cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality control in neurosurgery training.

Early training in neurosurgery was based on the apprenticeship method. An apprentice learned from the master, then set up practice with newly acquired skills. Surgeons who began our specialty in the late 1800’s, including Victor Horsley, Ernst von Bergmann, William MacEwen, and others, taught in a similar way. They stimulated the early separation of neurosurgery from general surgery. Later, Harvey Cushing established his ‘‘school’’ of neurosurgery which had a structured curriculum. This was a training approach that his mentors, William Osler and William Halsted, had acquired decades earlier during their wanderjahres in Germany [6]. The Cushing experience featured a one-year curriculum including preand post-operative management and intra-operative participation. That year was grueling by all accounts, but it produced a remarkable number of surgeons who established their own ‘‘schools’’ in North America and Europe. One of Cushing’s trainees, Hugh Cairns, described his year vividly: ‘‘. . . the Battle of the Marne was nothing compared to the stress and strain of being Dr. Cushing’s assistant for a year.’’ [9] Kenneth MacKenzie, Canada’s first neurosurgeon, described a similar experience [8]. Many of Cushing’s trainees had a major impact on the development of neurosurgery early in the last century, including Geoffrey Jefferson (Manchester), Otfrid Foerster (Breslau), Clovis Vincent (Paris), Norman Dott (Edinburgh), Herbert Olivecrona (Stockholm), Paul Martin (Brussels), and others from the United States [9].
The role of context in preschool learning: a multilevel examination of the contribution of context-specific problem behaviors and classroom process quality to low-income children's approaches to learning.

Abstract Research suggests that promoting adaptive approaches to learning early in childhood may help close the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children. Recent research has identified specific child-level and classroom-level variables that are significantly associated with preschoolers' approaches to learning. However, further research is needed to understand the interactive effects of these variables and determine whether classroom-level variables buffer the detrimental effects of child-level risk variables. Using a largely urban and minority sample ( N = 275) of preschool children, the present study examined the additive and interactive effects of children's context-specific problem behaviors and classroom process quality dimensions on children's approaches to learning. Teachers rated children's problem behavior and approaches to learning and independent assessors conducted classroom observations to assess process quality. Problem behaviors in structured learning situations and in peer and teacher interactions were found to negatively predict variance in approaches to learning. Classroom process quality domains did not independently predict variance in approaches to learning. Nonetheless, classroom process quality played an important role in these associations; high emotional support buffered the detrimental effects of problem behavior, whereas high instructional support exacerbated them. The findings of this study have important implications for classroom practices aimed at helping children who exhibit problem behaviors.
Foliar exchange of mercury as a function of soil and air mercury concentrations.

Previous research has indicated that foliar mercury (Hg) flux is bi-directional, with influence from both atmospheric and soil Hg. This work investigated the role of soil and air Hg concentrations on foliar Hg exchange using a single-plant gas-exchange system. The exchange of Hg vapor with aspen seedlings grown in soil Hg concentrations of 0.03±0.01, 5.8±0.5, and 12.3±1.3 μg g−1 and exposed to atmospheric Hg concentrations of 2.4±0.5, 11.0±0.9, and 30.4±2.2 ng m−3 was measured. At background atmospheric Hg concentrations of 2.4 ng m−3, foliage released Hg at all three soil Hg concentrations and fluxes ranged from 1.6 to 5.5 ng/m2/h. At higher atmospheric Hg concentrations (>11 ng m−3), net deposition to foliage ranged from −9 to −47 ng/m2/h, exhibiting increase uptake with higher air Hg concentrations. Fluxes associated with aspen showed an immediate response to changes in atmospheric Hg concentrations. Compensation points, the air concentration where no net flux of Hg vapor occurred, were 3–4 ng m−3 in the light and 2–3 ng m−3 in the dark for trees grown in soils of 0.03 and 6 μg g−1 Hg content, and 5–6 ng m−3 in the light and 2.5–3.5 ng m−3 in the dark for trees grown in 12 μg g−1 Hg soils.
NT-3 and CNTF exert dose-dependent, pleiotropic effects on cells in the immature dorsal root ganglion: Neuregulin-mediated proliferation of progenitor cells and neuronal differentiation

Neurons in the nascent dorsal root ganglia are born and differentiate in a complex cellular milieu composed of postmitotic neurons, and mitotically active glial and neural progenitor cells. Neurotrophic factors such as NT-3 are critically important for promoting the survival of postmitotic neurons in the DRG. However, the factors that regulate earlier events in the development of the DRG such as the mitogenesis of DRG progenitor cells and the differentiation of neurons are less defined. Here we demonstrate that both NT-3 and CNTF induce distinct dose-dependent responses on cells in the immature DRG: at low concentrations, they induce the proliferation of progenitor cells while at higher concentrations they promote neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, the mitogenic response is indirect; that is, NT-3 and CNTF first bind to nascent neurons in the DRG—which then stimulates those neurons to release mitogenic factors including neuregulin. Blockade of this endogenous neuregulin activity completely blocks the CNTF-induced proliferation and reduces about half of the NT-3-mediated proliferation. Thus, the genesis and differentiation of neurons and glia in the DRG are dependent upon reciprocal interactions among nascent neurons, glia, and mitotically active progenitor cells.
Evaluating process simulation software

Abstract With at least 80 process simulation software packages on the market, a method of evaluation for prospective users was long overdue. Expert opinion on the form of an evaluation test was collated and extended into the form of a test flowsheet. Details of the flowsheet are given with a step-by-step guide to its use.
Superoxide dismutase amplifies dye photosensitized production of desferal free radical: an electron spin resonance study.

