cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rule-Governed Behavior and Pedophilia:

The experimental analysis of verbal and rule-governed behavior is one area that potentially has much relevance to applied clinical settings, including the assessment and treatment of pedophilia. Much of the interaction between therapists and clients takes place in a verbal context. Since the publication of Skinner'sVerbal Behavior in 1957, however, not much systematic clinical research concerning verbal behavior has been integrated into clinical practice, partly evidenced in the past several years by the many cognitive theories proclaiming to some extent that “mental way stations” explain the causes of behavior. This paper analyzes the fundamental aspects of rule-governed behavior, summarizes current research in this area, and explores some of the research methods and issues involved with rule-governed behavior. In addition, the potential of this area of behavioral psychology to provide important alternatives to explanations offered by cognitive psychology is also explored. Implications for the scientific use of rule-governed behavior in conducting psychological assessments with pedophiles is also examined.
Silver-Doped TiO 2 /Polyurethane Nanocomposites for Antibacterial Textile Coating

Silver-doped titania/polyurethane (nAg-TiO2/PU) nanocomposite coatings were synthesized through a combined solution combustion and grafting from polymerization method, where nanosilver-doped titania (nAg-TiO2) was chemically attached to the skeleton of the polyurethane polymer matrix with a bifunctional monomer, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid (DMPA). The polyester fabric functionalized with nAg-TiO2/polyurethane composites using dip-coating method has shown excellent antibacterial activity against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) bacteria. The nAg-TiO2 photoreduced under methanol vapor exhibited an improved bactericidal activity because of the formation of elemental silver instead of silver oxide. XRD-EDX analysis was conducted to elucidate the percent of silver doping, the crystalline structure of titania, and the coating pattern of nAg-TiO2/PU over polyester fabric. One percent silver-doped titania was considered optimum because of its higher bactericidal activity when compared with higher-percent silver-doped titania. Effective bactericidal activity has been observed under the black light illumination, which, in conjunction with Ag-TiO2, completely inhibits any bacterial growth within 3 h of exposure. Antimicrobial effect of coating of nAg-TiO2/PU on polyester fabric was retained even after 30 traditional textile washings.
From protectionism towards neoliberalism: Ecuador across four administrations (1981–1996)

Ecuador since 1980 illustrates many features of Latin America’s neoliberal transsition. Ecuador shifted from a state-oriented development model and towards a neoliberal approach across four ideologically-diverse administrations. Although the four presidents implemented reforms inconsistently, they have reoriented the country’s development strategy towards neoliberalism. Four contextual factors explain this sustained transition: (1) financial problems, (2) global ideological factors, (3) a perceived lack of alternatives, and (4) weakness of popular opposition. These factors are mutually reinforcing and each need not bear directly on each decision for neoliberal reforms to be chosen. Their combined force sustains the neoliberal transition despite considerable negative social and economic effects.
Polymer systems for gene delivery - Past, present, and future

Gene therapy has long sought to treat disease by delivering therapeutic genes to diseased cells. However, its widespread clinical use has faltered in the face of several challenges, most notably in the area of delivery. Efforts to understand the biological barriers that prevent the effective delivery of therapeutic genes to targeted tissues, and developing safe and efficient vectors that can overcome the barriers, stand at the heart of current gene delivery research. The first part of this review provides a comprehensive discussion of the current understanding of these biological barriers and the rich collection of polymers and design strategies that have accumulated from nearly two decades of research aimed at overcoming these hurdles. The second part highlights the challenges that remain and several innovative approaches and methods that have recently been developed representing, in part, the future directions of gene delivery research.
Comparison of cyclocytidine and sympathetic nerve induced changes in norepinephrine and adrenoceptors in salivary glands

Abstract Norepinephrine (NE) concentration of parotid and submandibular glands of young rats was reduced 51% and 39%, respectively at 1 h, and 60% and 47% at 2 h after i.p. administration of a single dose (500 mg/kg body weight) of the anti-tumor agent, cyclocytidine (CC). For adult rats, the reductions were 44% and 46%, respectively, at 1 h and 54% and 49% at 2 h. This decrease from controls was generally similar to the decrease induced following 1 and 2 h of electrical stimulation (square wave pulses of 4 V, 5 ms duration, and frequency of 16 Hz) of the sympathetic innervation to these glands (young rats, 59% and 58% at 1 h; 66% and 63% at 2 h; for adult rats, 51% and 55% at 1 h and 69% and 53% at 2 h for parotid and submandibular, respectively). The changes in density of β-adrenoceptors induced by direct nerve stimulation also corresponded to the changes induced by CC (CC induced a decrease in parotid of 12%, compared with a decrease of 11% with electrical stimulation; a 15% and 18% reduction in number of β-adrenoceptors of submandibular gland was found at 1 h after CC and electrical stimulation, respectively). Compelling evidence for the mechanism of CC action was thus established, showing that CC mimics effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation (inducing reduction in NE concentration and transient change in β-adrenoceptor density) by causing release of NE from sympathetic nerve endings.
Comparison Of Digital Workstations And Conventional Reading For Evaluation Of User Interfaces In Digital Radiology

