B * netOD 2 + C * netOD . To test the method, net optical density (NOD) data for the remaining 34 curves was scaled to fit the BCC using 209.1 cGy as the SDE. The scaling factor is the ratio of the actual measured NOD of the SDE, and the NOD predicted by the BCC for this dose. The new scaled calibration is used to predict all 204 test doses, which were then compared to the actual delivered doses. Results: Using the single uncorrected BCC resulted in an average error for the 204 dose points of 11.9 cGy. However, scaling according the method described reduced the average measured dose error to 1.1 cGy. Conclusion: The single dose exposure method described here is an accurate and time efficient calibration procedure for IMRT QA filmdosimetry.Conflict of Interest: Partially supported by International Specialty Products.
Thermal mechanical modeling of cooling history and fracture development in inflationary basalt lava flows

Abstract Thermal–mechanical analyses of isotherms in low-volume basalt flows having a range of aspect ratios agree with inferred isotherm patterns deduced from cooling fracture patterns in field examples on the eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho, and highlight the caveats of analytical models of sheet flow cooling when considering low-volume flows. Our field observations show that low-volume lava flows have low aspect ratios (width divided by thickness), typically
Optima: A Windows-Based Program for Computer-Aided Optimization of Controlled-Release Dosage Forms

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this work was to develop a computer program that assists optimization of controlled-release devices, both visually and mathematically, using response surface methodology (RSM). A Windows-based computer program, Optima, which interactively implemented a number of subroutines for the optimization procedure, was developed. Optima is an integrated, user-friendly, and graphically oriented program for pharmaceutical dosage form optimization. Central composite design is implemented in the program. First- and second-order models containing up to five variables can be fitted to the data. The user can also choose between linear and exponential individual desirability functions, and use them to construct an overall desirability function that combines all the response variables in a single response. The program can predict the optimum levels of experimental variables, with respect to individual responses and/or the overall desirability. Optima has been successfully used in the development of su...
INFLUENCE OF HYPERTHYROIDISM ON URINARY EXCRETION OF THIAMIN AND RIBOFLAVIN1

IN PREVIOUS publications it was demonstrated that vitamin B complex concentrates (Sure and Smith, 1934) and crystalline thiamin (Sure and Buchanan, 1937) offer protection against loss of body weight of the albino rat in hyperthyroidism which is produced by subcutaneous injections of 0.05 to 0.25 mg. of natural thyroxin; also that hyperthyroidism produces considerable loss of ascorbic acid in various tissues (Sure and Theis, 1939). In this and in previous studies the existence of hyperthyroidism was determined by loss of body weight, cardiac hypertrophy and marked creatinuria In the present communication experimental data are submitted on the influence of subcutaneous administration of synthetic thyroxin on urinary excretion of thiamin and riboflavin. Results of this investigation are presented in tables 1 and 2. Four pairs of litter mate rats, weighing 170 to 185 gm.
Advanced Situated Tutors: Design, Philosophy, and a Review of Existing Systems

“Situated tutors” combine intelligent, adaptive instructional technology with a simulated environment that allows trainees to explore the context, knowledge, applications, and social interactions i...
Weak-interaction corrections to the electromagnetic interactions of leptons

In order to examine the structure of weak interactions we have calculated the effects of the higher-order weak interactions on the electromagnetic properties of the charged leptons both in theV —A form of the phenomenological Lagrangian theory of Fermi and in the vector boson theory. It is found that the vector boson theory gives a contribution of ∼ 0.25.10-6 to the union’s anomalous magnetic moment and a small parity nonconserving part to the electromagnetic current. The expected anomalous magnetic moment correction in the phenomenological Lagrangian theory is surprisingly absent. Experimental consequences are discussed.
Uto-Aztecan religions and cosmologies: Reflections on a research project in response to Armin W. Geertz

The study of religion, like the study of culture in general, moves between the search for human universals and the in-depth investigation of particular cases Shifting focus from the particular to the universal and back again is crucial to the advancement of understanding, but anthropologists have tended, at different points in the history of the discipline, to emphasize one perspec tive over the other, moving to the alternative perspective primarily because of dissatisfaction with the results of the one currently in vogue In the mid twentieth-century, the great expectations that many anthropologists had for broad cross-cultural analyses gave way to widespread disenchantment with this approach's methods and conclusions (Burton - White 1987) Anthro pological research became increasingly particularistic, with the solipsism of radical post-modernist ethnography emerging as the most extreme manifes
Behavior of the cholesteric liquid-crystal fabry-perot cavity in the bragg reflection band

In this Letter, we investigate the behavior of the cholesteric liquid-crystal Fabry-Perot cavity in the spectral range of the Bragg reflection band. We show that in this region the $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Jones}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{matrix}$ calculation gives a false predication. However, by the use of the $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{matrix}$ method, interesting features are revealed in the resonance spectra. The resonance spectra split when $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\sim}\overline{n}P$. Our experiments confirm this phenomenon. The experimental results show that the splitting occurs in a steplike fashion. This can be explained by the quantization of the pitch that occurs due to the fixed boundary conditions.
Interactions among stream fishes: predator-induced habitat shifts and larval survival.