Summary Desferal free radical (DFFR) photogenerated from dye sensitization was studied by electron spin resonance. When irradiated at the visible maximum in the presence of O 2 , both rose bengal and riboflavin sensitized the oxidation of Desferal (DF) and generated the DFFR. The yield of DFFR was amplified by superoxide dismutase (SOD). The SOD enhancement was attributed to the inhibition of superoxide-induced DFFR destruction. Similar SOD enhancement was observed with dyes Rhodamine 123 and Gentian Violet. Our studies suggest that when Desferal is used as a chelating agent in the presence of SOD, systems involving O 2 − could face interference from DFFR even at concentrations as low as 10 uM DF. DFFR may interfere with the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation resulting in an apparent protective action which, in fact, has very little to do with chelating the catalytic iron.
Athletes, doctors, and lawyers with first names beginning with "D" die sooner.

For many people, names have symbolic power that extends to their timing of death. This study examined the relationship between the symbolic significance of the first letters in the names of professional athletes (baseball, football, hockey, and basketball) and their longevity. A similar analysis was performed for doctors (radiologists, dermatologists, obstetricians/gynecologists) and lawyers for comparison purposes. There was a progressive decrease in longevity associated with names beginning with A to D when all athletes were combined. In each sport, athletes whose first names began with the letter D lived fewer years than those whose names collectively began with E to Z. Doctors and lawyers whose first names began with D also died earlier than those whose names began with E to Z but differences were not statistically significant. A Cox-regression survival analysis for athletes comparing those with names beginning with A, B, C and D vs. E to Z indicated that only those whose names began with D (median su...
Anodic Polarization Behavior of Ti-Ni and Ti-6A 1-4 V in Simulated Physiological Solutions

Anodic polarization measurements made in Hanks' physiological solution at 37 degrees C and a pH of 7.4 show titanium materials to be the most passive of the following metals: titanium, Ti-6A1-4V, Ti-Ni (memory alloy), MP35N (Co-Ni-Cr-Mo), Co-Cr-Mo, 316L stainless steel, and nickel. The influence of the amino acids, cysteine, and tryptophan on the corrosion behavior of Ti-Ni and Ti-6A1-4V was studied. Cysteine caused a lower breakdown potential for Ti-Ni, but it did not affect the breakdown of Ti-6A1-4V, although an increase in current density for Ti-6A1-4V was observed. Tryptophan produced no significant effects.
Noise scaling of phase synchronization of chaos

We investigate the effect of noise on phase synchronization of coupled chaotic oscillators. It is found that additive white noise can induce phase slips in integer multiples of 2p’s in parameter regimes where phase synchronization is observed in the absence of noise. The average time duration of the temporal phase synchronization scales with the noise amplitude in a way that can be described as superpersistent transient. We give two independent heuristic derivations that yield the same numerically observed scaling law. PACS number~s!: 05.45.Xt The phenomenon of synchronous chaos has attracted much attention since the work of Pecora and Carroll in 1990 @1#. Typically, when two chaotic oscillators are coupled together, synchronization between them can occur when the coupling strength is large enough. Recently, a more delicate type of synchronization phenomenon was discovered by Rosenblum, Pikovsky, and Kurths @2#. This is the phase synchronization of chaotic oscillators which occurs at smaller coupling strength than that required for complete synchronization. Briefly, if trajectories in each chaotic oscillator can be regarded as a rotation, then the phase angle of the rotation increases steadily with time: u(t)5vt1f(t), where v is the average rotation frequency and f(t) is a term characterizing chaotic fluctuations. As such, the rate of increase of phase can be modeled as a drift v plus a zero mean chaotic process. In the absence of coupling, the phase angles of the two oscillators u 1(t) and u 2(t) are uncorrelated. That is, if one measures the difference Du(t)[uu 1(t)2u 2(t)u, one finds that Du(t) increases steadily with time. However, when a small amount of coupling is present, Du(t) can be confined within 2p, while the amplitudes of the rotations are still completely uncorrelated. The bifurcation that leads to this phase synchronization was subsequently investigated @3‐5#. The ability of chaotic systems to have phase synchronization has implications on digital communication with chaos using the natural chaotic symbolic dynamics @6#. In such a case, it is highly desirable to suppress phase diffusions between chaotic communication channels to ensure proper timing for decoding. In this Brief Report, we address to what extent phase synchronization can be observed in laboratory experiments by investigating the effect of noise on phase synchronization. Our principal results are ~1! additive white noise, a type of noise encountered commonly in experimental situations, can induce phase slips in units of 2p between the coupled oscillators, which would otherwise be synchronized in phase in the absence of noise, and ~2! the average time duration between successive phase slips appears to obey a scaling law with the noise amplitude e,
The Association Between Life Chaos, Health Care Use, and Health Status Among HIV-Infected Persons