The User Interface Study Group at the University of Arizona is investigating the interaction of Radiologists with digital workstations. Using the Arizona Viewing Console we have conducted an experiment to compare a digital workstation with a particular conventional reading process used for cases from a local Health Maintenance Organization. A model consisting of three distinct phases of activity was developed to describe conventional reading process. From this model software was developed for the Arizona Viewing Console to approximate the process. Radiologists were then video taped reading similar sets of cases at each workstation and the tapes were analyzed for frequency of hand movements and time required for each phase of the process. This study provides a comparison between conventional reading and a digital workstation. This paper describes the reading process, the model and its approximation on the digital workstation, as well as the analysis of the video tapes.
Distribution and metabolic fate of [14C]-daminozide injected into silver maple and american sycamore seedlings

The distribution and metabolic fate of [14C]-daminozide in silver maple and American sycamore seedlings were studied by use of autoradiography, ion-exchange chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (t.l.c.), and liquid scintillation spectrometry. Within one day after treatment with [14C]-daminozide, radioactivity was detected in all parts of the plant. The 14C concentrated in meristematic regions of the leaves. Ion-exchange and thin-layer chromatographic analyses of the 50% methanol extracts indicated that no detectable metabolites of daminozide were formed in any of the plant parts but approximately 20% of the applied 14C, most of it in the stem tissue, was not extractable by aqueous methanol.
A number system for the permutations

A number system described here is particularly suitable for numbering the permutations. An algorithm is then presented by which the permutation associated with a number of this kind may be obtained. Since arithmetical operations, such as the addition of 1, are easily performed in the number system, one may make use of the algorithm to generate the permutations one at a time, using a minimal amount of work space. Employed for this purpose, it provides an alternative to the method given in [1].
Vancomycin: A history

Vancomycin became available for clinical use >50 years ago but was soon discarded in favor of other antibiotics that were deemed to be more efficacious and less toxic. The advent of pseudomembranous enterocolitis, coupled with the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, led to a resurgence in the use of vancomycin. Almost immediately, concerns arose with regard to its therapeutic utility. In addition, resistance to vancomycin developed, first in enterococci and later in staphylococci. Several types of resistance have now been identified, each with a unique effect on infections treated with vancomycin. Recent studies have rekindled interest in the best way to administer the antibiotic. The findings of future studies may result in a return to measuring levels of vancomycin in serum, to assure a successful therapeutic outcome.
Candida albicans interactions with bacteria in the context of human health and disease.

Humans are colonized by diverse populations of bacteria and fungi when in a healthy state and in the settings of disease, and the interactions between these microbial populations can be beneficial or detrimental to the host [1]. Among these microbial populations, Candida albicans is the fungus most commonly detected in association with humans [2], and numerous studies have described C. albicans interactions with its bacterial neighbors [1]. Here, with a focus on C. albicans, we provide examples of how bacterial-fungal interactions can influence human health. In addition, we highlight studies that give insight into the molecular mechanisms that govern the physical associations, interspecies communication, and changes in microbial behavior and survival that occur when bacteria and fungi occupy the same sites.
New Agents for Acute Treatment of Migraine: CGRP Receptor Antagonists, iNOS Inhibitors

The treatment of migraine was advanced dramatically with the introduction of triptans in the early 1990s. Despite the substantial improvement in the quality of life that triptans have brought to many migraineurs, a substantial cohort of patients remain highly disabled by attacks and need new therapeutic approaches, which ideally should be quick-acting, have no vasoconstrictor activity, and have a longer duration of action and be better tolerated than current therapies. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists (gepants)—olcegepant (BIBN 4096 BS), telcagepant (MK-0974), MK3207, and BI 44370 TA—are effective in treating acute migraine. They have no vasoconstrictive properties, fewer adverse effects, and may act longer than triptans. Their development has been complicated by liver toxicity issues when used as preventives. Results from studies with BI 44370 TA do not support broad concern about a class effect, and further studies are ongoing in this respect. Many experimental studies and clinical trials suggest that nitric oxide may have a role in the pathophysiology of migraine. Therefore, the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) for the acute or prophylactic treatment of migraine offered a feasible approach; as inducible NOS (iNOS) is involved in several pain states, such as inflammatory pain, it appeared to be an attractive target. However, despite high selectivity and potency, the iNOS inhibitor GW274150 was not effective for acute treatment or prophylaxis of migraine, suggesting that iNOS is very unlikely to be a promising target.
Neuropeptide-Y Y5 receptors modulate the onset and maintenance of operant ethanol self-administration.