Adult largemouth bass alter habitat use by, and abundances of, other fishes in small streams. Experimental manipulations of bass in natural stream pools (Brier Creek, Oklahoma) showed that responses of other fishes to adult bass were highly dependent on prey size, and that both direct and indirect effects of adult bass influence the distribution and abundance of other stream fishes. Experiments measuring the distributional responses of members of natural pool assemblages to adult bass revealed differences among adult sunfishes, “small” fishes (16–80 mm SL), and larval sunfish and minnows. Adult sunfishes (Lepomis spp.) did not detectably alter their depth distribution in response to adult bass, but changes in abundance of adult Lepomis on the whole-pool scale appeared positively related to changes in the number of bass. Small fishes tended to occupy shallower water when adult bass were present; changes in abundance of small fishes were negatively related to the number of adult bass. Larval minnows and larval Lepomis occupied primarily deep, mid-regions of pools, and were found only in pools which contained, or had contained, adult bass. A second set of experiments was motivated by censuses of small prairie-margin streams which revealed co-occurrence of larval fishes (of both minnow and sunfish species) and adult largemouth bass. Experimental manipulation of bass and Lepomis larvae on the whole-pool scale showed that adult bass enhanced short-term survival of Lepomis larvae. This effect appears to be an indirect result of habitat shifts by small fishes in response to bass; additional experiments indicated that these small fishes are potentially important predators of larvae. The interactions suggested in this study are analogous to those hypothesized for bass and sunfish in lakes by Werner and Hall (1988).
A report on the Sisal language project

Abstract Sisal (Streams and Iterations in Single Assignment Language) is a general-purpose applicative language intended for use on both conventional and novel multiprocessor systems. In this report we discuss the project's objectives, philosophy, and accomplishments and state our future plans. Four significant results of the Sisal project are compilation techniques for high-performance parallel applicative computation, a microtasking environment that supports dataflow on conventional shared-memory architectures, execution times comparable to those of Fortran, and cost-effective speedup on shared-memory multiprocessors.
Moving forward with breast cancer prevention.

T he potential for breast cancer chemoprevention is supported by results from several large randomized trials of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene. Both tamoxifen and raloxifene have been shown to reduce the incidence of invasive breast cancer by approximately 50%, with the benefit confined to estrogen receptor-positive (ERþ) tumors. The first results from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial (NSABP P-1) of tamoxifen versus placebo for primary breast cancer prevention were published in 1998 and greeted with much fanfare. However, the use of tamoxifen for primary breast cancer prevention has been limited due to concerns regarding adverse effects (including uterine cancer and thromboembolic events) and the unfamiliarity of the majority of primary care providers with tamoxifen, which is primarily considered to be an oncology drug. Conversely, primary care providers are already familiar with raloxifene, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In addition, rates of adverse effects from placebo-controlled raloxifene trials appeared to be lower than those observed for tamoxifen (Table 1). These differences were confirmed in the large, randomized STAR trial (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene), which reported a lower risk of thromboembolic events (relative risk [RR] of 0.70; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.54– 0.91) and cataracts (RR of 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68–0.92) in the raloxifene arm compared with patients treated with tamoxifen. Although there was no statistically significant differences noted with regard to rates of uterine cancer (RR of 0.62; 95% CI, 0.35–1.08), raloxifene clearly had fewer effects on the uterus, with a lower incidence of uterine hyperplasia (RR of 0.16; 95% CI, 0.09–0.29) and fewer hysterectomies performed during follow-up (RR of 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35–0.56). In contrast to hormone replacement therapy, raloxifene did not appear to significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Rather than using a ‘‘one size fits all’’ approach to chemoprevention, we propose following the cardiovascular disease paradigm in which interventions are targeted according to the estimated risk of disease development. For cardiovascular disease, both biomarker Supported by Grant P01 CA 087969 from the National Cancer Institute.
Proper processing of a G protein γ subunit depends on complex formation with a β subunit

G protein beta and gamma subunits function as a tightly associated complex. We show that complex formation with the beta subunit is a critical step for post-translational processing of a gamma subunit. When expressed alone in a cell line, the gamma 3 subunit type is isoprenylated but degraded; co-expression with the beta 1 subunit type stabilizes the gamma 3 protein. Furthermore, our experiments with partial cell fractionation indicate that the gamma 3 protein is localized differently in the cell depending on whether or not it is bound to the beta subunit. Binding of the gamma subunit to the beta subunit is thus one of the prerequisites for the appropriate intracellular localization of the beta gamma complex and potentially, for normal G-protein function.
Subcellular localization of enzyme activities involved in the metabolism of platelet-activating factor in rainbow trout leukocytes.