Background Whether having a stable and predictable lifestyle is associated with health care use and health status among HIV patients is unknown.
MODIS‐derived visible atmospherically resistant index for monitoring chaparral moisture content

Time series of normalized difference indices (NDIs) derived from MODIS surface reflectance data provide potentially useful information for monitoring fuel moisture content (FMC) for fire risk assessment. The visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) were compared for monitoring live FMC of chaparral shrublands. Regression coefficients are encouraging given disparate spatial resolutions of ground‐based FMC measurements and MODIS‐derived NDIs. VARI exhibited greater temporal co‐variability (0.79>r 2<0.94) and spatial robustness with FMC than NDWI, even though the former is based solely on visible waveband reflectance data.
Pore water distributions of dissolved copper and copper-complexing ligands in estuarine and coastal marine sediments

The distributions and seasonal variability of total dissolved Cu (TDCu) and Cu-complexing ligands in sediment pore waters have been investigated at two contrasting sites in the Chesapeake Bay. Two ligand classes, which differ on the basis of the conditional stability constants ( K9) of their Cu complexes, were detected at all depths at both sites. At the sulfidic, muddy, mid-Bay Sta. M, concentrations and values of log K9 ranged from 390 -12,500 nM and$7.2-.8.9, respectively, for the stronger ligand class ( L1S) and 75- 6,420 nM and 6.2-7.9 for the weaker ligand class (L2S). At the bioturbated, sandy Sta. S in the lower Bay, respective concentrations and values of log K9 ranged from 135- 807 nM and $7.6 -$10.2 for L1S and 40 -1,410 nM and 6.6 -9.2 for L2S. For comparison, one pore water profile from a slope station off of the Chesapeake Bay also showed the presence of two ligand classes, with respective concentrations and values of log K9 of 140 -270 nM and 8 -.11 for L1S and 30 -180 nM and 7-10 forL2S. These ligands are in large excess relative to ambient TDCu concentrations (,0.1-24.3 nM), thereby maintaining very low inorganic Cu concentrations (typically ,0.1 to ,100 pM) and a high degree of organic complexation (87.2-.99.9%) of Cu in Bay and slope sediment pore waters. Thus, virtually all TDCu fluxing from these sediments is complexed during sediment-water exchange. A relatively small fraction of the TDCu is exchanged as inorganic species, which are widely regarded as the most bioavailable form of Cu. Higher ligand concentra- tions at Sta. M suggest that sulfide or organic ligands containing reduced S contribute to the pool of complexing ligands; however, the exact nature and sources of the ligands in Bay pore waters are not known. The progressive increase in conditional stability constants of the CuL 2S complexes from the mid-Bay to the slope sediments may reflect differences in biological or chemical processes at each site, as well as differences in the type of Cu-complexing organic matter. Total ligand concentrations ( L1S 1 L2S) are 15 to .100 times higher in the upper intervals of the pore waters relative to ligand concentrations in the bottom waters of the Chesapeake Bay (30 - 60 nM), consistent with previous observations of fluxes of these ligands from the sediments to overlying waters. These results suggest that sediments are potentially significant sources of Cu-complexing ligands to the overlying waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and perhaps, other shallow water estuarine and coastal environments. Copper-complexing ligands released from sediment pore waters may play an important role in influencing Cu speciation in overlying waters. Copyright © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd
Examining the entrepreneurial attitudes of US business students

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the entrepreneurial attitudes of undergraduate students enrolled in the Small Business Institute® (SBI) program at multiple universities in the USA. Research has encouraged a continuous study and refinement of the entrepreneurial profile, particularly for young adults. Past studies have linked certain personality constructs and entrepreneurship, and shown a connection between entrepreneurial intentions and past business experience.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 216 students completed the entrepreneurial attitudes orientation (EAO) survey. The EAO provides a composite score based on four attitude subscales: achievement in business; innovation in business; perceived personal control of business outcomes; and perceived self‐esteem in business. In addition, participants were asked to provide demographic information and past entrepreneurial experience.Findings – Results indicated that the majority of students possessed entrepreneurial attitudes. Furthermore, both ...
Distribution of reaction products in the koh initiated low temperature steam gasification of graphite