Background: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most abundant and widely distributed peptide in the mammalian central nervous system and increases feeding behavior at NPY Y1 or Y5 receptor subtypes. Recent pharmacological and mutant mouse data indicate that NPY activity at its receptors can influence ethanol self-administration, although the direction and strength of this influence are not clear. Methods: Effects of the novel NPY Y5 receptor antagonist L-152,804 on the onset and maintenance of operant self-administration were examined in male C57BL/6J mice, which were trained to self-administer ethanol (10% v/v) versus water via the sucrose substitution method during 16 hr overnight sessions. After 4 months of baseline responding, mice were injected with L-152,804 (0, 10, 30, or 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) before operant sessions. Potential locomotor effects of L-152,804 and possible interaction with the sedative properties of ethanol also were examined. Results: All three doses of L-152,804 significantly delayed the onset of ethanol-reinforced responding relative to vehicle injection. L-152,804 produced no effect on the total number of ethanol- or water-reinforced responses per 16 hr session. However, L-152,804 selectively modulated the temporal distribution of ethanol-reinforced responding depending on the dose (10 and 60 mg/kg) and time point measured in a manner consistent with blockade of ethanol reinforcement. Additional experiments determined that L-152,804 (10 or 60 mg/kg) did not alter spontaneous locomotor activity or influence the sedative effects of ethanol (4 g/kg). Conclusions: These results indicate that blockade NPY Y5 receptor activity modulates the onset and maintenance of ethanol self-administration. For this reason, NPY-Y5 receptor antagonists may be useful in medical management of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
PITSTRUCTURES OR BRUSH HUTS? AN ANALYSIS OF 20 RECENTLY DISCOVERED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES IN THE JORNADA MOGOLLON AREA OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO AND WEST TEXAS

AbstractDifferent forms of residential structures in the Jornada Mogollon region of southern New Mexico and West Texas have been considered to reflect varying degrees of residential mobility and energy investment. During the AT&T Nex/Gen Core Project, 13 pitstructures and seven possible pitstructures were discovered in the Jornada Mogollon and eastern Jornada Mogollon regions that dated from the Archaic to Formative periods. Although house size ranged from 1.5 to 5 m, an examination of the evidence for superstructure suggests that all of the residences have more in common with ethnographically reported brush houses used by the Manso, Havasupai, Maricopa, Papago, Apache, Hopi, Diegueno, and Seri, than with typical pitstructures normally associated with the Mogollon regions.
Involvement of viral procapsid in the RNA synthesis and maturation of poliovirus.

Abstract The procapsids of poliovirus were found to associate with the viral RNA replicative complex in the smooth membrane fraction. Solubilization of the membrane in the presence of high concentrations of salt dissociates the procapsids from the replicative intermediate; solubilization and RNase treatment result in the same dissociation. Nascent viral RNA synthesized in vitro in cell-free extracts was found to sediment as a provirion-like particle. In guanidine-treated cells in which viral RNA synthesis was inhibited, procapsids were preferentially lost from the smooth membrane. It is suggested that the procapsid is associated with the nascent RNA of the replicative complex in the smooth membrane and that this association is necessary for the continual synthesis of viral RNA.
Localization of the nucleic acid channel regulatory subunit, cytosolic malate dehydrogenase.

NACh is a nucleic acid–conducting channel found in apical membrane of rat kidney proximal tubules. It is a heteromultimeric complex consisting of at least two proteins: a 45-kDa pore-forming subunit and a 36-kDa regulatory subunit. The regulatory subunit confers ion selectivity and influences gating kinetics. The regulatory subunit has been identified as cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (cMDH). cMDH is described in the literature as a soluble protein that is not associated with plasma membrane. Yet a role for cMDH as the regulatory subunit of NACh requires that it be present at the plasma membrane. To resolve this conflict, studies were initiated to determine whether cMDH could be found at the plasma membrane. Before performing localization studies, a suitable model system that expressed NACh was identified. A channel was identified in LLC-PK1 cells, a line derived from pig proximal tubule, that is selective for nucleic acid and has a conductance of approximately 10 pS. It exhibits dose-dependent blockade by heparan sulfate or l-malate. These characteristics are similar to what has been reported for NACh from rat kidney and indicate that NACh is present in LLC-PK1 cells. LLC-PK1 cells were therefore used as a model system for immunolocalization of cMDH. Both immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated cMDH at the plasma membrane of LLC-PK1 cells. This finding supports prior functional data that describe a role for cMDH as the regulatory subunit of NACh.
Motility response of rats to chronic constant-dose treatment with narcotics