Abstract The subcellular distribution of an alkyllyso-GPC: acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.67) and transacylase, two important enzyme activities involved in the remodeling pathway for the biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, PAF) have been examined in leukocytes isolated from the pronephros of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Contrary to mammalian systems, in which the acetyltransferase is localized to intracellular membranes, the subcellular distribution of an acetyltransferase activity in rainbow trout leukocytes was localized to the plasma membrane. Analysis of the acetyltransferase products by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed synthesis of two subclasses of PAF, 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. The transacylase activity in this study was detected in membrane fractions in two domains of the intermediate density region which also contained the NADH dehydrogenase activity, a marker enzyme for the endoplasmic reticulum. Acylation of lysoPAF (1-O-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) exhibited approximately 95% specificity for ω-3 fatty acids. Acylation patterns were not significantly different in either domain of the endoplasmic reticulum. A model is proposed herein for the metabolism of PAF in rainbow trout leukocytes.
Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified: primary care perspectives

Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD, NOS), a developmental-neurologic spectrum disorder, occurs in 10 to 12 of every 10,000 children. PDD, NOS is characterized by a spectrum of significant problems that may vary substantially in range and expression. These may include visual/spatial, kinesthetic, verbal/linguistic, and musical/rhythmic problems. Social skill deficits are also common, as are restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Symptoms of PDD, NOS are often expressed differently among children with the disorder and can be mistakenly attributed to other problems such as attention deficits, oppositional behavior, or stress reactions. Clinicians may encounter children in their practice who exhibit symptoms of PDD, NOS and must be familiar with this disorder so that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be provided. Families also need ongoing, anticipatory guidance to help them cope with the behavioral aspects of the disorder.
Unvoiced Chinese Digital Recognition Based On Facial Myoelectric Signal

Different from multi-channel MES, eleven Chinese digitals zero to ten (/i/, /er/, /san/, /si/, /wu/, /liu/, /qi/, /ba/, /jiu/, and /shi/) are studied based on the one-channel detected myoelectric signal (MES). Zygomaticus major and anterior belly of the digastric are carefully selected as the electrodes site of MES detected. According to MES characteristic, wavelet transform coefficients, AR model coefficients and real cepstral coefficients are calculated as the features of MES. Using GA (Genetic Arithmetic) sixteen features are selected from the original features as the inputs of SVM (Support Vector Machine) classifier. The result shows that using the MES to recognise unvoiced speech is a promising way.
Esthesioneuroblastoma: the role of adjuvant radiation therapy

Abstract Purpose: We describe our experience with adjuvant radiation therapy in patients who underwent operation for esthesioneuroblastoma. Methods and Materials: Between January 1951 and December 1990, 49 patients with esthesioneuroblastoma received their initial treatment at the Mayo Clinic. There were 27 male and 22 female patients; their ages ranged from 3 to 79 years (median, 54 years). The tumors were Kadish Stage A in 4 patients, Stage B in 13, Stage C in 29, and modified Kadish Stage D in three (cervical nodal or distant metastasis). The tumors were graded according to Hyams' classification. Treatment included gross total resection alone in 22 patients and gross total resection and postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy in 16. The patients treated with adjuvant radiation had a greater proportion of advanced-stage and high-grade tumors. Results: The 5-year actuarial overall survival, disease-free survival, and local control rates were 69.1% + 7.0%, 54.8% + 7.6%, and 65.3% + 7.4%, respectively. The only significant predictor for overall survival, disease-free survival, and local control was Hyams' grade. Local control was improved in patients who received postoperative adjuvant radiation even though this group of patients had more advanced and higher-grade tumors (5-year rate of local control was 85.9% + 9.3%, compared with 72.7% + 9.5% for those who had operation alone, p = 0.26). Conclusion: Adjuvant radiation therapy for esthesioneuroblastoma improves local tumor control, particularly for high-grade and high-stage tumors. We recommend additional treatment with radiation (55.5 Gy) after complete resection of esthesioneuroblastoma.
Prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in critically ill patients

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism remain common problems in the intensive care unit, with limb- and life-threatening complications that are potentially preventable. The intensive care unit clinician is called on to be vigilant with diagnosis and facile with prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disease (venous thromboembolism). This article reviews background, current options, and recommendations regarding the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the intensive care unit population.
The College Fed Challenge: An Innovation in Cooperative Learning