Powdered graphite samples loaded with various amounts of KOH have been reacted with atmospheric pressure of steam in the temperature range 700–900 K. Significant amounts of C1 to C6 hydrocarbons are found in the gaseous products of this reaction. Both the abundance of these hydrocarbons with respect to hydrogen and their relative distribution vary as a function of reaction time, KOH loading and temperature. A model for their production is proposed according to which C-H groups are stabilized by the formation of a potassium phenolate type compound at the prismatic edge of graphite. Hydrocarbon would then be produced from the direct hydrogenation of surface carbon atoms. The hydrocarbon distribution shows some deviation from the ideal Schulz-Flory distribution, giving little support to a chain growth type mechanism.
Diffusive transport across irregular and fractal walls

Diffusive transport of heat, mass, and momentum across walls with irregular and fractal geometry is discussed. A configuration is considered in detail, in which the transported variable diffuses across a two-dimensional periodic irregular wall toward an overlying plane wall, while the value of the variable over each wall is maintained at a constant value. Several families of self-similar wall geometries with increasingly finer structure, eventually leading to fractal shapes, are considered in detail using an efficient numerical method that is based on conformal mapping. The numerical procedure involves the iterative solution of a large system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Computed patterns of iso-scalar contours reveal the precise effect of the shape, size, and total length of boundary irregularities on the local and total transport rates, and illustrate the enhancement in transport efficacy with wall refinement. The total rate of transport across walls with self-similar irregularities is shown to be remarkably close to that across walls with random irregularities of same roughness height.
Suspicion and Perceptions of Price Fairness in Times of Crisis

Times of crisis bring about increased demands on businesses as shortages, or unexpected but significant, business costs are encountered. Passing on such costs to consumers is a challenge. When faced with a retail price increase, consumers may rely on cues as to the motive behind the increase. Such cues can raise suspicion of alternative motive (e.g., taking advantage of the consumer) affecting consumers’ judgments of price fairness. This research investigates two triggers of suspicion: salience of alternative motives, and behavior judged to be out-of-character for the business. Results of the two studies within crisis contexts indicate that suspicion is created when alternative motives are salient and when a retailer acts out-of-character. Multiple group analyses revealed that suspicion induced negative affect and subsequent perceptions of price fairness. When suspicion was present, more negative feelings toward the retailer and judgments of price unfairness resulted.
Leucaena forage analysis using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Abstract Leucaena is a fast growing, multipurpose tree planted in tropical regions for many uses including forage. Leaf and leaf + stem material were collected from Leucaena species, varieties, and hybrids grown at two sites in Hawaii and in Australia. Neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein, in-vitro dry matter digestibility, and relative condensed tannin were determined by both laboratory and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) procedures. The objective was to evaluate the forage quality of the Leucaena material and to determine the feasibility of using NIRS as a reliable means to determine forage values. Considerable variation within forage quality attributes was found among the species, varieties, and hybrids evaluated, indicating the need for careful selection of Leucaena for forage production systems. Laboratory analyses and NIRS estimations of forage quality attributes were highly correlated, suggesting that NIRS analysis should be considered as an efficient tool for Leucaena forage development programs.
Contemporary trends in computing

Many computer science curricula use Special Topics courses as a vehicle to introduce students to new concepts and technologies. Although the same policy is practiced at our institution, one course required of our Associate Degree students provides a forum for surveying contemporary trends in computing. Such a course is essential for providing “a foundation of knowledge and skills sufficient to serve as a base for continued learning.” [1] The purpose and content of this course is the topic that follows.
The otolaryngologic manifestations of Sotos syndrome

Abstract Objective Soto's syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NSD1 gene. It is characterized by excessive growth in early life. It features craniofacial abnormalities, developmental delay, hypotonia and advanced bone age. A review of the current literature reveals only chronic otitis media and conductive hearing loss as otolaryngologic manifestations of Soto's syndrome. Our objective was to determine if there are additional manifestations relevant to the otolaryngologist. Methods We performed a retrospective case series in which the Department of Defense electronic medical record was searched for ICD 9 code 253.0 (acromegaly/gigantism). Records were reviewed for genetic testing indicative of Soto's syndrome. These records were further analyzed for evidence of otolaryngologic problems. Results Seventeen patients were identified with five having confirmed NSD1 mutations consistent with Soto's syndrome. Of these, 4/5 had otolaryngologic problems such as conductive hearing loss, aspiration, laryngomalacia, obstructive sleep apnea and sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusions Currently there is no description in the literature of these additional manifestations of Soto's syndrome. We present this case series to support the idea that an otolaryngologist should be involved in the multidisciplinary care required for these patients.
Mechanism of the Rhodium Porphyrin-Catalyzed Cyclopropanation of Alkenes

The rhodium porphyrin-catalyzed cyclopropanation of alkenes by ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) is representative of a number of metal-mediated cyclopropanation reactions used widely in organic synthesis. The active intermediate in these reactions is thought to be a metal carbene complex, but evidence for the involvement of metal-olefin pi complexes has also been presented. Low-temperature infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies have been used to characterize a rhodium porphyrin-diazoalkyl adduct that results from the stoichiometric condensation of the catalyst and EDA. Optical spectroscopy suggests that this complex is the dominant steady-state species in the catalytic reaction. This compound decomposes thermally to provide cyclopropanes in the presence of styrene, suggesting that the carbene is indeed the active intermediate. Metal-alkene pi complexes have also been detected spectroscopically. Kinetic studies suggest that they mediate the rate of carbene formation from the diazoalkyl complex but are not attacked directly by EDA.
Fluorinated pyrimidines. XII. Effects of simple nucleotides on transplanted tumors.