The changes in effects on motor activity of rats upon repeated (48 day) dosing with four narcotic analgesics were determined. The following were administered IP once daily in a.m.: morphine sulfate (MOR), 20 mg/kg: dl-methadone HCl (MET), 5 mg/kg: meperidine HCl (MEP), 10 mg/kg; and pentazocine lactate (PEN), 20 mg/kg. Motility was measured in photocell actometers every 4 days for 6 hr after dosing. Activity was elevated after the initial dose as follows: for MOR at hours 3-5, for MET at hours 2-5, for MEP and PEN at hours 2-3. Time of peak response showed no systematic change over days. For all 4 drugs there occurred, upon repeated dosing, a considerable increase in motility over the initial acute response. For MOR the greatest increment occurred between days 12 and 16, but regression analysis showed a strong linear trend of increasing activity from day 1 through day 48. For MET and MEP, activity rose considerably between days 4 and 12 to a maximum, after which the activity trended downward for MET, but showed no continuing fall or climb for MEP. For PEN the greatest increases were from days 4 to 8 and 44 to 48, with an intervening period of relative stability. These results seem to be more readily explainable in terms of increasing sensitivity to the motor excitatory actions of these agents than merely by a development of tolerance to motor-inhibitory actions.
On Developing New Statistical Energy Methods for the Analysis of Vibration Transmission in Complex Vehicle Structures

ABSTRACT This paper presents an overview of research being conducted on vibration transmission in complex vehicle structures. Complex structures are assemblages of coupled component systems. Random parameter uncertainties in such structures can dramatically affect the high- to mid-frequency dynamics, mandating a statistical analysis. New statistical energy methods for predicting vibration transmission are explored by relaxing assumptions which limit the applications of current high-frequency techniques. Particular attention is paid to those assumptions that restrict the analysis to higher frequency ranges. A parameter-based approach that provides a more faithful representation of the structure's forced response is presented. For an example system, numerical simulations and analytical approximations based on this approach are shown to provide improved estimates of the average power transmission. This improvement is most significant in the mid-frequency range
Factors affecting membrane fouling reduction by surface modification and backpulsing

Abstract Several factors affecting microfiltration membrane fouling and cleaning, including backpulsing, crossflushing, backwashing, particle size, membrane surface chemistry, and ionic strength, were investigated with suspensions of latex beads. Approximately two-fold permeate volume enhancements over 1 h of filtration were obtained by using water or gas backpulsing, and 50% enhancement was obtained with crossflushing, for filtration of 1.0 μm diameter carboxylate modified latex (CML) particles using unmodified polypropylene (PP) membranes of 0.3 μm nominal pore diameter. When 0.2 μm diameter CML particles or mixtures of 1.0 and 0.2 μm CML particles were used, however, the average flux decreased 60% compared with using 1.0 μm CML particles for experiments with or without backpulsing. PP membranes were rendered hydrophilic with neutral or positively on negatively charged surfaces by grafting monomers of poly(ethylene glycol 200) monomethacrylate (PEG200MA), dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), or acrylic acid (AA), respectively, to the base PP membranes. Filtration experiments show that fouling is not strongly dependent on membrane surface chemistry for filtration of 1.0 μm CML particles without backpulsing. With backpulsing, however, a 10% increase and a 20% decrease of permeate volumes collected in 1 h were observed when the CML particles and the membranes had like charges and opposite charges, respectively, compared to the permeate collected with the unmodified membrane. Using the PP membranes modified with AA, permeate volumes with backpulsing decreased 30 and 40% when NaCl concentrations of 0.01 and 0.1 M, respectively, were added to the feed. However, the permeate volumes did not vary significantly with changing ionic strength for filtration without backpulsing.
Playful fun in dogs

In this Quick guide, Marc Bekoff summarises what we know of fun and play in domestic dogs – particularly its apparent role in socialization.
Third-harmonic generation in barium borate.

The cubic nonlinear susceptibility of barium metaborate was employed for the generation of phase-matched third-harmonic generation (THG) of 1.053-μm pump radiation. The various processes that are responsible for THG in this crystal are discussed and experimental results for types I and II phase matching are presented. THG power of 50 μW is recorded with an average pump power of 800 mW of 1-kHz repetition rate picosecond pulses.
A pH-dependent binding of eosin Y to ribonuclease A.

Abstract The binding of eosin Y to ribonuclease A was pH-dependent in that it occurred only at pH values lower than 5, and appeared to be correlated with a change in the ionization of the dye which had a pK of 3.5. In buffered solutions below pH 5, the extent of binding was also affected by the order of mixing, perhaps as a result of ionic strength effects. Binding did not appear to alter the sensitizing efficiency of eosin Y for the photoinactivation of ribonuclease A.
A rapid method for chromatographic analysis of oligosaccharides on Bio-Gel P-4