This paper documents and provides a framework for implementing the key elements of cooperative learning in a course on the College Fed Challenge and gives instructors a framework for introducing and enhancing elements of active learning in their classes. The College Fed Challenge is a competition at the district and national level where students present an update on current economic conditions, make forecasts, and provide a monetary policy recommendation. Advising College Fed Challenge teams provides a unique opportunity to implement and develop the five key elements of cooperative learning. Specifically, summer and in-class preparations focus on individual accountability and small group social skills. Conducting mock presentations and mock question and answer sessions encourages positive interdependence, promotive interaction and group processing. This paper finds that Fed Challenge students learn more economics, enjoy learning more, and develop skills transferable to the workplace.
Computer user training and attitudes: a study of business undergraduates

Abstract For many users, the first real encounter with a computer occurs when taking an introductory course to computers at a college. To the extent that these training courses impact user understanding and motivation, they are important determinants of the user attitudes towards computers and merit serious assessment. Using 327 business undergraduates at two universities in the US, this paper reports on the reactions of students to computers and computer-related tasks before and after an introductory course to computers. Responses to a 20-item scale were analysed to examine the pattern of attitude change experienced by students in their training course. Factor analysis revealed five constructs for describing patterns of computer user attitude: negative reaction to computers; positive reaction to computers; reaction to computers for children education; reaction to computer-mediated services; and reaction to computer games. Four factors show significant change in mean scores after the training courses. The...
Gender differences in radical cystectomy: complications and blood loss.

Abstract Objectives To review the impact of gender on blood loss, transfusions, and complications. Radical cystectomy is technically different between men and women. Unique to women, dissection of the anterior vaginal wall can be associated with added blood loss. Methods We analyzed the records of 262 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma from March 1993 to March 2003. The perioperative variables, amount of blood loss, transfusion requirements, need for intensive care, length of hospitalization, and 30-day complications were examined. Results Women accounted for 24% (n = 63) of this series and had a median operative blood loss of 1.4 L compared with 0.5 L in men ( P = 0.001). The transfusion rate was 82% in women and 55% in men ( P = 0.001), with the median number of units transfused greater in women (3 U versus 2 U, P = 0.043). Also, 31% of women needed intensive care compared with 15% of men ( P = 0.004). The median postoperative stay was similar at 9 days for women and 8 days for men ( P = 0.099). The incidence of complications was not significantly different statistically between the gender groups, occurring in 43% of women and 33% of men ( P = 0.161). Major complications occurred in 8% of women and 7.5% of men, and the most common minor complication was ileus, reported in 19% of women and 14% of men. Conclusions Although the overall complications and length of hospital stay were similar between the gender groups, radical cystectomy in women was associated with greater blood loss, transfusion requirements, and intensive care needs.
Low-Order Models for Very Short Hybrid Gas Bearings

A low-order model was created to analyze a small-scale gas bearing with a diameter of 4.1 mm, designed to spin at 2.4 million rpm. Due to microfabrication constraints, the bearing lies outside the standard operating space and stable operation is a challenge. The model is constructed by reference to Newton's second law for the rotor and employs stiffness and damping coefficients predicted by other models. At any operating point it is able to predict (1) whether the journal can sustain stable operation, and (2) the whirling frequency of the journal. Analysis shows that the best way to operate the bearing is in a hybrid mode where the bearing relies on hydrostatics at low speeds and hydrodynamics at high speeds. However, in transitioning from hydrostatic to hydrodynamic operation, the model shows that the bearing is prone to instability problems and great care must be taken in scheduling the bearing pressurization system in the course of accelerating through low and intermediate rotational speeds.
Update on the management of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome with a focus on rufinamide

OBJECTIVE This review summarizes the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, an intractable epileptic encephalopathy of early childhood. In particular, the review focuses on rufinamide, a recently released anticonvulsant medication with reported effectiveness in this epilepsy syndrome. METHODS A systematic literature search (PubMed) was performed to review the existing literature pertaining to the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome as well as studies involving rufinamide as an anticonvulsant medication. RESULTS The published literature to date documents a beneficial effect of rufinamide on children over 4 years old with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Studies indicate a significant decrease in tonic and atonic seizure frequency as well as total seizure frequency compared to placebo-treated children. Rufinamide appears to be well tolerated and a safe medication, somnolence and vomiting being the most common side effects. CONCLUSIONS Rufinamide is a promising adjunctive therapy for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, an intractable childhood epilepsy. To ensure its optimal effectiveness, clinicians must be familiar with the medication's clinical response profile and potential for adverse effects.