SummaryTumor inhibitory activity of 5-fluorouridine-5′-monophosphate (FURP) and 5 - fluoro − 2′ - deoxyuridine − 5′ - monophosphate (FUDRP) have been studied in mice bearing Sarcoma-180, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, and L-1210 leukemia. Comparisons have been made with equimolar equivalents of corresponding nucleosides, 5-fluorouridine (FUR) and 5 − fluoro − 2′ - deoxyuridine (FUDR). FUDR and FUDRP were inhibitors of S-180 of not strikingly different potency. FUR and FURP were inactive against this tumor. However, FURP at lower dose was as active as FUDRP against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, producing about 30% 100 day survivors. FUR was extremely toxic. In L-1210 leukemia the compounds were of moderate and equivalent activity.
Efficient zero location tests for delta-operator-based polynomials

Two different kinds of stability tests, or more generally zero location tests, are proposed when a real polynomial formulated in the delta-operator is given. The method used is a simple linear transformation based on some known discrete-time tests, including the Schur-Cohn test (SCT), and the proposed algorithms are computationally efficient. Furthermore, it is shown that as the sampling interval vanishes, all new algorithms converge to their continuous-time limits, therefore providing smooth transitions from the shift-operator-based discrete-time tests to the continuous-time ones. One of these limits is the classic Routh test (RT), and the other is a new test, closely related to the RT. Examples are given to demonstrate the tests which show clear numerical advantages over the traditional shift-operator-based ones such as the SCT in case of fast sampling. The significance of these new tests lies beyond the fact that they have provided efficient and reliable zero location tests directly in the delta-domain. These tests provide the missing links between the discrete-time shift-operator-based tests and the continuous-time ones. As a consequence, two separate and yet related families of zero location tests are established, which include the well-known RT and the SCT.
Why do honeybees reject certain flowers

Honeybees often approach flowers of Lotus corniculatus and then fly away without attempting to extract nectar. These rejected flowers contained 41% less nectar than my random sample. The accepted flowers contained 24% more nectar than my random sample. The differences among these three flower-groups were due to differences in the percent of empty flowers in each group rather than the differences in the absolute amount of nectar. Honeybees increased their foraging efficiency by accepting less empty flowers and rejecting more empty flowers than would be expected if they foraged randomly. There are two possible mechanisms for this discrimination-behavior: either the bees are smelling nectar odor or they are smelling bee scent left by previous visitors to the flower. My results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that bees are basing their decision on nectar smell and suggest that they are using bee scent as a means of identifying empty flowers.
Stability of a Minimalist, Aromatic Cluster in Aqueous Mixtures of Fluoro Alcohol

Hormuzd R. Mulla and Arthur Cammers-Goodwin*Department of Chemistry and Center for Membrane SciencesUniVersity of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0055ReceiVed September 16, 1999ReVised Manuscript ReceiVed December 14, 1999The striking effects that fluoro alcohol cosolvents exert onaqueous peptide conformation have intrigued chemists for threedecades.
Cross-modal plasticity after monocular enucleation of the adult rabbit.

The mature brain undergoes compensatory reorganization of the primary visual cortex (V1) in response to retinal lesions. This study demonstrates that V1 also supports cross-modal reorganization by observing an increase in tactile responses in V1 after monocular enucleation of the adult rabbit. The proportion of tactileresponsive V1 neurons increased from 0% to 31%, in an area of cortex equivalent to 40° of visual space. Retrograde fiber-tracing analysis suggests that intracortical connections from association areas may underlie these novel responses. Cortical plasticity of this kind may be involved in recovery from sensory system damage and could provide an enhanced sense of touch to the blind.
Unit Voltage Duties in Long Suspension Insulators

POTENTIOMETER measurements ∗ were made of the maximum and average voltage duties occurring in strings made up of 10-inch cap and pin type units wherein the numbers of the units were varied from 2 to 20. The numbers of units in the string and their corresponding maximum to average voltage duty-ratios thus obtained were used to locate curve II in Fig. 1. The increase in the duty-ratios is small for the shortest string of two units, it accelerates rapidly as the string is lengthened to 7 units and thereafter it remains constant at the rate of 0.09 per unit added from 7 to 20. Such increase is low and accelerating in short strings of from 2 to 7 units while it is high and constant in long strings of 7 or more units.
GENE-CULTURE COEVOLUTION AND SEX RATIOS : II. SEX-CHROMOSOMAL DISTORTERS AND CULTURAL PREFERENCES FOR OFFSPRING SEX