Abstract We have developed a method for the rapid analysis of oligosaccharides and their degradation products by chromatographic separation on Bio-Gel P-4 (−400 mesh). Flow rates of 64 ml cm−2/h−1 can be attained at 55–100 psi with either a single column of 0.6 × 100 cm or two coupled columns each 0.6 × 100 cm, permitting analyses to be carried out in 1.5 or 3.0 h, respectively. Differences of 1 glucose equivalent can be precisely distinguished for oligomers at least as large as 15 glucose equivalents. The applicability of this method for the analysis of glycoprotein-derived oligosaccharides is demonstrated. By assigning a value of 1 glucose equivalent per neutral sugar residue and 2 glucose equivalents per amino sugar residue in such oligosaccharides, the effect of various exo- and endoglycosidase digestions can be rapidly and precisely monitored. These columns are extremely stable, providing continuous operation for at least 9 months with over 300 sample applications without deterioration.
Use of a Dacron Cuff to Decrease Bleeding From Atrial Cannulas of Ventricular Assist Devices

The use of ventricular assist devices is becoming more common for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and as a mechanical bridge to transplantation. Bleeding is the most common complication reported in most clinical series. The sources of bleeding are multiple, but our experience is that a substantial percentage occurred from cannulation sites. We present a technique that we believe decreases the incidence of bleeding from atrial cannulation sites of such devices.
Testing Global Positioning System Telemetry to Study Wolf Predation on Deer Fawns

We conducted a pilot study to test the usefulness of Global Positioning System (GPS) collars for investigating wolf (Canis lupus) predation on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns. Using GPS collars with short location-attempt intervals on 5 wolves and 5 deer during summers 2002–2004 in northeastern Minnesota, USA, demonstrated how this approach could provide new insights into wolf hunting behavior of fawns. For example, a wolf traveled ≥1.5–3.0 km and spent 20–22 hours in the immediate vicinity of known fawn kill sites and ≥0.7 km and 8.3 hours at scavenging sites. Wolf travel paths indicated that wolves intentionally traveled into deer summer ranges, traveled ≥0.7–4.2 km in such ranges, and spent <1–22 hours per visit. Each pair of 3 GPS-collared wolf pack members were located together for ≤6% of potential locations. From GPS collar data, we estimated that each deer summer range in a pack territory containing 5 wolves ≥1 year old and hunting individually would be visited by a wolf on average every 3–5 days. This approach holds great potential for investigating summer hunting behavior of wolves in areas where direct observation is impractical or impossible.
Theory of the optimally coupled Q-switched laser

The general equations describing Q-switched laser operation are transcendental in nature and require numerical solutions, which greatly complicates the optimization of real devices. Here, it is shown that, using the mathematical technique of Lagrange multipliers, one can derive simple analytic expressions for all of the key parameters of the optimally coupled laser, i.e. one which uses an optimum reflector to obtain maximum laser efficiency for a given pump level. These parameters can all be expressed as functions of a single dimensionless variable z, defined as the ratio of the unsaturated small-signal gain to the dissipative (nonuseful) optical loss, multiplied by a few simple constants. Laser design tradeoff studies and performance projections can be accomplished quickly with the help of several graphs and a simple hand calculator. Sample calculations for a high-grain Nd:YAG and a low-gain alexandrite laser are presented as illustrations of the technique. >
Commercial/industrial lasers in a demanding environment: In the commercial/industrial environment, lasers are a unique source of power for tasks ranging from materials processing to printing to optical recording

The advantages that lasers can offer in materials processing are discussed. Attention is also given to drilling, cutting, and welding operations with lasers. To illustrate the operation of laser sensors, a description is given of a welding vision system.
Resistance in the Local Church: A Psychoanalytic Perspective

This article focuses on Sigmund Freud’s presentation of the concept of resistance in Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis (Freud 1989c) and on James E. Dittes’s employment of this concept in The Church in the Way (Dittes 1967). It takes particular note of Freud’s view that the patient’s resistance may contribute to the success of the therapeutic process if skillfully handled by the therapist, as well as Dittes’s view that instead of condemning laypersons’ expressions of resistance, the minister should recognize that they are a sign of vitality and testify to laypersons’ skills, sensitivity, and commitment to the church and its fundamental purposes. The article concludes with a brief consideration of the relationship between resistance and resourcefulness (Capps 2014).
Modeling of pedestrian motion for recognition

Good pedestrian classifiers that analyze static images for presence of pedestrians are in existence. However, even a low false positive error rating is sufficient to flood a real system with false warnings. We address the problem of pedestrian motion (gait) modeling and recognition using sequences of images rather than static individual frames, thereby exploiting information in the dynamics. We use two different representations and corresponding distances for gait sequences. In the first a gait is represented as a manifold in a lower dimensional space corresponding to gait images. In the second a gait image sequence is represented as the output of a dynamical system whose underlying driving process is an action like walking or running. We examine distance functions corresponding to these representations. For dynamical systems we formulate distances derived based on parameters of the system taking into account both the structure of the output space and the dynamics within it. Given appearance based models we present results demonstrating the discriminative power of the proposed distances
Race and Family History Assessment for Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE: Studies have demonstrated disparities in breast cancer screening between racial and ethnic groups. Knowledge of a woman’s family history of breast cancer is important for initiating early screening interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in the collection of family history information based on patient race.
System for the analysis of whole-bone strength from helical CT images