Cultural preferences for the sex of offspring may produce behavior, such as female infanticide, sex-selective abortion and sex-selective parental investment, which alter the sex ratio in a population. Empirical evidence suggests that some genetic sex-ratio distorters are located on the sex chromosomes. Interactions between cultural preferences and sex-linked sex-ratio distorters are examined. Criteria for the spread of cultural preferences and sex-chromosomal distorter alleles are derived analytically, and the coevolution of preferences and distorters is examined through numerical iteration. Evolutionary equilibria and trajectories of gene-culture interactions involving sex-chromosomal distorter alleles may produce severely male- or female-biased primary sex ratios and adult sex ratios in populations. Adult sex ratios, primary sex ratios, allele frequencies and the prevalence of cultural preferences in the population are sensitive to initial conditions and cultural transmission parameters. During the coevolutionary process phenoallelic association is observed in many cases and is associated with unusual dynamics.
Retention of fluorescent antigenicity of virus-infected cells on spotslides under various conditions of storage.

Abstract Ten well, epoxy-coated spotslides containing arbo- and arenavirus-infected cells were tested as determined by fluorescent methods for the retention of antigenicity after storage in a nitrogen atmosphere at various temperatures and times. In most cases antigen stability was maintained at −70 or −20°C for periods exceeding 1–3 years. Antigen deterioration was greatest at ambient temperature, and less so at 4° C.
Predicting high risk sexual behaviour in heterosexual and homosexual men: the roles of impulsivity and sensation seeking

Abstract Impulsivity and sexual sensation seeking were examined as personality correlates of high risk sexual behaviour — unprotected sex with multiple partners — in samples of heterosexual (n=112) and homosexual (n=104) men. Among heterosexuals, both personality variables were associated with frequency of unprotected sex but only sexual sensation seeking was associated with number of sex partners. Sexual sensation seeking also mediated the association between use of drugs other than alcohol and number of sex partners. Among homosexuals, no personality or substance use variables predicted high risk sexual behaviour. Implications of the findings for the study of determinants of sexual risk-taking are discussed.
N,N'-Diacetylchitobionic N-alkylamides: synthesis, and interaction with two 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose-binding lectins.

Abstract Condensation of N,N′-diacetylchitobiono-1,5-lactone, obtained by oxidation of N,N′-diacetylchitobiose, with n-alkylamines gave N,N′-diacetylchitobionic N-alkylamides. The interaction of these glycolipids with wheat-germ agglutinin and Griffonia simplicifolia II lectin is described.
Geophysical evidence supports migration of Tharsis volcanism on Mars

Tharsis swell represents the largest area of volcanism on Mars and sits adjacent to the dichotomy between the northern lowlands and southern highlands. While a number of investigators have proposed that Tharsis volcanism and topographic swell was caused by a stationary mantle plume, both numerical and tank experiments find that a plume will rise beneath a region of thick lithosphere, hence somewhere beneath the southern highlands on Mars. We present models of crustal thickness which show a region of thickened crust associated with previously mapped geologic units that have been suggested to represent the path of the Tharsis plume. We find a similarity in topography and structure between the proposed Tharsis plume track on Mars and the Snake River plain/Yellowstone hot spot track in western North America.
Upper critical field of YBa2Cu3−xFexO7 single crystals

Abstract We report the upper critical field Hc2(T) via the resistivity measurements on YBa2Cu3−xFexO7 single crystals. The superconducting coherence length and the anisotropy are estimated and discussed.
Negative hall plateaus in (TMTSF)2PF6 revisited

Abstract We have made a detailed study of the negative Hall plateaus associated with the magnetic field induced spin density waves (FISDW) in (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 . A series of negative dips in Hall effect, dispersed among the cascade of FISDW states, generate an intriguing sequence of FISDW transitions. Comparison of positive and negative Hall plateaus shows much similarity between the two class of FISDW states. The observed sequence of transitions is discussed in light of the recently proposed explanations for the negative Hall plateaus.
'Shah Abbas II, the Conquest of Qandahar, the Chihil Sutun, and its Wall Paintings'

Etude iconographique des peintures murales sefevides du Chihil Sutun (salle des audiences publiques) du palais d'Isfahan (Iran), relatant principalement des sujets de la tradition litteraire perse, des evenements historiques, ou des scenes de cour au temps de Shah ⊂Abbas II.
Etiology and Incidence of viral and bacterial acute respiratory illness among older children and adults in rural western Kenya, 2007-2010.