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 44 million Americans. This condition results from bone loss, but the measured change in bone mass does not fully account for the marked decrease in whole-bone structural integrity seen in osteoporosis. In order to study structural changes in bone mineral distribution due to normal ageing and osteoporosis, we have developed a method for progressive analysis of whole-bone mechanical integrity from helical CT images. The system provides rapid semi-automated alignment of femur and vertebrae volume images into standard anatomic reference planes, and calculates bone mineral density in any selected 3D sections of bone. Mineral density measures are obtained using both full-width-half-max contours and threshold-derived masks, and are obtained for cortical bone and trabecular bone separately. Biomechanical properties of the bone cross-section are also assessed, including the 2-D bending moment of the cortical bone region and the integrated flexural rigidity of the cortical region or whole-bone region in arbitrary planes. This method facilitates progressive refinement of the analysis protocol by separating the labor-intensive alignment and landmark selection process from the analysis process. As the analysis protocol evolves to include new measures, previously analyzed images can be automatically reanalyzed, using the image regions originally specified. Initial results show inverse correlation of indices of biomechanical bone strength with age, greater loss of bone strength in the lumbar spine than in the femoral neck, and more trabecular than cortical bone loss at both sites.
Consequences of a biological invasion reveal the importance of mutualism for plant communities

Seed-dispersal mutualisms have a fundamental role in regenerating natural communities1,2. Interest in the importance of seed dispersal to plant communities has been heightened by worldwide declines in animal dispersers3,4,5. One view, the ‘keystone mutualist hypothesis’, predicts that these human-caused losses will trigger a cascade of linked extinctions throughout the community6. Implicitly, this view holds that mutualisms, such as seed dispersal, are crucial ecological interactions that maintain the structure and diversity of natural communities. Although many studies suggest the importance of mutualism3,7, empirical evidence for community-level impacts of mutualists has remained anecdotal8,9, and the central role of mutualism, relative to other species interactions, has long been debated in the theoretical literature10,11. Here I report the community-level consequences of a biological invasion that disrupts important seed-dispersal mutualisms. I show that invasion of South African shrublands by the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) leads to a shift in composition of the plant community, owing to a disproportionate reduction in the densities of large-seeded plants. This study suggests that the preservation of mutualistic interactions may be essential for maintaining natural communities.
CYP76M7 Is an ent-Cassadiene C11α-Hydroxylase Defining a Second Multifunctional Diterpenoid Biosynthetic Gene Cluster in Rice

Biosynthetic gene clusters are common in microbial organisms, but rare in plants, raising questions regarding the evolutionary forces that drive their assembly in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we characterize the biochemical function of a rice (Oryza sativa) cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, CYP76M7, which seems to act in the production of antifungal phytocassanes and defines a second diterpenoid biosynthetic gene cluster in rice. This cluster is uniquely multifunctional, containing enzymatic genes involved in the production of two distinct sets of phytoalexins, the antifungal phytocassanes and antibacterial oryzalides/oryzadiones, with the corresponding genes being subject to distinct transcriptional regulation. The lack of uniform coregulation of the genes within this multifunctional cluster suggests that this was not a primary driving force in its assembly. However, the cluster is dedicated to specialized metabolism, as all genes in the cluster are involved in phytoalexin metabolism. We hypothesize that this dedication to specialized metabolism led to the assembly of the corresponding biosynthetic gene cluster. Consistent with this hypothesis, molecular phylogenetic comparison demonstrates that the two rice diterpenoid biosynthetic gene clusters have undergone independent elaboration to their present-day forms, indicating continued evolutionary pressure for coclustering of enzymatic genes encoding components of related biosynthetic pathways.
A Comparative Analysis of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistulas After Surgery With and Without Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion

Background Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) are potentially morbid complications that often require therapeutic interventions. Distal pancreatectomy performed during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) puts patients at risk for POPF. The authors hypothesized that POPFs are more severe after CRS/HIPEC than after pancreatectomy alone.
Turnover of passerine birds on islands in the Aegean Sea (Greece)