Background Few comprehensive data exist on disease incidence for specific etiologies of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in older children and adults in Africa. Methodology/Principal Findings From March 1, 2007, to February 28, 2010, among a surveillance population of 21,420 persons >5 years old in rural western Kenya, we collected blood for culture and malaria smears, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for quantitative real-time PCR for ten viruses and three atypical bacteria, and urine for pneumococcal antigen testing on outpatients and inpatients meeting a ARI case definition (cough or difficulty breathing or chest pain and temperature >38.0°C or oxygen saturation 5 years old (adjusted annual incidence 12.0 per 100 person-years), influenza A virus was the most common virus (22% overall; 11% inpatients, 27% outpatients) and Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common bacteria (16% overall; 23% inpatients, 14% outpatients), yielding annual incidences of 2.6 and 1.7 episodes per 100 person-years, respectively. Influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus were more prevalent in swabs among cases (22%, 6%, 8% and 5%, respectively) than controls. Adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses, rhinovirus/enterovirus, parechovirus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae were not more prevalent among cases than controls. Pneumococcus and non-typhi Salmonella were more prevalent among HIV-infected adults, but prevalence of viruses was similar among HIV-infected and HIV-negative individuals. ARI incidence was highest during peak malaria season. Conclusions/Signficance Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus (by potential herd immunity from childhood vaccination or of HIV-infected adults) might prevent much of the substantial ARI incidence among persons >5 years old in similar rural African settings.
Cathepsin S supports acid-independent infection by some reoviruses.

Abstract In murine fibroblasts, efficient proteolysis of reovirus outer capsid protein σ3 during cell entry by virions requires the acid-dependent lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin L. The importance of cathepsin L for infection of other cell types is unknown. Here we report that the acid-independent lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin S mediates outer capsid processing in macrophage-like P388D cells. P388D cells supported infection by virions of strain Lang, but not strain c43. Genetic studies revealed that this difference is determined by S4, the viral gene segment that encodes σ3. c43-derived subvirion particles that lack σ3 replicated normally in P388D cells, suggesting that the difference in infectivity of Lang and c43 virions is at the level of σ3 processing. Infection of P388D cells with Lang virions was inhibited by the broad spectrum cysteine protease inhibitor trans-epoxysuccinyl-l-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane but not by NH4Cl, which raises the endocytic pH and thereby inhibits acid-dependent proteases such as cathepsins L and B. Outer capsid processing and infection of P388D cells with Lang virions were also inhibited by a cathepsin S-specific inhibitor. Furthermore, in the presence of NH4Cl, cell lines engineered to express cathepsin S supported infection by Lang, but not c43, virions. Our results thus indicate that differences in susceptibility to cathepsin S-mediated σ3 processing are responsible for strain differences in reovirus infection of macrophage-like P388D cells and other cathepsin S-expressing cells. Additionally, our data suggest that the acid dependence of reovirus infections of most other cell types may reflect the low pH requirement for the activities of most other lysosomal proteases rather, than some other acid-dependent aspect of cell entry.
Differentiation of spinal motor neurons from pluripotent human stem cells

We have devised a reproducible protocol by which human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are efficiently differentiated to functional spinal motor neurons. This protocol comprises four major steps. Pluripotent stem cells are induced to form neuroepithelial (NE) cells that form neural tube-like rosettes in the absence of morphogens in the first 2 weeks. The NE cells are then specified to OLIG2-expressing motoneuron progenitors in the presence of retinoic acid (RA) and sonic hedgehog (SHH) or purmorphamine in the next 2 weeks. These progenitor cells further generate post-mitotic, HB9-expressing motoneurons at the 5th week and mature to functional motor neurons thereafter. It typically takes 5 weeks to generate the post-mitotic motoneurons and 8-10 weeks for the production of functional mature motoneurons. In comparison with other methods, our protocol does not use feeder cells, has a minimum dependence on proteins (purmorphamine replacing SHH), has controllable adherent selection and is adaptable for scalable suspension culture.
Elective cesarean delivery is ineffective in protecting against in-utero meconium exposure of fetal myelomeningocele

MECONIUM EXPOSURE OF FETAL MYELOMENINGOCELE CARL ROSE, JOSEPHINE WYATT-ASHMEAD, ANDREW PARENT, JAMES BOFILL, ALEXANDRA ASHMEAD, JOHN MORRISON, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jackson, Mississippi, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Pathology, Jackson, California, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Neurosurgery, Jackson, Mississippi, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi OBJECTIVE: To determine if elective cesarean section following confirmation of fetal lung maturity but prior to onset of labor prevents in-utero meconium exposure of neural tissue in parturients with fetal myelomeningocele. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective case series 32 (17 male/15 female) with prenatally-diagnosed myelomeningocele underwent elective cesarean birth over a 4.5 year period. The mean EGA was 37.2 weeks and delivery followed confirmation of fetal lung maturity. All myelomeningoceles were repaired promptly (2.4 days) and the sacs were sent for pathologic examination. Amniotic membranes were also examined for evidence of microscopic meconium and intrauterine infection. Additionally, 23 placentas underwent histopathologic gross and microscopic examination. RESULTS: Gross meconium staining was noted in 3 cases. Meconium staining was detected microscopically in 32/32 (100%) of amniotic membrane samples and all (23/23) placental specimens demonstrated meconium histiocytosis while features of acute infection were noted in only 3/23 (13%). CONCLUSION: Fetuses with myelomeningoceles typically have intrinsically defective gastrointestinal function and are likely to pass meconium in-utero remote from term. Unfortunately, elective cesarean delivery prior to labor does not protect against exposure to potentially toxic meconium. Antenatal surgical repair could prove effective at reducing or mitigating destructive effects of meconium on open neural tissue. S170 SMFM Abstracts
Gain-enhanced LDD NMOS device using cesium implantation