Aim We wish to determine the effect of migratory status on turnover rates in island birds. Because turnover is influenced by factors other than migratory status, we also considered the influence of body size and physical characteristics of the islands inhabited on the probabilities of extinction and immigration. Location The Mediterranean islands of Delos, Astypalea, Paros, Naxos and Lesvos in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Methods The passerine birds of these islands were surveyed between 1954 and 1961 by G.E. Watson, and were resurveyed between 1988 and 1992. The effects of migratory status and body size on the probabilities of extinction and immigration were examined by G-tests of linear trend in proportion, and analysis of variance, respectively. A combined analysis of migratory status, body size and physical characteristics of the islands was carried out using logistic regressions of the probabilities of extinction and immigration on these factors. Results Species number on each island changed little between surveys, with no island's species number changing by more than one species. Twelve population extinctions and 11 immigrations were recorded. The smallest island, Delos (6 km2), had the highest annualized relative turnover rate (1.08), while the four larger islands (96–1614 km2) had lower and mutually similar rates (0.21–0.27). Populations on higher elevation islands were less likely to go extinct. There is no evidence for an effect of body size on the probabilities of extinction or immigration. Migratory status affected extinction and immigration probabilities differently: migratory species were more likely to immigrate, but less likely to go extinct. Main conclusions The position of the Aegean islands along a major north–south flyway may account for the observed effects of migratory status. The annual passage of large numbers of migrants may, via the rescue effect, decrease the chances of extinction, while at the same time increasing the chances of colonization of unoccupied islands. The likelihood of both extinction and immigration involves a complex interaction between life-history traits and island characteristics. The effects of migratory status will depend not only on consideration of vagility, vulnerability and stochasticity identified by previous authors, but also upon the location of the islands in relationship to migratory pathways.
Type A Personality Characteristics and the Effect on Individual and Team Academic Performance

Type A personality has been conceptualized in part as high need for achievement combined with aggression, hostility, and self-esteem issues. In teams of undergraduate business students, high levels of Type A personality significantly correlated with high levels of depression and high levels of social monitoring; and negatively correlated with social desirability, communality, and individual performance across time. In team settings, the more Type A's were balanced in a team with low Type A's, the more there was team commitment and the more team synergy behaviors; while if teams had a greater number of Type A's, there was more individualistic behavior, and team project scores were lower.
Does extensivity form part of the altruistic personality? An empirical test of Oliner and Oliner’s theory

This paper tests Samuel and Pearl Oliner’s theory that extensivity is a cause of prosocial behaviors, using data from the 1995 and 2005 waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey. Principal components analysis of a set of 19 questions about moral obligations supports the Oliners’ contention that some individuals have a constricted moral sense, meaning that they feel stronger obligations to help family members and friends than strangers, while others have an extensive moral sense and feel obligated to help both close and distant others. Tobit regression demonstrates that people with extensive moral obligations are more likely than people with constricted obligations to engage in volunteer work and charitable giving. These results provide independent support for the Oliners’ theory, and encourage further research on extensivity.
Attention capacity and task difficulty in visual search

When a visual search task is very difficult (as when a small feature difference defines the target), even detection of a unique element may be substantially slowed by increases in display set size. This has been attributed to the influence of attentional capacity limits. We examined the influence of attentional capacity limits on three kinds of search task: difficult feature search (with a subtle featural difference), difficult conjunction search, and spatial-configuration search. In all 3 tasks, each trial contained sixteen items, divided into two eight-item sets. The two sets were presented either successively or simultaneously. Comparison of accuracy in successive versus simultaneous presentations revealed that attentional capacity limitations are present only in the case of spatial-configuration search. While the other two types of task were inefficient (as reflected in steep search slopes), no capacity limitations were evident. We conclude that the difficulty of a visual search task affects search efficiency but does not necessarily introduce attentional capacity limits.
KOOL: an application of rewriting logic to language prototyping and analysis

This paper presents KOOL, a concurrent, dynamic, object-oriented language defined in rewriting logic. KOOL has been designed as an experimental language, with a focus on making the language easy to extend. This is done by taking advantage of the flexibility provided by rewriting logic, which allows for the rapid prototyping of new language features. An example of this process is illustrated by sketching the addition of synchronized methods. KOOL also provides support for program analysis through language extensions and the underlying capabilities of rewriting logic. This support is illustrated with several examples.
Effects of Psychopharmacologic Agents on Experimentally-Induced Seizures in Mice*

Of seven psychopharmacologic drugs screened by five assay procedures, only meprobamate ana phenaglycodol exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity. Chlorpromazine, promazine, reserpine, and hydroxyzine lowered the threshold for minimal seizures variously induced, whereas triflupromazine had no effect on seizure threshold. The data obtained correlate well with available clinical data and indicate the value of threshold seizure studies in animals for detecting agents which may cause convulsions in man.
Genes for Production of the Enediyne Antitumor Antibiotic C-1027 in Streptomyces globisporus Are Clustered with the cagA Gene That Encodes the C-1027 Apoprotein