A gain-enhanced LDD NMOS device has been developed for a submicrometer CMOS technology. Using cesium implantation to create a fixed positive charge at the oxide/silicon interface above the LDD region, improvements in device gain are obtained without degradation to hot-carrier reliability or short-channel behavior. Since fixed charge rather than an extended polysilicon gate is used to overlap the LDD regions, no penalty is paid in terms of extra gate overlap capacitance. Furthermore, this structure is easily integrated into a conventional twin-tub CMOS process with the addition of only one cesium implantation step which is performed at the same time as the LDD n/sup -/ implant step. >
Statistical methods for the estimation of sensitivity and specificity of site-specific diagnostic tests

The performance of periodontal diagnostic tests is often evaluated by estimating their sensitivity and specificity with respect to a traditionally accepted standard test regarded as a "gold standard" in making the diagnosis. Correlated samples of binary data arise in dental research. The fundamental unit for analysis is occasionally the site rather than the patient in site-specific dental studies. Statistical methods that take into account the within-patient correlation should be employed to estimate the sensitivity and the specificity of diagnostic tests since site-specific results within a patient can be highly correlated. Several statistical methods are introduced for the estimation of the sensitivity and the specificity of site-specific diagnostic tests; these techniques are applied to the data from a study involving an enzymatic diagnostic test to motivate and illustrate the estimation of the sensitivity and the specificity of periodontal diagnostic tests.
A fast parallel projection algorithm for set theoretic image recovery

A new projection algorithm for convex set theoretic image recovery [reconstruction and restoration] is presented. This algorithm comprises all serial and parallel projection methods as particular cases and is straightforwardly implementable on concurrent processors. It proceeds by taking convex combinations of selected projections at each iteration and allows extrapolated relaxations far beyond the range [0,2] used in conventional algorithms. These extrapolated, iteration-dependent relaxations result in very fast convergence. Numerical results are provided which show that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing ones, in particular the popular cyclic method of projections onto convex sets [POCS]. >
Founder events and variation at microsatellite loci in an insular passerine bird, the Laysan finch (Telespiza cantans)

Historically documented founder events provide opportunities to assess the effects of population size reductions on genetic variation, but the actual magnitude of genetic change can be measured only when direct comparisons can be made to the source or ancestral population. We assayed variation at nine microsatellite loci in the translocated population of the Laysan finch (Telespiza cantans) at Pearl and Hermes reef (PHR), and compared the level of variation to that in the source population on Laysan Island. Heterogeneity in allele frequencies was highly significant at eight of the nine loci, primarily as a result of fluctuations in allele frequencies in the three PHR populations. Intra- and interpopulational measures of genetic diversity generally matched predictions based on the well-documented history of three islet populations at PHR: significantly lower numbers of alleles and polymorphic loci, as well as higher pairwise FST values and genetic distance, were observed for the two populations that underwent severe size reductions. Changes in heterozygosity at single loci were unpredictable, as both significant increases and decreases were observed in founder populations. A significant excess of heterozygotes was found in two populations and was highly significant over all four finch populations (P < 0.003). Estimates of effective population size from temporal changes in heterozygosity and allele frequencies were very small (Ne≤ 30) as a result of the founding events and the constraints of islet area on population numbers. We concluded that the PHR population is not adequate as a secondary genetic reserve for T. cantans, and an alternative refuge needs to be established.
Intraspecific diversity in Paecilomyces fumosoroseus

Two types of genetic markers, vegetative compatibility and RAPD, were evaluated for their ability to assess genetic variation among 38 isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus . Both markers revealed significant polymorphisms. Nitrate non-utilizing mutants were generated from chlorate-containing media and used as forcing markers to observe heterokaryon formation and determine vegetative compatibility. Nineteen separate vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) were identified only seven having at least two members and 12 represented by single isolates. No correlation was observed between VCG and either insect host or geographic origin. Nine RAPD primers produced 365 unique fragments and could distinguish three different phenetic groups. RAPD profiles conclusively showed that strains within some VCGs were genetically unrelated, indicating that these strains were not clonal in origin. The large number of VCGs suggests that formation of heterokaryons and possible genetic exchange are uncommon. DNA fingerprinting with RAPD-PCR provides high resolution of genotype distribution and could be useful in tracking the fate of biocontrol agents released into the environment.
Applications to Gas Dynamics

In earlier sections, we have written the equations of gas dynamics in several different forms (see equations (18.3) and (18.3)′ of this chapter, and Examples 1 and 2 in Chapter 15). In many standard texts, it is shown that they are all equivalent for classical solutions ; i.e., they determine the same classical solutions. What we shall do here first is to prove that the computation of eigenvalues, Riemann invariants, and the genuine nonlinearity or linear degeneracy of the characteristic fields, are all independent of our choice of equations. That is, they are invariant under coordinate changes.