C-1027, the most potent member of the enediyne antitumor antibiotic family, is produced by Streptomyces globisporus C-1027 and consists of an apoprotein (encoded by the cagA gene) and a nonpeptidic chromophore. The C-1027 chromophore could be viewed as being derived biosynthetically from a benzoxazolinate, a deoxyamino hexose, a beta-amino acid, and an enediyne core. By adopting a strategy for cloning of the C-1027 biosynthesis gene cluster by mapping a putative dNDP-glucose 4,6-dehydratase (NGDH) gene to cagA, we have localized 75 kb of contiguous DNA from S. globisporus. DNA sequence analysis of two regions of the cloned gene cluster revealed two genes, sgcA and sgcB, that encode an NGDH enzyme and a transmembrane efflux protein, respectively, and confirmed that the cagA gene resides approximately 14 kb upstream of the sgcAB locus. The involvement of the cloned gene cluster in C-1027 biosynthesis was demonstrated by disrupting the sgcA gene to generate C-1027-nonproducing mutants and by complementing the sgcA mutants in vivo to restore C-1027 production. These results represent the first cloning of a gene cluster for enediyne antitumor antibiotic biosynthesis and provide a starting point for future genetic and biochemical investigations of C-1027 biosynthesis.
Mimicry and simulation in gesture comprehension

According to the SIMS model, mimicry and simulation contribute to perceivers' understanding of smiles. We argue that similar mechanisms are involved in comprehending the hand gestures that people produce when speaking. Viewing gestures may elicit overt mimicry, or may evoke corresponding simulations in the minds of addressees. These real or simulated actions contribute to addressees' comprehension of speakers' gestures.
The cost of males in non-equilibrium populations

Question: What is the cost of producing males in non-equilibrium sexual species? Background: Asexual reproduction is generally associated with non-equilibrium (r-selected) species, while sexual reproduction is generally associated with equilibrium (K-selected) species. Mathematical methods: The cost of males per reproductive time step was calculated as the ratio of the per-capita growth rate of an asexual population relative to the per-capita growth rate of a sexual population. Key assumptions: Sexual and asexual individuals are ecologically similar. Sexual females produce males, which do not contribute to the per-capita birth rate, whereas asexual females produce only female offspring. All else is equal. Conclusion: The cost of males per reproductive time step approaches two-fold in nonequilibrium populations where the birth rate is much greater than the death rate. In contrast, the cost of males per time step can be much less than two-fold in iteroparous populations at equilibrium. These results are consistent with the distribution of parthenogenesis in natural populations.
Performance analysis of automotive power systems: effects of power electronic intensive loads and electrically-assisted propulsion systems

Demands for higher fuel economy, performance, and reliability as well as reduced emissions push the automotive industry to seek electrification of ancillaries and engine augmentations. In the future cars, throttle actuation, power steering, anti-lock braking, rear-wheel steering, air-conditioning, ride-height adjustment, active suspension, and electrically heated catalyst will all benefit from the electrical power system. Therefore, a higher system voltage, such as the proposed 42 V, is necessary to handle these new-introduced loads. On the other hand, due to the environmental concerns, there is a definite development towards new electrically-assisted propulsion systems that improve fuel economy. In this paper, the effects of the new introduced electrical systems including hotel and auxiliary loads on the electrical power systems of conventional and more electric cars are presented. Dynamic characteristics of electrical loads are defined for typical drive cycles. Finally, system level issues such as fuel economy and vehicle performances are addressed.
Building complex models with LEGOs (Listener Event Graph Objects)

Event graphs are a simple and elegant language-independent way of representing a discrete event simulation (DES) model. In this paper we propose an extension to basic event graphs that enables small models to be encapsulated in reusable modules called listener event graph objects (LEGOs). These modules are linked together using a design pattern from object oriented programming called the "listener pattern" to produce new modules of even greater complexity. The modules generated in this way can themselves be linked and encapsulated, forming a hierarchical design which is highly scalable. These concepts have been implemented in Simkit, a freely available simulation package implemented in Java.
Interscorer reliability of the modified version of the bender‐gestalt test for preschool and primary school children

This study extended the reliability research of the Qualitative Scoring System for the Modified Version of the Bender-Gestalt Test (Modified B-G Test). The test was administered to 48 kindergartners and first graders by a licensed psychologist. The 48 test protocols were scored independently by two psychologists using the Qualitative Scoring System. The two sets of scores were significantly correlated. Results indicated that the scoring system for the Modified B-G is highly reliable.
Wind Stress Curl and ENSO Discharge/Recharge in the Equatorial Pacific

Abstract Discharge and recharge of the warm water volume (WWV) above the 20°C isotherm in an equatorial Pacific Ocean box extending across the Pacific from 156°E to the eastern ocean boundary between latitudes 5°S and 5°N are key variables in ENSO dynamics. A formula linking WWV anomalies, zonally integrated wind stress curl anomalies along the northern and southern edges of the box, and flow into the western end of the box is derived and tested using monthly data since 1993. Consistent with previous work, a WWV balance can only be achieved if the 20°C isotherm surface is not a material surface; that is, warm water can pass through it. For example, during El Nino, part of the WWV anomaly entering the box is cooled so that it is less than 20°C and therefore passes out of the bottom of the box, the 20°C isotherm surface. The observations suggest that the anomalous volume passing through the 20°C isotherm is approximately the same as T ′W, the anomalous WWV entering the western end of the box. Therefore the ...